College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
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Investigating TRAIL Sensitivity in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Get PDFOvarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy in the United States. While these tumors may have a promising initial response to platinum-based chemotherapies, the patient’s prognosis is commonly hindered by the development of platinum resistant cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been implicated as a potential treatment for many cancers based on its tumor selective nature. Combination therapies with TRAIL and platinum drugs have been shown to increase apoptosis and have been used in a variety of clinical trials, which have thus far failed to pass phase II.1 Researchers have not yet elucidated the complex mechanism(s) of TRAIL sensitivity. The objective of the following experiments was to investigate TRAIL sensitivity in paired isogenic platinum resistant and sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines. TRAIL induced cell death quantification, death receptor quantification, and protein analysis was carried out. While all platinum resistant cell lines (A2780 CP200, IGROV1 CP, PEO4, and ABTR2) were sensitive to TRAIL, their isogenic platinum sensitive counterparts (A2780, IGROV1, and PEO1) are much less sensitive. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of sensitivity in the platinum-resistant lines, known mediators of the TRAIL induced killing pathway were quantified. TRAIL treatment should be considered for ovarian cancer patients who have experienced relapse after platinum-based chemotherapy
Characterizing The Crawling Mechanism of Larval Drosophila Melanogaster
Get PDFThroughout neuroscience, many model organisms are used to characterize human neurological systems. The reason for the use of model organisms is both the immense complexity of the human nervous system, and the ethical roadblocks of performing proper scientific research on a human functioning human subject. Some of the model organisms which are commonly used by neuroscientists are Drosophila melanogaster, Crab STG, and C. elegans. All of these organisms contain a relatively simple nervous system, but still contain enough similarities to provide us with valuable data that could pertain to our own nervous systems. In basic nervous systems, the effect of central pattern generators (CPGs) is very prevalent. CPGs are formed through a compact, direct neural circuit, allowing for the nervous system to subconsciously perform rudimentary movements. While there is speculation over whether or not humans have CPGs, we see concrete evidence among other species, such as cats and Drosophila larvae. The fact that these condensed neural circuits can control movement usually attributed to voluntary control is also supported by the fact that a requirement of CPGs is to have a rhythmic pattern that allows for a general resetting of the system to initial conditions. The research conducted here pertains to the interneurons of larval motor muscles, as we are identifying which interneurons are essential for the crawling mechanism
Running Interest in Minnesota Cities
Get PDFRunning, while often portrayed as an approachable sport, can be difficult to begin to do as shoes and races can be fairly expensive. Other people and groups of people can be discouraged from running for social reasons. Studying how running interest correlates to demographic information can give insight into why people do not express interest in running. This information was studied specifically in the state of Minnesota, in cities with populations larger than 50,000 people. Using available census data for these cities, and the US Track and Field website of running routes these two factors were compared to each other. The number of running routes per city was mapped both normalized for population and not, and the number of routes was compared to the gender, race, and age demographics of the city
北方領土問題
Get PDFTalking about the historical Kuril Island dispute between Russia and Japan in Japanese only. This is for JAPN 312 class
Sythesis and Characterization of a Model Multicopper Oxidase
Get PDFMulticopper oxidases (MCO’s) possess an unusual trinuclear copper that catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to water. However, the mechanism of oxygen reduction is unclear. To elucidate the mechanism of oxygen reduction, this study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a model of the copper active site. Research in biomimetic chemistry seeks to design models that replicate the structure of enzymes in a much smaller molecule. This model, because it is smaller, is easier to characterize, so intense study in models lend evidence toward the behavior of their respective enzymes. The model in this research study uses a novel copper (I) complex with a new ligand based on the tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligand family where nitrogen-based donors are employed to replicate the histidine bases in these MCO’s. This ligand is synthesized from a 1,3,5-triethylbenzene derivative so the ethyl groups force the nitrogen ligand branches to adopt a conformation that brings the nitrogenous bases in close proximity, mimicking enzymatic structure. NMR analysis showed production of the desired ligand, but the ligand has proven difficult to purify from its mono- and bis- functionalized derivatives. Future research will focus on isolating the ligand and improving yield of the synthesis. Once pure ligand is obtained, addition of copper and crystallization of the resulting complex to precisely determine its structure will follow
Cultural Conversion and Language Preservation: Support and Subversion of Federal Assimilation Policies at a Benedictine Mission in Minnesota
Get PDFIn 1878, the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB) established a mission school at the White Earth Reservation in central Minnesota. Contracting with the federal government to assimilate Ojibway children into American culture and the (Catholic) Christian religion, OSB furthered the goals of conversion—but altered them to fit the specific aims of the Catholic church and the limitations of the reservation. Contrary to federal policies, they supported the preservation of the Ojibway language. This project investigates archival records to better understand how OSB both supported and subverted federal policies
Hidden Amongst the Crowd: Experiences of Students from Underrepresented Religions and Denominations
Get PDFThis research addresses the lived experiences of students from underrepresented religions and denominations at a small Catholic college. There has been increased interest in promoting inclusive practices in higher education around race, ethnicity, gender. An article published in 2012 by Bowman and Smedley, outlines the dissatisfaction of college students from marginalized religions on campuses where they do not identify with the majority religion. This research seeks to expand the research to include religion, particularly at institutions with religious affiliation.Using ethnographic research methods, including participant observations and semi-structured interviews, this research explores student understandings, experiences and practices of religion as well as the institutional involvement, support and perspective religious inclusivity. Adapting an applied framework, this research, seeks make suggestions regarding fostering a more inclusive campus environment