http://hdl.handle.net/1903/10071 Sun, 19 May 2013 20:34:50 GMT 2013-05-19T20:34:50Z http://hdl.handle.net/1903/13865 Title: Residual DNA in Commercial Taq DNA polymerase as a Source of Interference with Immuno-PCR assay Authors: Guag, Jake Abstract: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was developed for a broad range of purposes. As part of developing a very sensitive Immuno-quantitative PCR (iqPCR) assay, we attempted to reproduce two of the published papers, almost always experienced false-positive amplification. Based on personal communication from one of the authors, we suspected that impure reagents were responsible for the false-positive amplification. However, PCR can amplify a small number of DNA into enormous numbers of copies and the possibility of environmental contamination cannot be excluded. In this paper we show that our primers appeared to amplify residual DNA in the Taq DNA polymerase, and induced false-positive results. This finding is not in the published methods papers for iqPCR. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1903/13865 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1903/13571 Title: Maternal mercury exposure, season of conception and adverse birth outcomes in an urban immigrant community in New York City Authors: Bashore, Cynthia Diana Jennings Abstract: Adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB: < 37 weeks gestation) and low birthweight (LBW: <2500g) result in severe infant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, there are racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of preterm birth and low birth weight. The focus of this study is to examine the association between frequency of maternal fish consumption during pregnancy, prenatal mercury exposure, and season of conception with preterm birth and low birth weight in a population of African-American, Caribbean and West Indian women in an urban immigrant community in New York City. The proportion of preterm births and low birth rates in this cohort of women was higher than reported in other studies of African-American and Caribbean births in New York City. There was no association between maternal urinary mercury or infant cord blood concentrations and either LBW or preterm birth. Infants conceived in winter (December, January, February) were at increased odds of low birthweight. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1903/13571 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1903/12815 Title: Environmental Impacts on Fecal Indicator Bacteria in 5 National Park Recreational Water Areas Authors: Raspanti, Greg A. Abstract: The National Park Service oversees 397 park units throughout the 50 states and US territories. Due to the high visitation, protecting the health of visitors is a top priority. Fecal contamination in recreational water can occur as a result of land use practices and weather related factors. The aim of this study is to investigate weather related factors and land use factors that contribute to fecal contamination in five National Park units. Overall, rainfall proved to be highly predictive of subsequent elevations in fecal bacteria. Specifically, same day rainfall and day prior to the sampling day rainfall showed the strongest association with elevated fecal bacteria levels. Seasonal variation of fecal bacteria was generally higher in the summer months. The land use variables were not highly predictive of fecal bacteria levels. The results of this study can be used by park managers to better predict variations in fecal contamination. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1903/12815 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1903/11763 Title: Influence of weekdays, weekends, bandhas and weather conditions on particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal Authors: Fransen, Michelle Julia Abstract: Particulate matter (PM) exposure has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects. Quantifying the relative source contribution of PM is important as it provides policymakers critical information needed to formulate successful pollution reduction programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bandhas (general strikes) and meteorological parameters on PM10 concentrations in the Kathmandu Valley. Within station seasonal differences in PM10 concentrations were compared using t-tests. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to examine the effects of weekends or bandh days on PM10 concentrations. Results showed significant (p<0.001) seasonal variability across all stations. In the urban high traffic (UHT) and urban residential (UR) areas, there were statistically significant (p<0.05) lower PM10 concentrations on weekends. In the UHT, PM10 concentrations were significantly lower on bandh days (p<0.05). These results suggest that a reduction in vehicular emissions may alleviate the PM10 pollution problem in the valley. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1903/11763 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z