Recombinant protein immobilisation and display by alginate : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Microbiology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Biopolymers are a diverse group of organic materials with important applications in a number of industries. Their ability to adsorb and encapsulate compounds has been widely utilised in both biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals. In the last decade, biopolymers have been given new and enhanced functionality, including the separation and purification of compounds. This field is of increasing relevance as advances in the bacterial cell culture process have improved productivity in the biomanufacturing industry, with the establishment of several bacterial host cell lines and optimised protein production systems. This increase in upstream productivity is leading to bottlenecks in downstream processing as current technology platforms reach their limits of throughput and scalability. While previous studies have generated functionalised protein biopolymers using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyester beads, very few studies have examined the commercially significant biopolymer alginate. Alginate is an exopolysaccharide produced by algae and some bacteria, and is widely utilised in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries because of its stabilising, haemostatic, biocompatible properties and its modifiable structure. In this study, a partially functional alginate-binding recombinant protein was produced, which contained an α-amylase domain from Bacillus licheniformis (BLA) translationally fused to the alginate-binding domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgX – an alginate acetyltransferase. An Ssp DnaB mini-intein was included between BLA and AlgX to facilitate recovery of BLA, following immobilisation and display on the surface of alginate. However, aberrant activity of the intein caused total cleavage of the recombinant protein between its BLA and AlgX domains before it could be recovered from the protein production system. Additionally, the absence of a key cysteine residue in the alginate-binding domain prevented the formation of a disulfide bond, which is an essential structural element for the folding and functionality of this region. While this study was unable to overcome intein hyperactivity, functional analysis of the BLA domain showed consistent and significant levels of α-amylase activity, leading to a positive outlook for the functionality of a full-length recombinant protein if proper intein activity can be restored and the necessary cysteine included. In this way, alginate could be specifically functionalised with a desired protein, and in turn, alginate beads could be used for the separation and enrichment of target proteins

An extra-memetic empirical methodology to accompany theoretical memetics

Abstract Purpose: The paper describes the difficulties encountered by researchers who are looking to operationalise theoretical memetics and provides a methodological avenue for studies that can test meme theory. Design/Methodology/Approach: The application of evolutionary theory to organisations is reviewed by critically reflecting on the validity of its truth claims. To focus the discussion a number of applications of meme theory are reviewed to raise specific issues which ought to be the subject of empirical investigation. Subsequently, the empirical studies conducted to date are assessed in terms of the progress made and conclusions for further work are drawn. Findings: The paper finds that the key questions posed by memetic theory have yet to be addressed empirically and that a recurring weakness is the practice of assuming the existence of a replicating unit of culture which has, however, yet to be demonstrated as a valid concept. Therefore, an 'extra-memetic' methodology is deemed to be necessary for the development of memetics as a scientific endeavour. Narrative analysis is abducted as an appropriate avenue for the operationalisation of extra-memetic empirical research. Originality/Value: The paper highlights inconsistencies, embedded in much of the memetic literature, which have not previously been recognised and the colloquial nature of the discipline is challenged from a positive but critical perspective. Consequently, the paper develops a rationale for the adoption of a widely recognised social science methodology for memetics which has been absent to date. In proposing narrative orientated research, knowledge concerning memes' validity can be facilitated whilst avoiding the current circularity in memetic truth claims. Key Words: Meme, Memetics, Narrative, Complexity, Evolution Classification: Conceptual Pape

Lift distribution in a rectangular jet

Computer programs predict effect of slipstream-wing flow interaction on aerodynamic characteristics of deflected slipstream and tilt aircraft. One program calculates lift distribution, lift, and drag of wing in wide slipstream. Results permit development of simplified lifting surface theory for circular jet

The eLIDA CAMEL: designed for learning by community

This article, invited by the ALT Editor for the international ALT-N newsletter, reports on the work of the eLIDA CAMEL JISC-funded Design for Learning (D4L) competitively selected e-learning project. A Design for Learning project that grows an intentional e-learning community of practice (CoP) in Higher and Further Education (HE and FE) can stimulate challenging, illuminative processes to foster shared understandings about learning technology innovations, promoting authentic dialogue between practitioners. Technological and social insights gradually emerge in a designed CoP, symbolised by camels riding across the desert to meet together in the oases of partner hosts. Honest peer-group exchanges, facilitated by a critical friend, improve professional e-learning practice

Leadership: professional communities of leadership practice in post-compulsory education

Summary: This is a paper that reviews and outlines the academic basis behind leadership in the post-compulsory setting. Description: Leadership has been for some years a key area of strategic and operational importance in the UK post-compulsory sector - this publication aims to addresss some of the issues surrounding this topic. It discusses theories and definitions of leadership, leader professionalism and post-compulsory education. A collaborative model of professional leadership is recommended, informed by authentic, democratic dialogue with practitioners. Coalitions that foster professional networking and collaborative leadership can be creatively developed through the establishment of intentionally designed communities of leadership practice. The CAMEL (Collaborative Approaches to the Management of e-Learning) JISC infoNet HEFCE/LGM-funded model for communities of practice is discussed as one model which provides a useful template for the development of shared knowledge through professional communities of practice in collaborative leadership. It is argued that this provides a helpful way of enabling and supporting leaders to advance their understanding and ‘know how' in leadership practices in a sector currently facing significant challenges from demanding external targets and continuous monitoring in an ‘audit culture’. The publication also and gives examples of good practice and many references and links for information

Intuitive expertise in ICT graduate supervision

Intuitive expertise in the application of advanced interdisciplinary facilitation is the subject of this personal reflection on the graduate supervisory style of Professor David Squires in computers in education. This single‐case reflective study examines the characteristics of effective supervision observed during masters and doctoral supervision at King's College in the years 1990–9. Interdisciplinarity in ICT graduate studies particularly requires a fluency of supervisory expertise in enabling supervisees to combine multiple complex perspectives from a number of fields of knowledge. Intuitive combinatory aspects of supervision are highlighted in this reflection on the role carried out by an academic expert in facilitating student success. This is examined from a perspective incorporating affective as well as intellectual elements, informed by characteristics identified in professional sports and performing arts coaching/mentoring. Key characteristics comprising a model of intuitive expertise in ICT graduate supervision were outlined. The resultant portrait aims to complement existing literature on graduate supervision, with reference to the field of ICTI computers in education relating to student hypermedia composition