Elucidating Collagen Degradation Synergy between Col G and Col H from Hathewaya (Clostridium) histolytica and Identifying novel structural features in HPT and REC domains from VarS histidine kinase in V. alginolyticus

In this research the mechanisms by which Hathewaya (Clostridia) histolytica collagenases are secreted and work together to degrade collagens are investigated. While H. histolytica collagenases Col G and Col H have similar multi-domain structures the difference in number of and orientation of the domains hint that the two target different regions in collagen. Study small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to give a low-resolution envelope of full-length Col G and Col H and Col G/Col H non-catalytic domains bound to a collagen-like peptide (mini-collagen). SAXS derived envelopes along with structural information was used to tease out the mechanisms by which Col G and Col H degrade collagen. Structures of collagenase:mini-collagen complexes along with acid solubilized collagen hydrolysis studies was used to hypothesis a mechanism of synergy between Col G and Col H. Using all information from this research Col G to Col H ratio of 3:1 was proposed for optimal isolation pancreatic islets. For V. alginolyticus, the VarS/VarA two-component systems is responsible for regulating the expression of collagenase. All two-component systems consist of a extracellular sensing domain, a catalytic and ATP binding (CA) domain, a dimerization and histidine phosphor-transfer (dHp) domain and a response regulator. For REC domain, itasser homology model and limited proteolysis revealed a two-domain structure connected by a flexible linker. Based on B-factor of linker truncation may be necessary for crystallization of the domain. In this study we initially sought to gain structural information on VarS, a sensor histidine kinase from VarS/VarA two-component system in V. aglinolyticus. It was discovered that the protein forms soluble aggregates in the absence of reducing agent. Trypsin digestion coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the existence of Cys883/Cys892 disulfide bridge. Homology modeling and DALI server was used to show that Cys892 is fairly conserved in HPT domains across species. qRT-PCR showed that in the presence of menadione VarS induced transcription of sRNA2 was slightly downregulated. This study speculates that Cys883/Cys892 disulfide bond stops collagenase expression in the presence of oxidative stress allowing V. alginoltyicus to turn on necessary repair pathways

The mayor of social media : on the intersection of the Millennial Generation, digital media technologies, and civic engagement

This Master’s Report has two key objectives: (1) Add to the current dialogue, as to how the Millennial Generation defines the intersection of Digital Media Technologies (DMTs) and civic engagement; and (2) Create media content (and subsequently, disseminate this media content via on-air and online broadcasts) theoretically guided by the Academy’s work on said intersection of DMTs and civic engagement. Although, the Millennial Generation played an instrumental role in the 2004 and 2008 Presidential Elections, rarely does the Academy inquire directly from this generational cohort their qualitative perspectives on the aforementioned intersection. Thus, this Master’s Report ultimately aims to fill-in such glaring literature gaps by crafting media content shaped primarily by the voices of Millennials. Completion of this Master’s Report resulted in the media production of five expert audio interviews and three radio features that aired on public radio station KUT FM 90.5 and received placement on KUT’s station website, www.kut.org and The University of Texas, School of Journalism’s Reporting Texas website, www.reportingtexas.com, during the spring of 2012.Radio-Television-Fil

A Process Model for Teacher Evaluation of Education Administrators

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a process model for teacher evaluation of administrators. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding evaluation of school administrators was conducted. Additional information from randomly selected school districts regarding evaluation of administrators was obtained and analyzed. Information from selected school districts regarding involvement of teachers in the process of administrator evaluation was also obtained

Food for Thought: The Importance of Nutrition for Cognitive and Physical Well-Being

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of nutrition upon the physical development and health of an individual. The main focus is on proving through the examination of various literature and the effects of specific nutrients that nutrition has a great impact on mental and physical well-being. The reasons which people give for not having proper nutrition are taken into consideration as well, and an overall conclusion can be made that nutrition is very important and should be taught to all consumers