Understanding the dynamics of cellular responsiveness to modifications of metabolic substrates in perifusion

A novel microperifusion system with capabilities for continuous, real-time, potentiometric monitoring of extracellular hydrogen ion concentration has been used to define the response of HeLa cells to abrupt changes in extracellular energy sources or introduction of an inhibitor of glycolysis. Glycolytic inhibition, induced by removal of glucose or introduction of iodoacetate, each led to a rapid, continuous decrease in acid release. The response to iodoacetate took longer than removal of glucose, perhaps due to the time required for binding and activation. Once inhibition began, however, the rate of change was greater than following glucose removal. Conversely, recovery time following iodoacetate inhibition was much slower than with glucose removal. Unlike the response to short-term glucose depletion, a second pulse of iodoacetate resulted in a faster response followed by an even longer recovery time. The response to switching between glucose and glutamine began almost without evident delay. The response patterns revealed that HeLa cells prefer glutamine to glucose, but, in the presence of both energy sources, some glucose continues to be used. In summary, these results indicate that continuous, real-time monitoring of the kinetics of hydrogen-ion release can be used to gain new insights into the dynamics of cellular response to perturbations of extracellular energy sources. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/49889/1/1041600103_ftp.pd

Teaching Elementary Children with Autism: Addressing Teacher Challenges and Preparation Needs

Teachers’ perception of self-efficacy may have a significant impact on their ability to accept the challenges inherent in including children with autism in their classrooms. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to identify perceived challenges and needs of 31 graduate students in a university course of which 14 of the 23 students were actively teaching in rural schools located in southeast Alabama. Five faculty members used the resulting NGT data to draft six recommendations for improving the teacher preparation program at Troy University

WEISS-SAT1: A Student Developed Astrobiology Payload for Small Satellite Microgravity Research

The WeissSat-1 is a novel student developed 1U CubeSat designed to support astrobiology payloads for microgravity research. WeissSat-1 is the premier project of the Weiss CubeSat Development Team (WCDT), which was established in August of 2015. The founding WeissSat-1 team consisted of nine students ranging between the ages of 10-12 years old. The mission was: to design, build, test, and fly a CubeSat into space within three years. WeissSat-1, based on the NearSpace Launch Inc’s 1U FastBus structure, was chosen by ELaNa 24 and manifested to fly in the fourth quarter of 2018. WeissSat-1 will carry a lab-on-a-chip system designed to test and validate the survivability of extremophile bacteria in orbit. WeissSat-1 demonstrates the benefit and the importance of engaging and involving students in space-based scientific research throughout the academic pipeline. This work will discuss in detail the technology of the WeissSat-1 mission, and will discuss its impacts on middle school students and their STEM interests. The WCDT contends that if the respective extremophile bacteria on WeissSat-1 are capable of surviving in space, this may have ramifications for the possibility that bacteria may have transferred between planetary bodies over the life of the solar system

In Vivo Analysis of MEF2 Transcription Factors in Synapse Regulation and Neuronal Survival

MEF2 (A–D) transcription factors govern development, differentiation and maintenance of various cell types including neurons. The role of MEF2 isoforms in the brain has been studied using in vitro manipulations with only MEF2C examined in vivo. In order to understand specific as well as redundant roles of the MEF2 isoforms, we generated brain-specific deletion of MEF2A and found that Mef2aKO mice show normal behavior in a range of paradigms including learning and memory. We next generated Mef2a and Mef2d brain-specific double KO (Mef2a/dDKO) mice and observed deficits in motor coordination and enhanced hippocampal short-term synaptic plasticity, however there were no alterations in learning and memory, Schaffer collateral pathway long-term potentiation, or the number of dendritic spines. Since previous work has established a critical role for MEF2C in hippocampal plasticity, we generated a Mef2a, Mef2c and Mef2d brain-specific triple KO (Mef2a/c/dTKO). Mef2a/c/d TKO mice have early postnatal lethality with increased neuronal apoptosis, indicative of a redundant role for the MEF2 factors in neuronal survival. We examined synaptic plasticity in the intact neurons in the Mef2a/c/d TKO mice and found significant impairments in short-term synaptic plasticity suggesting that MEF2C is the major isoform involved in hippocampal synaptic function. Collectively, these data highlight the key in vivo role of MEF2C isoform in the brain and suggest that MEF2A and MEF2D have only subtle roles in regulating hippocampal synaptic function

Keynote Speaker Rhonda Lyons

Rhonda Lyons, MBA, Ph.D. C, is the Founder & CEO of NYRAD® Incorporated, an innovative Aerospace and Defense engineering company which specializes in offering customized affordable engineering solutions for lower earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO) and disruptive aerospace technologies. Lyons is a results-driven business and operations leader within the aerospace & aeronautics industry with over 25+ years of progressive industrial, operations, manufacturing and business experience. An Army Aviation veteran and pilot, Lyons is experienced with a diverse breath of aircraft platforms; both rotary & fixed. At Boeing, Lyons was responsible for operations management of multi-disciplined, cross functional teams associated with conducting experimental testing, instrumentation, modification and certification on all commercial model aircraft throughout the product lifecycle. Lyons was instrumental with the test and certification of several commercial, military and derivative platforms. Lyons transitioned to the space industry serving as Vice President for Micro Aerospace Solutions leading the company’s business operations efforts for several years where she was directly involved in the engineering and design of launch of multiple ISS payloads, small satellite systems, propulsion technologies and the development of technologies in support of NASA analogues missions in addition to being a NASA Contractor. Subsequently, Lyons held several executive positions with other companies such as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Quality Product Officer, particularly supporting the launch, growth and merger & acquisition activities for women owned businesses. A serial entrepreneur at heart, she allocates a dedicated portion of her time on her recently launched business venture, Thrust & Nozz™, a high-end brand featuring propulsive space technologies. Currently, Lyons is directly supporting systems engineering, architecture and software development efforts for Crew Health and Performance in support of NASA’s upcoming Lunar Gateway & deep space exploration missions to Mars and beyond. She is equally engaged in product development and the patenting of one of her new innovative space technologies for the satellite market that is currently in demand with successful proven space flight heritage. As a STEAM education advocate and Army aviation veteran, Lyons has been recognized numerous times throughout her career for her dedication to community and commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Lyons was most recently recognized by American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics for her engineering and design contributions in the support of the first small satellite launched by middle school students in the United States which had a unique mission; designed to yield valuable scientific contributions; one of many launches that she has on the horizon with educational institutions and customers across the country. From her experiences, this international published business leader has traveled extensively over the past 20 years sharing her STEM message, entrepreneurship lessons and her most valuable inspirational leadership moments through keynotes, coaching and conferences across the country. She is set to debut her new inspirational message about Metamorphosis, Mentoring & Finding Purpose at TEDx in West Palm Beach in May of 2019

Rhonda Lyons

Rhonda Lyons, MBA, Ph.D. C, is the Founder & CEO of NYRAD® Incorporated, an innovative Aerospace and Defense engineering company which specializes in offering customized affordable engineering solutions for lower earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO) and disruptive aerospace technologies. Lyons is a results-driven business and operations leader within the aerospace & aeronautics industry with over 25+ years of progressive industrial, operations, manufacturing and business experience. An Army Aviation veteran and pilot, Lyons is experienced with a diverse breath of aircraft platforms; both rotary & fixed. At Boeing, Lyons was responsible for operations management of multi-disciplined, cross functional teams associated with conducting experimental testing, instrumentation, modification and certification on all commercial model aircraft throughout the product lifecycle. Lyons was instrumental with the test and certification of several commercial, military and derivative platforms. Lyons transitioned to the space industry serving as Vice President for Micro Aerospace Solutions leading the company’s business operations efforts for several years where she was directly involved in the engineering and design of launch of multiple ISS payloads, small satellite systems, propulsion technologies and the development of technologies in support of NASA analogues missions in addition to being a NASA Contractor. Subsequently, Lyons held several executive positions with other companies such as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Quality Product Officer, particularly supporting the launch, growth and merger & acquisition activities for women owned businesses. A serial entrepreneur at heart, she allocates a dedicated portion of her time on her recently launched business venture, Thrust & Nozz™, a high-end brand featuring propulsive space technologies. Currently, Lyons is directly supporting systems engineering, architecture and software development efforts for Crew Health and Performance in support of NASA’s upcoming Lunar Gateway & deep space exploration missions to Mars and beyond. She is equally engaged in product development and the patenting of one of her new innovative space technologies for the satellite market that is currently in demand with successful proven space flight heritage. As a STEAM education advocate and Army aviation veteran, Lyons has been recognized numerous times throughout her career for her dedication to community and commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Lyons was most recently recognized by American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics for her engineering and design contributions in the support of the first small satellite launched by middle school students in the United States which had a unique mission; designed to yield valuable scientific contributions; one of many launches that she has on the horizon with educational institutions and customers across the country. From her experiences, this international published business leader has traveled extensively over the past 20 years sharing her STEM message, entrepreneurship lessons and her most valuable inspirational leadership moments through keynotes, coaching and conferences across the country. She is set to debut her new inspirational message about Metamorphosis, Mentoring & Finding Purpose at TEDx in West Palm Beach in May of 2019.https://commons.erau.edu/wiser-bios/1006/thumbnail.jp