University at Albany, State University of New York
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Friend or Foe: Exploring the Biological Function of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA Intein
No full textMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the leading source of death due to a single infectious agent, and increasingly drug resistant strains threaten to quash progress in battling tuberculosis (TB) disease. Three of Mtb’s genes, the iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein sufB, the DNA gyrase dnaB and the recombinase recA, have been invaded by an intervening protein, or intein. Inteins are translated in frame with their host gene. The resulting precursor consists of the intein flanked by each half of the invaded protein, termed the N- and C-exteins (NE and CE). This hybrid protein is non-functional until the intein splices itself out, with concomitant ligation of the NE and CE to produce mature host protein, also called ligated exteins (LE).
Splicing is coordinated by two catalytic residues: the first residue of the intein, which can be a cysteine or serine, and the first residue of the CE, which can be a cysteine, serine or threonine. In addition to productive splicing, off-pathway cleavage products can occur when the NE or CE are liberated (also called N-terminal or C-terminal cleavage: NTC and CTC respectively). Inteins were thought to be mobile genetic parasites that provided no benefit to the host, but recent evidence suggest that this paradigm is untrue for some inteins. Rather, they act as important post-translational regulators of their host proteins, generally by splicing in response to specific environments such as pH, temperature, or DNA damage.
The RecA protein is an important hub for two DNA repair pathways: 1) as a regulator for the SOS DNA repair response, which has been implicated in generation of drug resistance, and 2) as the driver of homologous recombination, the high-fidelity double-strand break repair pathway. Mtb RecA is provided with a unique opportunity for post-translational regulation through the intein, which is specific to Mtb complex mycobacteria. Despite being the first bacterial intein discovered and well-studied in vitro using non-native expression systems, the role the Mtb RecA intein plays in Mtb biology is unknown.
I leveraged the non-essentiality of Mtb’s recA to study the impact of the recA intein on regulation and production of RecA protein in Mtb. I followed RecA species production in various conditions (LE, intein and NE) via western blot analysis, and recA transcription via a green fluorescent protein-based recA transcriptional reporter. DNA damaging therapeutics mitomycin C and ofloxacin increased the amount of recA transcription, RecA splicing and NE production. Non-DNA damaging therapeutics isoniazid and rifampicin did not increase transcription, splicing or NTC.
Treatment of cells grown in hypoxia impacted RecA splicing and NTC. Copper, a heavy metal used as an antimicrobial by macrophages, had no effect on RecA in ambient air conditions, but increased splicing and decreased NTC in hypoxia. Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic that has been suggested as a potential splicing inhibitor and anti-Mtb therapeutic, had no effect on RecA in ambient air, but increased splicing in hypoxic conditions.
This is the first report of NTC of a WT intein in its native environment and notably, NTC was affected by various conditions. I explored if NTC was biologically important. The NE retains all features needed to activate the SOS response: the ssDNA binding motifs, ATP binding motifs, interfaces for multimerization with other RecA monomers, and the key residues for activating cleavage of the SOS transcriptional repressor, LexA. By using western blot analysis, I found that the NE retained LexA-activating capability when heterologously expressed in E. coli.
Interestingly, unspliced RecA precursor was not detected in Mtb under any environment tested, including those, such as copper and cisplatin, that inhibit RecA splicing in vitro. This runs counter to the initial paradigm that post-translational regulation by an intein would involve producing a pool of precursor protein, which could then have splicing triggered by specific environmental signals. RecA precursor was only detectable in Mtb when one or both catalytic cysteine residues were mutated, suggesting rapid splicing of the WT RecA intein. Rapid splicing was specific to the Mtb RecA intein, as splicing of a second Mycobacterial RecA intein, intein B, did not occur when expressed in Mtb. Rapid splicing of intein B could be induced by moving intein B to the position of the Mtb RecA intein.
I also provide preliminary data on recA regulation in hypoxic air conditions and non-replicating persister populations, and how RecA may interact with the NucS mismatch repair system. These results provide the first evidence of how the Mtb RecA intein impacts regulation of RecA, and that regulation of the Mtb RecA intein in Mtb proper differs from previous in vitro results
Does Type of Metta Phrase Impact the Acceptability and Utility of Loving-Kindness Interventions: An Experimental Evaluation
No full textLoving-kindness (metta) meditation (LKM) is a widely utilized self-compassion intervention with numerous biopsychosocial benefits. Yet a smaller, emerging body of evidence suggests that LKM is difficult and various barriers impact its accessibility and effectiveness. Relational Frame Theory provides a behavioral and contextual perspective of language and cognition that may help clarify how LKM may yield receptivity or rejection of the practice itself. Prior research examining the role of language in LKM identified specific metta phrases more likely to evoke a coordinated (i.e., sameness/agreement) or oppositional (i.e., rejection/lacking) response, and found that indices of psychological suffering predicted oppositional responding (Underwood, 2023). Yet, it remains unclear whether these verbal relations impact LKM’s utility and acceptability. This study aimed to address this issue by evaluating the effectiveness of a brief, 15-minute LKM intervention and utilized a novel, idiographic method to examine how specific metta phrases impacted psychological, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. The two most favorable and two least favorable metta phrases from prior research were used. Undergraduates (N = 88) were randomized to a top choice phrase condition [n = 47] or last choice phrase condition [n = 41]. Participants completed validated measures of distress and well-being pre- and post-intervention. Results showed significant pre-to-post intervention improvements in state self-compassion, positive affect, and negative affect for both groups. Exploratory analyses revealed that participants who responded to their metta phrase with a frame of coordination were more receptive to the LKM and rated it as more beneficial and effective in generating feelings of kindness and compassion compared with participants who responded with a frame of opposition. These findings suggest that, although relational frames of coordination predict more favorable immediate experiences, both groups reaped similar benefits overall. Discussion clarifies language’s role in LKM and proposes ways to tailor LKM for improved accessibility and impact
Postnatal Programming of Infant Temperament at 12-Months: A Test of Lactation Programming Theory
No full textThe current study examined how maternal cortisol and breastfeeding duration across the first six months postpartum might relate to infant temperament profile membership at 12 months in 322 low-income Mexican American mother-infant dyads (46.3% male). Results revealed that maternal postnatal cortisol levels were significantly moderated by breastfeeding duration to predict infant temperament profile (β = 0.14, p = .030) such that more maternal cortisol was linked to higher likelihood of belonging to a high positive affect, well-regulated profile when mothers breastfed for above average durations. This suggests that while maternal cortisol in breastmilk might initially shape infant negative temperament, there may be a threshold at which the influence of cortisol is overridden by the benefits of extended breastfeeding duration
Investigating the Perceived Masculinity and Femininity of Nonbinary Individuals
No full textNonbinary individuals identify outside of the typical gender binary of men and women. Existing research has not investigated how nonbinary people are perceived in terms of masculinity and femininity. We hypothesized that nonbinary individuals would be perceived as less masculine than men and less feminine than women, while also being perceived as overall more feminine than masculine. Participants viewed a researcher-generated social media profile. The primary experimental manipulation involved varying the pronouns listed in the profile biography, denoting a man (he/him), woman (she/her), or nonbinary person (they/them). Participants rated how masculine and feminine they perceived the target person to be, in addition to how much they exhibited traits traditionally associated with men and women. Supporting two of our hypotheses, nonbinary individuals were perceived as less masculine than men and less feminine than women. Contrary to our third hypothesis, nonbinary individuals were perceived as equally masculine and feminine. This research contributes to the overall understanding as to how nonbinary people are evaluated and socially categorized, while also providing insight into how people who are not men are potentially demasculinized
NOLA 2150
No full textAbstract
Speculative fiction often takes a dystopic approach where authors envision what will be lost from books being banned in Fahrenheit 451 to us losing our civil liberties in 1984 to most of humanity being wiped out by an engineered virus in Oryx and Crake. This creative thesis takes a more optimistic approach by the act of preservation. In this case the city of New Orleans thriving as an underwater city protected by a glass dome in the year 2150. The city’s vibrant culture remains the same despite being almost too close to comfort to marine life. This work is influenced by fiction writers William S Burroughs and Franz Kafka as we follow a protagonist that enters the underwater city of New Orleans for the first time where he will immerse himself in this unexplained world where fish of all sizes swim in the sky. He will also experience the food, drink and music of New Orleans. Celebration in New Orleans has and always will be the forefront of the culture no matter how much the world changes
Gendered Images in Online Political Advertising Videostyles: A Case Study of 2024 Taiwan Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
No full textDespite the increasing visibility of female politicians in Taiwan, the resurgence of the #MeToo movement ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections underscores the enduring influence of patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes within Taiwanese society. Prior research in political communication has documented how gendered expectations shape voters’ perceptions of politicians’ appearances, behaviors, and perceived competence in addressing political issues. These expectations, in turn, inform how candidates strategically construct their public personas during electoral campaigns. This dissertation contributes to this body of scholarship by analyzing how Taiwanese political candidates perform gender through political advertising. Integrating the videostyle framework, gender schema theory, and gender performativity, the study examines both verbal and visual components—ranging from language and imagery to production techniques—as image-framing tools that construct candidate identities. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study extends the existing videostyle codebook to carry out a quantitative content analysis, while also conducting a qualitative content analysis to explore underexamined elements in political ad communication. Together, these methods offer a comprehensive understanding of how gender is strategically performed and represented in Taiwanese political discourse.
The analysis demonstrates the gendered labels attached to political issues, candidates’ personal traits, image-construction strategies, and production components are translated, reframed, and adapted within the Taiwanese context. Whereas prior research has primarily emphasized the challenges female politicians face in navigating through double binds and contradictory gendered expectations, some female candidates rearticulated traditional gendered scripts by embracing traditional gendered self-presentation and asserting political competence and authority simultaneously. Some strategically invoke the figure of the “powerful mother” to legitimize their leadership, while others foreground endorsements from authoritative figures to enhance credibility. Male candidates, while in different ways, also calibrate their public image in in nuanced ways. Even those presenting themselves as traditional leaders or protectors strategically highlight qualities of approachability and care, thereby softening dominant masculine portrayals and aligning with shifting gender norms in political communication. Theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions and limitations of the current dissertation are further discussed in this dissertation
The Impact of Screentime in Childhood
No full textThe increased dependency on technological devices as a result of the digital age being upon us impacts a multitude of individuals from all age groups. For older groups, they might find an easier time navigating the world wide web due to their awareness of the potential dangers these digital spaces may bring. On the other hand, younger age groups are more susceptible to the dangers posed due to their lack of maturity which in turn makes them extremely vulnerable to being negatively impacted when using these electronic devices. The goal of this project was to generate awareness concerning screen time in childhood. This writing piece enters into a discussion concerning the consequences posed when screen time is abused in childhood. As a supplement, a website was created in order to visualize, in user-friendly styled content, how parents can utilize screen time to be a helpful tool rather than a detrimental one
Panameñas No Alineadas: Mujeres Gestoras Culturales y Artistas Visuales durante el Régimen Militar de Omar Torrijos Herrera 1968-1985
No full textThis dissertation explores the political activism and leadership of women cultural managers and visual artists in Panama City between 1970 and 1985. I pause to analyze instances in which Panamanian women managers and visual artists led cultural activities aimed at implementing cultural policies during the Omar Torrijos Herrera regime. These cultural policies were aimed at strengthening Panamanian nationalism in response to the political, economic, and military presence of the United States government in the Canal and the Zone. In this dissertation, I suggest that professional artists, women cultural managers, and visual artists were the principal architects of the proclamation of national sovereignty. In the generation of multiple cultural agendas, I demonstrate that the military regime did not exclusively conceive the cultural policies. In the conception and implementation of cultural policies in Panama, several actors were involved; at times, they work in harmony, and at others, they impose their individual motivations, political stances, and even biases regarding gender. In this dissertation, I argue that while the signing of new treaties between Panama and the United States that would return sovereignty to Panama over the Canal and the Zone was possible as a result of the diplomacy led by the Panamanian diplomats with a prolific career in diplomacy and in the legal field, The achievement of Panamanian sovereignty was also possible through the determination of women who held leadership positions in the military regime\u27s bureaucratic system, women capable of advancing their professional careers while ensuring the well-being of Panamanian families. They embraced the cause of sovereignty over the Canal and the Zone, seeing themselves not only as defenders of the territory but also as protectors of the future Panamanian citizens who would live in a territory free of U.S. presence. Women cultural managers such as Marcela Camargo, Reina Torres de Araúz and the women members of the Board of Directors of the Panamanian Institute of Art (Panarte), whom I called as, Non Aligned Panamanian Women (Panameñas No Alineadas)were central figures in the creation of spaces and government actions aimed at disseminating many cultural products and visual art not always aligned to the cultural policies promoted by the military regime to traditionally marginalized sectors who were secluded from these cultural spaces before the establishment of the National Institute of Culture. In this research, I demonstrate that, through their actions, the Non-Aligned Panamanians complicate this notion of the revolutionary mother woman perpetuated in the discursive and visual constructions of the military regime. The creativity of the women who are part of this research led them to develop a visual art that did not exclusively explore notions of gender or sovereignty. Instead, it proposed unconventional topics, such as monstrosity, science fiction, or body fragmentation. The cultural managers and visual artists who participated in implementing cultural policies did not always follow either the guidelines established by the military regime or a suffocating feminist agenda. Instead, they took advantage of the space granted by the military regime to advance their own professional goals, implementing cultural activities, including museum projects, and creating a vibrant community cultural agenda that expanded audiences and sought to bridge the gap between urban and rural Panamanians
Understanding Hepatitis C Risk and Harm Reduction Needs Among People Who Smoke Drugs: A Client-Centered Qualitative Inquiry
No full textThe spread of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) via non-injectable equipment is plausible, making people who smoke drugs (PWSD) at-risk for possible infection and transmission. While much research has been conducted into injection drug use (IDU), likely due to the rising opioid epidemic, limited studies focus on the risks PWSD face. Currently, state-funded syringe service programs (SSPs) provide harm reduction education and materials to combat these risks. Safer smoking initiatives have been created and are widely used by PWSD, and have access to SSPs. To gain better insight into the HCV and non-HCV-related risks and burdens PWSD face, a qualitative study was conducted. 15–30-minute interviews were conducted once participant consent was obtained. Questions regarding substance use history, risk of HCV with smoking supplies, and the utilization of safer smoking initiatives were asked. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes and patterns. Few PWSD were found to have significant knowledge of the potential HCV risks they face. However, risk knowledge of sharing and/or using broken/worn-down smoking supplies was expressed by the majority of participants. The reasons why PWSD changed their drug modalities or first started using varied between participants. However, several sub-themes were identified, such as environmental contributors, cost, and accessibility to SSPs. Risk knowledge and resource accessibility were found to potentially influence drug use practices, subsequently affecting risk and well-being. Recommendations to further expand harm reduction education, SSP accessibility and funding, client incentives, and policy changes were made
Forgive Our Living and Our Dead : Colonial Warfare in the Philippines
No full textIn March of 1906, American troops massacred over 1,000 Filipino civilians on Bud Dajo mountain. American service members were commended for this incident. My research examines this massacre to ask why wars of insurgency are specifically subject to abuses of power, particularly during the American-Philippines War and the ensuing colonial warfare between 1898 and 1906 under the colonization of the US. My research will focus on the circumstances created to excuse US soldiers after atrocities were committed and the colonial attitudes of the time in addition to the brutal methods used by the American government in Philippines. American colonial administrators and soldiers dehumanized the Filipino population by devaluing their culture, religion, and existing political institutions. I conclude by showing how the American occupation of the Philippines set the model for future wars of insurgency like the Vietnam War