Digital Commons Network^™

Sub Cellular Localization Of A Putative Single Stranded Dna Binding Protein From Arabidopsis Thaliana, Andrew C. Edmondson, Dr. Brent L. Nielsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

DNA recombination is the exchange of segments between homologous pieces of DNA, resulting in variations in genetic diversity. Recombination provides essential genetic variation, but can also cause harmful rearrangements, resulting in genetic disorders in mammals, plants and yeast. DNA recombination in plant mitochondria is supported by a variety of evidence, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Due to evidence of an evolutionary relationship between bacteria and mitochondria, a RecA mechanism has been proposed for mitochondrial recombination. This is supported by a similar mechanism in chloroplasts.

Analysis Of The Binding Of Sox9 To Enhancer Regions In The Col11a2 Gene By In Vivo Cross-Linking, Alisha Clinger, Dr. Laura Clark Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Improper development of collagen is the cause for many cartilage-based diseases, including osteoarthritis as wells as various skeletal disorders. The Col11a2 (type XI collagen á2 subunit) gene is critical to cartilage development and is necessary for cartilage cells to be able to perform their specific functions (1,5). The development of collagen is controlled by the regulation of various collagen genes by specific proteins. Certain proteins bind to regions in the DNA called enhancers and promoters and this activates the gene. Dr. Laura Bridgewater’s laboratory at Brigham Young University has analyzed three enhancer regions for the Col11a2 gene. Each of these …

The Effect Of Selenium And Thyroid Hormones On Body Composition In Male Rats, Merrill J. Christensen, Dr. Brian Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Introduction Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral needed by the body in extremely small amounts. The main sources of Se in the diet are vegetables and meats. Selenium is incorporated in the enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx). GPx is an antioxidant that scavenges hydrogen peroxide and other organic peroxides to protect the body from oxidative damage.

Selenium Alters Nf- B-Regulated Gene Expression In Human Prostate Cancer Cells, Aimee L. Taylor, Dr. Merrill J. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The American Cancer Society estimates that prostate cancer will account for 30% of new cancers in men, totaling over 189,000 new cases, with 30,200 deaths in 2002 (1). Because of its high prevalence and long latency time prostate cancer is an ideal candidate for chemoprevention (2). Recent research suggests an inverse relationship between high dietary selenium (Se) intake or status and risk for prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms for Se’s protective effects against prostate cancer have not yet been determined. This project focused sharply on a single mechanism by which Se may alter gene expression and affect risk for prostate …

Histology: A Student’S Comprehensive Lab Manual And Corresponding Cd, Jon Christopher Kerr, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to provide a comprehensive and accurate text for the study of histology–the microscopic study of cells and tissues. In order to facilitate this study, appropriate text corresponding to over 400 histological images was prepared. This manual explains the images, defines and describes the histological and physiological significance of the tissues, and provides an avenue to better understanding of the functions and mechanisms of the human body. Accompanying this manual is a computer-generated program incorporating histological slides, explanatory notes, mock quizzes, tests and a review section. To further augment the learning process, mock quizzes (in …

Identification Of The Activator Proteins For The Dna-Protein Interaction Of A Primary Cartilage Enhancer, L. Daniel Holsinger, Dr. Laura Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Abstract: The Human col11 2 gene is responsible for the production of type XI collagen, one of the three components of the collagen triple helix. Disruption of this gene results in varied problems including dwarfism, osteoarthritis and possibly cleft palate. In order to understand more about this gene, a series of experiments were carried out to identify proteins involved in its expression in cartilage-producing Chondrocytes. More specifically, based on what was learned in previous research, efforts were made to isolate the DNA sequences that encode those proteins acting as activators of three known enhancer elements in Chondrocyte cells. Using …

Premature Onset Of Osteoarthritis Due To A Col11a1 Gene Mutation, Victoria Ryder, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cartilage collagen mutations can alter the load-bearing properties of articular cartilage (AC), possibly leading to premature osteoarthritis. AC consists mainly of types II, VI, IX, X, and XI collagen.1 Collagen fibrils in AC are heteropolymers of types II, IX, and XI collagen2. Type II is the major constituent, making up 95% of the fibril, while types IX and XI are minor components. Collagen fibrillar meshwork is essential as it gives AC its structural and tensile strength. Type XI collagen plays a role in dictating fibril diameter, thus playing a role in the AC’s strength. Mutations in the Col11a1 gene can …

Identifying Protein-Binding Sites In The Enhancer Region Of The Col11a2 Gene, Trevor Ellison, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

An enhancer is a DNA sequence that regulates a gene’s expression. It is the binding of proteins to a gene’s enhancer region (at its protein-binding sites) that regulates that gene’s expression in the cell. The Col11a2 gene is activated almost solely in chondrocytes (cartilage cells) (Lui et al., 1995) through this same type of protein binding. The Col11a2 gene is responsible, in part, for the formation of type XI collagen. Mutations in this gene have been shown to cause abnormalities ranging from skeletal deformities to hearing loss.

2013 Unh/Noaa Joint Hydrographic Center Performance And Progress Report, Larry A. Mayer, Noaa-Unh Joint Hydrographic Center (Jhc/Ccom)

Progress Reports

Report Period: 01/01/2013 – 12/31/2013

Arabidopsis Accelerated Cell Death 11, Acd11, Is A Ceramide-1-Phosphate Transfer Protein And Intermediary Regulator Of Phytoceramide Levels, Dhirendra K. Simanshu, Xiuhong Zhai, David Munch, Daniel Hofius, Jennifer E. Markham, Jacek Bielawski, Alicja Bielawska, Lucy Malinina, Julian G. Molotkovsky, John W. Mundy, Dinshaw J. Patel, Rhoderick E. Brown

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

The accelerated cell death 11 (acd11) mutant of Arabidopsis provides a genetic model for studying immune response activation and localized cellular suicide that halt pathogen spread during infection in plants. Here, we elucidate ACD11 structure and function and show that acd11 disruption dramatically alters the in vivo balance of sphingolipid mediators that regulate eukaryotic-programmed cell death. In acd11 mutants, normally low ceramide-1- phosphate (C1P) levels become elevated, but the relatively abundant cell death inducer phytoceramide rises acutely. ACD11 exhibits selective intermembrane transfer of C1P and phyto-C1P. Crystal structures establish C1P binding via a surface-localized, phosphate headgroup recognition center …

Emu Today, January 30, 2014, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Today

No abstract provided.

The Daily Gamecock, Thursday, January 30, 2014, University Of South Carolina, Office Of Student Media

January

No abstract provided.

Detection And Assay Of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Utilizing Uv/Vis Spectrophotometer And Citric Acid Buffer, Ronald Bartzatt, Michelle Lee Follis

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Aims: Riboflavin is a B vitamin that is required for a wide variety of cellular processes. The absorbance spectrum of riboflavin was determined at different pH utilizing several buffers. The buffer at pH demonstrating table absorbance peaks with high numerical values of molar absorptivity is followed by accurate and sensitive assay of riboflavin by spectrophotometer. Study Design: The absorbance spectrum of riboflavin is determined in an aqueous buffer at various pH values. After identifying the absorbance peaks providing maximal molar absorptivity the assay of riboflavin in the identical buffer was undertaken. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Durham …

The Guardian, January 30, 2014, Wright State University Student Body

The Guardian Student Newspaper

Twelve page issue of The Guardian, the official student-run newspaper for Wright State University. The Guardian has been published regularly since March of 1965.

Roubaud's Circus: Playing With Words And Animals In Les Animaux De Tout Le Monde, Miranda R. Mueller

Master's Theses

It is commonly held that there is a solid, defined line existing between men and animals. This thesis explores the ideological boundary and, through a close examination of Jacques Roubaud’s collection of poetry Les animaux de tout le monde, imagines the line as a fluid structure that can be broken, approached, and multiplied.

In a circus theme following the playful style of Roubaud’s own verses, I include several close readings of poems as well as an analysis of Roubaud’s influence from Lewis Carroll’s nonsense genre, the Fables of Jean de la Fontaine, and Medieval bestiaries in order to create a …

The Diamond, January 30, 2014, Dordt College

Dordt Diamond

• Front Page: Douma Exceeds Goals; International Students Reflect on First Semester; Theatre Experiences
• News: Basketball Success; Transfers Welcomed; Drissell Pursues New Art Endeavor; Actors Recognized; Making a Difference in Tanzania; Online Courses Bring Both Advantages and Struggles; Dordt Fulfills Mission; AMOR Built Relationships, Served Communities; Jazz Band and Orchestra Improved Through Tour
• Opinion: Jeremy Jabber; May I Suggest?; Lee's Advice; We're Back... It's Weird...
• Sports: Van Dyke Concludes Basketball Career; Dordt Track and Field Strives to Build Team and Make Nationals
• Arts and Entertainment: Senior Production Doubt Will Stimulate Conversation; Florence Portfolio Gallery Themed Around Sacrifice
• The Back Page: Movie …

2014-January-30-Museum To Offer Lecture By Dr. Audrey Depelteau On Climate Change, University Marketing And Communications, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

No abstract provided.

Finding The Missing Honey Bee Genes: Lessons Learned From A Genome Upgrade., Christine G. Elsik, Kim C. Worley, Anna K. Bennett, Martin Beye, Francisco Camara, Christopher P. Childers, Dirk C. De Graaf, Griet Debyser, Jixin Deng, Bart Devreese, Eran Elhaik, Jay D. Evans, Leonard J. Foster, Dan Graur, Roderic Guigo, Hgsc Production Teams, Katharina Jasmin Hoff, Michael E. Holder, Matthew E. Hudson, Greg Hunt, Huaiyang Jiang, Vandita Joshi, Radhika S. Khetani, Peter Kosarev, Christie L. Kovar, Jian Ma, Ryszard Maleszka, Robin Fa Moritz, Monica C. Munoz-Torres, Terence D. Murphy, Donna M. Muzny, Irene F. Newsham, Justin T. Reese, Hugh M. Robertson, Gene E. Robinson, Olav Rueppell, Victor Solovyev, Mario Stanke, Eckart Stolle, Jennifer M. Tsuruda, Matthias Van Vaerenbergh, Robert M. Waterhouse, Daniel B. Weaver, Charles W. Whitfield, Yuanqing Wu, Evgeny M. Zdobnov, Lan Zhang, Dianhui Zhu, Richard A. Gibbs

Department of Entomology Faculty Publications

Background

The first generation of genome sequence assemblies and annotations have had a significant impact upon our understanding of the biology of the sequenced species, the phylogenetic relationships among species, the study of populations within and across species, and have informed the biology of humans. As only a few Metazoan genomes are approaching finished quality (human, mouse, fly and worm), there is room for improvement of most genome assemblies. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) genome, published in 2006, was noted for its bimodal GC content distribution that affected the quality of the assembly in some regions and for …

A Systems Approach To Designing Next Generation Vaccines: Combining A-Galactose Modified Antigens With Nanoparticle Platforms, Yashdeep Phanse, Brenda R. Carrillo-Conde, Amanda E. Ramer-Tait, Scott Broderick, Chang Sun Kong, Krishna Rajan, Ramon Flick, Robert B. Mandell, Balaji Narasimhan, Michael J. Wannemeuhler

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Innovative vaccine platforms are needed to develop effective countermeasures against emerging and re-emerging diseases. These platforms should direct antigen internalization by antigen presenting cells and promote immunogenic responses. This work describes an innovative systems approach combining two novel platforms, aGalactose (aGal)-modification of antigens and amphiphilic polyanhydride nanoparticles as vaccine delivery vehicles, to rationally design vaccine formulations. Regimens comprising soluble aGal-modified antigen and nanoparticle-encapsulated unmodified antigen induced a high titer, high avidity antibody response with broader epitope recognition of antigenic peptides than other regimen. Proliferation of antigen-specific CD4⁺ T cells was also enhanced compared to a traditional adjuvant. Combining the …

Mitochondrial Diversity Supports Multiple Origins For Invasive Pigs, Blake E. Mccann, Mathew J. Malek, Robert A. Newman, Brandon S. Schmit, Seth R. Swafford, Richard A. Sweitzer, Rebecca B. Simmons

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Our objective was to identify and evaluate mitochondrial diversity of wild pigs in the United States (U.S.). We obtained tissue samples from 81 individual pigs in 30 U.S. states and amplified a 403 basepair region of mitochondrial DNA. We then downloaded overlapping sequences (n¼904) from public repositories to create a global reference. We used parsimony and Bayesian techniques to evaluate phylogenetic relationships, and we used origins of published sequences from Eurasian wild boar to establish a phylogeographic reference. We then compared gene and nucleotide diversity measures for introduced pigs in North America with those of domestic swine, Eurasian wild boar, …

Sequence Analysis Of Hiv Quasi Species In Vivo, Eryn Barber Hadley, Dr. Greg Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is currently no cure for HIV infection, and AIDS has been reported as the fourth highest killer in the world [1]. The initial success of the drug cocktail used in Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) has made the possibility of a cure for AIDS seem attainable, however the persistence of virus reservoirs makes this extremely difficult and leads to a rebound of viral load [2]. The known reservoirs of HIV include latently infected T cells, macrophages and follicular dendritic cells.

Survey Of Calyx Gland Morphology In Navarrettia (Polemoniaceae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Taina Matheson, Dr. Leigh Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Many flowering plants possess small epidermal hairs and glands. The variation in these features has been used to infer relationships among plant groups. The Phlox family (Polemoniaceae) is one such group. Many species in this family are described as having “woolly or arachnose hairs.” These hairs are present in many taxa that are considered to be unrelated, however, and may not be structurally identical. Thus, it may be unrealistic to score these features the same in phylogenetic analyses. First, we need to accurately describe the variation that is present. The genus Gilia has historically been used as a sort of …

Analysis Of Microvesicles To Determine Susceptibility To The Enzyme Phospholipase A2, Brent Brimhall, Joseph Callister

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Microvesicles are small membrane-bound spheres released from certain cells undergoing the decay process. Little is known today about their properties and function at the cellular level. It is hypothesized that microvesicles play a role in cancer metastasis through the action of metalloproteinases enclosed within these spheres. Metalloproteinases are enzymes that act to break up the extracellular matrix of cells. This matrix serves as a type of glue that holds groups of cells together. Without this extracellular matrix in place cells are allowed to break free and migrate to other places of the body. In the case of cancerous cells this …

Fc Receptors In Hiv Trapping And Retention On Follicular Dendritic Cells, Daniel Willis, Dr. Gregory Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The development of HighlyActive Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) against the HIV virus created a temporary excitement regarding a possible cure for HIV. This optimism resulted due to the fact that HAART blocked active HIV replication and reduced the level of HIV in the bloodstream to below standard limits of detection. However, it was soon discovered that HIV blood levels were restored shortly after cessation of HAART. This led to the discovery of HIV reservoirs, or sites where latent virus is harbored. It is this harbored virus that actively replicates and replenishes HIV viral loads when HAART is discontinued.

Population Genetic Analysis Of Astacopsis Gouldi., Aaron Madsen, Dr. Keith Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Astacopsis gouldi has been known to weigh up to 6 kg, and live for as long as 60 years (Horwitz and Hamr, 1988). However, fishing pressure, as well as habitat destruction and pollution have had detrimental effects on A. gouldi populations. The populations of the species in accessible rivers have declined, as have the number of males reaching sexual maturity. These factors led to the placement of A. gouldi on the endangered species list in 1996 (IUCN, 1996). Conservationists are considering the relocation of crayfish from populations in more remote rivers and streams where the decline in numbers has been …

Multiple Paternity In Podocnemis Expansa Of The Orinoco Basin, R Brigham Dastrup, Devon Pearse, Dr. Jack W. Sites

Journal of Undergraduate Research

On June 2, 1970, the turtle Podocnemis expansa was designated as endangered throughout its entire range by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The turtle is known to exist in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America.ⁱ Conservation efforts continue to try and preserve the species. Additionally, several studies have been conducted to increase the knowledge base about P. expansa, including many aimed at better understanding their behavior. This knowledge could be critical in conservation efforts.

Treesaap: A Phylogenetic Approach To Identifying Selective Influences On Amino Acid Properties, Steven Woolley, Dr. David Mcclellan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The program TreeSAAP measures the selective influences on several structural and biochemical amino acid properties during phylogenesis (the history of genealogical development) and performs goodness-of-fit and categorical statistical tests.

Effects Of Protein Ratio And Concentration On Nitrogenase Catalyzed Substrate Reduction, Kyrsten Ann Crawford, Dr. Gerald D. Watt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Although the earth’s atmosphere is approximately 80% nitrogen (N₂) gas, this form of nitrogen is inert and must be reduced and “fixed” into a useable form of nitrogen through the process of nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is an important biological process in the earth’s nitrogen cycle because it provides nutrient nitrogen for plants and animals. The enzyme responsible for conducting nitrogen fixation is nitrogenase, which is found only in certain diazotrophic microorganisms. Nitrogenase is also capable of reducing protons (H⁺) and small substrates that have a terminal triple bond, such as acetylene (C₂H_{2 …}

Follicular Dendritic Cells (Fdcs) And Sparing Of Cd4+ T Cells From Hiv/Cd62l Triggered Apoptosis, Devon C. Cole, Dr. Grey Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Both B and T lymphocytes intimately interact with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in lymphoid follicles of secondary lymphoid tissue (e.g., spleen, lymph node, and tonsils). FDCs trap and retain antigens needed to induce and maintain potent memory antibody responses. FDCs contribute both antigen dependent and independent signals to B lymphocytes residing in the microenviroment of germinal centers in secondary lymphoid tissue, which contributes to the optimal activation of these cells as well as T lymphocytes. One important contribution of FDCs to B lymphocytes is signaling that spares these cells from programmed cell death. As B cells differentiate in germinal centers, …

The Effects Of Phorbol Esters On Cotton Tail Rabbit Papillomas, Cory Funk, Dr. Richard Robison

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Papillomas are virus-induced benign tumors or lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, more commonly known as warts. Most everyone has personally experienced a papilloma virus infection at some point in his or her life. We normally do not think of warts as a health concern because they do not affect our general health. Although this is true for most papillomas, it is not the case with many types of genital warts. It has been well documented that genital warts caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) types such as 16, 18 and 31 are directly linked to malignant cancers (3, …