A Campus Model for Student Development: Program Review and Prioritization

The current financial climate for higher education is one of constrained and declining resources, causing many institutions to turn towards a retrenchment strategy that often includes reducing expenses and, in more extreme cases, eliminating programs. A review of existing literature reveals few models colleges can utilize in conducting comprehensive analyses of programs to determine how to proceed with these cost cutting measures. Additionally, the authors could not find any existing approaches focused on student development or other nonacademic programs. In this article, the authors provide a review of relevant literature, a review of the Dickeson Model (2010), and build the case for an assessment-based program review and prioritization model designed to specifically address the nuanced needs of student development programs. This model is presented in a three-step process that should enable student development professionals to assess their programs and make prioritization decisions within a framework pertaining to student development professional standards as well as aligning with individual institutional contexts

Dynamics of Ca2+-Calmodulin–dependent Inhibition of Rod Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channels Measured by Patch-clamp Fluorometry

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels mediate cellular responses to sensory stimuli. In vertebrate photoreceptors, CNG channels respond to the light-induced decrease in cGMP by closing an ion-conducting pore that is permeable to cations, including Ca2+ ions. Rod CNG channels are directly inhibited by Ca2+-calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM), but the physiological role of this modulation is unknown. Native rod CNG channels comprise three CNGA1 subunits and one CNGB1 subunit. The single CNGB1 subunit confers several key properties on heteromeric channels, including Ca2+/CaM-dependent modulation. The molecular basis for Ca2+/CaM inhibition of rod CNG channels has been proposed to involve the binding of Ca2+/CaM to a site in the NH2-terminal region of the CNGB1 subunit, which disrupts an interaction between the NH2-terminal region of CNGB1 and the COOH-terminal region of CNGA1. Here, we test this mechanism for Ca2+/CaM-dependent inhibition of CNGA1/CNGB1 channels by simultaneously monitoring protein interactions with fluorescence spectroscopy and channel function with patch-clamp recording. Our results show that Ca2+/CaM binds directly to CNG channels, and that binding is the rate-limiting step for channel inhibition. Further, we show that the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions of CNGB1 and CNGA1 subunits, respectively, are in close proximity, and that Ca2+/CaM binding causes a relative rearrangement or separation of these regions. This motion occurs with the same time course as channel inhibition, consistent with the notion that rearrangement of the NH2- and COOH-terminal regions underlies Ca2+/CaM-dependent inhibition

Seismic vulnerability reduction: numerical modeling of FRP reinforcement using multifiber beams elements

This paper presents a simplified modeling strategy for reproducing the behavior of beam-column structures reinforced with Polymer Reinforced Fibers (FRP). A 1D concrete constitutive model has been recently proposed, suitable for both monotonic and cycling loadings. The model is inspired on two well-known concrete laws, one based on damage mechanics theory (La Borderie concrete damage model) and one based on experimental studies (Eid & Paultre's confined concrete model). Spatial discretization is done using multifiber Timoshenko beam elements. Validation of the strategy is provided using two case studies: a retrofitted bridge pier and a vulnerability analysis on an existing building

Koinonia

Conference SpotlightSpirituality, Religion, and the Undergraduate College Student, Jennifer Lindholm ACSD 2005 Artist Spotlight: Shaun Groves Ideas for Our WorkThinking Theologically: The Moral of a Good Story, Todd C. Ream Changing Our Name and Identity: Rebranding or Renewal, Dana Alexander FeaturesThe President\u27s Corner Editor\u27s Diskhttps://pillars.taylor.edu/acsd_koinonia/1008/thumbnail.jp

hERG potassium channel gating is mediated by N- and C-terminal region interactions

Human ether-á-go-go–related gene (hERG) potassium channels have voltage-dependent closing (deactivation) kinetics that are unusually slow. A Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain in the cytoplasmic N-terminal region of hERG regulates slow deactivation by making a direct interaction with another part of the hERG channel. The mechanism for slow deactivation is unclear, however, because the other regions of the channel that participate in regulation of deactivation are not known. To identify other functional determinants of slow deactivation, we generated hERG channels with deletions of the cytoplasmic C-terminal regions. We report that hERG channels with deletions of the cyclic nucleotide–binding domain (CNBD) had accelerated deactivation kinetics that were similar to those seen in hERG channels lacking the PAS domain. Channels with dual deletions of the PAS domain and the CNBD did not show further acceleration in deactivation, indicating that the PAS domain and the CNBD regulate deactivation by a convergent mechanism. A recombinant PAS domain that we previously showed could directly regulate PAS domain–deleted channels did not regulate channels with dual deletions of the PAS domain and CNBD, suggesting that the PAS domain did not interact with CNBD-deleted channels. Biochemical protein interaction assays showed that glutathione S-transferase (GST)–PAS (but not GST) bound to a CNBD-containing fusion protein. Coexpression of PAS domain–deleted subunits (with intact C-terminal regions) and CNBD-deleted subunits (with intact N-terminal regions) resulted in channels with partially restored slow deactivation kinetics, suggesting regulatory intersubunit interactions between PAS domains and CNBDs. Together, these data suggest that the mechanism for regulation of slow deactivation in hERG channels is an interaction between the N-terminal PAS domain and the C-terminal CNBD

Retrofitting reinforced concrete structures with FRP: Numerical simulations using multifiber beam elements

In structural engineering, seismic vulnerability reduction of existing structures is a crucial issue. External reinforcement by Polymer Reinforced Fibers (FRP) is an interesting tool in order to fulfill this aim. However, the use of FRP reinforcement as a retrofitting method is limited, one of the reasons being the lack of predicting numerical tools for cyclic loading. This paper presents a method to predict the behavior of beam-column structures considering the FRP reinforcement effect. It describes the construction of a 1D concrete constitutive model suitable for monotonic and cycling loadings. The model is inspired on two well-known concrete models, the first one based on the damage mechanics theory (La Borderie concrete damage model), and the second one based on experimental studies (Eid & Paultre's confined concrete model). Validation of the approach is done using experimental results on reinforced concrete beam and columns submitted to axial and flexural cyclic loading. The proposed method deals also with steel bar rupture considering low cycle fatigue effects. All the simulations are done using multifiber Timoshenko beam elements

Comparison of four-times-a-day and twice-a-day dosing regimens in subjects requiring 1200 μg or less of budesonide to control mild to moderate asthma

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, compliance and side-effects of budesonide administered twice daily (b.d.) and four times a day (q.d.) with a Turbuhaler® device in asthmatic subjects requiring ≤ 1200 μg daily. The randomized, parallel group study design included a 2-week baseline period followed by a 6–12-month treatment period. Subjects were assessed at regular intervals in hospital through FEV1, PC20 methacholine, adrenal function and throat swabs. They were asked to record their symptoms and PEF values morning and evening at home. An asthmatic flare-up, which was the main outcome resulting in a patient's termination of the study, was defined beforehand as (a) 25% or greater diurnal variability in PEF for 2 consecutive days, and/or (b) nocturnal awakenings due to asthma symptoms 2 days or more in the same week and/or (c) an increase (doubling or more) in the need for inhaled bronchodilator 2 days in the same week.Fifty-eight adult asthmatic subjects (20 males and 38 females) entered the study, one-half being randomly assigned to the b.d. regimen and one-half to the q.d. regimen. Fourteen subjects were on 400 μg, 15 subjects on 800 μg and 29 subjects on 1200 μg of budesonide daily. Seventeen flare-ups were recorded in the b.d. regimen group as opposed to 11 in the q.d. regimen (P=0·05), significant differences being found in the 800 and 1200 μg groups (a total of 13 flare-ups in the b.d. group and eight flare-ups in the q.d. group for the two doses, P=0·01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis yielded similar results. There was no significant difference in FEV1, PC20 or cortisol levels during the study on either regimen. Throat symptoms and growth of Candida albicans were more common in the q.d. group. Compliance assessed by the number of times the Turbuhaler® device was actuated was significantly better in the b.d. group (95%) as compared with the q.d. group (83%). To conclude, administering inhaled budesonide with a Turbuhaler® device on a q.d. basis results in fewer flare-ups in spite of less satisfactory compliance and more common, local side-effects than on a b.d. regimen at daily doses of 800 and 1200 μg