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Cultural Similarities and Differences of Ecuador
Get PDFWhile still in the midst of their study abroad experiences, students at Linfield College write reflective essays. Their essays address issues of cultural similarity and difference, compare lifestyles, mores, norms, and habits between their host countries and home, and examine changes in perceptions about their host countries and the United States. In this essay, Grace Milner describes her observations during her study abroad program at the University of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador
The Big One
Get PDFEarthquakes large and small set off seismographs almost daily on the West Coast. And in Oregon, we’re used to the idea that a catastrophic quake isn’t a question of “if,” but “when.
Yeast Copper Proteins and Reactive Oxygen Species in Effecting Lifespan
Get PDFMitochondria are essential organelles in most eukaryotic cells because of their role in metabolism and the production of ATP by the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway, as well as other key cellular processes. Metal cofactors, such as copper (Cu) and iron (Fe), are incorporated into OXPHOS protein complexes of yeast located within the inner membrane of the mitochondria. Misincorporation or modulation of these available metals in mitochondrial enzymes leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are reactive molecules containing oxygen such as peroxides, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Yeast are a good model for studying aging and the effect of ROS on lifespan because they are easy to grow, and many of the genes and proteins involved in determining yeast lifespan are conserved in humans and other mammals.
Mitochondrial OXPHOS protein complexes are the primary site of superoxide formation. A primary defense of free radical damage is the neutralization of superoxide by the enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), which requires copper and zinc (Zn) as cofactors. Copper is additionally utilized in the OXPHOS complex cytochrome c oxidase as an electron transferring group. Our first aim was to investigate the role of copper in the production of mitochondrial ROS as a part of normal aerobic respiration utilizing a yeast model. Specifically, we worked to quantify the effect of exogenous copper treatment on the relative protein expression of copper-dependent cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunits and overall COX complex assembly. Our previous work has indicated a protective behavior of copper treatment on yeast lifespan, and we propose this is due to copper inducing more robust electron movement through a more functional electron transport chain (ETC) complexes. Improved efficacy of the ETC is thought to minimize premature electron leakage to oxygen and lessen mitochondrial ROS levels. We showed that addition of 0.25 mM copper to yeast media increases lifespan of wild type (WT) and lys7Δ cells, but the addition of 0.25 mM copper to the media only effects the growth of sod1Δ yeast cells in the short term. During this granting period we performed protein analysis of mitochondrial proteins showing an increase in subunits 1, 2, and 4 of Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase, CcO) of the ETC. Our second aim was to determine how copper levels, ROS levels, and enzyme activity are related during yeast chronological aging. We are able to use biochemical staining assays utilizing fluorescent molecules to detect and quantify ROS levels. Specifically, we can track superoxide generation via dihydroethidium (DHE) with some of our results presented in Figure 1. We are also able to use live cell imaging via fluorescent microscopy to assess superoxide levels again using DHE, and an additional mitochondrial specific stain MitoSox (Molecular Probes).
Future directions are to increase the yeast lifespan experimental length and to determine effects of copper on protein activity via in-gel analysis, and at the level of transcription level for respiratory proteins. This work hopes to contribute to our understanding of the copper-utilizing components of this mitochondrial pathway, and this metal’s impact on local ROS production. Ultimately, we will also use both spectroscopy and live cell imaging via fluorescent microscopy to assess superoxide levels in multiple yeast strains as well as in the presence and absence of copper. Our results will provide insight into the role of ROS in aging as we quantify levels during yeast lifespan
In Our Own Words: Institutional Betrayals
Get PDFWhen Dr. Reshmi Dutt-Ballerstadt, professor of English at Linfield College, asked a large group of underrepresented faculty members why they left their higher education institutions, they told her the real reasons for their departures — those that climate surveys don\u27t capture.
This essay originally appeared as part of Conditionally Accepted, a career advice blog for Inside Higher Ed providing news, information, personal stories, and resources for scholars who are, at best, conditionally accepted in academe. Conditionally Accepted is an anti-racist, pro-feminist, pro-queer, anti-transphobic, anti-fatphobic, anti-ableist, anti-ageist, anti-classist, and anti-xenophobic online community
crisscrossing Science Episode 092: Coronavirus
No full textIn this episode, Mike Crosser (professor of physics at Linfield College) and Chad Tillberg (professor of biology at Linfield College) discuss the recent outbreak of a coronavirus now being called COVID-19. Crosser and Tillberg unpack some of the science, including what a coronavirus is and why this one is noteworthy
Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Grant Report
No full textThe project focused on elucidating the mechanism by which cancer-associated variants of Mre11 alter alternative non-homologous end-joining (aNHEJ) repair activity. This project seeks to understand the potential role of cancer-associated variants of DNA repair genes (such as Mre11) in inducing genomic instability. Mutations in Mre11 genes can have a significant impact on cancer prognosis and treatment. Our data from the summer suggests that the three variants of Mre11 are sensitive to bleomycin (BLM) and etoposide and have accumulated double strands breaks (DSBs). This indicates Mre11 variants induce genomic instability. Importantly, our results suggest that the status of Mre11 variants can influence treatment of tumors with BLM and etoposide. Work is ongoing to characterize how the Mre11 variants alter DSB repair mechanisms. Our study will enhance the basic mechanistic understanding of cancer biology and how the DNA repair status of germlines and somatic cells of individuals influences tumorigenesis and therapy
Underfunded, Understaffed, Overachieving: The Experiences of College Journalists across the Country in a Changing Media Field
Get PDFThis feature piece on college journalists at student newspapers across the country highlights the importance of their work and the challenges they face. Student journalists interviewed range from students at small, private liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest to students at larger campuses at state colleges in the south and west. Subjects interviewed emphasized the lack of funding as one of the main obstacles facing their ability to do their work, and how pivotal the experience is in pursuing their careers
Examining the Impacts of Environmental Variations and Farming Practices on Wine Grapevine Microbiomes
No full textMicrobiomes can be found everywhere in the world and contribute to many organisms\u27 metabolism processes. The microbiomes found on vineyards, including bacterial and fungal species, have been suggested to influence the terroir of wine produced from the plants. We hypothesized that geographic location and farming practices of vineyards would both impact what bacterial and fungal communities are present. Vineyards sampled were paired based on Willamette Valley American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and opposing farming practices. DNA was extracted from grapes and soil from Pinot Noir blocks sampled from each location in order to identify resident microbiomes. It was found that fungal communities showed significant difference when comparing vineyards by AVAs, while bacterial communities showed significant difference when comparing farming methods. From this investigation, it can be revealed that specific characteristics of vineyards can determine what unique features may be present in local microbiomes. Further research can show how these differences in bacterial and fungal communities result in unique wines in the Willamette Valley
Demonstrating Painting
No full textDemonstrating Painting, an acrylic painting in progress on canvas.
Artist\u27s Statement
This exhibit explores spaces that are not clearly defined. I look to convey images (as well as the entire gallery space) that contain and hold power that is difficult to put a finger on. The concept seems simple--find inspiration and get on the PATH. Traveling from theory to practice however, generally involves uncertainty and change. The direction is bound to deviate.
I attempt to inspire awe with my art. I cultivate a bold imagination, and I am always open to breaking the rules. The struggle, frequently, is to say enough but not too much. Intelligence appears within the materials and the moment. I attempt to listen and to be a channel. I undulate and move through space as does the SKY. I listen and pause until the moment is right. I begin with very little direction regarding images. Observation followed by questions. Answers eventually arrive and I feel as if I am a small boy making a new discovery. If I listen close enough and/or long enough I am moved as if I was in a DREAM.
I enjoy the process. Depending on the media, I sometimes work with deconstructed and reconstructed images, organic lines and forms. Carving requires time and is extremely physical. Painting can happen in a moment. Additive and/or subtractive treatments become very fluid. The challenges and rewards are unimaginable.
Being a maker is central to my core and I find it incredibly necessary for life. Working in a variety of media is a great way to inform ourselves about abilities, strong points or weaknesses. In this exhibit I am exploring painting and ceramics which are both new twists for me. As for “next moves,” I would also like to try weaving and dying natural materials.
I hope this show encourages students (and we’re all students) who struggle to find their voice, or who do not yet understand just how much freedom we have as artists.https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/arts_path/1004/thumbnail.jp