Showing papers by "Northeastern State University published in 2013"

Less is more: strategies to remove marker genes from transgenic plants

Abstract: Selectable marker genes (SMGs) and selection agents are useful tools in the production of transgenic plants by selecting transformed cells from a matrix consisting of mostly untransformed cells. Most SMGs express protein products that confer antibiotic- or herbicide resistance traits, and typically reside in the end product of genetically-modified (GM) plants. The presence of these genes in GM plants, and subsequently in food, feed and the environment, are of concern and subject to special government regulation in many countries. The presence of SMGs in GM plants might also, in some cases, result in a metabolic burden for the host plants. Their use also prevents the re-use of the same SMG when a second transformation scheme is needed to be performed on the transgenic host. In recent years, several strategies have been developed to remove SMGs from GM products while retaining the transgenes of interest. This review describes the existing strategies for SMG removal, including the implementation of site specific recombination systems, TALENs and ZFNs. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of existing SMG-removal strategies and explores possible future research directions for SMG removal including emerging technologies for increased precision for genome modification.

Innate Immunity in Plants: The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of innate immunity, establishing a first line of defense against pathogens. All plant organs express AMPs constitutively or in response to microbial challenges. Plant AMPs are structurally and functionally diverse. Five classes of AMPs are considered in this review, the thionins, defensins, lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), snakins, and a group of related knottins, cyclotides and hevein-like AMPs. Besides targeting fungal, bacterial, and oomycete pathogens, certain AMPs can be directed against other organisms, like herbivorous insects. The biological activity of plant AMPs primarily depends on interactions with membrane lipids, but other modes of action exist as in the case of defensins with α-amylase activity or a defensin-like peptide that interacts with a receptor kinase. Limited information exists on the regulated expression of plant AMPs, their processing, and posttranslational modification. Conclusive data on the role of certain AMPs in plant defense have only recently become available. This review can therefore only be considered as a snapshot of the progress in this field of research.

Recombinant Protein Production of Earthworm Lumbrokinase for Potential Antithrombotic Application

Abstract: Earthworms have been used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, and other Far East countries for thousands of years. Oral administration of dry earthworm powder is considered as a potent and effective supplement for supporting healthy blood circulation. Lumbrokinases are a group of enzymes that were isolated and purified from different species of earthworms. These enzymes are recognized as fibrinolytic agents that can be used to treat various conditions associated with thrombosis. Many lumbrokinase (LK) genes have been cloned and characterized. Advances in genetic technology have provided the ability to produce recombinant LK and have made it feasible to purify a single lumbrokinase enzyme for potential antithrombotic application. In this review, we focus on expression systems that can be used for lumbrokinase production. In particular, the advantages of using a transgenic plant system to produce edible lumbrokinase are described.

Green marketing of apparel: consumers' price sensitivity to environmental marketing claims

Abstract: Green or environmental marketing claims have increased in recent years because of potentially higher profits for companies. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental marketing claims for which consumers are willing to pay higher prices. The specific claims investigated in this study were: using organic fibers or recycled textile fibers; sustainable manufacturing; companies donating to green organizations; and using fair trade and labor practices. A quantitative survey of college students in the Midwestern US revealed that a company's environmental marketing claims – particularly with regard to manufacturing with organic fibers and donating to green organizations – resulted in decreased consumer price sensitivity. The theory of reasoned action served as the framework for the study. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research are presented.

Comparing the experience of regret and its predictors among smokers in four Asian countries: findings from the ITC surveys in Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and China.

Abstract: r esults: Prevalence of regret in 3 countries (South Korea = 87%, Malaysia = 77%, and China = 74%) was lower than that found by Fong et al. in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom (89%–90%); but was higher in Thailand (93%). These significant country differences in regret corresponded with differences in tobacco control and norms regarding smoking. The predictors of regret in the Asian countries were very similar to those in the 4 Western countries: Regret was more likely to be experienced by smokers who smoked fewer cigarettes per day, perceived greater benefits of quitting and higher financial costs of smoking, had more prior quit attempts, worried that smoking would damage their health, and felt that their loved ones and society disapproved of smoking. Regret was also positively associated with intentions to quit (r = 0.23, p < .001). Conclusions: Across the Asian countries and high-income Western countries, the prevalence of regret varies, but the factors predicting regret are quite consistent. Regret may be an important indicator of tobacco control and is related to factors associated with future quitting.

Using FT-IR Spectroscopy to Measure Charge Organization in Ionic Liquids

Abstract: A major goal in the field of ionic liquids is correlating transport property trends with the underlying liquid structure of the compounds, such as the degree of charge organization among the constituent ions. Traditional techniques for experimentally assessing charge organization are specialized and not readily available for routine measurements. This represents a significant roadblock in elucidating these correlations. We use a combination of transmission and polarized-ATR infrared spectroscopy to measure the degree of charge organization for ionic liquids. The technique is illustrated with a family of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids at 30 °C. As expected, the amount of charge organization decreases as the alkyl side chain is lengthened, highlighting the important role of short-range repulsive interactions in defining quasilattice structure. Inherent limitations of the method are identified and discussed. The quantitative measurements of charge organization are then co...

Complete genome sequence of Halorhodospira halophila SL1

Abstract: Halorhodospira halophila is among the most halophilic organisms known. It is an obligately photosynthetic and anaerobic purple sulfur bacterium that exhibits autotrophic growth up to saturated NaCl concentrations. The type strain H. halophila SL1 was isolated from a hypersaline lake in Oregon. Here we report the determination of its entire genome in a single contig. This is the first genome of a phototrophic extreme halophile. The genome consists of 2,678,452 bp, encoding 2,493 predicted genes as determined by automated genome annotation. Of the 2,407 predicted proteins, 1,905 were assigned to a putative function. Future detailed analysis of this genome promises to yield insights into the halophilic adaptations of this organism, its ability for photoautotrophic growth under extreme conditions, and its characteristic sulfur metabolism.

Immigrant entrepreneurs' selectivity: host market distance and opportunity

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations of immigrant entrepreneurs in choosing a host country before immigrating, through a comparison of country distances and economic opportunities.Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses borrow from selectivity theory and institutional theory to propose that there will be a negative relationship between distance and the selection of a host county, as well as a positive relationship between host country opportunity and immigrant selectivity. OLS regression was used on secondary data to determine the flow of labor immigrants from source‐destination country dyads.Findings – Cultural and geographic distances are stronger indicators of where a business person immigrates than the promise of opportunity.Research limitations/implications – Exclusive use of secondary data precludes potentially important variables from being included in this cross‐sectional study. Future primary, longitudinal research may determine if this is the immigrant's first choic...

The effects of an expressive arts therapy group on female counselors-in-training: A qualitative study

Abstract: The current study sought to explore the effects of an expressive arts therapy group on female counselors-in-training. The current study involved six female counseling graduate students participating in an expressive arts group. Various expressive arts activities were introduced across 13 weeks. Group members recorded their experiences from the group experience weekly in a reflective journal. Using qualitative methods the results indicated that (1) the group progressed through group stages; (2) the outcome of participating in expressive arts activities was consistent with previous research on the benefits of expressive arts therapies; and (3) female counselors-in-training noted counselor development effects as found in previous research. The results from the current study lend itself to promoting an optimum counselor training model and use of creative techniques in counselor development.

Intertester agreement in refractive error measurements.

Abstract: Purpose—To determine the inter-tester agreement of refractive error measurements between lay and nurse screeners using the Retinomax Autorefractor (Retinomax) and the SureSight Vision Screener (SureSight). Methods—Trained lay and nurse screeners measured refractive error in 1452 preschoolers (3- to 5-years old) using the Retinomax and the SureSight in a random order for screeners and instruments. Inter-tester agreement between lay and nurse screeners was assessed for sphere, cylinder and spherical equivalent (SE) using the mean difference and the 95% limits of agreement. The mean inter-tester difference (lay minus nurse) was compared between groups defined based on child’s age, cycloplegic refractive error, and the reading’s confidence number using analysis of variance. The limits of agreement were compared between groups using the Brown-Forsythe test. Inter-eye correlation was accounted for in all analyses. Results—The mean inter-tester differences (95% limits of agreement) were −0.04 (−1.63, 1.54) Diopter (D) sphere, 0.00 (−0.52, 0.51) D cylinder, and −0.04 (1.65, 1.56) D SE for the Retinomax; and 0.05 (−1.48, 1.58) D sphere, 0.01 (−0.58, 0.60) D cylinder, and 0.06 (−1.45, 1.57) D SE for the SureSight. For either instrument, the mean inter-tester differences in sphere and SE did not differ by the child’s age, cycloplegic refractive error, or the reading’s confidence number. However, for both instruments, the limits of agreement were wider when eyes had significant refractive error or the reading’s confidence number was below the manufacturer’s recommended value. Conclusions—Among Head Start preschool children, trained lay and nurse screeners agree well in measuring refractive error using the Retinomax or the SureSight. Both instruments had similar inter-tester agreement in refractive error measurements independent of the child’s age. Significant refractive error and a reading with low confidence number were associated with worse inter-tester agreement.

Was Rembrandt strabismic

Abstract: PurposeWe studied a set of Rembrandt’s self-portraits to reassess a previous claim, based on measurements of the centration of his painted irises, that Rembrandt had a large exotropia.MethodsOf the 24 self-portraits that Rembrandt painted, with significant ocular detail to give an impression

The effect of head turn and illumination on the perceived direction of gaze.

Abstract: Thirty observers judged the direction of monocular and binocular gaze from a model's LCD-imaged head when the head, gaze, and illumination were either straight or turned 206 degrees to the side The judged direction of binocular eye contact from a turned head was judged to go past the direction of the observer, while judged monocular gaze from the eye toward the observer followed that for binocular gaze Although judged monocular gaze from the eye away from the observer also passed the observer, it did so by a smaller amount The judged direction of binocular gaze in the same direction as the head turn was judged to pass the direction of the head turn The judged direction of monocular gaze from the eye away from the observer was nearly true, but the judged direction of monocular gaze from the eye toward the observer was judged as closer to the observer than true Illumination of the model's head from the side made the direction of both head turn and gaze appear to move away from the direction of the light source These results are discussed in connection with angle k and the perceived direction of head turn

Movement Patterns and Sociality of the Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, in Southwestern Louisiana

Abstract: The Mediterranean gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, is a nonnative lizard that lives on buildings and other artificial structures in the southern United States. Previous studies have shown that geckos rarely move from one building to another and that, when they do, it is usually due to juveniles dispersing to new buildings. Little is known about the movements of geckos on the buildings they occupy or about the degree to which males and females or adults and juveniles associate with each other during their nocturnal activity periods. We used data from a multi-year, mark-recapture study of a population of Mediterranean geckos on a one-story building in southwestern Louisiana to analyze movements of geckos between recaptures and to analyze age and sex of pairs of geckos. The distance moved by adult geckos between recaptures was usually small ( 30 days within a year, or in succeeding years. There was no difference in patterns of moveme...

Understanding childhood trauma: Ten reminders for preventing retraumatization

Abstract: Traumatic events can leave a staggering impact on a child’s development. School counselors are in the primary position to assist children with traumatic symptoms, however, counselors often work alongside educators, administrators, and school personnel alike. Consequently, it is necessary that all adults develop an understanding of traumatic reactions and the steps to provide stability and comfort. This article integrates trauma research to provide a compilation of reminders that adults can implement to prevent unnecessary retraumatization.

Erosion processes in anthropogenic systems in the South of the Russian Far East

Abstract: The results of studying erosion processes in anthropogenic systems in the South of the Russian Far East are given. The surface of tailings dumps has been shown to be subjected to not only air and wind but also chemical erosion, which creates a great hazard to the environment and human health. A direct relation has been found between the anthropogenic material discharge and precipitation amount. Its maximal value during intense erosion processes has been estimated. A set of measures has been proposed to reduce the impact of erosion processes in mining anthropogenic systems.

Kasky v. Nike: Lurking First Amendment Time Bomb for Marketers?

Abstract: While attention has focused on the U. S. Supreme Court protecting corporate political speech, the Court has left untouched a California Supreme Court ruling of significance to marketers in their efforts to use advertising and public relations to offset what they view as unfair criticism. The case, Kasky v. Nike, stems from 1995 accusations that athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer Nike exploited and abused employees in Asian sweatshops. Through advertising and public relations efforts, Nike denied the claims. In 1998, Californian Mark Kasky sued, claiming Nike's denials violated laws regarding unfair competition and false advertising and, because the denials were "commercial speech," they were not protected by the First Amendment. California Superior Court dismissed the case and Kasky also lost in the state Court of Appeal, but won at the California Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear an appeal from Nike. As a result, companies doing business in California, including online, risk being charged with false advertising when attempting to defend themselves against accusations of unfair, illegal, or unethical corporate practices.

Kindergarten in Russia’s Far East

Abstract: Russia’s Far East region is dark, cold, and isolated for much of the year. However, programs for young children demonstrate the community commitment to provide for its youngest citizens and to promote the cultural heritage of the region. This chapter addresses how leaders have adapted childhood care and education to the region’s geography, economy, and culture. In 2008, the city of Magadan reorganized the programming and renovated the building for Kindergarten 3. The program components are organized so that children acquire knowledge and correct deviations, as well as to develop personality, acquire learning skills, enhance self-concept, and orient to the surrounding world. The fundamental direction and content of the Kindergarten includes: revival, preservation and transfer of meanings and values of national culture, and love for nature and the native land in which youngsters live and develop. The program, “Severyachok: Children of the North,” provides children with experiences related to the lives of indigenous people groups. Children hear stories, see everyday objects from the natives of the Far North–East, and learn how people use these objects in life.