Sharon Jean-Philippe - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sharon Jean-Philippe

Research paper thumbnail of Geospatial Analysis of Urban Heat Island Effects and Tree Equity

Open Journal of Forestry, Dec 31, 2023

In recent decades, Urban Heat Island Effects have become more pronounced and more widely examined... more In recent decades, Urban Heat Island Effects have become more pronounced and more widely examined. Despite great technological advances, our current societies still experience great spatial disparity in urban forest access. Urban Heat Island Effects are measurable phenomenon that are being experienced by the world's most urbanized areas, including increased summer high temperatures and lower evapotranspiration from having impervious surfaces instead of vegetation and trees. Tree canopy cover is our natural mitigation tool that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis, protects humans from incoming radiation, and releases cooling moisture into the air. Unfortunately, urban areas typically have low levels of vegetation. Vulnerable urban communities are lower-income areas of inner cities with less access to heat protection like air conditioners. This study uses mean evapotranspiration levels to assess the variability of urban heat island effects across the state of Tennessee. Results show that increased developed land surface cover in Tennessee creates measurable changes in atmospheric evapotranspiration. As a result, the mean evapotranspiration levels in areas with less tree vegetation are significantly lower than the surrounding forested areas. Central areas of urban cities in Tennessee had lower mean evapotranspiration recordings than surrounding areas with less development. This work demonstrates the need for increased tree canopy coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Drone remote sensing in urban forest management: A case study

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Aug 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Cancer Research, Aug 1, 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 in lung metastasis and also facilitated determination of a time frame most relevant for the MMP9-mediated effect. The lung tumors from MMP9-deficient mice showed decreased angiogenesis. Surprisingly, the antimetastatic outcome of MMP9 ablation seemed to be dependent on strain. Only mice that had genetic background derived from C57BL/6 showed reduced metastasis, whereas mice fully of the FVB/N background showed no significant effect. These strain-specific responses were also observed in a study using a highly selective pharmacologic inhibitor of MMP9 and thus suggest that responses to MMP inhibition are controlled by genetic differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9... more Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Data from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 in lung metastasis and also facilitated determination of a time frame most relevant for the MMP9-mediated effect. The lung tumors from MMP9-deficient mice showed decreased angiogenesis. Surprisingly, the antimetastatic outcome of MMP9 ablation seemed to be dependent on strain. Only mice that had genetic background derived from C57BL/6 showed reduced metastasis, whereas mice fully of the FVB/N background showed no significant effect. These strain-specific responses were also observed in a study using a highly selective pharmacologic inhibitor of MMP9 and thus suggest that responses to MMP inhibition are controlled by genetic differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-... more Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloprotei... more Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloprotei... more Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9... more Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Ecological and Soil Data Applied to Conservation Management of an Urban Forest

Forests, Feb 28, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-... more Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Data from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat and Vegetation Variables Are Not Enough When Predicting Tick Populations in the Southeastern United States

PloS one, 2015

Two tick-borne diseases with expanding case and vector distributions are ehrlichiosis (transmitte... more Two tick-borne diseases with expanding case and vector distributions are ehrlichiosis (transmitted by Amblyomma americanum) and rickettiosis (transmitted by A. maculatum and Dermacentor variabilis). There is a critical need to identify the specific habitats where each of these species is likely to be encountered to classify and pinpoint risk areas. Consequently, an in-depth tick prevalence study was conducted on the dominant ticks in the southeast. Vegetation, soil, and remote sensing data were used to test the hypothesis that habitat and vegetation variables can predict tick abundances. No variables were significant predictors of A. americanum adult and nymph tick abundance, and no clustering was evident because this species was found throughout the study area. For A. maculatum adult tick abundance was predicted by NDVI and by the interaction between habitat type and plant diversity; two significant population clusters were identified in a heterogeneous area suitable for quail habi...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Cancer Research, 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Drone Remote Sensing in Urban Forest Management: A Case Study

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of attitudes and perception of tree benefits on park management priorities

Landscape and Urban Planning, 2016

Urban parks are important public resources for outdoor recreation in cities. While the previous s... more Urban parks are important public resources for outdoor recreation in cities. While the previous studies have concluded that people in general value parks and trees, it is still unclear how public attitudes towards trees and tree-centered management of parks relate to their support for park management priorities, and whether such attitude vary among parks within a city. This study surveyed visitors’ opinion in three parks within the City of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and focused primarily on aspects of park trees to determine what visitors believed should be a future priority for park management. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed to data collected from 263 visitors intercepted on site (response rate of 78.5%). Results showed that visitors placed relatively higher preference on planting more trees, increasing species richness and density of trees, than on planting trees in straight rows or pruning or caring. Similarly, visitors placed comparatively h...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of mercury and other metals in mercury contaminated soils using mid-infrared spectroscopy

The Oak Ridge Reservation, established in 1942, was the designated site for the construction of t... more The Oak Ridge Reservation, established in 1942, was the designated site for the construction of the atomic bomb. During a 20-year period from 1944-1963 radioactive and toxic chemical pollutants, especially mercury compounds were released into the surrounding waterways. Mercury in the soil environment can undergo numerous chemical transformations. Conventional methods for detection of total soil mercury in contaminated environments are based on time-consuming sample preparation and costly sample analysis. The possibility for determination of total soil –Hg concentration and other elements in contaminated soils using the mid-infrared (MIR) region (4000 – 600 cm -1 ) has been investigated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify patterns or differences in soil spectral data and partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to develop models for several metals in soil samples. Pearson correlation identified nine elements (Sr, Ni, Cu, Cd, V, Ti, Fe, Ba, Rb) and total ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Antioxidant Properties of Some Edible Fungi in The Genus Pleurotus

I would like to thank my major professor Dr. Karen Hughes, for her undying support and guidance t... more I would like to thank my major professor Dr. Karen Hughes, for her undying support and guidance throughout this enlightening process. Furthermore, I would like to thank my other committee members, Drs Beth Mullin and Jay Whelan for there invaluable input and help throughout my research.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Mercury Contamination on Tree, Fungal, and Soil Composition along East Fork Poplar Creek, Anderson and Roane Counties, Tennessee

In the 1950s and 1960s, a large amount of mercury and other heavy metals were discharged into Eas... more In the 1950s and 1960s, a large amount of mercury and other heavy metals were discharged into East Fork Poplar Creek from the Y-12 Plant Site in Oak Ridge Tennes see U.S.A. In this study, we conduct a field study along East Fork Poplar Creek to exam in the long term effectS of heavy metal pollutants on tree diversity, mycorrhiz al fungi presence and abundance and soil composition. Using historical soil data obtained from Science Application International Corporation (SAIC), three mercury levels , low (0-50 mg kg), medium (50-200 mg kg ) and high (> 200 mg kg ) were used to stratify seventeen randomly selected plots. Trees > 2.54 cm in diameter within each plot w ere inventoried and diversity was assessed. Soils were collected and analyzed for endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal presence and abundance. Total soil mercury concentration along with 23 other elements, was determined. We also assessed the inhibitory effects of methyl mercury chloride (CH 3 gCl) and mercuric nitrate ...

Research paper thumbnail of i-Tree Eco Analysis of Landscape Vegetation on Remediated Areas of Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Research paper thumbnail of Geospatial Analysis of Urban Heat Island Effects and Tree Equity

Open Journal of Forestry, Dec 31, 2023

In recent decades, Urban Heat Island Effects have become more pronounced and more widely examined... more In recent decades, Urban Heat Island Effects have become more pronounced and more widely examined. Despite great technological advances, our current societies still experience great spatial disparity in urban forest access. Urban Heat Island Effects are measurable phenomenon that are being experienced by the world's most urbanized areas, including increased summer high temperatures and lower evapotranspiration from having impervious surfaces instead of vegetation and trees. Tree canopy cover is our natural mitigation tool that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis, protects humans from incoming radiation, and releases cooling moisture into the air. Unfortunately, urban areas typically have low levels of vegetation. Vulnerable urban communities are lower-income areas of inner cities with less access to heat protection like air conditioners. This study uses mean evapotranspiration levels to assess the variability of urban heat island effects across the state of Tennessee. Results show that increased developed land surface cover in Tennessee creates measurable changes in atmospheric evapotranspiration. As a result, the mean evapotranspiration levels in areas with less tree vegetation are significantly lower than the surrounding forested areas. Central areas of urban cities in Tennessee had lower mean evapotranspiration recordings than surrounding areas with less development. This work demonstrates the need for increased tree canopy coverage.

Research paper thumbnail of Drone remote sensing in urban forest management: A case study

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Aug 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Cancer Research, Aug 1, 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 in lung metastasis and also facilitated determination of a time frame most relevant for the MMP9-mediated effect. The lung tumors from MMP9-deficient mice showed decreased angiogenesis. Surprisingly, the antimetastatic outcome of MMP9 ablation seemed to be dependent on strain. Only mice that had genetic background derived from C57BL/6 showed reduced metastasis, whereas mice fully of the FVB/N background showed no significant effect. These strain-specific responses were also observed in a study using a highly selective pharmacologic inhibitor of MMP9 and thus suggest that responses to MMP inhibition are controlled by genetic differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9... more Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Data from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 in lung metastasis and also facilitated determination of a time frame most relevant for the MMP9-mediated effect. The lung tumors from MMP9-deficient mice showed decreased angiogenesis. Surprisingly, the antimetastatic outcome of MMP9 ablation seemed to be dependent on strain. Only mice that had genetic background derived from C57BL/6 showed reduced metastasis, whereas mice fully of the FVB/N background showed no significant effect. These strain-specific responses were also observed in a study using a highly selective pharmacologic inhibitor of MMP9 and thus suggest that responses to MMP inhibition are controlled by genetic differences.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-... more Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloprotei... more Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloprotei... more Supplementary Figure Legend from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9... more Supplementary Table 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Ecological and Soil Data Applied to Conservation Management of an Urban Forest

Forests, Feb 28, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-... more Supplementary Figure 1 from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Research paper thumbnail of Data from Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Habitat and Vegetation Variables Are Not Enough When Predicting Tick Populations in the Southeastern United States

PloS one, 2015

Two tick-borne diseases with expanding case and vector distributions are ehrlichiosis (transmitte... more Two tick-borne diseases with expanding case and vector distributions are ehrlichiosis (transmitted by Amblyomma americanum) and rickettiosis (transmitted by A. maculatum and Dermacentor variabilis). There is a critical need to identify the specific habitats where each of these species is likely to be encountered to classify and pinpoint risk areas. Consequently, an in-depth tick prevalence study was conducted on the dominant ticks in the southeast. Vegetation, soil, and remote sensing data were used to test the hypothesis that habitat and vegetation variables can predict tick abundances. No variables were significant predictors of A. americanum adult and nymph tick abundance, and no clustering was evident because this species was found throughout the study area. For A. maculatum adult tick abundance was predicted by NDVI and by the interaction between habitat type and plant diversity; two significant population clusters were identified in a heterogeneous area suitable for quail habi...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Ablation or Inhibition of Stromal Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on Lung Metastasis in a Breast Cancer Model Is Dependent on Genetic Background

Cancer Research, 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we ha... more Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a family of enzymes with a myriad of functions. Lately, we have come to realize that broad-spectrum inhibition of these enzymes, as was tried unsuccessfully in multiple phase III trials in cancer patients, is likely unwise given the protumorigenic and antitumorigenic functions of various family members. Here, we used the multistage mammary tumor model MMTV-PyVT to investigate roles for either MMP7 or MMP9 in tumor progression. We found no effect of genetic ablation of MMP7 or MMP9 on the multifocal tumors that developed in the mammary glands. Lack of MMP7 also had no effect on the development of lung metastases, suggesting that MMP7 is irrelevant in this model. In contrast, MMP9 deficiency was associated with an 80% decrease in lung tumor burden. The predominant cellular source of MMP9 was myeloid cells, with neutrophils being the largest contributor in tumor-bearing lungs. Experimental metastasis assays corroborated the role of host-derived MMP9 ...

Research paper thumbnail of Drone Remote Sensing in Urban Forest Management: A Case Study

Research paper thumbnail of The influence of attitudes and perception of tree benefits on park management priorities

Landscape and Urban Planning, 2016

Urban parks are important public resources for outdoor recreation in cities. While the previous s... more Urban parks are important public resources for outdoor recreation in cities. While the previous studies have concluded that people in general value parks and trees, it is still unclear how public attitudes towards trees and tree-centered management of parks relate to their support for park management priorities, and whether such attitude vary among parks within a city. This study surveyed visitors’ opinion in three parks within the City of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and focused primarily on aspects of park trees to determine what visitors believed should be a future priority for park management. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed to data collected from 263 visitors intercepted on site (response rate of 78.5%). Results showed that visitors placed relatively higher preference on planting more trees, increasing species richness and density of trees, than on planting trees in straight rows or pruning or caring. Similarly, visitors placed comparatively h...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of mercury and other metals in mercury contaminated soils using mid-infrared spectroscopy

The Oak Ridge Reservation, established in 1942, was the designated site for the construction of t... more The Oak Ridge Reservation, established in 1942, was the designated site for the construction of the atomic bomb. During a 20-year period from 1944-1963 radioactive and toxic chemical pollutants, especially mercury compounds were released into the surrounding waterways. Mercury in the soil environment can undergo numerous chemical transformations. Conventional methods for detection of total soil mercury in contaminated environments are based on time-consuming sample preparation and costly sample analysis. The possibility for determination of total soil –Hg concentration and other elements in contaminated soils using the mid-infrared (MIR) region (4000 – 600 cm -1 ) has been investigated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify patterns or differences in soil spectral data and partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to develop models for several metals in soil samples. Pearson correlation identified nine elements (Sr, Ni, Cu, Cd, V, Ti, Fe, Ba, Rb) and total ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Antioxidant Properties of Some Edible Fungi in The Genus Pleurotus

I would like to thank my major professor Dr. Karen Hughes, for her undying support and guidance t... more I would like to thank my major professor Dr. Karen Hughes, for her undying support and guidance throughout this enlightening process. Furthermore, I would like to thank my other committee members, Drs Beth Mullin and Jay Whelan for there invaluable input and help throughout my research.

Research paper thumbnail of The Effects of Mercury Contamination on Tree, Fungal, and Soil Composition along East Fork Poplar Creek, Anderson and Roane Counties, Tennessee

In the 1950s and 1960s, a large amount of mercury and other heavy metals were discharged into Eas... more In the 1950s and 1960s, a large amount of mercury and other heavy metals were discharged into East Fork Poplar Creek from the Y-12 Plant Site in Oak Ridge Tennes see U.S.A. In this study, we conduct a field study along East Fork Poplar Creek to exam in the long term effectS of heavy metal pollutants on tree diversity, mycorrhiz al fungi presence and abundance and soil composition. Using historical soil data obtained from Science Application International Corporation (SAIC), three mercury levels , low (0-50 mg kg), medium (50-200 mg kg ) and high (> 200 mg kg ) were used to stratify seventeen randomly selected plots. Trees > 2.54 cm in diameter within each plot w ere inventoried and diversity was assessed. Soils were collected and analyzed for endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal presence and abundance. Total soil mercury concentration along with 23 other elements, was determined. We also assessed the inhibitory effects of methyl mercury chloride (CH 3 gCl) and mercuric nitrate ...

Research paper thumbnail of i-Tree Eco Analysis of Landscape Vegetation on Remediated Areas of Oak Ridge National Laboratory