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2008

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War Of Attrition: Evidence From A Laboratory Experiment On Market Exit, Ryan Oprea, Bart J. Wilson, Arthur Zillante Jan 2008

War Of Attrition: Evidence From A Laboratory Experiment On Market Exit, Ryan Oprea, Bart J. Wilson, Arthur Zillante

ESI Working Papers

We report an experiment designed to study whether ine cient rms are systematically driven from overcrowded markets. Our data set includes series of 3800 wars of attrition of a type modeled in Fudenberg and Tirole (1986). We nd that exit tends to be e cient and exit times conform surprisingly well to point predictions of the model. Moreover, subjects respond similarly to implementations framed in terms of losses as they do to those framed in terms of gains.

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The Influence Of Environmental Factors And Organizational Characteristics On Innovations In Family Medicine Practices In Virginia, Debora Goetz Goldberg Jan 2008

The Influence Of Environmental Factors And Organizational Characteristics On Innovations In Family Medicine Practices In Virginia, Debora Goetz Goldberg

Theses and Dissertations

Family medicine practices are currently threatened by factors such as poor reimbursement, physician stress, shortage of providers, and difficulties in providing prompt access and reliable continuity of care. The external environment faced by family medicine practices is extremely complex and characterized by high pressure from regulatory sources, decreasing reimbursement levels, an increasing rate of change in technologies and care delivery processes, and increasing patient and community expectations. Over the last several years there have been many efforts in family medicine to respond to the challenges presented by the external environment. The majority of these efforts focus on redesigning the delivery …

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Application Of In Vivo Induced Antigen Technology (Iviat) To Bacillus Anthracis, Sean M Rollins, Amanda Peppercorn, John S Young, Melissa Drysdale, Andrea Baresch, Margaret V Bikowski, David A Ashford, Conrad P Quinn, Martin Handfield, Jeffrey D Hillman, C Rick Lyons, Theresa M Koehler, Stephen B Calderwood, Edward T Ryan Jan 2008

Application Of In Vivo Induced Antigen Technology (Iviat) To Bacillus Anthracis, Sean M Rollins, Amanda Peppercorn, John S Young, Melissa Drysdale, Andrea Baresch, Margaret V Bikowski, David A Ashford, Conrad P Quinn, Martin Handfield, Jeffrey D Hillman, C Rick Lyons, Theresa M Koehler, Stephen B Calderwood, Edward T Ryan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In vivo induced antigen technology (IVIAT) is an immuno-screening technique that identifies bacterial antigens expressed during infection and not during standard in vitro culturing conditions. We applied IVIAT to Bacillus anthracis and identified PagA, seven members of a N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase autolysin family, three P60 family lipoproteins, two transporters, spore cortex lytic protein SleB, a penicillin binding protein, a putative prophage holin, respiratory nitrate reductase NarG, and three proteins of unknown function. Using quantitative real-time PCR comparing RNA isolated from in vitro cultured B. anthracis to RNA isolated from BALB/c mice infected with virulent Ames strain B. anthracis, we confirmed induced …

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Virginia Emergency Department Physician Knowledge Of The Emergent Treatment Of Avulsed Teeth, Joy Leatrice Barnes Phelps Jan 2008

Virginia Emergency Department Physician Knowledge Of The Emergent Treatment Of Avulsed Teeth, Joy Leatrice Barnes Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and treatment protocols for physicians in Virginia emergency departments in regards to the emergent treatment of avulsed teeth.Methods: Using a cross sectional survey design, an 8-item questionnaire regarding the treatment of avulsed teeth was emailed to 75 emergency department chairpersons in Virginia. After 30 days, a reminder paper copy of the questionnaire was mailed and an email reminder with the on-line link was sent. After 60 days the study was closed. Comparisons were made using chi-square analysis based on percentages to test for significance. Results: The response rate was …

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Alternative Orthodontic Bonding Protocol Using Self Etching Primer, Rush-Baker Gaines Caldwell Jan 2008

Alternative Orthodontic Bonding Protocol Using Self Etching Primer, Rush-Baker Gaines Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current study was to develop a bonding method that can achieve clinically acceptable bond strength values while leaving a minimum amount of adhesive on the tooth surface during the debonding process. One hundred teeth were randomly assigned into groups. Five different enamel surface preparation protocols were tested (N = 20, each): Conventional acid etch, standard SEP, SEP applied with a light brush stroke (altered SEP 1), SEP applied directly to the composite of pre-coated bracket (altered SEP 2), and Primer Only groups. Brackets were debonded using an Instron universal testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA) in shear …

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Endocannabinoid Modulation Of Spatial Memory In Aversively And Appetitively Motivated Barnes Maze Tasks, John Pinckney Harloe Jan 2008

Endocannabinoid Modulation Of Spatial Memory In Aversively And Appetitively Motivated Barnes Maze Tasks, John Pinckney Harloe

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of the CB1 receptor has been reported to impair extinction learning in aversive conditioning (i.e., conditioned fear and Morris water maze) paradigms, but not in operant procedures in which food reinforcement is earned. It is difficult to discern whether the differential effects caused by CB1 receptor disruption on extinction result from the hedonics (i.e., aversive vs. appetitive) or is related to the required responses associated with these disparate tasks. In order to evaluate whether the hedonics is the determining factor, we used either aversive (i.e., escape from bright lights and air turbulence) or appetitive (i.e., …

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The Effects Of Family, School And Peer Support On The Achievement Outcomes Of African American Adolescents, M. Annette Clayton Jan 2008

The Effects Of Family, School And Peer Support On The Achievement Outcomes Of African American Adolescents, M. Annette Clayton

Theses and Dissertations

This study used survey design to explore the relationship between protective influences (support from parents, teachers and peers, social capital assets, and social support use), contextual risks, and two achievement outcomes in a representative sample of male and female African American high school seniors (N=317). Responses to two questionnaires, weighted cumulative grade point averages, and eleventh grade Virginia English Reading Standards of Learning test scores were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that some support variables were predictive of better achievement outcomes and others were associated with poorer outcomes. Three of the parent support predictors were associated with poorer achievement outcomes, …

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An Agent-Based Model To Study The Spread And Control Of Epidemics, Ashley Dawn Fuller Jan 2008

An Agent-Based Model To Study The Spread And Control Of Epidemics, Ashley Dawn Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

The world continues to face outbreaks of disease due to natural causes as well as the threat of biological warfare. Mathematical modeling provides an avenue by which to predict and ultimately prevent widespread outbreaks. A wide variety of modeling tools have been used in the study of the spread of diseases, including Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, and Difference Equations. In this study, an agent-based model is used to study the spread and control of epidemics and is based on Sirakoulis, et al. [1]. The computer program NetLogo [2] is used for simulation. The development and set-up procedures for …

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Role Of The Small Terminase Subunit Encoded By Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 In Formation Of Sapi1 Transducing Particles, Nicholas Paul Olivarez Jan 2008

Role Of The Small Terminase Subunit Encoded By Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenicity Island Sapi1 In Formation Of Sapi1 Transducing Particles, Nicholas Paul Olivarez

Theses and Dissertations

Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity island SaPI1 is a genomic element that is mobilized and transduced at high frequency by helper phage 80α. SaPI1 encodes a small terminase protein that belongs to the phage small terminase subunit family. The presence of SaPI1-encoded small terminase suggests that it plays a role in SaPI1-specific packaging into transducing particles by complexing with the 80α large terminase subunit and redirecting recognition to a pac site on SaPI1 DNA from 80α DNA. The effects of deleting the small terminase genes in SaPI1 and in a prophage copy of 80α are consistent with this hypothesis. Induction of the …

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Comparison Of Emergence Behavior In Pediatric Dental Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia With Sevoflurane Versus Desflurane, Carla Lalande Jan 2008

Comparison Of Emergence Behavior In Pediatric Dental Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia With Sevoflurane Versus Desflurane, Carla Lalande

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To determine which maintenance gas (sevoflurane versus desflurane) resulted in a faster emergence from general anesthesia and investigate the patient's emergence agitation. Methods: One group was maintained during general anesthesia with sevoflurane and the other with desflurane. Upon emergence the patient's behavior was evaluated.Results: The average emergence time for desflurane was 9.8; while the average for sevoflurane was 13.98 minutes. Patients who received premedication had an emergence time of 15.43 minutes, while patients who received no premedication emerged after 8.34 minutes.Zofran® was a significant predictor of purposeful actions. Patients were more aware of their surroundings when they received Zofran® …

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Characterization Of Yeast 18s Rrna Dimethyl Transferase, Dim1p, Nagesh Pulicherla Jan 2008

Characterization Of Yeast 18s Rrna Dimethyl Transferase, Dim1p, Nagesh Pulicherla

Theses and Dissertations

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, a dynamic and coordinated multistep process which requires more than 150 trans-acting factors, has been intensely studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This evolutionarily conserved process involves numerous cleavages of pre-rRNA, modification of nucleotides, and concomitant assembly of the ribosomal proteins onto the rRNA. Considerable information is available about the importance of conserved pre-rRNA cleavage events in ribosome biogenesis; however, very little is known about the exact role of modified nucleotides, which cluster within the functionally important regions of the ribosome. One conserved group of modifications is the dimethylation of two adjacent adenosines at the 3´ end …

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Probe Level Analysis Of Affymetrix Microarray Data, Richard Ellis Kennedy Jan 2008

Probe Level Analysis Of Affymetrix Microarray Data, Richard Ellis Kennedy

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of Affymetrix GeneChip® data is a complex, multistep process. Most often, methodscondense the multiple probe level intensities into single probeset level measures (such as RobustMulti-chip Average (RMA), dChip and Microarray Suite version 5.0 (MAS5)), which are thenfollowed by application of statistical tests to determine which genes are differentially expressed. An alternative approach is a probe-level analysis, which tests for differential expression directly using the probe-level data. Probe-level models offer the potential advantage of more accurately capturing sources of variation in microarray experiments. However, this has not been thoroughly investigated, since current research efforts have largely focused on the …

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The Use Of Implants Vs. Endodontics: Practitioner Attitudes In 2007, Gardiner Mckay Packer Jan 2008

The Use Of Implants Vs. Endodontics: Practitioner Attitudes In 2007, Gardiner Mckay Packer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors influence dentists when deciding whether to place an implant or perform endodontic retreatment. Null hypothesis: Dentists today are no more likely to place an implant than to perform endodontic retreatment. A twelve-item questionnaire was mailed to 525 general dentists and specialists who are members of the Richmond Dental Society. Response rate was 61.9%. The questionnaire included items on demographics, practice profile and cases of failing endodontic therapy which participants were asked to consider and chose between endodontic retreatment or implant placement. The relationship between the treatment choices and the characteristics …

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Examining The Behavioral And Molecular Aspects Of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence: Implications For Vulnerability To Drugs Of Abuse, Dena Heath Kota Jan 2008

Examining The Behavioral And Molecular Aspects Of Adolescent Nicotine Dependence: Implications For Vulnerability To Drugs Of Abuse, Dena Heath Kota

Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 200 million men and 100 million women smoke worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 25.9 million men (23.9 percent) and 20.7 million women (18.1 percent) are smokers. The commencement of smoking at a young age is thought to increase addiction liability, decrease the probability of successful cessation, and correlate with a higher number of cigarettes smoked per day. Studies from the World Health Organization indicate that between 80,000 and 100,000 children start smoking every day worldwide. These statistics suggest that adolescence is a critical phase for developing nicotine dependence. The work in this dissertation contributes to the further …

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In Pursuit Of Paternal Significance: Fathers' Influence On Their Daughters' And Sons' Sexual Behaviors And Beliefs, Rachel S. Everley Jan 2008

In Pursuit Of Paternal Significance: Fathers' Influence On Their Daughters' And Sons' Sexual Behaviors And Beliefs, Rachel S. Everley

Theses and Dissertations

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy and adolescent STD rates of any industrialized nation. Numerous factors are involved in adolescent sexual decision-making and the social-ecological framework suggests that there are multiple levels of influence on adolescent development, including familial. Utilizing survey data from the Virginia Abstinence Education Initiative (VAEI), this project specifically explores paternal influences on adolescent sexual behavior and beliefs by examining paternal residence in the home, perceived paternal figure sexual beliefs, and father-child relationship factors. Results indicate that paternal figures influence their daughters' and sons' sexual behaviors as well as beliefs. Differences in paternal figure influence …

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Characterization Of Microorganisms Of Interest To Homeland Security And Public Health Utilizing Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Robert A. Everley Jan 2008

Characterization Of Microorganisms Of Interest To Homeland Security And Public Health Utilizing Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Robert A. Everley

Theses and Dissertations

Liquid chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF MS) utilizing electrospray ionization was employed to monitor protein expression in Escherichia coli and Shigella organisms. Automated charge state deconvolution, spectral subtraction and spectral mirroring were used to reveal subtle differences in the LC/MS data. Reproducible intact protein biomarkers were discovered based on their unique mass, retention time and relative intensity. These markers were implemented to differentiate closely related strain types, (e.g. two distinct isolates of E. coli O157:H7) and to correctly identify unknown pathogens. Notable, was the distinction of multiple serotypes of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli which cannot be distinguished by clinical …

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Inflammation-Associated Gene Regulation In Primary Astrocytes, Glial Tumors And Cellular Differentiation, Katarzyna Marta Wilczynska Jan 2008

Inflammation-Associated Gene Regulation In Primary Astrocytes, Glial Tumors And Cellular Differentiation, Katarzyna Marta Wilczynska

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation elucidates several independent molecular mechanisms that function in astrocytes and glial tumor cells, and suggest that developmental and inflammatory signals may contribute to the development of brain tumors. First, we analyzed the mechanism of TIMP-1 activation in astrocytes and glioblastoma cells. TIMP-1 expression is activated by IL-1, which is the major neuroinflammatory cytokine, via simultaneous activation of IKK/NF-kB and MEK3/6/p38/ATF-2 pathways in primary human astrocytes. In contrast to astrocytes, TIMP-1 is expressed at lower levels in glioblastomas, and is not regulated by IL-1 due to either dysfunctional IKK/NF-kB or MEK3/6/p38/ATF-2 activation. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism of …

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Regulation Of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase By Oxidized Phospholipids And Proinflammatory Cytokines, Muralikrishna Mukkamala Jan 2008

Regulation Of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase By Oxidized Phospholipids And Proinflammatory Cytokines, Muralikrishna Mukkamala

Theses and Dissertations

Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase (PAFAH) is a monocyte-derived phospholipase A2 that catalyzes the hydrolysis of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and has been implicated in atherosclerosis. Although PAF and other proinflammatory stimuli are postulated to induce the enzyme, mechanisms controlling PAFAH expression are largely unknown at present. We have shown that PAFAH induction in monocytes is increased in response to oxidized phospholipids. The PAFAH 5' flanking region has at least 10 putative Stat elements, and IL-6 has been shown to be downstream from the prostaglandin receptor, EP2, which has been shown to bind oxidized phospholipids, prompting the hypothesis that Stat proteins might regulate …

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A Capillary-Based Microfluidic System For Immunoaffinity Separations In Biological Matrices, Michael Peoples Jan 2008

A Capillary-Based Microfluidic System For Immunoaffinity Separations In Biological Matrices, Michael Peoples

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of biological samples in clinical or research settings often requires measurement of analytes from complex and limited matrices. Immunoaffinity separations in miniaturized formats offer selective isolation of target analytes with minimal reagent consumption and reduced analysis times. A prototype capillary-based microfluidic system has been developed for immunoaffinity separations in biological matrices with laser-induced fluorescence detection of labeled antigens or antibodies. The laboratory-constructed device was assembled from two micro syringe pumps, a microchip mixer, a micro-injector, a diode laser with fused-silica capillary flow cell, and a separation capillary column. The columns were prepared from polymer tubing and packed under …

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An Scir Model Of Meningococcal Meningitis, Kalimah Vereen Jan 2008

An Scir Model Of Meningococcal Meningitis, Kalimah Vereen

Theses and Dissertations

A model for meningitis is developed by adding a class of carriers to the basic SIR model. This model is used to analyze the impact a vaccination program can have on the health of the population of epidemic prone countries. Analysis of the model shows the local stability of the disease free equilibrium, the existence of an endemic equilibrium and computation of the reproduction number, ℜ0 . Using a MATLAB program we simulate a time course of the model using parameters gathered from the World Health Organization. The numerical solution demonstrates that our reproduction number was correct. We thenconcluded that …

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Enzymology And Molecular Biology Of Bile Acid 7alpha- And 7beta- Dehydroxylation By The Intestinal Bacteria Clostridium Scindens And Clostridium Hylemonae, Jason Michael Ridlon Jan 2008

Enzymology And Molecular Biology Of Bile Acid 7alpha- And 7beta- Dehydroxylation By The Intestinal Bacteria Clostridium Scindens And Clostridium Hylemonae, Jason Michael Ridlon

Theses and Dissertations

The collective microbial genomes within our gut(microbiome) represent a powerful metabolic force, leading many authors to call our GI flora an "organ within an organ", and the metagenomic sequencing of our microbiome, "the second human genome project". Bile acids, endogenously produced by the host liver, represent both a strong selective pressure for potential colonizers, aswell as substrates for microbial metabolism. Indeed, microbes have evolved enzymes to deconjugate bile salts, epimerize bile acid hydroxyl groups, and 7alpha-dehydroxylateprimary bile acids. The products of microbial 7alpha-dehydroxylation, secondary bile acids, are suggested by numerous lines of evidence to be involved in promoting colon carcinogenesis. …

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Dimeric Heat Shock Protein 40 Binds Radial Spokes For Generating Coupled Power Strokes And Recovery Strokes Of 9 + 2 Flagella, Chun Yang, Heather A. Owen, Pinfen Yang Jan 2008

Dimeric Heat Shock Protein 40 Binds Radial Spokes For Generating Coupled Power Strokes And Recovery Strokes Of 9 + 2 Flagella, Chun Yang, Heather A. Owen, Pinfen Yang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

T-shape radial spokes regulate flagellar beating. However, the precise function and molecular mechanism of these spokes remain unclear. Interestingly, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella lacking a dimeric heat shock protein (HSP) 40 at the spokehead–spokestalk juncture appear normal in length and composition but twitch actively while cells jiggle without procession, resembling a central pair (CP) mutant. HSP40− cells begin swimming upon electroporation with recombinant HSP40. Surprisingly, the rescue doesn't require the signature DnaJ domain. Furthermore, the His-Pro-Asp tripeptide that is essential for stimulating HSP70 adenosine triphosphatase diverges in candidate orthologues, including human DnaJB13. Video microscopy reveals hesitance in bend initiation and …

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Fluoride Varnish Use Among Dentists In Virginia, Amanda Bowen Kuhn Jan 2008

Fluoride Varnish Use Among Dentists In Virginia, Amanda Bowen Kuhn

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to asses fluoride varnish use by dental practitioners in Virginia. Methods: Using a cross sectional survey design, all dentists in Virginia who are members of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) were sent an online survey about usage and knowledge of fluoride varnish. Results: The majority of the respondents were general dentists (79%) followed by pediatric dentists (12%). Fluoride varnish use increased with year of graduation from dental school. Dentists who thought fluoride varnish was more effective and less time consuming use it more than other topical fluorides. Dentists who thought their patients prefer …

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Self-Appraisals, Perfectionism, And Academics In College Undergraduates, David Edward Canter Jan 2008

Self-Appraisals, Perfectionism, And Academics In College Undergraduates, David Edward Canter

Theses and Dissertations

The influences on perfectionism and procrastination of race, gender, cognitive-affective and academic self-appraisals, and academic performance expectations were studied. The sample consisted of 155 Introductory Psychology students (57 African Americans, 41 Asian Americans, and 57 European Americans; 51.6% women) with a mean age of 19.4 years (SD = 3.6). Data were collected during the final week of the Fall 2007 semester. Consistent with previous research indicating that men are more likely to procrastinate than women, men were over-represented in this sample. Self-esteem, measured with the Rosenberg (1965) Self-Esteem Scale, was conceptualized as having two components: self-liking and self-competence (Tafarodi & …

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Exploring The Experience Of Benefit Finding In Parents Of Children With Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study, Carol E. Zogran Jan 2008

Exploring The Experience Of Benefit Finding In Parents Of Children With Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study, Carol E. Zogran

Theses and Dissertations

The diagnosis of cancer in a child is one of the most significant stressors a parent can experience, and research in the area of stress-related effects of illness on parents has emerged in many areas. The majority of studies have focused on the potential or actual negative impact on parents during and after treatment of their child's illness. However, studies that initially set out to explore the difficulties associated with coping with childhood cancer found that parents often reported positive aspects about the experience. There is now increasing interest and support for the study of "positive-health" factors that contribute to …

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A Science & Mathematics Magnet School At Maymont, Sarah Shamus Nakfoor Jan 2008

A Science & Mathematics Magnet School At Maymont, Sarah Shamus Nakfoor

Theses and Dissertations

I am interested in the idea that schools should be designed to offer individualized learning."A Science & Mathematics Magnet School at Maymont" explores a type of school that is becoming more familiar and accessible. By allowing students who have an interest in excelling in school and preparing for their future careers to come together and meet one another and experience aneducation that might not otherwise be available can be beneficial in many ways. In most cases, because of the funding required for such specialized schools, class sizes are reduced to meet budgets and the schools are opened to the community …

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Surging Seepage: A Triple Bond Accretion System, Jacqueline Brown Jan 2008

Surging Seepage: A Triple Bond Accretion System, Jacqueline Brown

Theses and Dissertations

My current work revels in a state of flux. I strive for the work to be electrically charged, conveying a feverish sense of immediacy and vitality that implies motion and frenetic energy. The work is an accretion of brightly colored biomorphic forms that extend out from the wall and onto the floor. Viscous parts ooze and drip while others are globular and bulbous. The hyper-organic forms suggest a paradoxical state of both ripening and rotting, becoming and unbecoming. The work is an attempt to traverse between seemingly divergent constructs, some of which include: growth and decay, the artificial and the …

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Mechanical Abrasion And Electroporation In The Transformation Of Intact Pleurotus Ostreatus Hyphæ And Nutrient-Dependant Resistance To Hygromycin B, Alexander Cordesman Jan 2008

Mechanical Abrasion And Electroporation In The Transformation Of Intact Pleurotus Ostreatus Hyphæ And Nutrient-Dependant Resistance To Hygromycin B, Alexander Cordesman

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT 1: Abrasive treatment and subsequent electroporation of the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus in a hypertonic buffer was investigated as a potential method of transforming of intact hyphæ. Mycelia, which are not capable of being transformed via electroporation due to interference by the cell wall, were abraded in an attempt to mechanically degrade the cell wall prior to electroporation. An electroporation field strength of 12,500 V/cm for 500 μs to 1.25 ms was found to be optimal based upon mortality effects. A 32 μm carborundum abrasive was initially evaluated but was quickly found to be inappropriately large so a corundum abrasive …

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A Biologically Inspired Focus Of Attention Model, Daniel I. Harris Jan 2008

A Biologically Inspired Focus Of Attention Model, Daniel I. Harris

Theses

With high definition, high resolution, technology becoming ever more popular, the vast amount of input available to modern object recognition systems can become overwhelming. Given an image taken from a high resolution digital camera, a target object may be very small in comparison to the entire image. Additionally, any non-target objects in the input are considered unnecessary data, or clutter. While many modern object recognition systems have been created to be over 90% accurate in the recognition task, adding large amounts of clutter to an input quickly degrades both the speed and accuracy of many models. To reduce both the …

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Biologically Inspired Object Categorization In Cluttered Scenes, Theparit Peerasathien Jan 2008

Biologically Inspired Object Categorization In Cluttered Scenes, Theparit Peerasathien

Theses

The purpose of the thesis, Biologically Inspired Object Categorization system, is to provide an automatic system to classify the real-world images into categories. Generally, computer algorithms classify objects with much lower efficiency than human. Furthermore, some images with complex features such as cat and dog faces are difficult to be classified by ordinary computer algorithms. Therefore, the simulation of the structure and process of a mammalian’s visual cortex is created, which functions similarly to a human’s visual cortex, by using a computer. In this paper, I am presenting a biologically inspired neural network system which processes the images in a …

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