Studying Abroad in College: Investigating How A Living-Learning Community (LLC) Impacts Students

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to identify which elements of a living-learning community (LLC) based in one of Pacific University’s (pseudonym) signature study abroad programs influenced students’ intellectual, personal, social, and spiritual growth. Thus far, 108 undergraduates completed an online survey composed of 32 questions that addressed five sections: 1) Consent, 2) Demographics, 3) Input, 4) Environment, 5) Learning Outcomes. Preliminary results found that personal travel, the educational field trip, and the program staff were the most influential factors in student development. Conclusively, 99.1% of participants reported intellectual, personal, and professional growth, while 76.1% reported spiritual growth

Studying Abroad in Shanghai: Exploring How a Living-Learning Community Impacts Students’ Sociocultural Understandings of China

This is a qualitative case study that explored how a study abroad program based in Shanghai impacted five undergraduates’ sociocultural understandings of China. The purpose of this study was to analyze how the different elements of a living-learning community (LLC) influenced students’ preconceptions about their host country. One university’s international program seamlessly blended coursework, discussion, and travel experiences in order to encourage students to make deep connections between them. Results found that the immersive nature of the LLC led to a transformative and high-impact experience, in which students were able to develop and document their cognitive and behavioral growth over time and change their previously held biases about their host country

Integration of algae treatment with hydroponic crop waste to reduce impact of nutrient waste streams

•Introduction: Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is expanding globally, but little is known about nutrient losses within these systems, or how to reduce subsequent pollution. This experiment investigates the potential to treat wastewater from hydroponically produced lettuce via the application of algae. •Materials and Methods: A total of 132 heads of lettuce were produced in the 4-layer nutrient film technique (NFT) vertical farming rack. Waste from the hydroponic system was used to cultivate naturally occurring algae. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and other trace elements (Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni and Zn) were measured at each stage of production. •Results: Overall the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of applied mineral nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was 88.7% and 59.4%. After algae treatment of waste streams the full system NUE of N and P was 99.5% and 95.0% respectively, thus significantly reducing waste heading for sewage. It was found that the crops consumed large quantities of Ca, Cu, Fe and Zn from the rooting sponges used in this experiment, which may have become available due to mineralization and the presence of slightly acidic fertiliser solution. The overall waste produced by the rooting sponge is of concern regarding the full NUE of the system, accounting for approximately 53% and 6% of the total N and P input into the system. •Conclusions: This study highlights that treating wastewater streams from controlled environment agriculture (CEA) methods such as hydroponics with algae is successful and easy to achieve with little effort. Future efforts by researchers and the CEA industry to better manage nutrient streams is recommended to improve the environmental credentials of developing CEA systems

Human Ribosomal Proteins RPeL27, RPeL43 and RPeL41 are Up-regulated in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines

Apart from their canonical role in ribosome biogenesis, there is increasing evidence of ribosomal protein genes’ involvement in various cancers. A previous study by us revealed significant differential expression of three ribosomal protein genes (RPeL27, RPeL41 and RPeL43) between cell lines derived from tumor and normal nasopharyngeal epithelium. However, the results therein were based on a semi-quantitative assay, thus preliminary in nature. Herein, we provide findings of a deeper analysis of these three genes in the context to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumorigenesis. Their expression patterns were analyzed in a more quantitative manner at transcript level. Their protein expression levels were also investigated. We showed results that are contrary to previous report. Rather than down-regulation, these genes were significantly overexpressed in NPC cell lines compared to normal control at both transcript and protein levels. Nevertheless, their association with NPC has been established. Immunoprecipitation pulldown assays indicate the plausible interaction of either RPeL27 or RPeL43 with POTEE/TUBA1A and ACTB/ACTBL2 complexes. In addition, RPeL43 is shown to bind with MRAS and EIF2S1 proteins in a NPC cell line (HK1). Our findings support RPeL27, RPeL41 and RPeL43 as potential markers of NPC, and provide insights into the interaction targets of RPeL27 and RPeL43 proteins

Predicted interaction of human Ribosomal Protein S15 with Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein

In addition to the central role of ribosome biogenesis, the human ribosomal protein S15 (RPS15) has extra-ribosomal roles that include its association with a congenital disease and a few types of cancer. However, current knowledge of its functions in the context of extra-ribosomal activities remains fragmented. An approach to gain insights into the interaction between RPS15 and possible protein partners is via Bioinformatics strategies. Based on the sequence-to-structure-to-function paradigm, structural data of a protein can be computationally analysed to derive logical interacting partners. This method can include three-dimensional model construction, structural neighbour prediction, and molecular docking analysis. By using this approach, we have constructed RPS15 3D-structural models that have allowed the prediction of 23 structural neighbours. Of these, two that are from human origin were further analysed and only one have logical prospect of binary protein-protein interactions. Further analysis of this structural neighbour revealed 7 candidate docking partners. From these, our molecular docking analysis demonstrated two most logical dock models of interactions between RPS15 with two different domains of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein 1 (FMRP1) protein. Hence, we have provided in silico evidence of de novo protein-protein interaction between RPS15 and the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein 1 (FMRP1)

Selective Differential Expression Of The Ribosomal Protein Genes El14 And Us19 In A Well-Differentiated Epithelial Cell Line Of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Besides ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis, ribosomal proteins (RP) are associated with congenital diseases and cancers. A small subset of ribosomal protein genes has shown expression pattern indicative of their association with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Nevertheless, the list of RP genes that are NPC-associated factors is largely incomplete. Herein we report the expression patterns of eL14 and uS19 in NPC normal nasopharyngeal epithelium cell lines. Expression levels of eL14 and uS19 in the NPC-HK1 cell line was comparatively analysed with a normal nasopharyngeal cell line (NP69) using Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). We revealed that the transcript level of eL14 was significantly down-regulated in HK1 when compared to NP69. The expression behaviour of eL14 is demonstrated for the first time in the NPC context. In contrast, the transcript level of uS19 was up-regulated in NPC/HK1 compared to NP69, but not to a statistically significant extent. This study provides new evidence of differential expression of the ribosomal protein gene, eL14 in an NPC cell line derived from well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of human nasopharynx. It adds to the list of NPC-associated ribosomal protein genes amenable for development of biomarkers for improved molecular diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer

Morphological and Physiological Development of Pyricularia oryzae Isolates from North-western Region of Sarawak on Different Media under Laboratory Conditions Laboratory Conditions

Rice blast (causal agent: Pyricularia oryzae) is an important disease of rice in Sarawak. Understanding the pathogen’s morphological characteristics, genetic diversity and pathogenicity is important. Having a suitable medium for culturing and maintaining P. oryzae is important to ensure the availability of inoculum or materials under laboratory conditions. Oatmeal agar (OMA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) are common media used for growing P. oryzae. OMA allows better mycelial growth and better sporulation as compared to PDA. There are also other alternatives such as fresh rice leaf agar and rice straw agar. Although OMA seems to be the best medium, unfortunately the opaqueness of the medium causes difficulty in observing the morphology and growth of mycelia. In addition, it is known that different isolates of P. oryzae will respond differently to different media. This study aims to identify the best media for culturing and maintaining P. oryzae isolates from Sarawak. A total of 14 P. oryzae isolates were characterised for their morphological characteristics, growth rate and sporulation rate using seven growing media. These 14 isolates included seven newly identified isolates in this study and seven isolates from a previous study, which were verified using internal transcribed spacer DNA sequence. The colony surface of the 14 P. oryzae isolates varied on different growing media. The pigmentation of colony surface varied from different shades of grey, translucent light brown, white and colourless. Pyricularia oryzae isolates grew better on OMA and PDA, while OMA was the best for sporulation. These two media can be recommended for culturing and maintaining different P. oryzae isolates under laboratory conditions

Multi-ancestry study of blood lipid levels identifies four loci interacting with physical activity.

Many genetic loci affect circulating lipid levels, but it remains unknown whether lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, modify these genetic effects. To identify lipid loci interacting with physical activity, we performed genome-wide analyses of circulating HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in up to 120,979 individuals of European, African, Asian, Hispanic, and Brazilian ancestry, with follow-up of suggestive associations in an additional 131,012 individuals. We find four loci, in/near CLASP1, LHX1, SNTA1, and CNTNAP2, that are associated with circulating lipid levels through interaction with physical activity; higher levels of physical activity enhance the HDL cholesterol-increasing effects of the CLASP1, LHX1, and SNTA1 loci and attenuate the LDL cholesterol-increasing effect of the CNTNAP2 locus. The CLASP1, LHX1, and SNTA1 regions harbor genes linked to muscle function and lipid metabolism. Our results elucidate the role of physical activity interactions in the genetic contribution to blood lipid levels

New variants of AvrPiz-t identified in Pyricularia oryzae from Malaysia

Rice blast disease (causal agent: Pyricularia oryzae) is an important rice disease worldwide as it can cause significant yield loss. Resistance genes in rice can recognise the corresponding avirulence genes (Avr-gene) of P. oryzae and suppress the attack of the pathogen as proposed in ‘gene-for-gene’ interaction. This interaction is highly specific. The resistance will be rapidly breakdown owing to the plasticity of Avr-gene. The breaking down of disease resistance can cause problem in managing the disease as well as sustaining a resistant rice variety. This paper aimed to study and analyse the sequence variation of AvrPiz-t gene from P. oryzae isolates in Malaysia (Sarawak) together with AvrPiz-t sequences available from National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This study compared the AvrPiz-t haplotype found with previously reported haplotypes. A total of 20 Malaysian P. oryzae isolates were obtained from six divisions of Sarawak and were verified using internal transcribed spacer. Together with seven Malaysian P. oryzae isolates from a previous study, a total of 27 AvrPiz-t gene sequences from Malaysian isolates were successfully amplified and verified. The AvrPiz-t open reading frame (ORF) of 27 Malaysian isolates were aligned with 123 AvrPiz-t ORF from other countries that were available in NCBI database and 100 AvrPiz-t ORF from a previous study (Total = 250 sequences). Unique sequences were identified and translated into amino sequence. The amino acid sequences were aligned with haplotype sequences from previous studies. In total, there were 19 AvrPiz-t haplotypes, with eight newly identified haplotypes. The AvrPiz-t haplotypes were distributed across 14 countries with haplotype H9 as the dominant haplotype. Neutrality tests were performed for the 250 AvrPiz-t ORF sequences. The 250 isolates of P. oryzae were undergoing directional natural selection.. Detached leaf inoculation using filter paper method of selected Malaysia (Sarawak) P. oryzae isolates carrying one of the new AvrPiz-t haplotypes showed different level of pathogenicity towards Sarawak rice landraces. The data obtained serves as baseline information for disease management in Malaysia, especially for Sarawak state. Additionally, the information is also a reference for future rice breeding program in Sarawak