Sequence analysis of the cis-regulatory regions of the bithorax complex of Drosophila

The bithorax complex (BX-C) of Drosophila, one of two complexes that act as master regulators of the body plan of the fly, has now been entirely sequenced and comprises approximate to 315,000 bp, only 1.4% of which codes for protein. Analysis of this sequence reveals significantly overrepresented DNA motifs of unknown, as well as known, functions in the nonprotein-coding portion of the sequence. The following types of motifs in that portion are analyzed: (i) concatamers of mono-, di-, and trinucleotides; (ii) tightly clustered hexanucleotides (spaced less than or equal to 5 bases apart); (iii) direct and reverse repeats longer than 20 bp; and (iv) a number of motifs known from biochemical studies to play a role in the regulation of the BX-C. The hexanucleotide AGATAC is remarkably overrepresented and is surmised to play a role in chromosome pairing. The positions of sites of highly overrepresented motifs are plotted for those that occur at more than five sites in the sequence, when <0.5 case is expected. Expected values are based on a third-order Markov chain, which is the optimal order for representing the BXCALL sequence

Tent construction and use by Uroderma bilobatum in coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) in Costa Rica

Tent construction and use, uniformity of tents, and frond selection were studied in a population of Uroderma bilobatum roosting in coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) in Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Guanacaste Province, northwestern Costa Rica during July 1988. Palm leaflets were cut at their midribs in a line converging distally with the frond midrib, and the leaflets collapsed downward to form a large enclosed tent. Tent height, number of leaflets cut, and angle between the line of cut leaflets and the midrib of the fronds were measured to assess uniformity of tent construction. To ascertain if bats were selecting specific trees or fronds, we measured the angle of orientation of cut fronds, number of fronds hanging above a tent, and tree height. Bat tents were found in palms with a narrower range of heights than the overall tree population, and trees with tents were taller on average than trees without tents. A single altered frond provides excellent protection from rainfall. Bats do not seem to prefer fronds based on number of overhanging fronds or angle of orientation. The age of the modified frond may be an important factor in roost site selection, as tents in younger fronds were more likely to be occupied that those in older fronds. The number of bats roosting under tents ranged from 1 to 15 adults and subadults. The colony was composed largely of adult females and two age classes of young

A Concept Paper for a VCU Social Sciences Initiative

This project proposes the development of a Social Sciences Initiative at the undergraduate and graduate levels that will provide educational, research and service opportunities for faculty and students. These opportunities are envisioned as interdisciplinary, with a focus on community issues and priorities, and with the potential to create new links among existing educational/research units within the University. The development of a Social Sciences Initiative provides a direct link to the Mission of VCU through several of the Mission’s intents: “activities that increase knowledge and understanding of the world and inspire and enrich teaching” The Social Sciences Initiative will expand current activities and promote innovative teaching in an interdisciplinary manner. “diverse educational programs” The Social Sciences Initiative increases the diversity of educational program offerings. “development of innovative approaches to meet the changing needs of our society” The Social Sciences Initiative will directly address the changing societal needs through support of interdisciplinary education, research, and service. Further, this initiative is consistent with the VCU Vision in that it will “advance a climate of scholarly inquiry…serve as a model of diversity in higher education…addressing urban issues in the nation and the world…build upon its substantial foundations in the…applied social sciences.” (VCU Strategic Plan for the Future of Virginia Commonwealth University, Phase II, 1998)

Is the bang worth the buck? A RAID performance study

Expecting a high data delivery rate as well as data protection, the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications procured a RAID system to house image files for image delivery applications. A study was undertaken to determine the configuration of the RAID system that would provide for the fastest retrieval of image files. Average retrieval times with single and with concurrent users were measured for several stripe widths and several numbers of disks for RAID levels 0, 0+1 and 5. These are compared to each other and to average retrieval times for non-RAID configurations of the same hardware. Although the study in ongoing, a few conclusions have emerged regarding the tradeoffs among the different configurations with respect to file retrieval speed and cost

The Development of Intercultural Competency in School Psychology Graduate Students

School psychologists often have the opportunity to work with students and families from varied backgrounds and cultures. While this can be an exciting and enriching part of the job, it can also be daunting for some practitioners, particularly those who are inadequately prepared. A number of strategies have been implemented in school psychology training programs to improve students’ intercultural competency. This exploratory study investigated the results of one university’s short-term study abroad program for school psychology graduate students. Pre- and post- intercultural development assessments were given to school psychology graduate students who completed a course abroad; results were compared to students who took the same course on campus in the United States. Findings indicated that there was no measurable growth in intercultural competence in either group. Implications for school psychology training programs, suggestions for future research, and ways to improve intercultural competency among school psychologists are discussed

Cell surfaces and embryos: Expression of the F9 teratocarcinoma antigen in T-region lethal, other lethal, and normal pre-implantation mouse embryos

F9 teratocarcinoma antigen is expressed normally on embryos which are homozygous recessive for each of 4 mutations lethal in early development, including t12. Homozygosity for two post-implantation T-region developmental lethal genes, tw5 and TOr1, may alter F9 antigen expression but the results were not definitive. In addition, the time of appearance of the antigen may be affected by some of the genotypes.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/23097/1/0000016.pd

Developing a conversation: A strategy to engage faculty in pedagogical change

Personal interviews were conducted with biochemistry faculty during which they were presented with student performances on a content survey. From these interviews, four themes that reflect faculty responses to the surveys emerged: awareness of student understanding, self reflection on teaching practice, planned collaboration with colleagues, and emotional reactions. Here, we discuss these themes and their implications for creating conversation designed to promote reflection on biochemistry teaching