Context- Dependent Gene Expression Programs Promote Lymphocyte Development and Function and Suppress Transformation

Coordinated orchestration of gene expression programs at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels is essential for development and function of all cells, including lymphocytes. Normal tissue function also demands that the genome be faithfully passed from mother to daughter cell during the many rounds of cell division required to generate a mammalian organism. Genome integrity is maintained in part by integration of DNA damage signaling with cell cycle control. These mechanisms are especially critical for lymphocytes following V(D)J recombination, since V(D)J recombination involves genetic cutting and pasting of germline gene segments to form antigen receptors (AgRs). Using conditional deletion of the p53 tumor suppressor in mice, I found that p53 promotes genome stability in developmental stage-specific ways. Inactivation of p53 beginning in hematopoietic stem cells yields thymic tumors with aneuploidy; whereas deletion of p53 at the beginning of thymocyte development results in tumors bearing T cell AgR translocations. I also show that downregulation of the G1 phase cyclin D3 occurs in immature B and T cells in response to exogenously-induced DNA breaks through lineage-specific mechanisms. Further, this downregulation of D3 may be important for delaying S phase entry in response to DNA breaks, providing an additional mechanism to promote genome stability during lymphocyte development. Finally, I discovered novel roles of the HuR RNA-binding protein in regulating B cell function. Specifically, HuR is largely dispensable for B cell development and in vitro B cell function; however, it is crucial for the in vivo T cell-dependent immune response in mice, likely by facilitating the ability of B cells to interact with other immune cells in the follicular milieu. This work provides new insight into the lineage- and developmental stage-specific ways in which complex gene expression programs contribute to the normal development and function of B and T lymphocytes, while suppressing malignant transformation

Georgia School Principals\u27 Experiences with Racial Minority Teacher Recruitment

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of Georgia school principals with racial minority teacher recruitment. Although it is important that the teacher workforce reflects that of its diverse population, there has been limited research on the experiences of Georgia school principals with racial minority teacher recruitment. After conducting a thorough review of the literature in the area of minority teacher recruitment, it became evident that having a teacher workforce that is representative of the student population is important. The literature that the researcher examined discussed minority teacher recruitment along with the shortage of minority teachers. The method of data collection in this study included three focus group interviews at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. At each level the focus group interview consisted of three principals. The responses gathered from the three focus group interviews were recorded and reported in narrative form

Feasibility of Using Biofuel By-Products as a Sustainable Nutritional Resource for Aquaculture Production of Litopenaeus vannamei

Many different algal species can provide an acceptable protein ingredient, with good digestibility, for shrimp feeds. Compared to fish meal, similar protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels can be found in select algal species. Traditional shrimp diets in aquaculture rely on fish meal and fish oil from pelagic fish fisheries. A reduction or elimination of these ingredients would reduce the dependency of shrimp aquaculture on offshore fisheries and increase economic competiveness. Biofuel production produces algal by-products of potential use to aquaculturists that might reduce or eliminate the need for fisheries products in shrimp feed. Established uses for by-products from biofuel production include fertilizer for crops, fodder for swine and poultry, and production of methane and alcohol fuels. However, using biofuel production by-products as a protein and carbohydrate source for the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, has not been investigated. Therefore, a series of feeding experiments were conducted to evaluate if the algae used to produce biofuel could be a suitable main protein source in formulated diets for L. vannamei. The feasibility of substituting biofuel algae by-product for fish meal in the juvenile L. vannamei (0.0306 ± 0.0011 g) diet was evaluated, and an adequate substitution ratio was determined. Eighteen experimental diets were evaluated using 60, 80, and 100% fish meal substitution levels. Chaetoceros calcitrans, Nannochloropsis salina, and Pavlova sp. were chosen as the algae sources as they have potentially high use in biodiesel production due to their high lipid content and each has been included in established larval shrimp aquaculture operations. Each diet varied the level of fish meal substitution (60, 80, or 100%) and either contained dried algal biomass or, alternatively, dried algal biomass with reduced lipid content to simulate algal biomass post-biodiesel production. The diets were compared, relative to their effect on weight gain in juvenile L. vannamei, to each other and to a commercially available diet (CONTROL) and a diet formulated using the ingredients used in all of the experimental diet formulations but without algal biomass (BASAL). The shrimp were held individually in 355-ml Styrofoam cups filled with 200-ml seawater with a salinity of 32 parts per thousand (ppt) salinity under a 12:12 light:dark photoperiod. Water exchange was 90% per day for six days and 100% on the seventh day when weights were taken. Each of the twenty diets was presented daily to seven replicate cups, each cup containing a single shrimp, for six weeks. Food was presented once per day to satiation, which was determined by the shrimp refusing additional feed. Each animal was weighed weekly. After six weeks, the shrimp were harvested and final weights were taken. The analysis of differences between strains, levels, and lipids indicated there was a significant difference between all of the algal-based diets and the control. Overall, significantly better growth rates were observed in the diets with less fish protein replacement. The 60% fish meal replaced diets outperformed the diets that had 80 or 100% fish meal replacement. There were no significant differences in nutritional value among the algal species. Survival rates, from an aquaculture perspective, were acceptable for all treatments (\u3e71%). Results from these studies demonstrated that formulated diets using algal biomass from biodiesel production can be the primary protein source for L. vannamei postlarvae

Organizational Effectiveness Along Life-Cycle Stages: A Comparison Of Wendy\u27s And McDonald\u27s

Perceptions of Organizational Effectiveness over Organizational Life Cycles written by Kim S. Cameron and David S. Whetten, posits a theory regarding organizational effectiveness criteria change as firms develop along the life cycle continuum. Induced from observations obtained from a simulation game, the Cameron and Whetten theory is applied in this article to two real organizations, Wendy\u27s and McDonald\u27s, with the intention of demonstrating that this theory is applicable in real life situations

Participative Budgeting and Participant Motivation: A Review of the Literature

In their discussion - Participative Budgeting and Participant Motivation: A Review of the Literature - by Frederick J. Demicco, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, The Pennsylvania State University and Steven J. Dempsey, Fulton F. Galer, Martin Baker, Graduate Assistants, College of Business at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the authors initially observe: “In recent years behavioral literature has stressed the importance of participation In goal-setting by those most directly affected by those goals. The common postulate is that greater participation by employees in the various management functions, especially the planning function, will lead to improved motivation, performance, coordination, and functional behavior. The authors analyze this postulate as it relates to the budgeting process and discuss whether or not participative budgeting has a significant positive impact on the motivations of budget participants.” In defining the concept of budgeting, the authors offer: “Budgeting is usually viewed as encompassing the preparation and adoption of a detailed financial operating plan…” In furthering that statement they also furnish that budgeting’s focus is to influence, in a positive way, how managers plan and coordinate the activities of a property in a way that will enhance their own performance. In essence, framing an organization within its described boundaries, and realizing its established goals. The authors will have you know, to control budget is to control operations. What kind of parallels can be drawn between the technical methods and procedures of budgeting, and managerial behavior? “In an effort to answer this question, Ronen and Livingstone have suggested that a fourth objective of budgeting exists, that of motivation,” say the authors with attribution. “The managerial function of motivation is manipulative in nature.” Demicco, Dempsey, Galer, and Baker attempt to quantify motivation as a psychological premise using the expectancy theory, which encompasses empirical support, intuitive appeal, and ease of application to the budgetary process. They also present you with House\u27s Path-Goal model; essentially a mathematics type formula designed to gauge motivation. You really need to see this. The views of Argyris are also explored in particular detail. Although, the Argyris study was primarily aimed at manufacturing firms, and the effects on line-supervisors of the manufacturing budgets which were used to control and evaluate their performance, its application is relevant to the hospitality industry. As the title suggests, other notables in the field of behavioral motivation theory, and participation are also referenced. “Behavioral theory has been moving away from models of purported general applicability toward contingency models that are suited for particular situations,” say the authors in closing. “It is conceivable that some time in the future, contingency models will make possible the tailoring of budget strategies to individual budget holder personalities.

Trends for Meetings and Expositions Industry

During the last decade, the meetings and expositions industry has flourished, even as it has struggled to cope with difficult challenges. This is a taste of things to me. In the years ahead, the global population will continue to grow and change, science and technology will tighten their hold on business and society and the world will knit itself ever more tightly into a single market. As a result, both opportunities and trials will abound

Strategies for Tomorrow\u27s Hospitality Workforce

The hospitality industry has been facing serious labor shortages, especially in the food service area. As the proportion of younger workers shrinks, alternative sources of employees have to be sought to alleviate the labor shortage. The authors review alternative sources for facing the labor shortage and discuss strategies to attract the largest and potentially viable segment for the hospitality industry - the older worker

Impact of Substance Abuse: Human Resource Strategies for the Hospitality Industry

No hospitality organizations are immune from the negative effects of substance abuse in the workplace. Ownters and managers must confront the problem head on and, in order to accomplish this, they must be in possession of the facts regarding the problem, and regarding options for dealing with the problem in the most appropriate manner for their individual organizations. The authors include an assessment of this problem as well as a summary review of procedures for positive management of a potentially negative situation

Club Medic

For most of us, getting sick is a good way to ruin a vacation. However, for growing numbers of people, needing to see the doctors the whole point of going abroad. When they require surgery or dental work, thy may combine treatment with a trip to the Taj Mahal, A photo safari on the African veldt, or a stay at a luxury hotel-or at a hospital that feels like one – all at bargain-basement prices. This is medical tourism, and it is one of the hottest niche markets in the hospitality industry

Restaurant Dining Strategies: Attracting Nutrition-Conscious Future Seniors

Senior Customers pose some unique challenges to operators due to some of the physiological changes associated with aging. In an effort to make food and beverage managers more cognizant of these changes, the authors examine these areas and also discuss strategies to attract and enhance the dining experience of the viable senior market segment