Model of Mass Varying Neutrinos in SUSY

We discuss the mass varying neutrino scenario in the supersymmetric theory. In the case of the model with the single superfield, one needs the soft SUSY breaking terms or the $\mu$ term. However, fine-tunings of some parameters are required to be consistent with the cosmological data. In order to avoid the fine-tuning, we discuss the model with two superfields, which is consistent with the cosmological data. However, it is found that the left-handed neutrino mixes with the neutrino of the dark sector maximally. Adding a right- handed neutrino, which does not couple to the dark sector, we obtain a favorable model in the phenomenology of the neutrino experiments. In this model, the deceleration of the cosmological expansion converts to the acceleration near $z\simeq 0.5$. The speed of sound $c_s$ becomes imaginary if we put $\omega_0=-0.9$, which corresponds to m_\nu^0=3.17\eV. On the other hand, if we take $\omega_0=-0.998$, which leads to m_\nu^0=0.05\eV, $c_s^2$ becomes positive since $\omega$ evolves rapidly near the present epoch in our model.Comment: references are added, to be published in Physics Letters

Development of 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods for the Study of Phosphate Metabolisms in E. coli and B. subtilis

31P NMR experiments were performed on Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis at various temperatures under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The total soluble intracellular phosphate concentration was estimated to be 2 x 10^-17 mole/cell, while intracellular orthophosphate concentration was around 1 x 10^-17 mole/cell. Addition of glucose resulted in a general decrease in intracellular pH and was accompanied by the formation of sugar monophosphates. The concentrations of soluble intracellular phosphates, both inorganic and organic phosphates, were estimated by integration versus methylene diphosphonic acid (MDPA) standard. Although intracellular and extracellular orthophosphate could be observed, these appear to exchange rapidly on the NMR time scale

mTORC2-NDRG1-CDC42 axis couples fasting to mitochondrial fission

Fasting triggers diverse physiological adaptations including increases in circulating fatty acids and mitochondrial respiration to facilitate organismal survival. The mechanisms driving mitochondrial adaptations and respiratory sufficiency during fasting remain incompletely understood. Here we show that fasting or lipid availability stimulates mTORC2 activity. Activation of mTORC2 and phosphorylation of its downstream target NDRG1 at serine 336 sustains mitochondrial fission and respiratory sufficiency. Time-lapse imaging shows that NDRG1, but not the phosphorylation-deficient NDRG1Ser336Ala mutant, engages with mitochondria to facilitate fission in control cells, as well as in those lacking DRP1. Using proteomics, a small interfering RNA screen, and epistasis experiments, we show that mTORC2-phosphorylated NDRG1 cooperates with small GTPase CDC42 and effectors and regulators of CDC42 to orchestrate fission. Accordingly, Rictor KO, NDRG1Ser336Ala mutants and Cdc42-deficient cells each display mitochondrial phenotypes reminiscent of fission failure. During nutrient surplus, mTOR complexes perform anabolic functions; however, paradoxical reactivation of mTORC2 during fasting unexpectedly drives mitochondrial fission and respiration

LARGE Expression Augments the Glycosylation of Glycoproteins in Addition to α-Dystroglycan Conferring Laminin Binding

Mutations in genes encoding glycosyltransferases (and presumed glycosyltransferases) that affect glycosylation and extracellular matrix binding activity of α-dystroglycan (α-DG) cause congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) with central nervous system manifestations. Among the identified genes, LARGE is of particular interest because its overexpression rescues glycosylation defects of α-DG in mutations of not only LARGE but also other CMD-causing genes and restores laminin binding activity of α-DG. It is not known whether LARGE protein glycosylates other proteins in addition to α-DG. In this study, we overexpressed LARGE in DG-deficient cells and analyzed glycosylated proteins by Western blot analysis. Surprisingly, overexpression of LARGE in α-DG-deficient cells led to glycosylation dependent IIH6C4 and VIA4-1 immunoreactivity, despite the prevailing view that these antibodies only recognize glycosylated α-DG. Furthermore, the hyperglycosylated proteins in LARGE-overexpressing cells demonstrated the functional capacity to bind the extracellular matrix molecule laminin and promote laminin assembly at the cell surface, an effect that was blocked by IIH6C4 antibodies. These results indicate that overexpression of LARGE catalyzes the glycosylation of at least one other glycoprotein in addition to α-DG, and that this glycosylation(s) promotes laminin binding activity

Towards a culturally competent counselor: The effectiveness of multicultural counseling and therapy training

To help counselors appropriately and sufficiently meet unique client needs, this study generated an indigenized conceptualization of multicultural counseling and therapy. Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 47 counselors from Regions 6, 7 & 8 (6 males, 41 females mean age = 40). Experimental method using a modified Solomon Four Group design was utilized to test the effectiveness of MCT training. Participants were 52 counselors (11 male, 41 female mean age = 35) from Region 7. Clients were described, considered different due to group affiliations and/or unique statuses/experiences. Culture based competencies were delineated training needs were identified. An indigenized MCT evolved culture is found a significant factor. Before training counselors\u27 profile reveal they were not culturally competent, had average counseling competencies and above average counseling self-efficacy. At .05 level there were significant differences in the pretest and posttest scores of the counselors, except for Relationship for all the variables training had an effect on the posttest, except self-efficacy and Relationship there were no significant differences between the posttest and delayed posttest scores. MCT training helped participants gain multicultural counseling knowledge, skills and awareness. All the topics/activities were found helpful

HIV/AIDS. : A Challenge to Theological Education in Asia.

Philippine129 p, 23 cm

Structural analysis of kappa- and iota-carrageenan from Philippine seaweeds / by Jennifer Troncales-Aguilan

http://rizal.lib.admu.edu.ph/thesis/abstract/The%20C4%20.A38%202005.pd

An action research on improving report timeliness of StarrSS-IT Manila

In a highly competitive IT Service industry, information is an important resource for organizations in their operations and management activities. Timely availability of relevant information is vital for effective performance. If information and data are delivered late, inaccurate, and difficult to understand, makes it harder for decision-makers to make good decisions. And in todays age of information, business leaders must have accurate, timely, and easy to understand information. If any of these three components fail, then it will not have any value to the organization. This action research aimed to help the reports team under the office of the COO of Starr Shared Services-IT (StarrSS-IT) Manila in improving the timeliness of reports publishing. This can be achieved through the use of frameworks such as Work System Theory which allowed me and my collaborators to do an analysis and gives clear understanding of the business situation, be able to describe the issues, and able to think and bring about possibilities for change. The main interventions were through a calendar with the source providers and then creating control and monitoring process to ensure accountability. Interventions were conducted through informal one-to-one and group meetings and interviews. The outcome of the interventions allowed an improved process within the team and reports published on time. Participation of collaborators allowed this action research to be successful