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Spartan Daily, May 9, 2013, San Jose State University, School Of Journalism And Mass Communications

Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications)

Volume 140, Issue 52

Inhibition Of Retinoic Acid Receptors Results In Defasciculation Of The Trigeminal Nerve In Xenopus Laevis, Jeremy Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The anatomy of the cranial peripheral nervous system has been studied for over a century, yet surprisingly little is known about how the nerves are guided to their targets. The study of the development of these nerves has important implications for our understanding of craniofacial anomalies and possible treatments for both injury and genetic disorders of nerve development such as Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome. We have discovered that retinoic acid (RA) may play a role in the development of the trigeminal nerve. Inhibition of retinoic acid receptors (RAR) results in trigeminal nerves that become unbundled or defasciculated in the eye region. To …

Temperature Dependence Of Transcription Initiation In Archaea, Ming-Hsiao Wu

Student Research Symposium

TFB1 and TFB2 are two Transcription Factor B (TFB) found in Pyrococcus furious (Pfu), a hyperthermophile archaeon. TFB1 is the primary TFB in Pfu, and highly conserved with eukaryotic TFIIB. TFB2 lacks some residues in B-reader region which interacts with promoter DNA and recognizes the transcription start site. Exposure to heat-shock increases the mRNA level of Pfu TFB2 in vivo; however, mRNA level of Pfu TFB1 stays the same. In Pfu, different TFBs may be used for regulating transcription. It is hypothesized that TFB2 is involved in heat-shock reaction and increases the transcription efficiency of heat-shock promoters. In our in …

Study Of Employment Retention Veterans (Serve): Improving Reintegration Of Oregon National Guard And Reserves In The Workplace, Gilbert Patrick Brady, Jr., Leslie B. Hammer

Student Research Symposium

This presentation will provide an overview of the recently funded Department of Defense grant (Principal Investigator, Leslie Hammer, Ph.D.). Since 9/11 over 2.8 million United States military personnel have served in and around Iraq and Afghanistan. By 2018, the number of post-9/11 veterans is projected to top 3.1 million. Of these most recent veterans, 18% have difficulty holding a job and many experience family difficulty. Presently, a third or more of these post-9/11 veterans – some 874,728 service members and counting – have deployed to various global hotspots as active-duty reservists of the U.S. armed forces. Unemployment, underemployment and mental …

A Prescription Warning, Carlton Lee Harpst

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

Mythical Hero Versus The Modern Heroine: The Female Hero In Suzanne Collins’S The Hunger Games, Dane Moreaux

The Catalyst

No abstract provided.

Room To Roam: Using Gps To Determine The Effect Of Exhibit Size And Herd Size On Zoo Elephant Movement, Matthew Holdgate, Deborah A. Duffield, David J. Shepherdson

Student Research Symposium

Asian and African elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta spp.) are particularly susceptible to welfare concerns in zoological institutions due to their high intelligence, complex social structures, and sheer size. Zoo elephants are also limited by the space available to them, and the resulting lack of exercise may contribute to a host of health issues, including obesity and foot disease. Zoos rely largely on changes to the exhibit size and herd size to promote elephant movement, yet the effect of these factors on movement is unknown. Our study used GPS-equipped anklets to track the movement of 80 elephants at 43 zoos …

The Significance Of A Distinction Between A Sexual Act And A Sexual Identity, Nirvana Fairbanks

Student Research Symposium

This paper describes the distinction between a sexual act and a sexual identity as seen in different cultural contexts with regard to male homosexuality. It describes differences in how homosexual behavior is interpreted culturally. It discusses how more value is placed on certain sexual acts while there is less focus on a sexual identity and vice versa. For example, in Latin American culture, if two men are sexually involved with one another, it is the acts they perform that dictate how they are viewed, rather than the fact that they are two men engaging in sex together. In Western culture, …

Computational Capabilities Of Leaky Integrate-And-Fire Neural Networks For Liquid State Machines, Amin Almassian, Christof Teuscher

Student Research Symposium

We analyze the computational capability of Leaky Integrate-and-Fire (LIF) Neural Networks used as a reservoir (liquid) in the framework of Liquid State Machines (LSM). Maass et. al. investigated LIF neurons in LSM and their results showed that they are capable of noise-robust, parallel, and real-time computation. However, it still remains an open question how the network topology affects the computational capability of a reservoir. To address that question, we investigate the performance of the reservoir as a function of the average reservoir connectivity. We also show that the dynamics of the LIF reservoir is sensitive to changes in the average …

Designing A Low Cost Prosthetic Arm Device, Samira Rezaei, Frank Fields, Tamara J. Depue

Student Research Symposium

The goal of the project is to build a functional low-cost prosthetic arm that is easily maintained. The focus is on prostheses that attach to the forearm. This design must perform daily life tasks such as picking up, holding and carrying objects while playing and working. To begin the design, a mechanical finger was built with wooden tongue depressors as bone material; rubber bands, string, and drinking straws as muscle material; and masking tape as ligament and tendon material. The length of each joint was set to the golden ratio. Using this method, a basic "hand" was created that could …

Finding Rna-Dna Hybrid Viruses, Jeremy Filip, Geoffery S. Diemer, Kenneth M. Stedman

Student Research Symposium

Until extremely recently it was thought that recombination between DNA and RNA viruses was practically nonexistent. The discovery of the "RNA-DNA Hybrid Virus" (RDHV) genome in a metavirome from a hightemperature acidic lake changed this view (Diemer and Stedman, 2012). We, and others, have discovered multiple examples of this recombination "hiding in plain sight" in multiple both published and unpublished metagenomes from many different environments and recent publications (Rosario et al., 2012 a Tae Woong Whon et al, 2012, Mitsuhiro Yoshida et al., 2013, and several others through personal communication). Comparing the proteins within these hybrid viruses against each other …

Polyethylenimine-Enhanced Alumina Nanoscale Adjuvant For Cancer Vaccine, Naoko Uno, Haiyan Li, Hong-Ming Hu, Jun Jiao

Student Research Symposium

Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) have been shown to increase the efficiency of cell-mediated immune response. Specifically, CD8 and CD4 immune response is required for T cell activation by dendritic cells. These nanoparticles, when functionalized with peptides and other molecules, can be used as vaccine in cancer treatment. In this study, Al2O3 NPs were attached to E6/E7 proteins. HPV-induced cervical cancer expresses E6/E7 antigens. E6/E7 proteins were attached using surface modification of the Al2O3 NPs; different types of molecules were tested to see which adhered the highest amount of protein and produced the strongest cell response. Protein measurements were done …

Differential Effects Of Membrane Order On Membrane Permeability, Miranda J. Bradley, Marshall J. Colville, Miles J. Crumley, Drake C. Mitchell

Student Research Symposium

Phospholipid membranes segregate into lateral domains of liquid ordered (lo) and liquid disordered (ld) phases when cholesterol and mixed species of lipids with saturated and unsaturated acyl chains are present. To examine membrane permeability and rate of vesicle rupture by Triton in pure lo, pure ld, and mixed lo/ld phases, LUVs were prepared based on the ternary phase diagram of POPC, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol. These LUVs were loaded with 2mM carboxyfluorescein (CF) and formed by extrusion at 65oC. Using a stopped-flow fluorometer, changes in CF fluorescence were measured when LUVs were exposed to sudden osmotic gradients, pH gradients, or 0.1% …

Training An Asymmetric Signal Perceptron In An Artificial Chemistry, Peter Banda

Student Research Symposium

Autonomous learning implemented purely by means of a synthetic chemical system has not been previously realized. Learning promotes reusability, and minimizes the system design to simple input-output specification. In this poster, I present a simulated chemical system, the first full-featured implementation of a perceptron in an artificial (simulated) chemistry, which can successfully learn all 14 linearly separable logic functions. A perceptron is the simplest system capable of learning inspired by the functioning of a biological neuron. My newest model called the asymmetric signal perceptron (ASP) is, as opposed to its predecessors such as the weight-race perceptron (WRP), substantially simpler by …

Spectroscopic Studies Of Cu2+ And Zn2+ Binding To Prodigiosin Analogs, Karen Chichetu, Papireddy Kancharla, Shilah Bonnett, Kevin Reynolds

Student Research Symposium

Prodigiosins are a family of secondary metabolites that were first isolated from the bacterium Serratia marascens. These natural compounds are red pigmented and characterized by a tri-pyrrole skeleton with a C-4 methoxy group. They have been reported to have good biological properties that include anticancer, antimalarial, antimicrobial and immunosuppressive activities. We have synthesized analogs of the natural prodigiosins (prodiginines) to produce a library of biologically active compounds which have improved biological activity and reduced cytotoxicity in human cells. In this work we studied the interaction between prodiginines and Cu2+ and Zn2+ using UV and Mass Spectroscopy techniques. Early results show …

In Re Lisa R. 13 Cal. 3d 336, 532 P.2d 123, 119 Cal. Rptr. 475 (1975), Elliot Shelton

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Equal Rights Amendment And The Courts, Mary C. Dunlap

Pepperdine Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Carbonate Chemistry And Calcification On The Florida Reef Tract, And In The Symbiotic Reef Coral, Acropora Cervicornis, Nancy Muehllehner

Open Access Dissertations

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2) dissolves in the ocean, decreasing the calcium carbonate saturation state (Ωaragonite) and creating conditions unfavorable for calcification (G) in reef-building corals. Understanding the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs requires a robust description of the relationship between Ω and calcification (Ω-G) at both the reef scale and at the organismal scale. To evaluate the Ω-G relationship on the reef, we conducted repeat surveys across 200 km of the Florida Reef Tract over a 2 year period. Results showed that net community calcification switches from positive in the summer to negative in the winter, indicating …

Characterization Of Perforin-2, A Novel Anti-Bacterial, Pore-Forming Protein Of The Innate Immune System, Lesley R. De Armas

Open Access Dissertations

Pore-forming proteins such as the membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system and Perforin of cytotoxic lymphocytes are potent host defense effectors employed by the immune system. These proteins share a structurally conserved domain, MACPF that is responsible for ring formation and membrane insertion of these toxic molecules. The objective of the current study was to identify the function of a third MACPF-containing pore-former of the immune system, Macrophage expressed gene 1 (Mpeg1). Mpeg1 encodes a highly conserved, membrane-bound protein which we have designated Perforin-2 (P-2). P-2 is induced upon monocyte maturation, is constitutively expressed by macrophages and upregulated …

A Policy Analysis Of Open Ocean Aquaculture In The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Collin Crecco

Open Access Theses

An exponentially growing world population has put human innovation and ingenuity to the test. Over the past few decades, our ability to develop technology for the purpose of adjusting to an increasing demand for natural resources has shown our capacity for growth and adaptation. However, how much growth can be sustained to solve problems related to food security? Aquaculture has become a viable option to combat food scarcity issues. Aquaculture that takes place offshore is a relatively new field of study that warrants further investigation. As research continues to evaluate environmental effects from offshore aquaculture, it must be tied with …

05-08-2013 Swosu Biology Students Receive Awards, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

THE BARK ARCHIVE 2013

Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Biological Sciences Department recently held its annual honors banquet on the Weatherford campus. Scholarships and awards were presented to outstanding biology students at the end-of-year ceremony.

The Lumberjack, May 8, 2013, The Lumberjack Staff

2013

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University

Investigation Of The Role Of Inner Membrane Components In Bacillus Subtilis Spore Resistance And Germination: Identification Of The Germinosome, Keren Griffiths

Doctoral Dissertations

Bacillus subtilis cells form spores when they are deprived of nutrients. The spores formed are resistant to many insults including: heat, radiation, enzymes and various chemicals. They are also metabolically inactive and can remain in this state indefinitely. Although dormant, spores rapidly return to life via the process of germination when specific nutrients are returned to their environment. The inner membrane of dormant spores is of central importance in spore biology. Previous studies have shown that the components of the inner membrane of dormant spores have the unique properties of being relatively immobile and compressed. The inner membrane is also …

Otter Realm, May 8, 2013, California State University, Monterey Bay

The Otter Realm

Clouds of Color for a Cure: Holi Festival Celebration Raises Money to Help End Polio in Third World Countries -- What You Otter Be Doing April 8 - May 18 -- Our Final Farewell -- Associated Students Inc.: Restructuring Bylaws has Past and Future AS Members Hopeful for a Cohesive Future -- Swearin' In -- You Say Hello: Brett Roberts -- I Say Goodbye: Duane Lindsay -- In Spanish and English: Youth Voices Reaching the Airwaves -- Higher Education Issues Illuminated: CEO of Lumina Foundations Speaks of "Attainment Goal" -- Petition to Keep Fort Ord Accessible: Discontent Citizens Gather Signatures …

Volume 50, Number 38: May 08, 2013, University Of North Dakota

University Letter Archive

No abstract provided.

2013-May-08-Etsu Student Rees Burt Receives National Award, University Marketing And Communicatins, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

No abstract provided.

Withaferin A Effectively Targets Soluble Vimentin In The Glaucoma Filtration Surgical Model Of Fibrosis, Paola Bargagna-Mohan, Sunil P. Deokule, Kyle G. Thompson, John Wizeman, Cidambi Srinivasan, Sunil Vooturi, Uday B. Kompella, Royce Mohan

Ophthalmology and Visual Science Faculty Publications

Withaferin A (WFA) is a natural product that binds to soluble forms of the type III intermediate filament (IF) vimentin. Currently, it is unknown under what pathophysiological contexts vimentin is druggable, as cytoskeltal vimentin-IFs are abundantly expressed. To investigate druggability of vimentin, we exploited rabbit Tenon's capsule fibroblast (RbTCF) cell cultures and the rabbit glaucoma filtration surgical (GFS) model of fibrosis. WFA potently caused G₀/G₁ cell cycle inhibition (IC₅₀ 25 nM) in RbTCFs, downregulating ubiquitin E3 ligase skp2 and inducing p27(Kip1) expression. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß-induced myofibroblast transformation caused development of cell spheroids with numerous elongated invadopodia, which WFA blocked …

Flurbiprofen Benzyl Nitrate (Nbs-242) Inhibits The Growth Of A-431 Human Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells And Targets Β-Catenin, Niharika Nath, Xiaoping Liu, Lloydine Jacobs, Khosrow Kashfi

Publications and Research

Background: The Wnt/β-catenin/T cell factor (TCF) signaling pathway is important in the development of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Nitric-oxide-releasing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NO-NSAIDs) are chemopreventive agents consisting of a traditional NSAID attached to an NO-releasing moiety through a chemical spacer. Previously we showed that an aromatic spacer enhanced the potency of a particular NO-NSAID compared to an aliphatic spacer.

Methods: We synthesized an NO-releasing NSAID with an aromatic spacer (flurbiprofen benzyl nitrate, NBS-242), and using the human skin cancer cell line A-431, we evaluated its effects on cell kinetics, Wnt/β-catenin, cyclin D1, and caspase-3.

Results: NBS-242 inhibited the growth of …

Humans Strengthen Bottom-Up Effects And Weaken Trophic Cascades In A Terrestrial Food Web, Tyler B. Muhly, Mark Hebblewhite, Dale Paton, Justin A. Pitt, Mark S. Boyce, Marco Musiani

Wildlife Biology Faculty Publications

Ongoing debate about whether food webs are primarily regulated by predators or by primary plant productivity, cast as top-down and bottom-up effects, respectively, may becoming superfluous. Given that most of the world's ecosystems are human dominated we broadened this dichotomy by considering human effects in a terrestrial food-web. We studied a multiple human-use landscape in southwest Alberta, Canada, as opposed to protected areas where previous terrestrial food-web studies have been conducted. We used structural equation models (SEMs) to assess the strength and direction of relationships between the density and distribution of: (1) humans, measured using a density index; (2) wolves …

Fragments Of Social Life, Rachel Leah Cohn

Theses and Dissertations

This paper examines selected events from biography and how those events have influenced my philosophies about art-making as well as the work I have produced while a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University. This thesis is an attempt to give an expanded context for my work through various lenses, including the personal, the traumatic, the historical and the material.