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The Use of Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Predict Thymine Dimer Formation in Histone Bound DNA
No full textThymine dimers are the major lesions in DNA that are caused by environmental conditions that can lead to apoptosis or can become carcinogenic (Schreier, et al., 2007). These dimers form when the pi electrons of one thymine in a neighboring thymine pair is excited by a photon from UV light, and occurs on the picosecond time scale (Schreier, et al., 2007). Due to the ultrafast nature of this reaction, the thymines must be in proper conformation prior to excitation in order for the reaction to take place. The proper conformation for the reaction has been found to occur when the C5-C5* and C6-C6* bond distances are below 3.5 Å (Johnson & Wiest, 2007) or below 4.2Å (Ramamurthy & Venkatesan, 1987) and the C5-C6-C5*-C6* dihedral bond angle is between 24 and 30 degrees (Johnson & Wiest, 2007). The objective of this study was to determine if the location of the neighboring thymines, as well as the presence of a dimer already within the system, plays a role in the formation of future dimers. In order to test this, molecular dynamics simulations were run on two systems, one without any dimers, one containing two dimers, both containing DNA wrapped around a protein histone octamer. Data on the distances, dihedral angles, and helicoidal parameters were all taken over the course of a 50ns simulation for both systems. The distances and dihedral angles were used to determine how often the neighboring thymines were in proper conformation in order for the reaction to occur. Our research indicates that the location of neighboring thymines around a protein histone octamer, as well as the presence of a dimer already within the system, affects the probability of future dimer formation
Surgical Skill and Video Games: A Meta-Analytic Review
No full textAs the popularity of video games has grown over the past decade, so has interest in their capacity to serve as tools for education. The technology behind modern laparoscopic surgery draws strong parallels to modern video games, and as such has inspired initial research into the potential relationship between video game play and surgical performance. To date, a number of researchers have conducted studies on this relationship; however, no structured, statistical review of accessible data has taken place. Thus, the goal of this analysis was to examine the available literature and report the significance of the cumulative findings. Through my process, a total of 21 studies involving 1220 participants were gathered through multi-step review, and organized into one of three experimental domains - game training, VR training, and gaming history. Effect size analysis using Hedge’s G and Fisher’s Z yielded statistically significant results in all three domains, thus supporting the consensus belief that video game play has a positive effect on laparoscopic surgical training and performance. Given the particularly strong effect of virtual reality training on surgical performance, it would be valuable to investigate the differential effects of virtual reality, and how these effects might be further developed into more effective educational instruments
The United States Immigration Process: The Current Political Environment and its Repercussions for Syrian Refugees
No full textThe following work is an exploration into the United States immigration process revolving around Syrian refugees escaping war. In it, the history of the Syrian region is taken into consideration in order to present the foundation upon which the current civil war is based. In regards to the United States’ immigration process, the nature of this process is examined in several ways. First, the history of immigration legislation is discussed. The legislation discussed traces legislation from early American restrictions on immigration to more current legislation in the Obama Administration concerning refugees. Understanding the legislation history of the United States is essential in understanding current immigration laws and the framework of the immigration process. This topic leads to the second section which delves into the current United States Immigration policy. These procedures are discussed in relation to the immigration process for all potential citizens, refugees specifically. Further, the U.S.’s system is compared to that of Canada for two reasons: the first, because Canada’s Express Entry System is a successful example of a country that accepts refugees in large numbers that become active members of society; secondly, to assess and compare the U.S.’ policy of family- based immigration and Canada’s economic immigration policy.
The third and fourth sections seek to explore immigration in a personal way. In the third section immigration in Oregon is explored in order to show how the refugee resettlement process works. A localized perspective is especially relevant as Portland has vowed, along with a handful of other major cities, to be a sanctuary city for refugees. Finally, in the fourth section, I will do a case study on a woman named Aya featured on “Humans of New York,” whose family was granted citizenship to the U.S. only to have that acceptance retracted.
The concluding paragraph discusses the fear mongering that is occurring, and has occurred by U.S. citizens throughout history. Specifically, I will look at the idea of terrorism and how it applies to the current political and vetting processes for Syrian refugees. Through the exploration of not only the history of the Syrian region but of United States’ history of immigration and legislation as well, interconnected patterns begin to emerge. These patterns suggest that the current immigration process, which I will demonstrate is built on the foundation of fear, leaving out potential citizens who could contribute wholly to the United States
Practicum: Clark College Emergency Operations Plan 2017
No full textWhile no one likes to think or talk about anything that is high-risk, low-probability, emergency preparedness has become the new reality check. With the aftermath of disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the Joplin Tornado, it has become imperative that local governments, private companies, everyday citizens and even educational institutions; address these growing concerns. Moving forward, there must be a focus on creating and disseminating effective plans grounded in foundational emergency management techniques. Emergency management is a term sometimes described as a series of transitional phases such as mitigation, preparedness, response, and recover. These management phases were created to create strategies for mitigating hazards, prepare for and respond to disasters, and recover from incidents. Disasters occur in patterns, thus requiring specific management techniques can reduce negative outcomes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (n.d.) states that emergency management originated in 1803. This was due to a Congressional Act in reaction to a fire that devastated a New Hampshire town. However, the beginning of its current form came in 1989 when President Carter decided to Jesse Tillie HLS 494 Practicum Instructor Nancy Bush March 14, 2017 VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON Practicum: Clark Emergency Operations Plan 3 consolidate the government support and focus around disasters, into one agency called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (FEMA, n.d.
The Life of a Child Refugee: How Host-Country Schools Can Create Positive Growth
No full textThe numbers of children affected by war continues to grow as conflicts around the globe begin, continue, and are reignited forcing them from their homes in search of safety. Children currently make up more than half of the worlds refugees. These children are at risk of poor psychosocial development as a result of the traumatizing experiences of their migratory process. Upon arrival to high-income host-countries, children are placed in the school systems, as a primary place of first contact schools can be a place of sanctuary for children and develop positive psychosocial growth. This study seeks to understand the experiences and outcomes of being a refugee on a child and the impacts schools can have on their lives
Teacher Self-Efficacy in Classroom Management Amongst Novice Middle School Teachers
No full textThere is a lack of research pertaining to classroom management solely related to self-efficacy. This dissertation seeks to contribute to the field of literature and understand what support, if any is being offered to pre-service teachers and novice teachers in the area of classroom management. Rooted in Bandura’s (1997) Social Cognitive Theory, this dissertation examines how novice middle school teachers demonstrate teacher self-efficacy in classroom management, and how the teachers achieved their level of teacher self-efficacy in classroom management. Using a blind survey and face-to-face interview, participants demonstrated self-efficacy in classroom management by focusing on routine and procedures within their classroom. Participants also reported peers as a main source of information for classroom management strategies. The results also showed how classroom discipline concerns decreased as the teaching experience of the participants increased. Based on participant responses, there are minimal opportunities for pre-service teachers to learn classroom management and put the strategies into effect. Once the individual becomes an in-service teacher, there seem to be more opportunities presented, but the information is acquired mostly from peers or through trial and error experiences
Effects of Dual Language Protocol on Literacy Development of Yup\u27ik Language Students
No full textThis dissertation in teacher leadership represents original, independent research that investigated bilingual language instruction of an indigenous Alaskan group of students. Ethnographic research using qualitative and quantitative data was applied to develop an understanding of correlations between the value of English and Yup’ik language and dual language classroom protocol and pedagogy. This research included cultural insight into the history of language transition, influence of Westernized educational system, and teachers’ and community members’ attitudes toward bilingual instruction. Dual language enrichment model instruction and teacher efficacy in dual language pedagogy were assessed based upon 3rd grade student reading proficiency outcomes. Observational and interview data provided insight into factors affecting language instruction
Elementary Title I Teachers Perception of Stress, Burnout and the Impact on Retention
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of stress due to their job, and if this had an influence on retention. The study concentrated on teacher’s perceptions on stress, teacher retention along with their views on coping strategies to handle or prevent stress. The conceptual framework for this study was the transactional model of stress theory by Lazarus and Folkman, which provided a better understanding of demands in education and the resources provided to teachers. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of stress due to their job and if this had an influence on retention. Data collection consisted of interviews with eight 8 teacher participants, as well as the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Educators. During the interviews, findings indicated all participants perceived themselves to be stressed. The frequency of this stress ranged from every day to often thought out the week. The MBI-ES was administered to all participants via email through Mind Garden. The MBI-ES found six of the eight participants were emotionally exhausted, and at risk for burnout. The interview transcripts and field notes were typed into a word document and coded using NVivo software. The common themes discovered from the interviews and coding indicated similar perceived stress by the participants. The following are the common themes the participants perceived as the cause of work-related stress: lack of resources, student behavior, low parent involvement, administration, and teacher accountability. The stress factors perceived by the participants indicate further research on teacher perceived stress, stress reduction, and stress coping and preventative strategies for teachers would be beneficial
The Pedagogical Impact of Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions of English Language Learners: A Phenomenological Study
No full textThe population of English language learners (ELLs) continues to increase within public schools across the United States; this includes a shift from traditional urban settings to extensive growth within suburban and rural school districts in the Midwest. Although there is research regarding how ELLs are perceived in the school structure, it is not known how middle school teachers’ perceptions of ELLs within a Midwestern rural and suburban middle school setting influence the pedagogical practices utilized within the general education classroom. This hermeneutic phenomenological study examined how teachers within a Midwestern middle school serving perceived ELLs and how those perceptions influenced pedagogical practices utilized within the school environment. Vygotsky’s role of language and social interaction, V.P. Collier’s interrelating language acquisition for school theory, and Krashen’s theory of second language acquisition guided this study. The research questions addressed by this study stemmed from the conceptual framework and explored how teachers perceived ELLs academically, linguistically, and emotionally, and the pedagogical practices utilized for students acquiring a second language. Crucial findings included participants perceived the timeframes for acquiring academic language longer than conversational acquisition and effective pedagogical practices to address academic needs of ELLs were described. Perceptions varied regarding differentiation of tasks aligned to language acquisition levels and how the emotional needs of ELLs impact the learning process. Implications for transformation of society included the importance of meeting the emotional needs of ELLs and how the promotion of empathy within all classrooms could encourage an environment of acceptance
Trinity 5 One Year Series 2017
No full textThis PDF contains commentary on the readings for the fifth Sunday after Trinity in the One Year Lectionary and suggests ideas for sermons