The sterol C-24 methyltransferase encoding gene, erg6, is essential for viability of Aspergillus species

Triazoles, the most widely used class of antifungal drugs, inhibit the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of the fungal plasma membrane. Inhibition of a separate ergosterol biosynthetic step, catalyzed by the sterol C-24 methyltransferase Erg6, reduces the virulence of pathogenic yeasts, but its effects on filamentous fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus remain unexplored. Here, we show that the lipid droplet-associated enzyme Erg6 is essential for the viability of A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, including A. lentulus, A. terreus, and A. nidulans. Downregulation of erg6 causes loss of sterol-rich membrane domains required for apical extension of hyphae, as well as altered sterol profiles consistent with the Erg6 enzyme functioning upstream of the triazole drug target, Cyp51A/Cyp51B. Unexpectedly, erg6-repressed strains display wild-type susceptibility against the ergosterol-active triazole and polyene antifungals. Finally, we show that erg6 repression results in significant reduction in mortality in a murine model of invasive aspergillosis. Taken together with recent studies, our work supports Erg6 as a potentially pan-fungal drug target

A Multi-Platform Flow Device for Microbial (Co-) Cultivation and Microscopic Analysis

Novel microbial cultivation platforms are of increasing interest to researchers in academia and industry. The development of materials with specialized chemical and geometric properties has opened up new possibilities in the study of previously unculturable microorganisms and has facilitated the design of elegant, high-throughput experimental set-ups. Within the context of the international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, we set out to design, manufacture, and implement a flow device that can accommodate multiple growth platforms, that is, a silicon nitride based microsieve and a porous aluminium oxide based microdish. It provides control over (co-)culturing conditions similar to a chemostat, while allowing organisms to be observed microscopically. The device was designed to be affordable, reusable, and above all, versatile. To test its functionality and general utility, we performed multiple experiments with Escherichia coli cells harboring synthetic gene circuits and were able to quantitatively study emerging expression dynamics in real-time via fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the device provides a unique environment for the cultivation of nematodes, suggesting that the device could also prove useful in microscopy studies of multicellular microorganisms

"Motivated learning" reading treatment with parents as therapy-technicians

Typescript.Bibliography: leaves [89]-98.vii, 98 lThe present experiment was an attempt to discover whether parents of children with reading deficits could act successfully as therapy-technicians in helping their own children to overcome these deficits. Four children identified as reading problems were reinforced for appropriate reading behaviors with tokens backed up by monetary value. All four children showed a positively accelerated rate of reading and made from 36.389 to 64.448 single word reading responses during the 30 to 45 hours of training. Pre- and post-test comparisons indicated a significant increase (at the .01 level) in ability to read the training materials. Results add to confidence in learning conceptions of human behavior

Eastern Sources of Invitational Education

Invitational education has epistemological roots in ancient eastern philosophies, particularly the better-known ones such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. These philosophies share the basic assumptions of invitational education—a sensitivity to and consideration of others' needs, emanating from a continuing awareness of self and inner truth. The purpose of this article is to give a brief introduction to the historical figures who advanced these philosophies, and to present a brief indication of the commonalties these belief systems share with invitational education. In addition, practical applications of each of these philosophies are offered for classroom settings. If this purpose is met, the reader will enjoy not only a broader appreciation of invitational education, but also its enhanced applications as well

Putting Emotional Intelligence To Work

Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work offers a new paradigm of communication for the 21st-century workplace. Beginning with the thoughts of communication pioneer Carl Rogers, this book covers the origins and history of emotional intelligence, why it is essential at this point in the changing marketplace, how to delegate and negotiate more effectively, and how to change yourself to become a more effective player. An EQ (Emotional Quotient) survey helps you determine where you are on the scale of executive intelligence. Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work leaves you with a greater understan

Tampak 10 tahun lebih muda hidup 10 tahun lebih lama : pedoman untuk pria

Judul asli Look ten years younger, live ten years longer, a man's guidexii, 364 p.; 24 cm

Tampak sepuluh tahun lebih muda, hidup 10 tahun lebih lama : pedoman untuk wanita

Judul asli: Look ten younger, live ten years longer, A Woman'a guide398p : il.; 26 cm