College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University: DigitalCommons@CSB/SJUNot a member yet
8817 research outputs found
Sort by
Analysis of potential archaeal NER endonuclease homologs using Saccharomyces cervisiae
Get PDFThe nuclease proteins involved in eukaryotic nucleotide excision repair (NER) have been identified and are ubiquitous for most eukaryotes, including XPF (3’ endonuclease) and XPG (5’ endonuclease). Proteins with similar structures have been identified in archaeal genomes and have been shown to exhibit endonuclease activity, but their overall cellular functions have not been elucidated. The proteins Hef1 and Bax1 in archaea are two of such proteins that are candidates for homology with the XPF (Rad1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) nuclease. By inserting plasmids containing archaeal genes coding for these possible homologous nucleases into Saccharomyces cerevisiae without Rad1 gene (ΔRad1) and then exposing the cells to Ultraviolet (UV) light, NER function can be analyzed using survival rates. These experiments aim to investigate the function of these potential homologous XPF nucleases present in archaea
Fast plants and gene x environment interactions for the Biology 202 laboratory
Get PDFPhenotypic plasticity is the ability for a single genotype to produce multiple phenotypes in response to environmental variation. The phenotypic plasticity of a genotype is described by its norm of reaction, and norms of reaction for different genotypes might suggest that each is favored by a different environment. In this experiment, we established a fertility gradient and produced norms of reaction for a variety of measures of plant performance using two strains of Wisconsin Fast Plants (“Astro” and “Dwarf”). The Dwarf variety performed best at low fertility levels, while the Astro variety performed best at high fertility levels. Using these results, we predicted that if Dwarf and Astro varieties were allowed to compete, their relative success would correspond to the differences in their norms of reaction. This prediction seemed to be supported when competition involved one plant of each variety, but when two plants of each variety competed, Astro generally performed best across the fertility gradient. With further improvement, this system can provide an opportunity for students to generate and test predictions regarding phenotypic plasticity in introductory biology laboratories
Multi-tasking: The Relationship between Watching a Video and Memory
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between media multitasking and memory among undergraduate students at a small, liberal arts college in Minnesota. The participants (N=20) were randomly assigned using block randomization to either the experimental group which was asked to study a list of 20 words while watching a video clip or the control group which only studied the set of 20 words. All of the participants were given 2 minutes to study the list of 20 words and then 2 minutes to write as many words as they could recall from their memory. The participants who watched the video clip were asked to answer questions about the video to ensure the independent variable was manipulated correctly. I found that participants who media multitasked by watching a video had a more difficult time recalling words from the list compared to those in the control group (t (18) = -2.427, p-value = .026, mean difference = -4.20, and standard error difference = 2.79). These results suggest that people who media multitask while they study may have a more difficult time recalling information from their memory compared to those who do not multitask while they study information
Immigrant Voices in Conversations about Justice: A Conversation about DACA
No full textThe Latino/Latin American Studies program will host a series of three public conversations this spring with members of the Asamblea de derechos civiles.
La Asamblea de derechos civiles (The Assembly for Civil Rights) is a statewide, faith-based non-profit organization which organizes immigrants from predominantly Latino congregations in Minnesota to build power for changes in the immigration system and the underlying political and economic structures behind it
10 Plants That Changed Minnesota
No full textCome learn about the top ten plants that most shaped Minnesota and transformed how we live today
Interdependence of vascular and neural stem cells: relationship to neurological disorders
No full textScientists think there may be a molecular link between brain and blood vessel development as the two systems form along similar timelines during embryonic development. The possible interconnection of the neural and vascular environments could play an important role in both developing and adult brains, elucidating the mechanisms in developmental disorders, such as Down syndrome, and also have a role in brain recovery from stroke and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. This study examines results from this phase of the project, which is to ensure the cell populations being used, particularly the vascular cells, are expressing appropriate markers when grown in culture. This forum will cover the background and then explain how the vascular populations used are appropriate. It will continue to elaborate on the comparison of other factors expressed by vascular cells and will also look at future research directions, which will assess additional cell-type specific markers at the gene expression level and at the protein level. If there is an interdependence between the vascular and neural environments, differences in the vascular microenvironment could have an impact on neural development and adult neural stability and repair. This could affect the development of new therapeutics and testing assays at the intersection of basic and translational research as well as on the understanding of neural diseases overall
Not Quite Calvinist: Cyril Lucaris a Reconsideration of His Life and Beliefs
Get PDFCyril Lucaris is primarily remembered as an Eastern Orthodox patriarch who held Calvinist beliefs. A more nuanced view is gained from often ignored facets of his life and times, the extant letters he wrote, and in recognition of various possible interpretations of the existing evidence. This paper, challenging common misconceptions about Lucaris, explores three main areas relevant to this discussion: his biographical influences, his beliefs and their development, and his own intentions and self-understanding of his relationships with Protestants. The result shows a man engaged in a world influenced by Western theological developments from the Reformation, fostering friendships as he thought beneficial, trying to make sense of the Christian faith upon being confronted by questions and categories foreign to Eastern Orthodoxy, and striving to determine what might be harmful accretions and superstitions and what was essential and proper, working toward the betterment of the struggling church that was his charge
The Liberating Christ: From the Gospel of Matthew to Modern Day Liberation
Get PDFThe author of the Gospel of Matthew, staying true to the usage of the word in Greek and Hebrew culture, uses the word shepherd as a direct critique of the Roman social structures that oppressed and marginalized the majority of the Empire during the time of Christ and the time of the writing of the Gospel. This direct confrontation is a timeless call, present in modern day liberation theology, as Christians are called to confront unjust social structures and distill hope in the lives of the oppressed and marginalized members of society by making God’s promises of Gustavo Gutiérrez’ utopia known