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Gα12 is the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein G12. This protein has been implicated in a number of cellular processes, most notably cytoskeletal rearrangements, cell migration, oncogenic transformation, and metastasis. The overall goal of my research is to identify specific regions within Gα12 necessary for binding its target proteins, and to examine these regions in a three-dimensional structural model of Gα12. My initial experiments have studied the Gα12 interactor protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), which regulates many cellular functions and has been linked to breast cancer progression. A fusion protein of PP5 and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was immobilized on a chemical matrix, then tested for binding against a comprehensive panel of Gα12 mutants, each mutant having a different small region replaced with an inert sequence of amino acids. Cellular proteins precipitated by PP5 were separated by gel electrophoresis, and these were probed with a Gα12-specific antibody. The amount of each Gα12 mutant that interacted with PP5 was quantified and compared to the non-mutant Gα12. These studies have identified several regions of Gα12 important in PP5 binding. Recently I extended these studies to another set of Gα12 mutants, designed by a collaborating research group at UNC-Chapel Hill, that consist of single amino acid substitutions.
Species of nematodes, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, have become model organisms for studying genetics, development, and evolution. However, the attitude regarding natural populations of Caenorhabditis has conventionally been ‘hakuna matata’ to use the Swahili phrase meaning ‘no worries’ (Dolgin et al 2008). Unfortunately, the focus on these organisms’ usefulness in the lab has left the natural populations relatively unexplored. This project seeks to examine the nematode population in this area.
A transect was established on the UVA Wise campus. Samples of soil were collected in 15 ml centrifuge tubes. Nematodes were isolated from the soil on agar culture plates. Approximately fifty nematodes were isolated. Initial identification, based on mouth morphology, reveals that most isolates are from the Rhabditidae family. Molecular characterization was utilized as well. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was utilized, and the 5' segment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) gene was sequenced. Correlation with a database of sequences from known species offers a route to identification (Floyd et al 2002). The DNA is awaiting sequencing at this time. This project serves as an initial survey into the local nematode population. However, there is much left to be explored.
The study of bacteria is very important for many reasons. The first is that they have an important pathological impact on other organisms including humans. Another equally important, but frequently overlooked, aspect of bacteria is the critical role they play in most ecosystems through decomposition of organic matter and in nutrient cycling. Bacteria are ubiquitous and can survive and thrive in almost any environment including those of hot springs and even the atmosphere.
The objective of this project was to describe a portion of the microbial diversity extant in Montevallo’s Ebenezer Swamp organic sediments. This was accomplished with the use of three Winogradsky columns that were allowed to incubate in sunlight at the swamp in a natural environment to develop into distinct levels in the column according to nutritional requirements. After sufficient time for distinct bacterial growth, the samples were drained and collected. Selected sites of interest were examined based on color and the specific levels in relation to the soil depth at which each bacteria sample was collected and were recorded. Bacterial analysis was performed and recorded. These analyses included a Gram staining to characterize the bacterial membrane and endospore staining to determine the presence of and morphology of endospores present in the bacterial colony. Inoculation of a peptone broth was performed to determine the presence of ammonia and inoculation of an iron-agar determined the presence of hydrogen sulfide.
The information provided in this research supports the idea that male and female students exhibit different learning behaviors. This literature review analyzes three commonly recognized learning styles and preferences of male and female elementary school students (visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic). Reported gender-specific behaviors of each sex are included in this study. Learning environments that cater to male and females are discussed as well. Male and female performances on standardized tests are also compared and contrasted. Specific information related to the learning preferences of male and female students and the impact on learning outcomes is also provided. Finally, a discussion related to the implications for classroom teachers is offered.
General chemistry students at UVa Wise carry out an experiment in which a two salt mixture is reacted to form a solid product. The mass of the solid product obtained and identity of the limiting reactant are used to determine the composition of the original mixture. Calculations typically give answers with greater error than would be expected. One possible source of error is the formula of the hydrated product. This project was an attempt to find the correct value for the hydration of the products. Fifteen samples each of zinc and calcium phosphate were synthesized, dehydrated, and then analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The masses of product and dehydrated salt were used to calculate extent of hydration for each product. Based on the results, the zinc phosphate is a tri-hydrate (3.06 +/- 0.21) and the calcium phosphate is a di-hydrate (2.08 +/- 0.10). These results will be confirmed by atomic absorbance spectroscopy. Knowing the true extent of hydration of the salts should lead to a more accurate calculation of the mass percent of the original mixtures used in the general chemistry experiment.
One of the poorly understood reactions that may contribute to heavy element inhomogeneous nucleosynthesis is the 13C(d,n0)14N reaction. To understand the dynamics of this reaction, we have measured the yield and vector analyzing power of the n0 group in the deuteron energy range from 280 keV to 460 keV. Neutrons were produced by a deuterium beam from the atomic beam polarized ion source, accelerated through the TUNL mini tandem onto a thick and enriched 13C target. Eight organic liquid scintillator neutron detectors were placed at angles from 0 degrees to 135 degrees. Results for the angular distributions of the yield were extracted and will be shown.
The current state of environmental degradation worldwide encourages a variety of intellectual investigations into the history of human/nature relationships. In some cases, such investigations concern the examples found in traditional societies, while other scholarly endeavors seek to create new foundational theories in the hopes of informing future generations. This compares Andean traditional environmental practice, known as Earthkeeping, to a 20th century ethical system, Deep Ecology, constructed by Western and European environmental philosophers. The research in this paper uses the approach of scholars in the humanities, the close reading and interpretation of texts, and relies on interdisciplinary sources in anthropology, environmental ethics and philosophy. The paper concludes that the two belief systems have many interesting intersections and argues that understanding such intersections brings greater clarity to both as discreet systems of environmental thought and practice. This exploration of parallels and differences found in nature values adds to contemporary environmental ethical discourse and offers opportunities for cross-cultural understanding in support of sustainability.
Gianlorenzo Bernini was pivotal in shaping the face of Rome during the 17th century. Bernini’s work wholly embodies the drama of the Baroque period as influence by the Counter-Reformation. One of his earliest commissions, Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius (1618-19), not only demonstrates Bernini’s talent early in his career, but also reflects the significance of the Catholic Church on art of this time period. Aeneas, the protagonist of Virgil’s epic poem, The Aeneid, is the legendary founder of Rome, and by extension, the Catholic Church. The image of Aeneas was selected as the subject of additional works commissioned by the Catholic Church and the Clergy during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Also, during the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic Church stressed the importance of adhering to original texts when producing works of art. While this mainly addressed Biblical texts, this concept can also be applied to Bernini’s depiction of Aeneas. The church also found a way to adopt pagan symbols by transforming their meaning into Christian virtues. The depiction of Aeneas with his father, Anchises, and his son, Ascanius, symbolizes filial love. The penates, small statues of household gods, symbolize the groups devotion to the gods. Together, filial love and Godly devotion comprise Caritas, or charity. According to Paul, charity is the greatest Christian virtue.
Learning a programming language is difficult; learning a programming language in three days is astounding. This is a case study of high school students learning C++ in three days. Active learning was the primary teaching method. The students were introduced to new concepts and immediately given programming assignments that exemplified and quickly illuminated new concepts. As the programming assignments grew more complex the students relied on each other for ideas, and learned application of concepts as a team. Traditionally, programming is taught with lecture and complex homework assignments. Often there are few in class, or team assignments, especially later in the course. We discovered that learners, even at the high school level succeed in grasping coding principles. Active learning deserves further inquiry because its success could bring in more interest in computer science from younger students. If students feel confident as programmers they will feel confident in continuing the study of computer science. Since young students with little expectation in success, thrived with active learning; applying active learning in an environment of older students learning would be beneficial.
Many different factors influence whether or not a particular student will vote in a student government association election. By analyzing several different demographic categories of the participating voters and how they relate to the same proportional demographics for the entire student community, some specific variables can be used as significant indicators for how likely a particular person would be to vote in a future student government election. Demographic variables that indicate a higher level of participation on campus are the best ways to gauge a person or groups’ potential participation rate or suggest a pattern of voting among a specific segment of the overall campus population. Given this information, various institutions of student government, student life and campus involvement can do some self-analysis of how effectively they are reaching the student body as a whole.
Observation of cell proliferation on three-dimensional nanofibrous matrices is challenging due to difficulties with cell staining and lysis methods. In this project, the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s) seeded onto polycaprolacetone (PCL) and triphasic (composed of PCL, hydroxyapatite, and collagen I) electrospun scaffolds was tested using two lysis techniques and four different staining methods. A comparison of lysis techniques showed that homogenizing scaffolds using a Polytron device consistently yielded more efficient cell lysis in both types of scaffolds over the traditional sonication method. In addition, we employed four different techniques for staining cells adhered to the scaffolds: 1) Quant-iT Picogreen dsDNA reagent, 2) Qtracker Cell Labeling - 525nm Qdot nanocrystals, 3) MTT reagent, and 4) green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled MSCs. Of these methods, the Qdot and MTT assays proved to be the most reliable detection methods for cell proliferation over time. Importantly, better cell proliferation was observed on the triphasic scaffolds as compared to the PCL scaffolds. This supports previous studies done by our lab that suggest the inclusion of biological molecules, such as hydroxyapatite and collagen I, enhance mesenchymal stem cell proliferation.
Diabetes has been, and continues to be a persistent health problem in the region of Southwest Virginia. The disparity observed between this region and the rest of the state has been documented for many years, with data showing the prevalence of diabetes in Southwest Virginia to be greater than twice the state average. A disproportionately high prevalence of health ailments related to diabetes is also observed in the populations of the region. Reasons commonly cited for this disparity include income, educational attainment, mountainous topography, and lack of preventative and specialty care, as well as other contributing factors. To investigate possible reasons for why such a disparity exists between Southwest Virginia and the rest of the state, a literature search was conducted. The influences on the development of diabetes in the region are multifactorial, with many of these influences being explored in the research. A number of frequently cited influences on the disproportionate prevalence of diabetes in the region were observed in the data obtained. The information from the literature research provides ideas for interventions that might be best suited to the populations of the region and may be used in targeting diabetes within the distinct healthcare environment of Southwest Virginia.
In spite of the popularity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model for development, very few studies have used electron microscopy and none have used the technology to elucidate development. Consequently, a methodology was developed that utilized freeze fracture and SEM microscopy. Wild-type zebrafish eggs were first placed into glutaraldehyde fixative, rinsed, transferred into an osmium fixative, and stepped into 50% DMSO cryoprotectant. A droplet of DMSO containing the embryo was frozen using a liquid nitrogen chilled stage and fractured by touch with a chilled scalpel. Samples were thawed in 50% DMSO and fixed again in osmium solution. After dehydration by ethanol and evaporating HMDS, fractured embryos were mounted and viewed with a scanning electron microscope. The resultant images revealed much about early changes in general morphology and surface structures. Consistent and predictable fractures were more difficult than predicted, severely limiting available information on internal development. Consequently, meaningful data on the internal development of the neural tube, notochord, yolk sac, and cell layers required an excess of samples to obtain. The randomness of this technique makes precise investigation of development problematic, but with persistence and a large sample size, considerable external and internal developmental data may still be obtained.
Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick and Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian have often drawn passing comparisons from critics; both are American novels set in the mid-19th century, both deal almost biblically with the forces of nature, and at the centers of both loom “evil” characters who seek to master all they behold. Further, in a rare interview, McCarthy stated that Moby-Dick was his favorite novel. This study explores at greater depth the relationships between these two texts and especially their central characters, Captain Ahab and judge Holden. The most significant of these relationships is Nietzsche’s Master-Slave morality as it is played out in both works. Moby-Dick takes as the law of its fictive world the Slave morality, while Blood Meridian reverts to the Master morality. This study takes an intertextual approach based upon careful reading of literature and key philosophical works, most notably Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morals. In addition, structuralist critic Gerard Genette’s work on “hypertextuality”—his term for the relationship between a text and a previous text by transformation or imitation—illumines the connections between the two works. This study finds that a reading of two texts changes both the imitative text and the imitated text.
In order to memorialize the anniversary of sexology and provide a unique opportunity for student populations, a new course titled “Sex, Gender, and Sexology in the 20th Century” was proposed and implemented at two universities. The course was interdisciplinary and included a broad range of perspectives and topics. Fifty-eight of the participants (98.3%) believed the course should be taught again. Instructor performance was significantly correlated to increase in sexuality knowledge, prompting future learning, usefulness of course materials, and recruitment methodologies constructs. Additional assessment of individual items in the knowledge, prompting, instructor performance, and course material constructs resulted in > 4.0 scores on 88.89% of the 5-point Likert scale items. Overall findings from the evaluation of the courses suggest sexuality knowledge and interest in similar courses increases as a result of these courses. Similar courses could be implemented and evaluated at other institutions using this pilot as a guideline.
This research paper focuses on two methods of population reconstruction: the Downing Method and the backward Leslie Matrix method. The goal is to see how each factor of error in calculations and assumptions affects the outcome in the two methods. By adjusting each factor of error such as harvest rate, fecundity rate, birth rate etc. and comparing these small adjustments to the outcome, we reveal the major sources of errors in each method. The research evaluates the growth rate for each method as a standard for comparison between the two. The process involves simulation of an initial population using a computer program (Visual Studio 2008) for each age class in 20 year period. This simulated population is applied to the Downing Method and the Leslie Matrix method. This research gives a closer look at the accuracy of each method with respect to assumption and adjustment of error factors.
Porphyrins are of interest in many applications that involve electron transfer and absorption of light, such as solar energy and photodynamic cancer therapy. To be useful in these applications, the porphyrins must be designed, synthesized, purified, characterized and oftentimes metallated. The synthesis, metallation, and purification processes conventionally use methods involving chemicals which if not disposed of correctly can result in adverse effects on environmental vitality. The purification of the porphyrins is needed twice, following synthesis and metallation. The current practice is to use column chromatography, which often times employs the use of chloroform or other environmentally unfriendly solvents. During this process, a large amount of solvent is used. Improved efficiency can greatly reduce the amount of solvent which must be disposed. The method used utilizes a mixture of hexanes and ethyl acetate to achieve separation in the chromatography column. Using this mixture, 5,10,15,20-tetra(N-ethyl-3-carbazoyl)porphyrin and a new porphyrin, 5,10,15,20-tetra(3,4-dibenzyloxy)porphyrin, have been purified and a study carried out to confirm that the more environmentally friendly purification does in fact yield the purified porphyrin.
Julian of Norwich is a female writer who is neither recognized for her writing abilities, nor for her role as an early feminist. Critic, Ritamary Bradley regards Julian as “the first known woman of letters in English literature.” Other critics, such as Rosemary Radford Ruether, suggest that Julian of Norwich aided in the emergence of Christian feminist theology. In Julian’s Revelations, she presents a Motherhood Theology that allows for the equal humanity of women. By presenting the Trinity where God is Father, Christ is Mother, and Holy Spirit is Spouse, Julian creates a radical idea only expressed before in male theologians’ writings. What makes Julian’s presentation of the Trinity so different is the fact that she makes it central to her own theology and develops it over a twenty-year period spanning from her visionary experience to her life as an anchoress. Her Short Text was written by a scribe, shortly after witnessing her visions. Her next edition, the Long Text, written in her own hand, develops further her feminist ideas. By using overtly religious elements, she is able to include covert ideas of early feminism and the humanity of women.
Concerning sonic art, the effects of sound on human physiology are intended to encourage a participatory engagement resulting in a more faceted experience than usually occurs in mere spectatorship. Combined with visual elements within a sculptural installation, aural material closely relates participants to concepts in an inclusive visceral arena. The work explores this visceral intuitive relationship between humans and sound while addressing questions of purpose concerning art and spirituality. In an installation incorporating static and kinetic sonic sculptures, the research strives to solve the persisting dilemma in asking the portentous question about the future of humanity: How will we relate to the universe? While the research draws from such influences as Alexander Calder, Max Ernst, Arthur Ganson, and Theo Jansen in illustrating the plight of humanity, sonically it gives regard to composers in the vein of saxophonist Ornette Colman, and bassist/programmer Tom Jenkinson as it relates inharmonicity and synchronicity to states of universal connectivity. This installation generates opportunities for participants to understand their relationship to an overarching structure as they discern moments of order in a chaotic environment. This understanding will be indicated when participants remain silent during lapses of sound, or are exclamatory when encountering sonic patterns they recognize.
In light of the current wars, veterans are a rapidly growing vulnerable population. Although there are resources such as the VA for veterans, the people attached to them (e.g. their families and significant others) are not being treated or prepared for the aftermath of the often invisible battle scares or mental injuries that have been inflicted on their loved ones. These families often are unprepared and are unknowledgeable about the symptoms of PTSD, which may result in immense amounts of stress during the veteran’s delicate readjustment to civilian life. In some cases, the stress of the PTSD has resulted in a breakdown of the family system. There is a substantial gap in the literature regarding the secondary effects of PTSD on families (e.g. spouses, children, etc.), this research will identify those gaps with special attention devoted to the specific needs of this population. This research, which is a comprehensive review of the literature, will first introduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the pathology of primary trauma, followed by a description of veterans with PTSD and the needs of them and their families. A family systems approach will be utilized to describe the effects of this condition on veterans and their families.
Rayber, a character from Flannery O’Connor’s second novel, The Violent Bear It Away, is misunderstood by critics and perhaps even by the author herself. While most critics categorize him as a damned secular soul, I believe that his character is significantly more complex. I believe that Rayber is actually a regenerated member of God’s elect family because he consistently expresses resistance to God’s pull; he has significant parallels to the prodigal son; and he does not follow the pattern of the novel's examples of depraved characters. From a young age, Rayber has been in constant spiritual battle with God. Rayber’s rare tender interactions with his young mentally handicapped son cause a violent torrent of emotion within Rayber that is directed against God for creating the imperfect child. Rayber is a stubborn prodigal son who has yet to return home to his father and safety, but the novel holds open that possibility. Within The Violent Bear It Away there are completely depraved characters and they act as foils for Rayber. Society is notorious for disregarding as unredeemable people who do not fit accepted traditional Christian roles. This novel serves as a reminder that we do not know who God has chosen.
While royal mistresses have always been commonplace in kingdoms, few stand out as much as Madame de Pompadour, mistress to Louis XV of France in the eighteenth century. Rising above hateful propaganda and gossip, she became one of Louis’ most trusted advisers and has been often called the engineer behind Versailles in the dying light of Louis XIV’s court. This paper argues the importance of Pompadour as mistress, confidante, and the leader force behind politics of the day. She encouraged the Enlightenment by holding salons and leading others to do the same. Sources describe her as a protector of thinkers such as Voltaire, Locke, and Rousseau, and these allies advanced her position.
She was a pioneer in the fine arts, commissioning countless portraits and establishing the Théâtre des Petits Caabinets; she also established Napoleon’s future school, the Ecole Militaire. She remained close to the king even after their sexual relationship ended, proving her competence and political strength. The Seven Years’ War, financial issues, and riots served as catalysts for illness, and Pompadour died at age forty-two; still, her legacy survived, and Pompadour serves as the first real feminist character of pre-Revolution France through her dissemination of Enlightenment culture and ideals.
This research focuses on the role that Southern honor played in the actions of Preston Brooks in the Brooks-Sumner Affair. In May 1856, Brooks caned Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner on the floor of the Senate in response to Sumner’s “Crime Against Kansas” speech. Northern and Southern reaction differed widely, with Northern public opinion condemning Brooks’s actions. Yet, from Southerners, Brooks received many letters in support of his actions. This event was one of the primary factors contributing to the increasing sense of sectionalism, which led ultimately to the Civil War. The methodology for this project was to base the conclusions heavily on the primary sources located in the South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina. These sources include letters written to Brooks in the aftermath of the affair, Brooks’s diary, contemporary newspaper accounts, Congressional records and speeches, and the Brooks Family Scrapbook. Secondary literature (bibliography attached) provides the framework for discussion of the culture that was prevalent among elite white Southerners in the mid-nineteenth century. The ideal of honor and the violence often associated with that ideal are used as a backdrop for the individual actions of Preston Brooks. These sources, both primary and secondary, support the conclusion that Southerners accepted defense of honor as a justification for Brooks’s actions. Further, this cultural divide helps to explain the widening gap between North and South in the 1850s.
The similarities between Herman Melville’s Captain Ahab and William Shakespeare’s King Lear illustrate the creative influence of King Lear upon the formation of Moby-Dick. Melville models Ahab into a near exact replica of Lear, both in character development and in plot: each has great power, which, when unchecked, leads to hubris; both share a common companion, the fool; and both are tested and transformed by a storm. Despite the clear influences evident, Melville does not have Ahab follow the king’s path to redemption. Through analysis of Ahab’s maintained power of the Pequod through various interpretive methods, the role of Pip, and the storm’s transformational powers on the captain, it is evident that Melville intended Ahab to become the mirror image of Lear. In aspects such as the importance of price over value, madness, and the recognition and seizing of redemption, Ahab chooses the reverse of Lear, revealing himself to be more conscientious of the evils that work in the world. Melville makes his captain a darker character by having him battle against supernatural forces, instead of natural forces (people) like his model. The differences between Lear and Ahab’s actions make Ahab the more tragic character because, while he sees the path of redemption taken by Lear, he refuses to follow, and thus, condemns himself.
Judicial activism in the United States judicial branch is the activity of judges who use their constitutional adjudication to propose political preferences or even pursue particular policy ideals that may go beyond mere interpretation of the Constitution. A careful analysis of the Federalist Papers, the Anti-Federalist Papers, a brief history of judicial activism, and consideration of two prominent Supreme Court cases suggest that the Founding Fathers would likely have disapproved of the kind of activist court sometimes seen today. Judicial activism may be undertaken by either “liberal” or “conservative” justices, and is not confined to one ideological position or set of political preferences. Unfortunately, neither of the recent candidates from the 2008 Presidential Election gave their assurance that they would appoint justices to the Court so as to curtail future judicial activism, despite the United States president's sworn duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.