An experiment to test for rapid evolution in an introduced ectomycorrhizal symbiosis

The rapid evolution of introduced ectomycorrhizal-plant partnerships is an under- explored topic that may have immense impacts on ecosystems around the world. This experiment sought to identify and quantify this evolution and its impacts on both fungal colonization as well as plant growth. I used a laboratory experiment to analyze these factors in native and exotic genotypes of Suillus cothurnatus and Pinus species. Much of the data was not able to be collected, but that which was did not support the presence of rapid evolution in the mutualistic partnership. Pine species was seen to have a significant effect on plant root length, though this did not support either hypothesis. This study supports the need for further exploration of this topic and serves as groundwork for future experiments

Exploring the responsive site: Ko Maungawhau ki runga.

Ko Maungawhau ki runga is a performative research project by the author on the site of a former 17th century Maori Pa (fortified village) in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a subset of the long-term project 'Do we see in algorithms' and uses location aware technology to deploy augments at precise nodes in a meaningful location. Accessed on foot, the augments explore multiple strategies for engagement between Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the smartphone as an art interface, user, artist and site

Exploring the responsive site: Ko Maungawhau ki runga.

Ko Maungawhau ki runga is a performative research project by the author on the site of a former 17th century Maori Pa (fortified village) in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a subset of the long-term project 'Do we see in algorithms' and uses location aware technology to deploy augments at precise nodes in a meaningful location. Accessed on foot, the augments explore multiple strategies for engagement between Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the smartphone as an art interface, user, artist and site

CO-LOCALIZATION OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME CANDIDATE GENE PRODUCTS IN HUMAN THECA CELLS SUGGESTS NOVEL SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility and the most common endocrinopathy of women of reproductive age. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified a number of loci associated PCOS in different ethnic populations, including women with Asian and European ancestry. Replication studies have confirmed some of these associations. Among the loci identified are those located near the LH receptor gene (LHCGR), a clathrin-binding protein gene (DENND1A) that also functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, and the gene encoding RAB5B, a GTPase and protein involved in vesicular trafficking. The functional significance of one of these GWAS candidates (DENND1A) was supported by our discovery that a truncated protein splice variant of DENND1A termed DENND1A.V2, is elevated in PCOS theca cells, and that forced expression of DENND1A.V2 in normal theca cells increased CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 expression and androgen synthesis, a hallmark of PCOS. We previously proposed that the PCOS GWAS loci could be assembled into a functional network that contributes to altered gene expression in ovarian theca cells, resulting in increased androgen synthesis. Here we demonstrate the localization of LHCGR, DENND1AV.2 and RAB5B proteins in various cellular compartments in normal and PCOS theca cells. hCG and forskolin stimulation affects the distribution and co-localization of DENND1A.V2 and RAB5B in various cellular compartments This cytological evidence supports our PCOS gene network concept, and raises the intriguing possibility that LHCGR activation, via a cAMP-mediated process, promotes the translocation of DENND1A.V2 and RAB5B-containing vesicles from the PCOS theca cell cytoplasm into the nucleus, resulting in increased transcription of genes involved in androgen synthesis

FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This final project was conducted to investigate the problems faced by student in learning English language. This study was conducted to the tenth graders of SMA Islam Sultan Agung 1 Semarang, which is located in Jl. Mataram No.657 Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. The objectives study were to find the factors hindering the students in learning English language. Design of this project belong to descriptive study. The data were collected through the observations and interviews. Result in the study showed there are several factors to hinder students in term of developing their language skills;Motivation, prior knowledge and skills of the target language, facilities, and class environment. The study revealed that the factors have potentially decreased the quality of learning and so progress of learning was considered slow. In order to improve the recent process of learning, the study encourages the involment of both teachers and school officials in fixing the problems. Improvement can start from, yet not limitted to revisiting the course design and supervising the process of learning as well as updating pedagogical and professional competences of English teacher.   Keywords: Factors Affecting Students in Learning English, Senior High School Students, Descriptive Study  

South West Food Community: Understanding systemic change, and its associated challenges and successes, among food security projects

Objective: The South West Food Community (SWFC) project (2018) aimed to identify initiatives working to support food security in the South West region of Western Australia, and to enhance how these initiatives functioned as a system. The SWFC project used a Systemic Innovation Lab approach that, prior to this study, had not been evaluated. This evaluation aimed to: i) measure system transitions (changes) to initiatives; and ii) understand the challenges and successes associated with system transitions. Methods: SWFC initiative leaders (n=46) such as directors, managers or coordinators, volunteers or committee members were invited to participate in this evaluation. Fifteen stakeholders completed the telephone interviews (32% response rate). Results: Twenty‐five desirable changes in practice were observed. Challenge and success statements determined themes of ‘participation’ and ‘bureaucracy’. Participation sub‐themes included: limited time; poor initiative attendance; community support; organisational support; and effective partnerships. Bureaucracy sub‐themes included: regulation or policy requirements; limited resources; and funding opportunities. Conclusion: The Australian‐first SWFC project has the capacity to support region‐to‐region comparisons; this evaluation increases evidence for scaling to other regions. Implications for public health: This approach can be used to increase collaboration between initiatives, support resource‐sharing between organisations and enhance policies (at local government level) to support food security