The effects of luteinizing hormone ablation/replacement versus steroid ablation/replacement on gene expression in the primate corpus luteum

This study was designed to provide a genome-wide analysis of the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) versus steroid ablation/replacement on gene expression in the developed corpus luteum (CL) in primates during the menstrual cycle. On Days 9–11 of the luteal phase, female rhesus monkeys were left untreated (control) or received a GnRH antagonist Antide (A), A + LH, A + LH + the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor Trilostane (TRL) or A + LH + TRL + a progestin R5020. On Day 12 of the luteal phase, CL were removed and samples of RNA from individual CL were hybridized to Affymetrix™ rhesus macaque total genome microarrays. The greatest number of altered transcripts was associated with the ablation/replacement of LH, while steroid ablation/progestin replacement affected fewer transcripts. Replacement of LH during Antide treatment restored the expression of most transcripts to control levels. Validation of a subset of transcripts revealed that the expression patterns were similar between microarray and real-time PCR. Analyses of protein levels were subsequently determined for two transcripts. This is the first genome-wide analysis of LH and steroid regulation of gene transcription in the developed primate CL. Further analysis of novel transcripts identified in this data set can clarify the relative role for LH and steroids in CL maintenance and luteolysis

Reproductive characteristics of wild female Phayre's leaf monkeys

Understanding female reproductive characteristics is important for assessing fertility, interpreting female behavior, and designing appropriate conservation and captive management plans. In primate species lacking morphological signs of receptivity, such as most colobines, determination of reproductive parameters depends on the analysis of reproductive hormones. Here, we use fecal hormone analysis to characterize cycle patterns ( N =6 females) and gestation length ( N =7 females) in a group of wild Phayre's leaf monkeys ( Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus ) in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. We found that both fecal estrogen (fE) and progestin (fP) levels showed clear biological patterns indicative of ovulation and conception. However, because fP patterns were inadequate in determining the end of the luteal phase, we used fE rather than fP patterns to delineate menstrual cycle parameters. We found a mean cycle length of 28.4 days ( N =10), with follicular and luteal phases of 15.4 ( N =10) and 12.5 days ( N =14), respectively. On average, females underwent 3.57 ( N =7) cycles until conception. Average gestation length was 205.3 days ( N =7), with fE levels increasing over the course of pregnancy. Overall, the reproductive characteristics found for Phayre's leaf monkeys were consistent with results for other colobine species, suggesting that fecal hormone monitoring, particularly for fE metabolites, can provide useful reproductive information for this species. Am. J. Primatol. 72:1073–1081, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78228/1/20866_ftp.pd

Examination and Reflection of the Math Education Program

The goal of the research was to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the mathematics education program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Through a questionnaire and interviews, data was gathered that provided insight into the experiences of those who are currently in the program and those who graduated from the program. Results of this research led to the creation of a math education registered student organization called PEMDAS (Pre-Professional Educators of Mathematics Doing Awesome Stuff). This club aims to build a community and support future math educators in ways that only math courses cannot. Members will benefit from the club by receiving networking opportunities, getting a broader sense of purpose, and receiving access to a community of semi-like-minded individuals. The formation of this club will hopefully minimize the weaknesses of the math education program

Supplemental Material - Educating Students About Influencing Audiences Ethically in a Data-Driven Social Media World

Supplemental Material for Educating Students About Influencing Audiences Ethically in a Data-Driven Social Media World by Valerie K. Jones, Kate Johnson, Hannah Molskness, Ronit Gandhi, and Lilly Zhou in Journal of Advertising Education</p