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Fatty Acid Uptake in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mutant mon2Δ
No full textThe yeast MON2 gene product is a scaffolding protein involved in vesicular budding on the trans-Golgi membrane. We have found that the mon2Δ mutant shows increased growth sensitivity to undecylenic acid (11:1Δ10), a medium chain unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), compared to wild type cells under the same growth conditions. In order to better understand this effect, we examined wild type and mutant mon2Δ responses in unsupplemented, 18:2Δ9,12, and 11:1Δ10 fed conditions. We have found that when Mon2p is absent, it results in altered molecular responses to 11:1Δ10 supplementation: the mon2 deletion results in small but significant changes in the fatty acid profile; differential localization of BODIPY 500/510 C1, C12, a fluorescent fatty acid analog; decreased expression of OLE1, which encodes the delta-9-desaturase; and, altered rates of fatty acid uptake. These changes result in decreased synthesis of endogenous UFAs, which may be responsible for the 11:1Δ10 toxicity. These findings suggest a role for Mon2p in the uptake and trafficking of exogenous medium chain fatty acids, possibly through vesicle transport
The Production of Monoclonal Antibodies to VACM-1/Cullin 5
No full textVasopressin-activated calcium mobilizing receptor 1 (VACM-1/Cullin 5) is a 780-amino acid membrane protein that inhibits cellular proliferation and has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor. We propose to produce monoclonal antibodies to VACM-1/cul5. We will immunize Balb/c mice with purified VACM-1 and a KLH-conjugated peptide corresponding to the amino-terminal sequence of the protein. Spleen cells from mice expressing antibody titers over 1:30,000 will be fused with mouse myeloma cells, and hybrids will be screened for monoclonal antibody secretion using an ELISA assay. To date we have purified VACM-1 protein, prepared the conjugated peptide, and optimized the ELISA assay. Production of monoclonal antibody against VACM-1/cul5 will provide us with a novel tool to better characterize its expression in cancer cell lines and in tumor samples
Phylogenetic and Phytochemical Studies of Apios (Fabaceae)
No full textApios is a perennial herbaceous plant genus of 6-10 species, all of which have pinnately compound leaves with milky sap in the petioles and young shoots. Some species have edible tubers that contain high level of protein and isoflavones (e.g., genistein) that may be beneficial to human health and cancer treatment. Geographically, Apios shows a disjunct distribution between eastern North America and eastern Asia. In this study we aimed at examining interspecific relationships of Apios, estimating the time of formation of the intercontinental disjunction, and determining whether genistein occurs in all species of Apios. Our results suggest that the two North American species are more closely related to each other than either is to the Asian species, and their ancestral populations may have migrated from Asia. All species tested produce genistein, which occurs mostly in the tubers
DNA Sequence Specific Recognition by Building Block Hx Polyamides
No full textAnalogs of the naturally occurring product distamycin bind DNA in stacked anti-parallel dimers with a high affinity and specificity towards their target sequences. Novel polyamides containing Hx moieties exhibit fluorescence, which allows these molecules to be tracked in cells. Hx behaves as two consecutive pyrrole units and is A/T sequence specific. In an effort to optimize the curvature of our compounds we have developed the “Building Block” model in which we have altered the location of the Hx moiety within the molecule to determine the order that produces the most ideal curvature. The present phase of the model involves placing the Hx moiety in the middle of the triamide preceded by a phenyl group and followed by either a pyrrole or imidazole unit. The focus of this research is directed toward the development of Hx polyamides designed to target specific DNA sequences found in the promoters of genes
Mapping the Nonlinearity of Superconductive Passive Circuits
No full textThe nonlinear response of High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) microwave resonator samples of Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (TBCCO) and YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) on LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates was analyzed around the transition temperature (Tc). Nonlinearity is an undesirable response in commercially-produced superconductors that can potentially be minimized through the understanding of its effects through our investigation. HTS microstrip lines were examined with a travelling microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the dimensions, geometry, and edge structures of each sample, and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) was used to verify the material composition. Multi-tone measurements of even and odd order intermodulation distortion (IMD) currents were performed utilizing a simultaneous and synchronous measurement technique developed at Hope College. Around their respective Tcs, resonators of the two material systems exhibited different even and odd order IMD currents. The degree to which the superconducting current breaks time reversal symmetry (TRSB) is revealed by the ratio of the 2nd and 3rd order IMD levels. In YBCO samples, this ratio steadily decreased with increasing temperature, but then rapidly increased through Tc, indicating a considerable amount of TRSB. TBCCO showed a steady decrease in this ratio, as well, with increasing temperature, but did not show any indication of a rise in TRSB whilst approaching Tc. In TBCCO, 3rd order IMD exhibited a peak around Tc which is consistent with the nonlinear Meissner effect. TBCCO also appears to show nonlinearity past Tc much more than does YBCO, indicating the possibility of quantum mechanical fluctuations: a phenomenon associated with anisotropic superconductivity
Venture Capital and Valuation: the Importance of the External Landscape
No full textVenture capitalists evaluate start-up companies as potential investments through complex decision processes in environments characterized by high levels of uncertainty. Previous research on valuation and venture capital focuses on the role of networks in the valuation process, as well as the emphasis on ventures as standalone entities, specifically in the dimensions of team, market, and proof of concept. Through a qualitative method consisting of 16 semi-structured interviews, we have discovered that the external landscape is a very important factor that often receives only implicit recognition in both previous literature and the thoughts of VCs themselves. Our data suggests that the external landscape has a heavy effect on the start-up companies it interacts with, and is a very important evaluative factor. We think that approaching valuation problems from this more holistic viewpoint is more true to the actual context that VCs inhabit, and it is an important component missing in both the literature and common current practices in the venture capital industry
Femoroacetabular Impingement in a Collegiate Athlete with Subsequent Labral Pathology: An Overview of Surgical Care and Rehabilitation for Return to Competition
No full textFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is not a very well understood pathology and is currently receiving more attention and recognition within the medical community. FAI presents within the hip joint and is caused by excess bone growth on either the head/neck of the femur or the rim of the acetabulum. This excess growth limits range of motion within the joint and causes impingement on the labrum or associated hip structures. Experts today still do not fully agree on whether or not this pathology is only congenital, or if it can be developed throughout life. This pathology presents with a number of symptoms and can be treated conservatively or surgically. During fall 2012 the Hope College Athletic Trainer’s worked with four cases of FAI and were a part of the assessment and rehabilitation process of each athlete. The case of a 22 year old male track athlete with this condition was followed from diagnosis to return to competition. Details relating to assessment criteria, diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as, treatment and rehabilitation protocol will be discussed
The Effects of Barefoot Training on Balance and Postural Control in Adults aged 65-85
No full textProprioception (the body\u27s conscious and unconscious awareness of a joint\u27s position in space) represents an essential component of postural control, providing orientation information about movement and position of the joints and muscles. Research shows that as age increases, proprioception in the form of foot position awareness declines and is further aggravated by footwear use. Examples of this deterioration in proprioceptive feedback are best observed in the elderly, of whom, approximately 30% fall at least once a year and ~15% fall more than once a year. Although, a number of factors have been recognized as risk factors for falling, the effect of footwear on postural stability is often overlooked. Due to the potentially adverse effects of a traditional wedge-style running shoe on proprioceptive feedback of the somatosensory system, an investigation into the effects of barefoot balance training on postural control in the elderly is warranted. Subjects were separated into three groups a control group that received no training, a shod (SH) group that was required to perform exercises wearing exercise footwear, and a barefoot (BF) group that performed exercises barefoot. Subjects in the SH and BF groups received 13 weeks of twice-weekly training of balance and stability, vestibular awareness, and functional strength. Pre- and post-test measurements were taken to assess balance using the AMTI AccuSway Balance Platform and the Berg Balance Scale
Defensive Religion as a Source of Meaning in Life: A Dual Mediational Model
No full textReligion is a prominent source of meaning in life. However, the content of religious belief systems varies considerably. Previous research suggests that defensive religion serves an existential function but has yet to empirically substantiate its relation to existential outcomes. The present research extends previous work by (a) examining whether defensive religion serves as a source of meaning in life, and (b) identifying mediators of that relationship. We propose a dual mediation model of the meaning-serving function of defensive religiousness. Path analysis revealed that defensive religion was related to meaning in life, and this relationship was mediated by belief in literal immortality and religious commitment. These results suggest that defensive religious beliefs are a source of meaning in life
