A novel regulator of the p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

The p53 tumor suppressor protein induces apoptosis in response to genotoxic and environmental stress. Recent studies have revealed the existence of a transcription-independent mitochondrial p53 apoptosis pathway, however the mechanism regulating p53 translocation to mitochondria and subsequent initiation of apoptosis was not known. Here, we show that Tid1, also known as mtHsp40 or Dnaja3, interacts with p53 and directs its translocation to mitochondria in cells exposed to hypoxia. Overexpression of Tid1 in tumor cells promoted mitochondrial localization of both wildtype and mutant forms of p53 and was able to restore the pro-apoptotic activity of mutant p53 proteins that were otherwise unable to induce apoptosis. Tid1's mitochondrial signal sequence and DnaJ domain were both required for the movement of the p53-Tid1 complex from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Our findings establish Tid1 as a novel regulator of p53 localization and apoptotic function

Prospects for transgenesis in the chick

Research to develop a useful method for genetic modification of the chick has been on-going since the first demonstrations in the mouse in the 1980s that genetic modification is an invaluable tool for the study of gene function. Manipulation of the chick zygote is possible but inefficient. Considerable progress has been made in developing potentially pluripotent embryo stem cells and their contribution to somatic chimeric birds well-established. Germ line transmission of gametes derived from genetically modified embryo cells has not been described. Transfer of primordial germ cells from a donor embryo to a recipient and production of functional gametes from the donor-derived cells is possible. Genetic modification of primordial germ cells before transfer and their recovery through the germ line has not been achieved. The first transgenic birds described were generated using retroviral vectors. The use of lentiviral vectors may make this approach a feasible method for transgenic production, although there are limitations to the applications of these vectors. It is likely that a method will be developed in the next few years that will enable the use of transgenesis as a tool in the study of development in the chick and for many other applications in basic research and biotechnology

Dialectics of Diaspora Space: a Study of Contemporary, Diasporic, South Asian Fiction

In light of these continuing debates concerning immigration, national identity and belonging, re-examinations of immigrant and ethnic communities, often referred to as ‘diaspora,’ have become increasingly popular and prudent. Khachig Tololian, editor of Diaspora magazine, calls diaspora “exemplary communities of the transnational moment.”5 In an increasingly globalized world, where labor, capital, and resources are passed fluidly from continent to continent, diaspora are created by relocation or displacement of immigrant workers and their descendents.6 For these unskilled, immigrant laborers, middle class immigrants, and the children of both groups, adaptation to the culture, society, and life in a new ‘host’ country can be difficult, to say the least. So, in response to a new cultural landscape and a tenuous sense belonging, as well as to maintain a connection with a shared past, citizens of the world’s numerous diaspora replicate linguistic, cultural, and social norms, creating their own “cultural space[s]” that mirror and often replace a past relationship to their land of origin, or ‘home’

The History of Air Quality in Utah: A Narrative Review

Utah has a rich history related to air pollution; however, it is not widely known or documented. This is despite air quality being a top issue of public concern for the state’s urban residents and acute episodes that feature some of the world’s worst short-term particulate matter exposure. As we discuss in this narrative review, the relationship between air pollution and the state’s residents has changed over time, as fuel sources shifted from wood to coal to petroleum and natural gas. Air pollution rose in prominence as a public issue in the 1880s as Utah’s urban areas grew. Since then, scientific advances have increased the understanding of air quality impacts on human health, groups of concerned citizens worked to raise public awareness, policy makers enacted legislation to improve air quality, and courts upheld rights to clean air. Utah’s air quality future holds challenges and opportunities and can serve as useful case for other urbanizing regions struggling with air quality concerns. Population growth and changing climate will exacerbate current air quality trends, but economically viable clean energy technologies can be deployed to reduce air pollution, bringing substantial public health and economic benefits to the state’s residents and other settings with similar public health concerns

Mechanical Properties of Wood-Polypropylene Composites with Industrial Wood Particles of Different Sizes

Industrial wood particles used for manufacturing three-layer particleboards were used to prepare wood-polypropylene composites by an injection molding process. The effect of particle size (0.25-0.5, 0.5-1, 1-2, and 2-4 mm) on mechanical properties of composites was investigated. Additionally, the effect of cross-section size of composite pieces (4 x 10, 6 x 15, and 8 x 20 mm2) was studied. Both particle size and specimen cross-section area significantly influenced these properties. Tensile and mechanical properties as well as impact strength increased with increasing particle size from 0.25-2 mm and then slightly decreased. Flexural and impact strength decreased with increasing cross-section size, whereas variation of tensile modulus and strength and of flexural modulus with increasing cross-section size was different for composites with different particle sizes

Enhancing visitor use management in parks and protected areas through qualitative research

Applied research aims to generate knowledge that can be used to improve policy and practice. In the field of visitor use management (VUM), researchers and park managers seek to generate knowledge regarding specific dimensions of visitor experiences within and across parks and other kinds of protected areas. A wide variety of management-centric questions are addressed through VUM research. In this article, we argue that to answer such questions, VUM researchers and managers can use qualitative methods (independent of or coupled with quantitative methods) to deepen our knowledge about visitor experiences while improving visitor use management policies and practices. We present current qualitative research designed to aid in the management of parks, and future directions for qualitative inquiry. Existing qualitative research and future possibilities call to expand our collective understanding of what kind of knowledge “counts” in VUM research

An Importance-Performance Analysis of Local and Destination Visitors to Monocacy National Battlefield

The purpose of this study was to understand the evolving visitor experience at Monocacy National Battlefield (MONO) in Fredrick, Maryland and, specifically, the way this National Park Service site serves both its’ destination and local visitors. Using an Importance-Performance Analysis, segmented by visitors’ county of residence, we demonstrate key differences in the visitor experience across visitor type. Following survey design with MONO managers and approval from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, onsite sampling occurred over 21 visitor contact days, stratified by day of the week and time of day, in summer and fall of 2021. 469 visitors were contacted across five high-use sites of interest identified by the park (Best Farm, Gambrill Mill, Thomas House, Worthington House, and the MONO Visitors Center). 445 visitors agreed to participate in an online survey, yielding an acceptance rate of 94.9 percent. Surveys were conducted online and completed by visitors following their visit. 287 visitors completed more than 50 percent of the survey yielding a 61.2 percent response rate. Emerging results suggest key differences in the visitor experience across visitor type, as well as potential areas importance shared by diverse visitors to MONO. Results allow the park to use data-driven decision making to plan and manage across visitor type and add to the evolving understanding of how recent recreational trends impact park and historic area managemen

An Importance-Performance Analysis of Local and Destination Visitors to Monocacy National Battlefield

The purpose of this study was to understand the evolving visitor experience at Monocacy National Battlefield (MONO) in Fredrick, Maryland and, specifically, the way this National Park Service site serves both its’ tourist and local visitors. MONO has two main demographics who utilize it: individuals seeking to learn about historical importance of the site in the Civil War and local recreational visitors from Frederick and surrounding communities. Due to MONO’s proximity to the more densely populated area of Fredrick and Civil War roots, it appeals to both of these populations, who find different uses in the park. Accordingly, we were asked to assist the Park, in better understanding the similarities or differences between visitors desired amenities, opportunities, and experiences at the Park to guide future investment, planning and management. To gauge visitors’ perceived importance and performance across different characteristics, an Importance-Performance questionnaire was developed. This process “provides businesses and organizations with a fairly clear assessment of where they are performing well and where improvements are required” (Draper, 2016; Martilla & James, 1977). Following survey design and approval, onsite sampling occurred over 21 visitor contact days in summer and fall of 2021. 469 visitors were contacted across five sites of interest identified by the park. 445 visitors agreed to participate, yielding an acceptance rate of 94.9 percent. Surveys were conducted online and completed by visitors following their visit. 287 visitors completed more than half of the survey yielding a 61.2 percent response rate. Emerging results suggest key differences and similarities across visitor types. References Draper, J. (2016). Applying importance-performance analysis to services of a visitor information center. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 18(1), 84–95. doi: 10.1177/1467358415627300 Martilla, J., & James, J. (1977). Importance-Performance Analysis. Journal of Marketing, 41(1), 77-79. doi:10.2307/1250495https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/gradposters2022_education/1007/thumbnail.jp