A Strategy To Increase The International Visibility And Participation Of A State University

This paper presents a strategy for expanding a university’s international participation. An effort to correct international exchange imbalances evolved into a unique international program and partnership with Walt Disney World

Mitochondrial Genome Variation and Metabolic Traits in a Maori Community

The mitochondrion is the energy producing factory of cells and it has long been thought that disruption to mitochondrial systems is linked to energy metabolism dysfunction. Sequence variants in the mitochondrial genome are plausible candidate risk factors for numerous human diseases, and research has identified specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and type-2 diabetes. As part of the Rakaipaaka Health and Ancestry Study (RHAS) it has been observed that the Maori community of Nuhaka (Ngati Rakaipaaka) have a high incidence of certain metabolic diseases, namely obesity and diabetes. The reason for this is not well understood, but is likely to be a combination of both current lifestyle (e.g. dietary) and ancestral genetic factors. This study set out to sequence the entire mitochondrial genome in a sample of RHAS Maori participants. The aim was to discover genetic variation that might be specific to this Maori community and test whether such variants are associated with diabetes and other metabolic traits. This study used a novel RFLP assay to screen the mtDNA control region for Polynesian mtDNA ancestry. This established an initial group (n=30) with high levels of Maori mtDNA. Hypervariable (HVRI) sequencing was then used to generate a large dataset of sequences (n=94). This dataset was representative of individuals showing high Maori ancestry and aided the selection of 20 mtDNA's for Mitochip analysis. Combining the RHAS Maori HVRI sequences with those from previous studies indicated elevated variation in Maori mtDNA. Haplotype analysis identified 17 unique Maori haplotypes, 10 more than previously recorded. Mitochip resequencing has provided the first complete Maori mtDNA sequences to date. When compared to other mtDNA sequences it was identified that RHAS Maori share similar haplotype markers with Polynesians. Seven novel undocumented variants were found, as well as four variants that had previously been associated with various metabolic disorders. Mitochip analysis of mtDNA sequences revealed three variants which created a RHAS Maori specific signature; C1185T, G4769A, and T16126C. These variants also defined 3 unique mtDNA haplotypes within RHAS Maori, which are the first Maori specific haplotypes reported. Variant genotyping and correlation with metabolic traits identified significant associations within the wider RHAS Maori community. It was identified that RHAS Maori with T16189C showed elevation in both vitamin B12 levels and mean diastolic blood pressure. Individuals with the G4769A variant were shown to have significant increases in specific metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Conversely individuals with the more common A4769G variant were 2 times less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. The findings from this study have identified a series of potential markers of metabolic disease within the RHAS Maori community. The goal now is to understand how these markers interact with environmental variables to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. Such an outcome may open the way to designing personalised intervention strategies (e.g. dietary) to increase the health and well-being of at risk individuals

Achieving National Recognition Through Experiential Learning

A student marketing organization was created as an internship project sponsored by General Motors (GM). Students gained hands-on experience in marketing the products and services of a local General Motors dealership selected by GM. The finalist team members presented the results of the project to a panel of GM representatives. The plan and its implementation which resulted in first place in a nationwide competition will be discussed. This paper will evaluate the project and determine the benefits to students, the faculty member, the University, and the community

The Determination Of The Effectiveness Of A Marketing Promotional Activity

This paper presents the effectiveness of a promotional effort to increase target-market awareness. The marketing activities included survey design and implementation, conducting focus groups, developing ads, and evaluating the promotional activity. In an effort to acquire knowledge and experience, the students in a class (Promotional Management) were given the opportunity to offer a research service to a client’s products and services. The knowledge obtained by the students will enhance them as they enter the workforce and the experience will aid the students in competing for positions in marketing. The service provided to the client is invaluable because of the pertinent information that was gained about non business majors and the exposure that was gained from the promotional campaign activities

Terry Labonte Chevrolet Dealer Targets College Student Market

This case presents the problem of a new owner of an existing dealership coupled with a move to a new location/new facility within the city. The marketing problem is presented whereby a college marketing class is challenged to create a promotional event on campus to make students aware of the dealership and its location. Additionally, two surveys were administered to gain insight of the college student in regard to the dealership and its products/services. Questions/assignments are posed for students appropriate for a marketing promotions course. The questions/assignments address the goals stated by the manager of the dealership

mRNA and microRNA analysis reveals modulation of biochemical pathways related to addiction in the ventral tegmental area of methamphetamine self-administering rats

Background Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant with increasing levels of abuse worldwide. Alterations to mRNA and miRNA expression within the mesolimbic system can affect addiction-like behaviors and thus play a role in the development of drug addiction. While many studies have investigated the effects of high-dose methamphetamine, and identified neurotoxic effects, few have looked at the role that persistent changes in gene regulation play following methamphetamine self-administration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify RNA changes in the ventral tegmental area following methamphetamine self-administration. We performed microarray analyses on RNA extracted from the ventral tegmental area of Sprague–Dawley rats following methamphetamine self-administration training (2 h/day) and 14 days of abstinence. Results We identified 78 miRNA and 150 mRNA transcripts that were differentially expressed (fdr adjusted p 0.5); these included genes not previously associated with addiction (miR-125a-5p, miR-145 and Foxa1), loci encoding receptors related to drug addiction behaviors and genes with previously recognized roles in addiction such as miR-124, miR-181a, DAT and Ret. Conclusion This study provides insight into the effects of methamphetamine on RNA expression in a key brain region associated with addiction, highlighting the possibility that persistent changes in the expression of genes with both known and previously unknown roles in addiction occur

Challenges Of The UNCG/Tec De Monterrey/Disney College Program

This report is based on a study of participants in an international, academic exchange program that includes a Walt Disney World internship. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) was a principal partner in developing the UNCG/Tec de Monterrey/Disney College Program (UNCG Program). This cooperative arrangement involves students enrolled in degree programs at one of the Tec de Monterrey campuses in Mexico. The report analyzes the challenges faced by the UNCG Program Director and assisting faculty in the early development of the UNCG Program as well as the challenges presented since the Program has matured

Learning Communities: A Business School Perspective

This paper discusses the organization and operation of a university learning community program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). After several years, the program administrator and certain of the faculty and staff reflected on the achievements of the program. The learning community concept is discussed as well as the nature of the learning activities both general and those specific to the business school. The program reported higher levels of student retention and students reported higher involvement in leadership skill development and the UNCG community than students who were not in the learning community program

Next-generation sequencing reveals broad down-regulation of microRNAs in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis CD4+ T cells

Background Immunoactivation is less evident in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) compared to relapsing-remitting disease. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression is integral to the regulation of gene expression; determining their impact on immune-related cell functions, especially CD4+ T cells, during disease progression will advance our understanding of MS pathophysiology. This study aimed to compare miRNA profiles of CD4+ T cells from SPMS patients to healthy controls (HC) using whole miRNA transcriptome next-generation sequencing (NGS). Total RNA was extracted from CD4+ T cells and miRNA expression patterns analyzed using Illumina-based small-RNA NGS in 12 SPMS and 12 HC samples. Results were validated in a further cohort of 12 SPMS and 10 HC by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results The ten most dysregulated miRNAs identified by NGS were selected for qPCR confirmation; five (miR-21-5p, miR-26b-5p, miR-29b-3p, miR-142-3p, and miR-155-5p) were confirmed to be down-regulated in SPMS (p < 0.05). SOCS6 is targeted by eight of these ten miRNAs. Consistent with this, SOCS6 expression is up-regulated in SPMS CD4+ T cells (p < 0.05). This is of particular interest as SOCS6 has previously been shown to act as a negative regulator of T cell activation. Conclusions Ninety-seven percent of miRNA candidates identified by NGS were down-regulated in SPMS. The down-regulation of miRNAs and increased expression of SOCS6 in SPMS CD4+ T cells may contribute to reduced immune system activity in progressive MS

\u27Mutiny on the Bounty\u27: the genetic history of Norfolk Island reveals extreme gender-biased admixture

Background The Pacific Oceania region was one of the last regions of the world to be settled via human migration. Here we outline a settlement of this region that has given rise to a uniquely admixed population. The current Norfolk Island population has arisen from a small number of founders with mixed Caucasian and Polynesian ancestry, descendants of a famous historical event. The ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ has been told in history books, songs and the big screen, but recently this story can be portrayed through comprehensive molecular genetics. Written history details betrayal and murder leading to the founding of Pitcairn Island by European mutineers and the Polynesian women who left Tahiti with them. Investigation of detailed genealogical records supports historical accounts. Findings Using genetics, we show distinct maternal Polynesian mitochondrial lineages in the present day population, as well as a European centric Y-chromosome phylogeny. These results comprehensively characterise the unique gender-biased admixture of this genetic isolate and further support the historical records relating to Norfolk Island. Conclusions Our results significantly refine previous population genetic studies investigating Polynesian versus Caucasian diversity in the Norfolk Island population and add information that is beneficial to future disease and gene mapping studies