Digital Commons Network^™

Sjsu Erfa News, Fall 2014, San Jose State University, Emeritus And Retired Faculty Association

Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association (ERFA) Newsletter

Volume 28, Number 2

Adp1 Affects Plant Architecture By Regulating Local Auxin Biosynthesis., Ruixi Li, Jieru Li, Genji Qin, Ondřej Novák, Aleš Pěnčík, Karin Ljung, Takashi Aoyama, Jingjing Liu, Angus Murphy, Hongya Gu, Tomohiko Tsuge, Li-Jia Qu

Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications

Plant architecture is one of the key factors that affect plant survival and productivity. Plant body structure is established through the iterative initiation and outgrowth of lateral organs, which are derived from the shoot apical meristem and root apical meristem, after embryogenesis. Here we report that ADP1, a putative MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) transporter, plays an essential role in regulating lateral organ outgrowth, and thus in maintaining normal architecture of Arabidopsis. Elevated expression levels of ADP1 resulted in accelerated plant growth rate, and increased the numbers of axillary branches and flowers. Our molecular and genetic evidence demonstrated …

Complex Mental Health Sequelae Of Psychological Trauma Among Women In Prenatal Care, Julian D. Ford

UCHC Articles - Research

Pregnancy is a critical time to identify and address maternal mental health problems, for the health of both mother and child. Pregnant women with histories of exposure to interpersonal psychological trauma may experience a range of mental health problems including but not limited to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a community sample of 1,581 pregnant women, 25% reported symptoms consistent with at least one of six syndromes, including PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or clinically significant dissociation, somatization, or affect dysregulation. Six sub-groups with distinct mental health problem profiles were identified by cluster analysis. Controlling for …

Toward A Robust Computational Screening Strategy For Identifying Glycosaminoglycan Sequences That Display High Specificity For Target Proteins, Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan, Umesh R. Desai

Medicinal Chemistry Publications

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) interact with many proteins to regulate processes such as hemostasis, cell adhesion, growth and differentiation and viral infection. Yet, majority of these interactions remain poorly understood at a molecular level. A major reason for this state is the phenomenal structural diversity of GAGs, which has precluded analysis of specificity of their interactions. We had earlier presented a computational protocol for predicting “high-specificity” GAG sequences based on combinatorial virtual library screening (CVLS) technology. In this work, we expand the robustness of this technology through rigorous studies of parameters affecting GAG recognition of proteins, especially antithrombin and thrombin. The CVLS …

Cxcr4 Inhibition Ameliorates Severe Obliterative Pulmonary Hypertension And Accumulation Of C-Kit+ Cells In Rats, Daniela Farkas, Donatas Kraskauskas, Jennifer Drake, Aysar A. Alhussini, Vita Kraskauskiene, Harm J. Bogaard, Carlyne D. Cool, Norbert F. Voelkel, Laszlo Farkas

Internal Medicine Publications

Successful curative treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension with luminal obliteration will require a thorough understanding of the mechanism underlying the development and progression of pulmonary vascular lesions. But the cells that obliterate the pulmonary arterial lumen in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension are incompletely characterized. The goal of our study was to evaluate whether inhibition of CXC chemokine receptor 4 will prevent the accumulation of c-kit+ cells and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. We detected c-kit+­ cells expressing endothelial (von Willebrand Factor) or smooth muscle cell/myofibroblast (α-smooth muscle actin) markers in pulmonary arterial lesions of SU5416/chronic hypoxia rats. We found increased …

Lake Powell 1971–1983, Stanley L. Welsh

Books by Faculty of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum

Abstract

This work catalogs the author’s experiences collecting plants and surveying the area around Lake Powell as part of a long-term environmental study of the Navajo-Kaiparowits region, which was approved through BYU and funded by a consortium of power companies. Data collected included plant and animal inventories, population demographics of small mammals, and weather. The account details several incidents of the type bound to occur in field research and mentions by name many students involved in the project. Numerous photographs are included. Seventeen new plant species are listed, which were named from specimens acquired in the area. The appendix lists …

Multiple Mineralocorticoid Response Elements Localized In Different Introns Regulate Intermediate Conductance K+ (Kcnn4) Channel Expression In The Rat Distal Colon, Bryan O'Hara, Diego A. Rosa, Vazhaikkurichi M. Rajendran

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

An elevated plasma aldosterone and an increased expression of the intermediate conductance K+ (IK/Kcnn4) channels are linked in colon. This observation suggests that the expression of Kcnn4 gene is controlled through the action of aldosterone on its cognate receptor (i.e., mineralocorticoid receptor; MR). In order to establish this, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay to identify the MR response elements (MREs) in a region that spanned 20 kb upstream and 10 kb downstream of the presumed transcription start site (TSS) using chromatin from the colonic epithelial cells of normal and aldosterone-treated rats. MREs were immunoprecipitated in an approximately 5 kb …

9th Susquehanna River Symposium Program With Abstracts, Bucknell Center For Sustainability And The Environment

Susquehanna River Symposium -- Conference materials

No abstract provided.

Living Microbe Repository, Best Practices, Regulatory Compliance, Reference Material Collection, Shaolei Zang, Na Liu, Hongchun Wang, David N. Wald, Na Shao, Jingru Zhang, Daoxin Ma, Chunyan Ji, William Tse

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Background

We previously demonstrated that 6-benzylthioinosine (6-BT) could induce the differentiation of a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary AML cells regardless of their cytogenetics. In this study we investigated whether Wnt signaling pathways played roles in 6-BT-induced differentiation of AML cells.

Methods

We induced differentiation of HL-60 leukemic cells and primary AML cells in vitro using 6-BT. Real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot, and luciferase assays were used to examine the molecules’ expression and biological activity in canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways. AML cell differentiation was measured by the Nitroblue tetrozolium (NBT) reduction assay.

Results …

Engineering Research Review 2014, Office Of Engineering Research

Engineering Research Review

Contents:
[Page] 2 Bioinformatics help scientists make sense of genomic data
[Page] 4 Maps help public health officials fight malaria, West Nile Virus
[Page] 6 North Dakota-South Dakota engineers develop materials, components for solid state cell phone
[Page] 8 Statisticians uncover major reason behind cancer survivors’ choices
[Page] 10 Crash reporting helps reduce fatalities, improve roads on tribal lands
[Page] 12 Operations management expert, Mayo Clinic researcher help improve health-care delivery for patients with blood poisoning
[Page] 14 ISEE supports grant development
[Page] 16 Three engineering researchers receive awards
[Page] 17 Grantswinship awards recognize research funding

Associations Between U.S. Adult Obesity And State And County Economic Conditions In The Recession, Qi Zhang, Rajan Lamichhane, Youfa Wang

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

This study examines the association between state and county unemployment rates and individuals' body weight status during the latest recession in the U.S. We used the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data in 2007, 2009 and 2011, which were collected from 722,692 American adults aged 18 or older. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25, and ≥30, respectively. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were applied to assess the association between BMI, risks of overweight and obesity, and state and county unemployment rates. State unemployment rates were negatively associated with individual BMI across years, while …

Serpentine Soils, Nishanta Rajakaruna, R. S. Boyd

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

Serpentine soils are weathered products of a range of ultramafic rocks composed of ferromagnesian silicates. Serpentine more accurately refers to a group of minerals, including antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite, in hydrothermally altered ultramafic rocks. Common ultramafic rock types include peridotites (dunite, wehrlite, harzburgite, lherzolite) and the secondary alteration products formed by their hydration within the Earth’s crust, including serpentinite, the primary source of serpentine soil. Serpentine soils are generally deficient in plant essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur; have a calcium-to-magnesium (Ca:Mg) molar ratio of less than 1; and have elevated levels of heavy metals such as …

Design And Evaluation Of A Propulsion System For Small, Compact, Low-Speed Maneuvering Underwater Vehicles, Florence M. Mbithi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Underwater vehicles used to perform precision inspection and non-destructive evaluation in tightly constrained or delicate underwater environments must be small, have low-speed maneuverability and a smooth streamlined outer shape with no appendages. In this thesis, the design and analysis of a new propulsion system for such underwater vehicles is presented. It consists primarily of a syringe and a plunger driven by a linear actuator and uses different inflow and outflow nozzles to provide continuous propulsive force. A prototype of the proposed propulsion mechanism is built and tested. The practical utility and potential efficacy of the system is demonstrated and assessed …

Mapping Genes With Longitudinal Phenotypes Via Bayesian Posterior Probabilities, Anthony Musolf, Alejandro Q. Nato Jr., Douglas Londono, Lisheng Zhou, Tara C. Matise, Derek Gordon

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Most association studies focus on disease risk, with less attention paid to disease progression or severity. These phenotypes require longitudinal data. This paper presents a new method for analyzing longitudinal data to map genes in both population-based and family-based studies. Using simulated systolic blood pressure measurements obtained from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, we cluster the phenotype data into trajectory subgroups. We then use the Bayesian posterior probability of being in the high subgroup as a quantitative trait in an association analysis with genotype data. This method maintains high power (>80%) in locating genes known to affect the simulated phenotype …

Systems Biology Studies Of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate The Identification Of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens, Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, R Reid Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka Mitreva

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Oppositional Biogeography-Based Optimization, Mehmet Ergezer

ETD Archive

This dissertation outlines a novel variation of biogeography-based optimization (BBO), which is an evolutionary algorithm (EA) developed for global optimization. The new algorithm employs opposition-based learning (OBL) alongside BBO migration to create oppositional BBO (OB BO). Additionally, a new opposition method named quasi-reflection is introduced. Quasireflection is based on opposite numbers theory and we mathematically prove that it has the highest expected probability of being closer to the problem solution among all OBL methods that we explore. Performance of quasi-opposition is validated by mathematical analysis for a single-dimensional problem and by simulations for higher dimensions. Experiments are performed on benchmark …

The Role Of Rnase L In Thymic Homeostasis And Humoral Responses, Lin Zhang

ETD Archive

RNase L is highly expressed in the spleen, thymus, and multiple immune cells, suggesting that it may play an important role in the immune system against microbes. Previous studies in the lab have shown that deficiency of RNase L results in enlarged thymuses in mice at young age. However, relatively little is known about its influence on the thymic development and adaptive immunogenicity. The present Ph.D. study focuses on investigating the role of RNase L in the thymic homeostasis and humoral immune responses, thereby gaining new insights into the molecular aspects in thymocyte development, maturation and adaptive immunity.By using RNase …

Relationships Between Diet, Exercise And Learning In The Regular Science Classroom Setting, Joseph R. Sieracki

ETD Archive

The purpose of this study is to examine how diet and exercise relate to student achievement and learning in the regular classroom setting. Research questions include whether or not there is a positive correlation between the amount/type of exercise a student receives per week and learning, as well as relationships between their diet and learning in the classroom. Forty high school honors biology students were surveyed as to their dietary and exercise habits. This data was compared to their individual average test grades as a measure of learning

Computational Investigation On The Structural Properties Of Neurofilaments And Their Sidearms, Lakshmi Jayanthi

Wayne State University Dissertations

Neurofilaments (NFs) are class IV intermediate filaments, abundantly found in the large myelinated axons. They are the key determinants of axonal diameter and consequently the nerve conduction properties. On the other hand, abnormal NF accumulation has been the hallmark of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. NF compaction is also one of the pathological manifestations of traumatic axonal Injury. However, the exact relation between the disorganized NFs and the etiology of the neurodegenerative disorders is yet to be fully understood. NFs are assembled from three subunits: Low (NFL), Medium (NFM) and Heavy (NFH). These subunits are characterized by a common alpha helical rod …

A History Of Sockeye Salmon Research, Karluk River System, Alaska, 1880–2010, Richard Gard, Richard Lee Bottorff

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

One of Alaska’s most famous runs of sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, returns each year to spawn in the pristine waters of the Karluk River drainage on Kodiak Island. The sheer magnitude and long duration of the run are remarkable. Within recorded history, this run has, in peak years, exceeded 4,000,000 fish, a wondrous spectacle of nature. This abundance is particularly striking since, physically, the Karluk River is relatively small when compared with other notable salmon-stream systems of Alaska and the Pacific Coast. Such vibrant profusion has riveted human attention for as long as people have occupied Kodiak Island, an …

Micrornas: Biogenesis, Roles For Carcinogenesis And As Potential Biomarkers For Cancer Diagnosis And Prognosis, N. Kavitha, S. Vijayarathna, S.L. Jothy, C.E. Oon, Y. Chen, J.R. Kanwar, S. Sasidharan

Research Publications (2011 to 2015)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of 20-24 nucleotides that play important roles in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, miRNAs control numerous cancer-relevant biological events such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control, metabolism and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and concepts concerning the biogenesis of miRNAs, miRNA roles in cancer and their potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis including the regulation of key cancer-related pathways, such as cell cycle control and miRNA dysregulation. Moreover, microRNA molecules are already receiving the attention of world researchers as therapeutic targets and agents. Therefore, in-depth knowledge of microRNAs has the potential …

Probing Proteasome Inhibition By Metal Copmplexes As A New Route For Anticancer Therapy, Dajena Tomco

Wayne State University Dissertations

The scope of this thesis is focused towards the development of metal-containing coordination compounds as potential therapeutic agents. Efforts of this research involve the design, synthesis, and purification of these complexes, as well as their evaluation by spectroscopic, spectrometric, and electrochemical characterization. The antineoplastic properties of these metal-containing pro-drugs are tested against the inhibition activity of the 26S proteasome. Selected metal ions ranging from transition to main group elements have been incorporated in various ligand systems containing phenolate and pyridyl donor sets. The mechanistic behavior of these complexes in solution has been thoroughly investigated along with their in vitro anticancer …

Acta Carsologica, Volume 43, Issue 1, 2014, Franci Gabrovšek

KIP Articles

Contents: Interview with Andrej Kranjc -- Lower- to Middle Pleistocene Flank Margin Caves at Custonaci (Trapani, NW Sicily) and Their Relation with Past Sea Levels -- Karst in Ras Al-Khaimah, Northern United Arab Emirates -- Holocene Sedimentary Records of the Katarraktes Cave System (Northern Greece): A Stratigraphical and Environmental Magnetism Approach -- Karst Soils: Dependence of CO2 Concentrations on Pore Dimension -- Hydrochemical Response of Cave Drip Water to Snowmelt Water, a Case Study from Velika Pasica Cave, Central Slovenia -- Geothermal Potential and Sustainable Use of Karst Groundwater in Urban Areas - Belgrade, Capital of Serbia Case Study -- …

Investigation Into The Binding Interactions Of Klenow Fragment To Dna Modified With Carcinogens Af And Aaf Using Surface Plasmon Resonance, Ashley M. Floyd

Wayne State University Dissertations

The two major forms of DNA adducts from the carcinogen N-acetoxyacetyl-2-aminofluorene, N-(deoxygunanonsin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-C8-AAF) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (dG-C8-AF), are both known to impede replication, though in different ways. AAF is a strong block to replication leading to frameshift mutations, while the AF adduct is more easily bypassed, causing base substitutions. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to study the binding of exonuclease deficient E. coli polymerase I, Klenow fragment (KF), to DNA modified with AF or AAF at two locations: as a templating base or in the last formed base pair. KF binding to the modified DNA bases was also monitored to …

Age And Growth Of Three Coastal-Pelagic Tunas (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Scombridae) In The Florida Straits, Usa: Blackfin Tuna, Thunnus Atlanticus, Little Tunny, Euthynnus Alletteratus, And Skipjack Tuna, Katsuwonus Pelamis, Jessica L. Adams, David W. Kerstetter

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

Background. Understanding the life history of a species is essential for fully understanding its role within an ecosystem. However, many of the fish species of high ecological value have not been studied due to their less prominent roles in local recreational and commercial fisheries in comparison to other targeted species. These valuable fishes are also important trophic linkages between small neritic fishes and large, economically valuable apex predators. This study describes for the first time the yearly age and growth patterns of three small tuna species inhabiting South Florida (USA) waters: blackfin tuna, Thunnus atlanticus (Lesson, 1831); little tunny, …

Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, And Antimicrobial Activities And Fatty Acid Constituents Of Achillea Cappadocica Hausskn. Et Bornm., Abdulselam Ertaş, Mehmet Boğa, Nesri̇n Haşi̇mi̇, Yeter Yeşi̇l, Ahmet Ceyhan Gören, Gülaçti Topçu, Ufuk Kolak

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

This study was the first fatty acid analysis and biological activity report on an endemic Achillea species, Achillea cappadocica Hausskn. et Bornm. The major compounds in the fatty acid were identified as oleic (34.7 %), palmitic (23.1 %), and linoleic acids (20.6 %). The methanol and water extracts indicated higher ABTS cation radical scavenging activity than that of \alpha-tocopherol and BHT at 100 \mu g/mL. The acetone extract showed 70.62 % inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase at 200 \mu g/mL. The acetone and methanol extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity.

Synthesis, Anticandidal Activity, And Cytotoxicity Of Some Thiazole Derivatives With Dithiocarbamate Side Chains, Leyla Yurttaş, Yusuf Özkay, Fati̇h Demi̇rci̇, Gamze Göger, Şafak Ulusoylar Yildirim, Usama Abu Mohsen, Ömer Öztürk, Zafer Asim Kaplancikli

Turkish Journal of Chemistry

Some thiazole derivatives bearing dithiocarbamic acid esters were synthesized in order to investigate their anticandidal activity and cytotoxicity. The structures of the obtained final compounds (6a--j) were confirmed by spectral data (IR, ^1H NMR, ^{13}C NMR, and MS) and elemental analysis. The anticandidal activity of the compounds was determined (6a--j) using the microbroth dilution method and their cytotoxicity was evaluated according to the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay against normal cells. Contrary to expectations, weak antifungal activity was observed with IC_{50} values ranging between 30 and 403 \mu g/mL.

Graduate Record 2014: Dawg Nation, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

SWOSU Yearbooks

The 2014 Graduate Record was designed by SWOSU students of the Specialized Publications Class in the Communications Department.

B Cell Response And Mechanisms Of Antibody Protection To West Nile Virus, S. Kyle Austin, Kimberly A. Dowd

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

National Cave And Karst Research Institute 2013-2014 Annual Report, National Cave And Karst Research Institute

KIP Articles

No abstract provided.