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Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA) results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA …

Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Before the turn of the century, biological research was taken by storm with the discovery of inhibitory RNA (RNAi). In 1995, Guo and Kemphues (Mello & Conte, 2004) stumbled into this discovery and were later awarded the Nobel Prize in science for their discovery. The discovery turned into a technique that is used to knock out genes with laser-like precision, and although the precision of RNAi has come into question recently, it is still a valued technique (Couzin, 2004). However, still in its infancy, the extent to which RNAi is used naturally in different tissues is unclear. To the extent …

Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression, Matt Peterson, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Hippocampal interneurons are a particularly diverse population of cells. Classifying these interneurons has historically been difficult using traditional schemes such as anatomical morphology, action potential spiking pattern, and receptor pharmacology. More recently however, classification of interneurons by examining expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and calcium-binding proteins (Ca-BPs: parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) has been promoted as an effective means for identifying subpopulations within the hippocampus. Categorization of the expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and Ca-BPs with the various types of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could provide information valuable for characterizing how various interneuron subpopulations function to modulate the overall activity of …

Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a secretory enzyme thought to mainly function in hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids in certain conditions of signaling induced by the immune system or hormone activity. sPLA2 is known to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, ischemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, pre-eclampsia, and gall stones; therefore, understanding its mechanism of action is an important step in helping other researchers determine therapeutic means for these diseases.

Characterization Of A Cdna Encoding Β-Amyrin Synthase Involved In Saponin Biosyntheses In Chenopodium Quinoa, Derrick J. Reynolds, Dr. P. Jeff Maughan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an important crop for subsistence farmers in the Altiplano (high plains) of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Quinoa has the potential to be an effective crop for many temperate and highland-tropical regions due to its ability to thrive in drought, saline and high-altitude conditions. The nutritional value of quinoa has been well documented. Several analyses have confirmed that quinoa grain has an excellent balance of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and provides an ideal balance of essential amino acids for human nutrition.1 Quinoa grain also has a seed coating consisting of various saponins. Saponins are waxy, soap-like …

Enantioselective Synthesis Of Biologically Important Compounds, David G. Evans, Dr. Matt A. Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Until only very recently it has been the common practice of most pharmaceutical manufacturers and manufacturers of agrochemicals such as herbicides and insecticides to market chiral compounds as mixtures of enantiomers. This practice has been driven by market forces due to the fact that it is much more cost efficient to market chiral compounds as mixtures rather than invest the resources needed to separate them. Tragic cases have shown that there is indeed a need for complete separation of enantiomers and their separate pre-clinical and clinical evaluation.

Dreadds In Drosophila: A Pharmacogenetic Approach For Controlling Behavior, Neuronal Signaling, And Physiology In The Fly, Jaime Becnel, Oralee Johnson, Zana R Majeed, Vi Tran, Bangning Yu, Bryan L. Roth, Robin L. Cooper, Edmund K. Kerut, Charles D. Nichols

Biology Faculty Publications

We have translated a powerful genetic tool, designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), from mammalian systems to Drosophila melanogaster to selectively, rapidly, reversibly, and dose-dependently control behaviors and physiological processes in the fly. DREADDs are muscarinic acetylcholine G protein-coupled receptors evolved for loss of affinity to acetylcholine and for the ability to be fully activated by an otherwise biologically inert chemical, clozapine-N-oxide. We demonstrate its ability to control a variety of behaviors and processes in larvae and adults, including heart rate, sensory processing, diurnal behavior, learning and memory, and courtship. The advantages of this particular technology include the …

The Pacifican September 12, 2013, University Of The Pacific

All Issues - Student Newspaper, The Pacifican, Pacific Weekly

No abstract provided.

The Daily Egyptian, September 12, 2013, Daily Egyptian Staff

September 2013

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Nitric Oxide Dysregulation In Tumor Maintenance, Christopher Rabender

Theses and Dissertations

The inflammatory nature of the tumor microenvironment provides a cytokine and chemokine rich proliferative environment. Much of the responsibility of this environment is due to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These studies examined the proliferative rich tumor environment from a new perspective of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) dysregulation. NOS’s have the ability to become uncoupled and generate superoxide in lieu of nitric oxide (NO). A requirement of NOS for the production of NO is the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and when it is missing NOS becomes uncoupled and turns into a peroxynitrite synthase. Here I demonstrate that NOS is …

Ultrasonic Incisions Produce Less Inflammatory Mediator Response During Early Healing Than Electrosurgical Incisions., Bindu Nanduri, Ken Pendarvis, Leslie A. Shack, Ranjit Kumar, Jeffrey W. Clymer, Donna L. Korvick, Shane C. Burgess

CVM Publications

As the use of laparoscopic surgery has become more widespread in recent years, the need has increased for minimally-invasive surgical devices that effectively cut and coagulate tissue with reduced tissue trauma. Although electrosurgery (ES) has been used for many generations, newly-developed ultrasonic devices (HARMONIC? Blade, HB) have been shown at a macroscopic level to offer better coagulation with less thermally-induced tissue damage. We sought to understand the differences between ES and HB at a microscopic level by comparing mRNA transcript and protein responses at the 3-day timepoint to incisions made by the devices in subcutaneous fat tissue in a porcine …

Emu Today, September 12, 2013, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Today

No abstract provided.

Chanticleer | September 12, 2013, Jacksonville State University

Chanticleer

No abstract provided.

Sandspur, Vol 120, No 02, September 12, 2013, Rollins College

The Rollins Sandspur

Rollins College student newspaper, written by the students and published at Rollins College. The Sandspur started as a literary journal.

The Grizzly, September 12, 2013, Sabrina Mcgettigan, Olivia Z. Schultz, Briana Keane, Amanda Frekot, Derrick Falletta, Dana Feigenbaum, Vivek Reddy, Briana Mullan, Dave Muoio, Bethany Mitchell, Mary Deliberti, Brian A. Kennedy, Jordan Breslow, James Wilson, Kevin Medina, Adebayo Adeyemo, Shawn Hartigan

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Reimert Arrest • USGA Leadership Retreat • Construction in Thomas and Pfahler • Ursinus Site Undergoes Update • 14th Annual Fringe Festival • New Pitch Program Rewards Creativity • Policy Changes a Result of Student Demand • Opinion: Chemical Attacks Need International Response; We Should Stay Out of Syria • UC's Open Laptops • Volleyball Counting on Newcomers This Season • Athletic Training Room Source of Aid and Knowledge • Men's Soccer Looking to Improve • More Shots a Priority for Bears

Unh Launches School Of Marine Science And Ocean Engineering, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Heart Work : Meaning Making, Rft Workers, And Physical Restraints : A Project Based Upon An Investigation Of Residential Treatment Facility Workers' Meaning Making Processes In Regards To The Utilization Of Physical Restraints As Interventions, Ruth A. Muellejans

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the individual experiences of Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) workers utilizing physical restraints as an intervention with children, specifically looking at potential impact of these experiences, as well as the subsequent meaning making process. This exploratory study employed phenomenological qualitative methods of in-depth interviewing with six participants, creating a space through which these individuals were able to share their personal and collective narratives of working in RTFs. The data gathered through the phenomenological interview process displayed five salient and unanimous themes amongst the participants: the significance of their motivation for becoming a RTF …

What Happens When The Body Matters? : An Exploration Of Corporeal Textualities In The Life And Work Of Two White South African Authors And Its Implications For Clinical Social Work Practice, Asher Pandjiris

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This project explores intergenerational transmission of trauma as evidenced in the body. Specifically, I focus attention on the somatic experiences of two white South African women, one historical/biographical and one fictional/contemporary, to elaborate the legacy of white colonial psychic disavowals in post-colonial South Africa. Using feminist and relational psychodynamic theories, this project addresses the alexithymia of the colonial predicament via an assertion that unwitnessed somatic distress as a result of disavowed trauma in individuals is potentially transmitted to subsequent generations and requires nuanced clinical attention. Additionally, this project argues that interrupting the intergenerational transmission of collective traumas such as colonialism …

Listening To Women's Voices : Clinicians' Perspectives On The Benefits Of Feminist Therapy In The Treatment Of Borderline Personality Disorder, Abigail W. Moore

Theses, Dissertations, and Projects

This qualitative, exploratory study examines the perspectives of practicing feminist therapists about the benefits of utilizing feminist therapy for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Twelve licensed clinicians were interviewed about their clinical experiences and perceptions of the benefits of feminist therapy in treating clients diagnosed with BPD. Clinicians discussed the theory and implementation of feminist therapy; how feminist therapists understand BPD in light of current debates on the use of this diagnosis; and the unique benefits feminist therapy may offer in the treatment of BPD. Participants were asked to give their reactions to the BPD diagnosis and the …

Homophonic Translation, Appositional Writing, And The Monster, Ryan Landry Clark

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation features a combination of critical and creative work

exploring the ethics of appropriative writing and the reparative potential of homophonic translation. The opening essay examines the ethics of appropriation- based poetry and introduces the concept of what I call "appositional writing," a term to describe ethically-minded works of poetry that make use of appropriative writing methods. The next three parts of this dissertation are each appositional writing projects that make use of homophonic translation as the primary method of composition. "Arizona State Bill 1070: An Act" is a homophonic translation of the anti-immigration bill of the same name. …

The George-Anne, Georgia Southern University

The George-Anne

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A Pre-Mrna-Splicing Factor Is Required For Rna-Directed Dna Methylation In Arabidopsis., Chao-Feng Huang, Daisuke Miki, Kai Tang, Hao-Ran Zhou, Zhimin Zheng, Wei Chen, Ze-Yang Ma, Lan Yang, Heng Zhang, Renyi Liu, Jian-Kang Zhu

Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications

Cytosine DNA methylation is a stable epigenetic mark that is frequently associated with the silencing of genes and transposable elements (TEs). In Arabidopsis, the establishment of DNA methylation is through the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. Here, we report the identification and characterization of RDM16, a new factor in the RdDM pathway. Mutation of RDM16 reduced the DNA methylation levels and partially released the silencing of a reporter gene as well as some endogenous genomic loci in the DNA demethylase ros1-1 mutant background. The rdm16 mutant had morphological defects and was hypersensitive to salt stress and abscisic acid (ABA). …

A Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody Targeting The Acid-Sensitive Region In Chikungunya Virus E2 Protects From Disease., Suganya Selvarajah, Nicole R. Sexton, Kristen M. Kahle, Rachel H. Fong, Kimberly-Anne Mattia, Joy Gardner, Kai Lu, Nathan M. Liss, Beatriz Salvador, David F. Tucker, Trevor Barnes, Manu Mabila, Xiangdong Zhou, Giada Rossini, Joseph B. Rucker, David Avram Sanders, Andreas Suhrbier, Vittorio Sambri, Alain Michault, Marcus O. Muench, Benjamin J. Doranz, Graham Simmons

Department of Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The mosquito-borne alphavirus, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), has recently reemerged, producing the largest epidemic ever recorded for this virus, with up to 6.5 million cases of acute and chronic rheumatic disease. There are currently no licensed vaccines for CHIKV and current anti-inflammatory drug treatment is often inadequate. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of two human monoclonal antibodies, C9 and E8, from CHIKV infected and recovered individuals. C9 was determined to be a potent virus neutralizing antibody and a biosensor antibody binding study demonstrated it recognized residues on intact CHIKV VLPs. Shotgun mutagenesis alanine scanning of 98 percent of the …

The Montclarion, September 12, 2013, The Montclarion

The Montclarion

Student Newspaper of Montclair State University

Class Has Students Crafting For Babies, And For Credit, Unh Communications And Public Affairs

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Custodianship Of The Walking Box Ranch Property: Project Compendium, Margaret N. Rees

Walking Box Ranch

This Project Compendium contains information and products resulting from a multi-year cooperative effort between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Vegas Field Office and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to care for and make available a BLM-owned Southern Nevada historic property: Walking Box Ranch. This project was focused, primarily, on the custodianship of the site through UNLV’s design, management, and coordination of a resident caretaker program, which was carried out by a series of excellent volunteers. University experts contributed to the decision-making process for necessary repairs and site security was enhanced through an innovative volunteer project open to …

Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In general, research of the function of proteins involved in harmful diseases helps researchers who are investigating these diseases better understand part of their puzzle to be able to find solutions to these problems and often opens doors for new treatments of other disorders. For example, to reduce wrinkles, doctors inject patients with Botulinum Neurotoxin(BoTox). I would like to add to the world’s understanding of BoTox so that new procedures can be developed and the harmful effects of botulism can be reduced. My research of Phospholipase A-2 (sPLA2) will likewise add to knowledge of the function of this and other …

A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation. Increased cell proliferation results in higher than normal levels of TK1. Because of this relationship, TK1 has recently been identified as a useful marker in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Tilapia Fish: Feast Or Famine?, Laura Scott, Dr. Jerald B. Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Tilapia is a commonly farmed fish throughout the world because of its nutritional value, reproductive efficiency, high resistance to disease, and the low-cost of production. However, despite such commercial benefits, there are some characteristics of this fish that are being overlooked. Previous field research in Costa Rica suggests that when tilapia escape from local farms into nearby streams, they negatively impact native fishes, both in terms of abundance and diversity (unpubl. data). The native fish most notably affected are small, livebearing poecealiids.

Enantioselective Synthesis Of Biologically Important Compounds, David G. Evans, Dr. Matt A. Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Until only very recently it has been the common practice of most pharmaceutical manufacturers and manufacturers of agrochemicals such as herbicides and insecticides to market chiral compounds as mixtures of enantiomers. This practice has been driven by market forces due to the fact that it is much more cost efficient to market chiral compounds as mixtures rather than invest the resources needed to separate them. Tragic cases have shown that there is indeed a need for complete separation of enantiomers and their separate pre-clinical and clinical evaluation.