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Cloning the Yersinia enterocolitica Alkaline Phosphatase for an Affinity Chromatography Ligand
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme responsible for the dephosphorylation of extra-cytoplasmic molecules. Conversion to a neutral molecule enhances their ability to pass through cell membranes. When microbes such as Yersinia enterocolitica are ingested, they are exposed to large changes in pH level. These changes range from ~pH6.5 in the oral cavity to pH 2 in the stomach and pH 8 in the mid-intestine. The ability of microorganisms to survive this change in pH it largely dependent on their ability to change which proteins are expressed at differing pH levels or their ability to modify those proteins to meet the changing conditions. The Y. enterocolitica alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene has been subjected to PCR and cloned into the pF1K plasmid for expression isolation and characterization. Once the enzyme is purified, it will be used as an affinity chromatography ligand to isolate the ALP modifying enzyme for further characterization
Fatigue Behavior of 3D-Printed Nylon and ASA for Aerospace Applications
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the production of lightweight, customized, and cost-effective components across various industries. This study specifically investigates the fatigue behavior of two thermoplastics—Nylon and ASA—fabricated using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. These materials have demonstrated significant potential in aerospace applications, particularly for lightweight structural components in mini drones and satellites, where corrosion resistance and high performance are critical requirements. Specimens were manufactured using the state-of-the-art Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer, and the influence of key printing parameters—such as infill density, layer height, and test frequency—was systematically analyzed under cyclic loading. Among the infill patterns investigated, the Gyroid pattern exhibited superior fatigue performance due to its isotropic mechanical properties and optimized strength-to-weight ratio. Additionally, the study revealed that higher infill densities contributed to increased fatigue life, while variations in testing frequencies provided insights into material behavior under dynamic loading conditions. These results were consistent with the behavior observed in conventionally manufactured injection-molded specimens, affirming the viability of 3D-printed components in demanding aerospace environments
Bibliometric analysis of research trends related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Human immunodeficiency virus poses major health burden across the globe including the United States of America and has its zoonotic origin from the Simian Immunodeficiency viruses of sooty mangabey monkey and chimpanzee in Africa. Epidemiological trends indicate that even though the mortality rates for HIV are falling globally, the rates of new cases have been rising since 2010 in several countries including the USA. An estimated 0.5% of the human population is currently infected with the virus with countries like USA, India, Nigeria and South Africa carrying the highest burden of the disease. Host receptors such as CD4 and coreceptors such as CCR5 and CXCR4 play an important role in the entry of the virus while the viral reverse transcriptase allows the virus to integrate with the host genome and evade host immune system. With the progression of the disease, the host immune system is overwhelmed, and the patient succumbs to secondary infection. Detection of the virus includes antibody assay (IgG, IgM), western blot, antigen detection (recombinant and p24) or simultaneous detection of both antigen and antibody. In the absence of vaccine, antiretroviral drugs have been used to extend life expectancy of patients, CRISPR Cas9-based therapy have shown promise of cure to this devastating disease. Bibliometric analysis indicate Harvard university, Johns Hopkins University and National Institute of Health are the prominent institutes leading research on HIV with NIH being the single most important source of funds for research related to HIV while Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donates an equivalent amount as the European Union to find cure for the disease
The Positive Impacts of Organized Youth Sports in Youth Development
Organized youth sports play a pivotal role in shaping young individuals by fostering physical health, psychological resilience, and social competence. Participation in structured athletic activities has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, enhanced motor skills, and reduced risk of obesity. Beyond physical benefits, youth sports contribute to the development of discipline, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, equipping young individuals with essential life skills. Additionally, team sports foster collaboration, leadership, and communication skills, all of which are crucial for personal and professional growth. This study aims to examine the holistic benefits of organized youth sports by exploring their impact on social integration, academic performance, and psychological well-being. Through a mixed-methods approach, qualitative interviews with athletes, coaches, and parents will be combined with quantitative survey data to assess key developmental outcomes. The research will analyze how participation influences behavioral traits such as perseverance, teamwork, and goal setting while also addressing potential challenges such as burnout and pressure. Findings are expected to reveal that engagement in organized sports significantly enhances youth development by promoting positive social relationships, fostering resilience, and improving overall well-being. This research underscores the necessity of accessible and well-structured sports programs as a means to support youth growth and development. The results will provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and community leaders on the importance of investing in youth sports to cultivate healthier, more capable future generations
Recommendations and Outcomes of the Arkansas 2025-2030 SCORP
The Arkansas 2025–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) serves as a strategic resource offering recommendations to guide outdoor recreation development while identifying barriers affecting participation by Arkansas residents and visitors. This presentation reviews SCORP’s key findings, focusing on primary barriers to outdoor recreation and the plan’s proposed priorities. The research approach involved a systematic review of the SCORP document to extract relevant data and strategic insights. The presentation aims to promote professional awareness of SCORP’s priorities and encourage application of its findings within the Parks and Recreation Administration field. By highlighting the plan’s guidance and actionable strategies, this review supports efforts to enhance equitable access to outdoor recreation opportunities across Arkansas
Temporal Assessment of Fish Communities in a South Central Plains Ecoregion Watershed
Among South Central Plains ecoregion fish communities, there is limited knowledge of the importance of headwaters yet this information is needed to understand their role in fish communities. I addressed this gap by assessing seasonal changes in fish communities in headwater streams of the Moro Creek watershed, Arkansas. I conducted two studies pertaining to temporal fish community assessments: (i) utilize multi-season, community occupancy models to estimate μ (species probability), Ω (community occupancy mean), and p (detection probability) and (ii) utilize beta diversity (β) analyses to address the diversity across different scales in the headwaters of the Moro Creek Watershed. A total of 37 species from 10 families were observed. Of the many multi-season community occupancy models, we explored the best three selected from our ranking criteria: μ (canopy cover), Ω (canopy cover), p (.); μ (catchment area), Ω (catchment area), p (stream flow); μ (catchment area), Ω (catchment area) and, p (.). The model incorporating canopy cover suggests that μ varied greatly by species, Ω (±SE) varied by season, and that p was constant. Overall, seasonal variation exists at the species and community levels, canopy cover and catchment area are the main drivers of μ and Ω, and stream flow is the main driver of p. Additionally through the β diversity analyses, it suggests that β diversity fluctuates throughout different spatial scales and that at each spatial scale there are different drivers. These patterns of β diversity show that turnover is consistently higher than nestedness and seasonal shifts in environmental factors like stream flow, salinity, and pH also influence β diversity. This research aids in the understanding of ecological influences, fish community dynamic shifts, fish patterns and species richness on a temporal scale, and headwater stream functionality in lowland watersheds
Silicon Is the Next Frontier in Plant Synthetic Biology
Silicon has a striking similarity to carbon and is found in plant cells. However, there is no specific role that has been assigned to silicon in the life cycle of plants. The amount of silicon in plant cells is species specific and can reach levels comparable to macronutrients. Silicon is used extensively in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and the digital revolution, and thus can serve as an informational molecule such as nucleic acids. The diverse potential of silicon to bond with different chemical species is analogous to carbon; thus, it can serve as a structural candidate similar to proteins. The discovery of large amounts of silicon on Mars and the moon, along with the recent development of enzyme that can incorporate silicon into organic molecules, has propelled the theory of creating silicon-based life. The bacterial cytochrome has been modified through directed evolution such that it could cleave silicon–carbon bonds in organo-silicon compounds. This consolidates the idea of utilizing silicon in biomolecules. In this article, the potential of silicon-based life forms has been hypothesized, along with the reasoning that autotrophic virus-like particles could be used to investigate such potential. Such investigations in the field of synthetic biology and astrobiology will have corollary benefits for Earth in the areas of medicine, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability
Volume 4, Issues 1 & 2
Nebo, Volume 4, Issues 1 & 2 (Spring 1985), represents another milestone in Arkansas Tech University’s biannual literary journal, continuing its tradition of publishing exceptional poetry, fiction, and literary reviews. This double issue brings together a wide array of voices, styles, and themes, reflecting both the emerging and established literary talents that Nebo seeks to amplify.
This edition features works from a diverse lineup of writers, including Barbara Eckstein, Jack Butler, Janet McCann, Vernon Frazer, Marvin Schwartz, and Daniel Mark-Epstein, among many others. Their works explore human relationships, memory, place, and transformation, offering readers a compelling mix of narrative depth and poetic innovation.
With Nebo’s editorial team composed of dedicated student editors and faculty advisors, this volume continues to affirm its place in the literary landscape, providing a platform for creative exploration and literary excellence. The journal remains committed to fostering a strong writing community at Arkansas Tech University and beyond
Volume 7, Issue 1
This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal continues its commitment to showcasing an eclectic mix of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism. Originally archived as Volume 7, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 11, Issue 1, covering Spring 1993. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.
With a focus on experimental storytelling, mythology, historical narratives, and contemporary literary criticism, this issue captures a range of voices from both student contributors and established writers. Highlights include works that engage with the tension between tradition and modernity, explorations of personal and cultural histories, and innovative approaches to poetic form. The selections reflect Nebo’s ongoing dedication to literary excellence and creative expression