Model-guided design of ligand-regulated RNAi for programmable control of gene expression

Progress in constructing biological networks will rely on the development of more advanced components that can be predictably modified to yield optimal system performance. We have engineered an RNA-based platform, which we call an shRNA switch, that provides for integrated ligand control of RNA interference (RNAi) by modular coupling of an aptamer, competing strand, and small hairpin (sh) RNA stem into a single component that links ligand concentration and target gene expression levels. A combined experimental and mathematical modelling approach identified multiple tuning strategies and moves towards a predictable framework for the forward design of shRNA switches. The utility of our platform is highlighted by the demonstration of fine-tuning, multi-input control, and model-guided design of shRNA switches with an optimized dynamic range. Thus, shRNA switches can serve as an advanced component for the construction of complex biological systems and offer a controlled means of activating RNAi in disease therapeutics

Satisfaction with Care among Residents and Families in a Long-Term and Complex Continuing Care Organization

This article looks at one organization’s implementation of a satisfaction survey for all of its residents. It also explores how satisfaction ratings vary between complex continuing care (CCC) and long-term care (LTC) residents between residents with and without dementia. Satisfaction with care at St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC) Guelph was measured during the fall and winter of 2004/2005. A total of 107 residents and patients from both LTC and CCC were interviewed and 141 family members returned mailed surveys. Overall quality of care was rated highly by both residents and families. There were no statistically significant differences comparing LTC and CCC residents and only one comparing those with and without dementia. Within the area of medical care, 57.7% of residents with dementia compared to 78.0% of residents without dementia agreed they received therapy when needed (p=.03). This information has been very valuable to SJHC staff and administrators as they strive to improve their quality of care. The project also highlights the important work that can be achieved through collaborations between researchers and health care providers

Engaging Capitalism with Wesleyan Theology

In this paper presented at the Wesleyan Theological Society Annual Meeting in March 2014, two professors from Olivet Nazarene University – one from the field of Economics and the other from Theology – address the intersection of Wesleyan theology and ethics with the theoretical foundations of capitalism. The paper consists of four major sections: A Wesleyan voice in the capitalist jungle The compatibility of capitalism and Wesleyan thought Elements of Wesleyan theology most relevant to capitalism Toward a Wesleyan approach to free market economic