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2005

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The Incidence And Prevalance Of Cervical Cancer In Vietnamese Women (1993-1995): A Analysis Of Seer Reported Cases, Thuy Do Jan 2005

The Incidence And Prevalance Of Cervical Cancer In Vietnamese Women (1993-1995): A Analysis Of Seer Reported Cases, Thuy Do

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most common reproductive cancer in the U.S. To date, one report concluded that U.S. Vietnamese women had the highest incidence rate (43.0/100,000). The current study examines whether U.S. Vietnamese women are more likely to have cervical cancer in comparison to Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and other Asian subgroups. Methods: SEER data of cervical cancers diagnosed from 1993-1995 (n = 37,790) was utilized. Using SPSS, chi-square statistics assessed whether Vietnamese women were older and more likely to be married or diagnosed at a later stage. Logistic regression assessed the amount of risk race/ethnicity contributes …


Importance Of Pumice Prophylaxis For Orthodontic Bonding With Self-Etch Primer: An In Vivo Study, Daniel J. Lill Jan 2005

Importance Of Pumice Prophylaxis For Orthodontic Bonding With Self-Etch Primer: An In Vivo Study, Daniel J. Lill

Theses and Dissertations

Self-etching primers (SEP) have recently simplified the orthodontic bonding process and questions have arisen regarding their reliability and efficiency. The goal of this study was to assess the importance of a pumice prophylaxis prior to bonding with SEP (Transbond Plus, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA) in reducing bond failures. Thirty orthodontic patients volunteered to participate in this split-mouth prospective clinical trial. A pumice prophylaxis experimental group and a non-pumice control group of teeth were randomly assigned in a contralateral quadrant pattern within each patient. A total of 508 teeth were bonded and monitored over 3 months for bond failures. There were …


Intracellular Ph, The Proximate Signal For Cell Volume Changes That Are Mediated By The Actin Cytoskeleton, William Pasley Jan 2005

Intracellular Ph, The Proximate Signal For Cell Volume Changes That Are Mediated By The Actin Cytoskeleton, William Pasley

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between initial intracellular pH (pHi) and associated cell volume change was investigated by simultaneous measurement of pHi and cell volume with fluorescence imaging in polarized fungiform taste receptor cells (TRCs) loaded with BCECF in vitro. Ammonium pulses caused a brief, reversible alkalinization in pHi and induced cell swelling. Sodium-acetate pulses reversible decreased TRC pHi and induced cell shrinkage. Removal weak acids and return to Control Ringer's solution (CR) causedTRC pHi and volume to overshoot baseline levels before fully recovering. Replacing CR with zero-sodium solution resulted in irreversible acidification of TRC pHi and induced cell swelling. Addition of sodium …


Afm And C-Afm Studies Of Gan Films, Katherine Cooper Jan 2005

Afm And C-Afm Studies Of Gan Films, Katherine Cooper

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis uses the techniques of atomic force microscope (AFM) and conductive AFM (C-AFM) to study the conduction properties of n-type GaN films. A total of 16 samples were examined and grouped according to their surface morphologies and conduction behaviors. The most common type of surface morpliology was that of Ga-rich samples having undulating "hillocks" with interspersed holes. Although most of the samples had this common morphology, their local conduction behaviors were not all similar. Local I-V spectra of the tip-sample Schottky contact could be grouped according to three major types: low leakage, high leakage, and "p-type". The highest quality …


Status Epilepticus Results In A Duration-Dependent Increased Protein Kinase A Activity In The Rat Pilocarpine Model, James M. Bracey Jan 2005

Status Epilepticus Results In A Duration-Dependent Increased Protein Kinase A Activity In The Rat Pilocarpine Model, James M. Bracey

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to characterize cellular changes occurring during the progression of status epilepticus (SE) that could lead to the maintenance of increased membrane excitability. SE was induced by injection of pilocarpine after which rats were monitored both electrographically and behaviorally. After various lengths of time in SE, specific brain regions were isolated for biochemical study. SE resulted in an early maintenance of PKA activity in both cortical homogenate and crude synaptoplasmic membrane (crude SPM) fractions. At subsequent stages of SE there was a significant increase in PKA activity in both homogenate and crude SPM fractions. Wester blot analysis …


Parental Memory Predictors Of Children's Daily Diabetes Management And Metabolic Control, Sheryl J. Kent Jan 2005

Parental Memory Predictors Of Children's Daily Diabetes Management And Metabolic Control, Sheryl J. Kent

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined, for the first time, specific links between parents' memory and children's diabetes behaviors and metabolic control. Data revealed that parental memory and responsibility predicted children's percentage of calories from fat and carbohydrates, and metabolic control, accounting for 7.3% of the variance in calories from fat and 18.5% of the variance in metabolic control for the total sample. These effects were stronger when limited to dietary behaviors of younger youth; parental memory accounted for 30.3% and 33.6% of the variance in percentage of calories from fat and carbohydrates, respectively, for younger children. Level of parent responsibility, with memory, …


Erythrocyte-Associated Transients In Capillary Po2 In The Rat Spinotrapezius Muscle During Hemodilution With Hespan And A Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier, Matthew Barker Jan 2005

Erythrocyte-Associated Transients In Capillary Po2 In The Rat Spinotrapezius Muscle During Hemodilution With Hespan And A Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier, Matthew Barker

Theses and Dissertations

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers for use as transfusion fluids have emerged as a leading technology directed at stemming shortages of a safe blood supply and providing a readily available resuscitation fluid in various trauma situations. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of isovolemic hemodilution with Hespan and a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) on erythrocyte-associated transients (EATs) in capillary PO2. The particulate nature of blood flow in capillaries, when observed from a stationary observation point, results in fluctuations of PO2 as alternating red blood cells and plasma gaps move through the detection region. Therefore, through experimental methods which …


The Mechanism Of T Cell Dysfunction Induced By Diethylstilbestrol, Nicole Chantae Brown Jan 2005

The Mechanism Of T Cell Dysfunction Induced By Diethylstilbestrol, Nicole Chantae Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Estrogens have the ability to alter the immune system. Diethylstilbestrol (DES), asynthetic estrogen, is known to have estrogenic activity and induce thymic alterations.We investigated the mechanism by which DES is able to alter T cells and thus theimmune system. First, we studied the effect of DES on mature T cells by using the T cellleukemia cell line, Jurkat. We found that DES treatment reduced cell viability andincreased apoptosis. Additionally, apoptosis was found to involve both death receptorand mitochondria1 pathways. Furthermore, estrogen receptor beta was found to beexpressed in these cells and increased following DES treatment. Secondly, we studiedthe effect of …


Assessing The Effects Of Momentary Priming On Memory Retention During An Interference Task, Paul Cameron Schutte Jan 2005

Assessing The Effects Of Momentary Priming On Memory Retention During An Interference Task, Paul Cameron Schutte

Theses and Dissertations

A memory aid, that used brief (33ms) presentations of previously learned information (target words), was assessed on its ability to reinforce memory for target words while the subject was performing an interference task. The interference task required subjects to learn new words and thus interfered with their memory of the target words. The brief presentation (momentary memory priming) was hypothesized to refresh the subjects' memory of the target words. 143 subjects, in a within subject design, were given a 33ms presentation of the target memory words during the interference task in a treatment condition and a blank 33ms presentation in …


Infant Oral Health: A Survey Of General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists, And Pediatricians In Virginia, Rhea Delcastillo Davis Jan 2005

Infant Oral Health: A Survey Of General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists, And Pediatricians In Virginia, Rhea Delcastillo Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to infant oral health for both dental and medical providers.Methods: A survey of infant oral health care was sent to 300 randomly selected general dentists, 300 randomly selected pediatricians, and all pediatric dentists in Virginia. The survey contained questions regarding the providers' routine infant oral health care regimen. In addition demographic data from the provider was collected. Responses to the questionnaire were tabulated and percent frequency distributions for responses to each item computed. Percents for all items were based on the total number of respondents …


Reentrainment Of Submicron Solid Particles, Ramin Mortazavi Jan 2005

Reentrainment Of Submicron Solid Particles, Ramin Mortazavi

Theses and Dissertations

In this work, an experimental method is developed to study the effects of particle size, flow rate, pulsation, particle/substrate material, and temperature on the short-term reentrainment of submicron particles. The particles tested are in the size range of 10-900 nm and are deposited by wetting the inside of capillary tubes with a liquid suspension. The tubes are then dried in a desiccator. The particles are reentrained under turbulent dry air flow conditions and a condensation particle counter is used to measure the number of entrained particles.There has been very limited work done with nanoscale particles in general and no previous …


Intelligent Autonomous Data Categorization, Edward Graham Finegan Jan 2005

Intelligent Autonomous Data Categorization, Edward Graham Finegan

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to determine if the results of a simple comparison algorithm (SCA) could be improved by adding a hyperspace analogue to language model of memory (HAL) layer to form NCA. The HAL layer provides contextual data that otherwise would be unavailable for consideration. It was found that NCA did improve the results when compared to SCA alone. However, NCA added complexity problems that limit its practicality. The complexity of this algorithm is On3 where n is equal to the number of unique symbols in the data. While there is a relativity reasonable soft upper bound …


Influences On Career Self-Efficacy: Examining Attachment, Anya Elizabeth Moon Jan 2005

Influences On Career Self-Efficacy: Examining Attachment, Anya Elizabeth Moon

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the influences of attachment style and level of optimism on career self-efficacy. It was hypothesized that level of optimism moderates the relationship between attachment style and career self-efficacy. Participants were 173 college students who completed the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR; K.A. Brennan, C.L. Clark, & P.R. Shaver, 1998), the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R; M. Sheier, C. Carver, & M. Bridges, 1994), and the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy - Short Form (CDMSE-SF; N. Betz, K. Klein, & K. Taylor, 1996). The moderator model was not supported, but hierarchical regression revealed a positive relationship between optimism and …


Characterization Of Fluoropolymer Powders Made By Supercritical Assisted Mixing With Crystalline Additives, Ntoh Atem-Tambe Jan 2005

Characterization Of Fluoropolymer Powders Made By Supercritical Assisted Mixing With Crystalline Additives, Ntoh Atem-Tambe

Theses and Dissertations

This research project investigates a new technique to efficiently mix crystalline solid additives with polymers by gentle ball milling with steel balls in the presence of carbon dioxide (C02) at 17 to 30°C and 1300 to 2500 psig. As the ball milling system is agitated, the steel balls transfer mechanical energy to the fluoropolymer and additive thereby converting them to powders. C02 is added into the chamber to expand the polymer and make it amenable to impregnation by the additive. At the end of the mixing process, a free flowing powder is produced consisting of the additive coated with fluoropolymer. …


Defending Defense: Circular Arguments About Artmaking, Ryan Mulligan Jan 2005

Defending Defense: Circular Arguments About Artmaking, Ryan Mulligan

Theses and Dissertations

This paper is a critical look at video and performance arts intrinsic relationship to culture. Investigations of storytelling, personal mythology, fear, and image saturation. Think-pieces on the nature of art in an entertainment society. Juggling a brief overview of various works and their relation to over arching themes of game theory, dark humor, and fascination with media. An in depth look at the process of the thesis show, "Defense is the Best Defense." Multiple takes on the thesis exhibit counterbalance the need for contemporary art to include description. This paper is a detailed look at the process of Ryan Mulligan's …


Carbon Monoxide Oxidation On Nanoparticle Catalysts And Gas Phase Reactions Of Small Molecules And Volatile Organics With Metal Cations, Khaled Mohammad Eqab Saoud Jan 2005

Carbon Monoxide Oxidation On Nanoparticle Catalysts And Gas Phase Reactions Of Small Molecules And Volatile Organics With Metal Cations, Khaled Mohammad Eqab Saoud

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation demonstrates the application of a vapor phase method to synthesize supported and unsupported nanoparticle catalysts for CO oxidation. The method is based on the Laser Vaporization/Controlled Condensation (LVCC) technique. The first part of this dissertation presents the vapor phase synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles supported on a variety of oxide supports such as CeO2, TiO2, CuO and MgO.The results indicate that Au nanoparticles supported on CeO2 exhibit higher catalytic activity than Au supported on other oxides. The high activity of the Au/CeO2 catalyst is attributed to the strong interaction of Au with CeO2. The results also indicate …


Asperger's Syndrome And Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities: A Study Of Differential Diagnosis Agreement Across Disciplines, Norman J. Geller Jan 2005

Asperger's Syndrome And Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities: A Study Of Differential Diagnosis Agreement Across Disciplines, Norman J. Geller

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health professionals tend to have a clinical perspective that is dependent upon Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV) criteria for a differential diagnosis. School-based clinicians are bound by regulations governing special education placement established by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While both sets of clinicians generate diagnostic recommendations for students, the guidelines and criteria are not of parallel descriptors. AS is only a diagnosis provided for in DSM-IV. Non-verbal learning disability (NVLD) and high functioning autism (HFA) are addressed in both DSM-IV and IDEA. The dilemma presented to clinicians is intertwining the terminology of both fields …


The Unwantables: An Exploration Of Visual Narrative, Marius I. Valdes Jan 2005

The Unwantables: An Exploration Of Visual Narrative, Marius I. Valdes

Theses and Dissertations

The Unwantables is a creative project that has evolved from my lifelong interest in and relationship with visual stories. To me the most compelling aspect of visual storytelling is "imagination". The author possesses the ability to create new worlds, interesting characters, and situations that can have the potential to communicate about any topic. My project explores visual narrative as a communication tool to explain the role of imagination in my life.


Demographic Variables Affecting Patient Referrals From General Practice Dentists To Periodontists, Mark Roy Zemanovich Jan 2005

Demographic Variables Affecting Patient Referrals From General Practice Dentists To Periodontists, Mark Roy Zemanovich

Theses and Dissertations

BackgroundWithin dentistry, a limited body of literature exists regarding the referral relationships between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the referral relationship between GPs and periodontists within the state of Virginia. MethodsA survey focused on the demographic variables in the referral relationship between GPs and periodontists was developed. The survey was mailed to 800 dentists throughout the state of Virginia. Descriptive statistics was completed along with multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing the responses with the number of patients referred per month to a periodontist. ResultsFemale respondents were more likely to refer three or …


Assessing The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Variables And Risk Of Overweight Among Children 6 Years Of Age, Marilyn Cochon Batan Jan 2005

Assessing The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Variables And Risk Of Overweight Among Children 6 Years Of Age, Marilyn Cochon Batan

Theses and Dissertations

Background: The percentage of overweight children has tripled in the last thirty years. Inconsistent findings are published regarding the relationship between socioeconomic variables and being overweight in childhood.Objective: To determine whether socioeconomic variables are associated with risk of being overweight among six year olds. Methods: Six year olds with BMI data were selected from the National Survey of Children's Health (n=4,362). Variables were coded and a low socioeconomic index was created. Using population weights, descriptive statistics were generated and regression was utilized to assess the relationship between socioeconomic variables and being 'at risk' for overweight. Socioeconomic variables were also compared …


Cytokine And Chemokine Profiles In A Rat Model Of Hemorrhagic Shock After Immuno-Modulation By Androstenetriol, Kristin E. Paccione Jan 2005

Cytokine And Chemokine Profiles In A Rat Model Of Hemorrhagic Shock After Immuno-Modulation By Androstenetriol, Kristin E. Paccione

Theses and Dissertations

Further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in traumatic injury, and how they are modulated during drug interaction, can facilitate novel treatment strategies for future trauma patients. We hypothesize that the pharmacological agent, Androstenetriol (AET), up regulates host immune response by modulating the continued expression of mediators, including cytokines. In a double-blinded experiment, rats were hemorrhaged, driven by volume or pressure conditions, then resuscitated with fluids and packed red blood cells following a subcutaneous injection of either vehicle or drug. Blood was collected at various time points and cytokine levels were determined by analyses with both multiplex and …


Genetic Variability, Pathogen Susceptibility, Subspecies Identity And Conservation Of The Endangered Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys Sabrinus) In Virginia, James Lincoln Sparks Jr. Jan 2005

Genetic Variability, Pathogen Susceptibility, Subspecies Identity And Conservation Of The Endangered Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys Sabrinus) In Virginia, James Lincoln Sparks Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

I examined the population genetic structure of three known subspecies of Glaucomys sabrinus from Appalachia, Washington State, and two previously unexamined populations from Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA) in Southwestern Virginia. Mean FST (0.107) and an AMOVA (P G. sabrinus subspecies populations in the southern Appalachians are genetically differentiated. Glaucomys sabrinus at MRNRA were less inbred than expected. Gene flow, a consensus tree based on Nei's genetic distance, elevated heterozygosity and morphometric data suggest that the MRNRA G. sabrinus population is an intergrade of the two recognized Appalachian subspecies, G. s. fuscus and G. s. coloratus. I compared inbreeding …


If Chivalry Is Dead, Women Have Killed It, Nicole Heimbach Jan 2005

If Chivalry Is Dead, Women Have Killed It, Nicole Heimbach

Theses and Dissertations

I am interested in the dual meaning of pattern. Pattern is a design format used for decoration. By introducing certain images into patterns, they have the ability to give meaning or messages. The repetition of a certain image emphasizes importance to a particular idea or issue. I embroider pattern designs onto pre-manufactured clothing pattern pieces as a response to things in society that I find absurd. This body of work focuses on female iconography. The delicate nature of these materials lends themselves to feminine associations. Embroidery, which is stereotypically associated with women's work, is used to play on these clichés.Patterns …


An Exploration Of Impediments To Attachment In A Juvenile Offender Population: Comparisons Between Juvenile Sex Offenders, Juvenile Violent Offenders And Juvenile Non-Sex, Non-Violent Offenders, Sharon Kay Funari Jan 2005

An Exploration Of Impediments To Attachment In A Juvenile Offender Population: Comparisons Between Juvenile Sex Offenders, Juvenile Violent Offenders And Juvenile Non-Sex, Non-Violent Offenders, Sharon Kay Funari

Theses and Dissertations

This current study addresses potential impediments to attachment that may differentiate between incarcerated juveniles who have committed sexual crimes and incarcerated juveniles who have not committed such offenses. The exploration of such potential barriers to attachment has been organized around Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model. Subjects were 2948 incarcerated male adolescents adjudicated to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice and were divided based solely upon adjudicating offense: Juvenile non-violent, non-sexual offenders (JNVNSO, n=1149), Juvenile violent, non-sexual offenders (JVNSO, n=1433) and Juvenile sexual offenders (JSO, n=366). Results indicated that JSOs differed from JNVNSOs and JVNSOs in their histories of sexual abuse as well …


Predictors Of Induced Abortion Among Female Youth Center Users In Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, Rachel Barker Jan 2005

Predictors Of Induced Abortion Among Female Youth Center Users In Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, Rachel Barker

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Induced abortions occur in every country in the world. However sixty percent of the world's women live in countries where abortion is illegal. 19 million pregnancies end in unsafe and/or illegal abortions. Annually, 68,000 women die from unsafe abortions. Legal or not, unsafe abortion is one of the great neglected problems of health care in developing countries like Haiti and is a serious concern to women during their reproductive lives. Methods: The data for this study was collected from youth centers (ages 15-24) and used to estimate percentage distributions of abortion ratios by selected characteristics of women, particularly age …


Material And Acoustic Properties Of Swimbladders Of Tilapia And Channel Catfish, Mohammed Ali Nawaz Jan 2005

Material And Acoustic Properties Of Swimbladders Of Tilapia And Channel Catfish, Mohammed Ali Nawaz

Theses and Dissertations

Acoustically, teleost swimbladders have been considered resonant underwater bubbles. Contrary results indicating that bladders are tuned less sharply than such a bubble have been explained by damping of surrounding fish tissue. Recent findings in toadfish and weakfish, however, suggest that the bladder is a highly damped structure and that the frequency of the fish sounds is deternlined as a forced response to sonic muscle movement rather than by resonance of the bladder. In this study I examined acoustics and material properties of swimbladders in Tilapia (an auditory generalist) and the channel catfish (an auditory specialist). The swimbladder was struck with …


Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Sherif Nabil Elhady Jan 2005

Overbite Correction And Smile Esthetics, Sherif Nabil Elhady

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to investigate differences in outcomes from two common treatment modalities used to reduce deep overbite: maxillary incisor intrusion using an intrusion arch and posterior tooth eruption using an anterior bite plate and to assess their influence on smile esthetics. Pre-treatment and post-overbite correction records were gathered from 40 patients with deep overbite malocclusions at the Virginia Commonwealth University orthodontic clinic. Intrusion arch patients displayed significant reductions in maxillary incisor display accompanying documented incisor intrusion. Bite plate patients showed significant lower incisor intrusion and increases in the mandibular plane angle. When compared to …


Art From Nature, Linda Jean Huffman Walker Jan 2005

Art From Nature, Linda Jean Huffman Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Seeing beauty in the simplest aspects of nature inspires me to create art as a testament to our world. Being raised on a farm in rural Virginia gave me an appreciation of a reverence for all life. The inherent forms along with color and value establish nature as the master of aesthetics. An early introduction to Japanese art showed me that all nature was worthy and significant as subjects for art. Using materials derived from nature, cotton, linen, wool, silk, adds a tactile quality that I believe elevates the enjoyment of art.


Characterization Of Electrosprayed Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/Cnt Nanocomposite, Ihab Maher Abdelsayed Jan 2005

Characterization Of Electrosprayed Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/Cnt Nanocomposite, Ihab Maher Abdelsayed

Theses and Dissertations

PVDF, Poly(vinylidene fluoride), is a polymer that has been studied for over four decades due to its good electromechanical properties, stability, and durability in various environments. Currently, PVDF is the only commercially available piezoelectric polymer. PVDF is a polymorph, which indicates the presence of several crystalline phases such as α, β, γ, and δ-phase. Oriented β-phase PVDF exhibits ferroelectric properties and displays the largest piezoelectricity amongst the four phases, which makes it the most desirable phase. Preparing oriented β-phase PVDF is a multi-step process, which is cost intensive, due to the time, labor and energy utilized. The main goal of …


Thalhimers Department Store: Story, History, And Theory, Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt Jan 2005

Thalhimers Department Store: Story, History, And Theory, Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis looks at Thalhimers department store through the lenses of story, history, and theory. It first introduces the intertwining narratives of the author's paternal family and the store's history, then shares the author's personal story of Thalhimers. The second half outlines the master narrative of the American department store then applies "fantasy-theme analysis" and the symbolic convergence theory to stories and artifacts related to Thalhimers. A conclusion discusses the end of the department store era including a deeply personal goodbye from the author.