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Advancing Mitochondrial DNA Visualization and Dynamics in Plants: Application of the MT-HI-NESS Fluorescent Marker
No full textMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and inheritance, yet its dynamics and exchange remain poorly understood in plant systems due to limitations in visualization techniques. Traditional visualization methods such as exogenous DNA stains and fluorescent protein markers present challenges in specificity and live-cell imaging. To address this challenge, we adapted the MT-HI-NESS fluorescent marker, originally developed for mammalian cells, for use in plant mitochondrial studies. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, we employed mitochondrial targeting sequences (IVD and AOX) to ensure accurate localization and to confirm mtDNA binding specificity. The validation process included fluorescence-based localization analysis and physiological assessments to determine the impact of MT-HI-NESS on plant growth and mitochondrial function. The results showed successful marker integration without adverse physiological effects, paving the way for future studies on mitochondrial dynamics, mtDNA exchange, and plant bioenergetics. This advancement provides a powerful tool for exploring mitochondrial biology in plants and expands the potential for more studies at the cellular level
“As if the Devil Was in Her”: Fanny Fern’s Remaking of Authorship in the Nineteenth Century
No full textFanny Fern revolutionized nineteenth-century literature with her unapologetically blunt and insightful commentary on social norms, education, women’s rights, and more. As a columnist for The New York Ledger, Fern challenged the conventional boundaries placed on women, blending her personal observations and experiences with sharp social critique. Because of her unflinching style and writings that addressed a wide range of topics, she became one of the most well-paid and widely read authors of her time. Yet, she was also subjected to harsh judgment. The media, particularly in the hands of her second husband, was used to damage her reputation, yet Fern turned this to her advantage.
Her success despite a troubled marriage and destitution to become financially independent through writing was a groundbreaking act for a woman of her time. Fern’s influence extended beyond her literary accomplishments, as she also played a key role in shaping the business of writing, advertising strategies, and establishing legal precedents in copyright law, which would go on to benefit male authors too. Through her trailblazing work, Fern cemented the role of the professional writer and paved the way for future generations of women in literature, making her a significant figure in American literary history. Not to mention, every bit of her work is relevant and has the potential to deeply resonate with readers today. For this reason, Fanny Fern deserves more attention and credit for her influence in the world of writing
Bridging the Gap: Stress and Support Systems for Underrepresented Students Pursuing Graduate Education
No full textEmbedded within the United States educational system lies a history that is marked by centuries of exclusion, where students of color were denied the right to an equal education. Despite this legacy of injustice, a story of resilience and bravery also exists, as countless individuals fought for the right to access and succeed in an equal education. This literature review examines the historical exclusion of Mexican American, Asian, and Black students in the United States. Important legal cases will be explored to trace the progression of educational equity in America. Several theories will be reviewed, including social identity theory, ecological systems theory, cultural capital theory, resilience theory, and impostor syndrome, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students of color and first-generation students. This review will also delve into contemporary issues, including the debate between assimilation and accommodation, as well as the impact of impostor syndrome, ethnic identity, and familial support on stress and perceptions of graduate education among students. Overall, this review will bridge past and present challenges; ultimately, I hope to shed light on the systemic barriers that persist in higher education and, in turn, share potential strategies for addressing these challenges and creating more equitable opportunities.
Key Words: Underrepresented Students, Educational Inequality, Support Systems, Stress and Mental Health, Graduate Educatio
Sisterly Bonds Beyond the Grave: The Ethical Implications of Posthumously Publishing Jane Austen’s Persuasion
No full textBy the time that Jane Austen died in 1817, she had only published four novels. After her death, her family retained her other writings. Later that year, they published one of Austen’s finished manuscripts which became the novel Persuasion. This act of posthumous publication invokes inquiries into whether the action was ethical. In order to better understand the ethics of publishing Persuasion posthumously, one can look at information from Jane Austen’s life and ideas around posthumous actions. Even though Persuasion by Jane Austen was published posthumously, Austen’s choice to leave the manuscript with her sister and her completion of the novel supports the idea that the publication was warranted. Although discussion of the topic should be more nuanced than it currently is. This argument about the circumstances surrounding the publication of Persuasion involves five main topics: Jane Austen’s life and relationship to her family; the events surrounding Jane Austen’s illness and death; the novels Jane Austen was able to publish while she was alive; the context of the creation, content, and publication of Persuasion; and the ethics of posthumous publishing
Artists and Inspirations: A Look at the Past and My Present
No full textThis paper examines eight artists who have served as inspiration and guidance in my own artistic growth over the past four years. With in depth examinations of each, I dive into their personal life, practices, and experiences. I then examine one of each of their works and reflect on how it pertains to my practice. There are two separate sections that reflect the expanding scope of my work. Each section concludes with an investigation of several of my pieces and my creation process. Finally, there is a description of my four submitted works completed in conjunction with this research
ESPN Navigates a New World Order
No full textESPN has been at the top of sports broadcasting for decades. Recently, there has been a shift in consumer behavior towards preferring digital streaming instead of cable television. In this report, I will discuss the background of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and its competitive advantages. I will analyze the situation using a strategic framework to take a closer look at what solutions ESPN could implement. Finally, I will recommend how to successfully transition from the crown jewel of cable bundles to an online streaming platform. After looking at the PESTEL framework, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, a Value Chain analysis, and the firm’s performance analysis, I came to my conclusion. I recommend transitioning ESPN to a fully digital, direct-to-consumer (DTC) super-app using a phased, cross-functional approach. This approach would offer power over pricing, bundling, user data, and ad targeting. I will detail specific steps to reach this goal, including digital rights and content strategy, technology and product development, marketing and subscriber growth, financial feasibility and funding, and risk management and timeline. I chose this solution because it would be best for ESPN to put all its effort into moving towards a DTC digital company. The internet is only getting bigger, and they need to catch up while they can. Although this would be a substantial shift, it is what I believe would be best for the long run. ESPN’s digital switch would not only be a strategic necessity but a sign of the media landscape shifting
Conagra Brands Strategic Audit
No full textThe goal of this paper is to present a comprehensive strategic audit of Conagra Brands, Inc., a major company in the consumer-packaged foods industry. The audit evaluates the external environment of Conagra, including a PESTEL analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Various industry factors that affect Conagra’s operations are taken into consideration. It will also explain the internal environment of Conagra using tools such as a SWOT analysis, financial performance review, and strategy explanation. Key areas of focus include shifting demands, including consumers’ desire for more healthy and sustainable food options, recent political and economic factors, competitive advantages of Conagra, including their brand portfolio, and the future outlook and challenges of the company and the industry. Based on these insights, the paper offers strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening Conagra’s competitive position and growth and preparing Conagra to face current and future challenges. Ultimately, the audit highlights Conagra’s strengths, which have allowed the company to excel in the industry and establish themselves as a major market player, and the challenges it must address to stay agile in the rapidly changing food industry and dynamic economy
The Impact of Weather on Protests in the Washington, D.C., Area
No full textSevere weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes can lead the news cycle for weeks, with stories focusing on the tragic loss of life and property that often accompany them. On other days, however, people hear little about the weather beyond the daily forecast. Consequently, the significance of weather on the way historical events unfold is often overlooked, particularly when the weather is calm. The impact weather has on matters of national security can be extremely important as it crucially affects the movement and preparedness of actors on both sides of an issue. In studying the weather and official planning and response during four recent protests in the Washington, D.C. area – March for Life 2016, Women’s March 2017, Black Lives Matter 2020, and the events of 6 January 2021 – this project will increase understanding of how weather informs official response to weather during free speech events to ensure the safety of protesters, law enforcement officers, and passersby alike. This was completed through in-depth case studies to determine how well-forecast the days of the events were followed by analyzing documents and firsthand accounts to understand how this information was used. This study found that protesters will demonstrate in inclement weather and therefore officials and law enforcement need to be prepared to respond to both peaceful and violent protests in a variety of conditions
Mitochondrial Transformation of Mutant Arabidopsis thaliana to Rescue the Post-Transcriptional Modification and Assembly of F-ATP Synthase
No full textThe mitochondrion plays a fundamental role in cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and metabolism in plants, and these organelles possess an independent genome separate from the nuclear genome. Mitochondrial genomes in higher plants are often incredibly large and complex, offering a localized mechanism of independent genome regulation. Though nuclear genetic transformation in plants has been widely studied, genetic transformation of the plant mitochondrial genome in a vascular plant has yet to be achieved. If successful, an in vivo mitochondrial transformation would open a new avenue for the genetic engineering of plants and crops, and further the research and application of hybrid crop development via methods including cytoplasmic male sterility. Here, we attempt to achieve a mitochondrial transformation of a mutant seed line of Arabidopsis thaliana in which ATP synthesis has been significantly hindered. Two methods were tested to achieve such a transformation. The first, the use of peptide-nanoparticle DNA carriers, relies on the transport abilities of peptides to deliver genetic information. The second, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, modifies previously existing methods in plant transformation to direct in vitro synthesized DNA to the mitochondria using the natural transfection mechanisms of Agrobacterium. The results of both methods have shown promise in infiltrating plant cells with exogenous DNA constructs but as of yet, we have been unsuccessful in integrating said genetic information into the mitochondrial genome. Regardless, the methodology remains a promising approach to mitochondrial genome transformation, and further research on the matter is recommended
An Analysis of Food Substrate Collection Methods for DNA Profiling
No full textMany crime scenes may have food left behind that could contain essential genetic information that can be used by forensic DNA analysts to generate a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profile. The aim of this research study and paper is to analyze three collection methods and determine which is most efficient for extracting DNA evidence from three separate and forensically significant food substrates. This was done by depositing a known amount of DNA in a cell suspension onto apples, bananas, and bread, and then collecting those samples using swabbing, cutting, and grinding collection methods. The results of which were then analyzed for DNA quantity and quality through polymerase chain reactions and STR analysis. Apples and bananas were found to yield a higher quantity and quality of DNA profiles when using the swabbing collection method, while the bread substrate saw success with the grinding collection method. These results emphasize the importance of understanding the characteristics and subsequent requirements of different food substrate types when it comes to collection methods and materials