Thermodynamic and kinetic insights into stop codon recognition by release factor 1.

Stop codon recognition is a crucial event during translation termination and is performed by class I release factors (RF1 and RF2 in bacterial cells). Recent crystal structures showed that stop codon recognition is achieved mainly through a network of hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions between the stop codon and conserved residues in domain II of RF1/RF2. Additionally, previous studies suggested that recognition of stop codons is coupled to proper positioning of RF1 on the ribosome, which is essential for triggering peptide release. In this study we mutated four conserved residues in Escherichia coli RF1 (Gln185, Arg186, Thr190, and Thr198) that are proposed to be critical for discriminating stop codons from sense codons. Our thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of these RF1 mutants showed that the mutations inhibited the binding of RF1 to the ribosome. However, the mutations in RF1 did not affect the rate of peptide release, showing that imperfect recognition of the stop codon does not affect the proper positioning of RF1 on the ribosome

Implementation Choices for the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

Synthesizes policy analyses and discussions with experts of provisions in the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act to strengthen outreach and enrollment and improve quality of care. Recommends steps to ensure effective implementation

Exploration into Properties of Molybdenum Disulfide using Atomistic Simulation

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has a lamellar crystal structure, which makes it ideal for use as a solid lubricant. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images have shown that line defects exist within the lattice of mechanically deformed MoS2, but the physical mechanisms which lead to the formation of these defects are unknown. The two central objectives of this research are to use molecular dynamics simulations to study the effects of tensile deformation on both single layer and bulk MoS2 and explore the properties of line defects in an otherwise perfect lattice of MoS2. Under tensile loading, molecular dynamics simulations show a multi-stage stress versus strain diagram. Atomistic visualization shows a distinct change in the structure of the lattice during tensile stretching. This new structure is likely the result of a phase transformation. For the second objective, a series of computational approaches are used to create a single line defect in a perfect MoS2 lattice. Shearing both parallel and perpendicular to the basal plane of MoS2 and compression leading to buckling were unsuccessful in moving the line defect

Action research on the letter as genre : an examination of both external and internal goals for the course and its students

This thesis project investigates a recently taught Honors split-level course taught at the University of Missouri through the lens and influence of Action Research, investigating the course's impact on instructors and students

Antecedents and Consequences of Leaders’ Security Orientation

Organizations’ leaders are responsible for ensuring that firms’ proprietary assets are protected from expropriation. Firms are increasingly targets of large-scale proprietary assets breaches that jeopardize their ability to financially benefit from their innovation activities. Some firms have proactively built capabilities that allow them to protect their proprietary assets, while leaders are more security oriented and therefore do more to protect their organizations from proprietary assets breaches? Current research on leaders’ role in the protection of proprietary assets is lacking at the strategic level because most studies on organizational security have emphasized employee-level behaviors (e.g., da Veiga & Eloff, 2010, Lee, Lee & Lee, 2002; Straub & Nance, 1990). Exploring leaders’ role in proprietary asset protection is important given their role in strategic decision-making. Accordingly, research should examine leaders’ security orientation influence on firm outcomes, including the drivers of orientations and consequences for strategic choice and organizational performance. This dissertation examines the concept of leaders’ security orientation (LSO) and its influence on choice of strategic alliance and innovation strategies, as well as on firm performance. I sought to achieve three objectives with this dissertation. First, I aimed to conceptualize LSO and measure it using a comprehensive, multi-dimension scale. Second, I explored the firm, managerial, and industry level drivers of LSO. Third, I examined the link between LSO and firms’ choices of equity and non-equity strategic alliances, exploitative and exploratory innovation, as well as firm performance. I drew insights from upper echelons, institutional, strategic sensemaking, and prospect theories. I explored the above relationships using customized datasets drawn from different sources. I found several predictors and consequences of LSO at the managerial, firm, and industry levels, including executive technological interpretation as a threat, knowledge intensity and global presence, among others. The consequences of LSO included equity-based strategic alliances, exploitative innovation, and firm performance. I also tested and found evidence to support a mediating effect of LSO on firm performance through equity-based strategic alliances as well as a mediating effect of LSO on firm performance through exploitative innovation

Optimization of ClpXP activity and protein synthesis in an E. coli extract-based cell-free expression system.

Protein degradation is a fundamental process in all living cells and is essential to remove both damaged proteins and intact proteins that are no longer needed by the cell. We are interested in creating synthetic genetic circuits that function in a cell-free expression system. This will require not only an efficient protein expression platform but also a robust protein degradation system in cell extract. Therefore, we purified and tested the activity of E. coli ClpXP protease in cell-free transcription-translation (TX-TL) systems that used E. coli S30 cell extract. Surprisingly, our studies showed that purified ClpXP added to the TX-TL system has very low proteolytic activity. The low activity of ClpXP was correlated with the rapid consumption of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cell extract. We improved the activity of ClpXP in cell extract by adding exogenous ATP and an energy regeneration system. We then established conditions for both protein synthesis, and protein degradation by ClpXP to occur simultaneously in the TX-TL systems. The optimized conditions for ClpXP activity will be useful for creating tunable synthetic genetic circuits and in vitro synthetic biology

A new method of calculating vertical motion in isentropic space

"May 2014."Thesis supervisor: Dr. Patrick Market.A full isentropic vertical motion (?�??) has long been difficult to calculate in an operational forecasting environment. However, recent interactions with the Springfield, MO National Weather Service Office spurred the development of the current method of estimating the total ?�??. During the winter of 2012-13, this expression was developed into its current form, and initial tests were undertaken to test its usefulness. Using output from NCEP's operational WRF-NAM model, individual points were evaluated for isentropic surfaces RH values > 95% and compared against the existing isobaric omega (?�) as a truth value. Results show that the difference between ?�?? and ?�, or ADER, performed best on isentropic surfaces closer to the ground, with an overall trend of better performance the further the forecast was from the initialization time. As the area of calculations decreased from 17x17 to a 7x7 grid-space each at 80km apart, errors were reduced by nearly an order of magnitude. The inclusion of the diabatic term to the isentropic vertical motion equation has been demonstrated to reveal average over-estimated errors of 2??bs?�???.Includes bibliographical references (pages 87-91)

The workplace integration of veterans: Applying diversity and fit perspectives

Military veterans are a valuable part of the human capital resource pool. Nonetheless, veterans often struggle with their transition into civilian life and workplaces. This problem often limits the extent to which work organizations utilize their talents. Here, we briefly review relevant work from outside the management field and nascent work within the field to build a conceptual model for understanding the integration of veterans into the workplace. We do this by applying diversity and person-environment fit perspectives. A diversity standpoint helps us to understand veterans as a social group and their inclusion in the workplace, while the person-environment fit perspective helps us describe veterans’ compatibility with their work environments in terms of organizational demands and veterans’ needs. We intend for this conceptual model to guide future empirical research on veterans as human capital and their transition into civilian organizations as part of their societal reintegration, career development, and personal well-being

Acceptance and commitment therapy delivered in a dyad after a severe traumatic brain injury: a feasibility study

Objective: There is a high prevalence of complex psychological distress after a traumatic brain injury but limited evidence of effective interventions. We examined the feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy after a severe traumatic brain injury using the criteria, investigating a therapeutic effect, and reviewing the acceptability of measures, treatment protocol, and delivery method (in a dyad of two clients and a therapist). Method: Two male outpatients with severe traumatic brain injury and associated psychological distress jointly engaged in a seven session treatment program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles. Pre- and post-treatment measures of mood, psychological flexibility, and participation were taken in addition to weekly measures. Results: The intervention showed a therapeutic effect with one participant, and appeared to be acceptable for both participants with regard to program content, measures, and delivery mode by in a dyad. One participant showed both significant clinical and reliable change across several outcome measures including measures of mood and psychological flexibility. The second participant did not show a reduction in psychological inflexibility, but did show a significant drop in negative affect. Significant changes pre- to post-treatment for measures of participation were not indicated. Qualitatively, both participants engaged in committed action set in accordance with their values. Conclusions: This study suggests that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may be feasible to be delivered in a dyad with individuals who have a severe traumatic brain injury. A further test of its potential efficacy in a phase II clinical trial is recommended