When the People Decide: A Study of the Independence Movement in Ghana

In this paper, I examine the struggle for independence in Ghana. I explore what factors inspire the quest for freedom that emerged in Ghana as well as all over the world during the 1940\u27s and 1950\u27s. I explore the life of Kwame Nkrumah, the movement\u27s leader, and how his political consciousness developed. I examine the major events that took place in Ghana during the late 1940\u27s and early 1950\u27s that set the stage for independence. Finally, I examine some possible reasons why Ghana was able to become the first African country south of the Sahara to achieve independence

Structural and Functional Studies of Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase / Phosphodiesterase 6

Nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phophodiesterase 6 (NPP6) is a membrane anchored ectoenzyme initially expressed in the brain and kidney. It is the sixth member of the NPP superfamily. Currently, the superfamily consists of seven members, NPP1-NPP7. Each member was numbered according to the order in which it was associated with the family. The NPPsuperfamily hydrolyzes a wide range of substrates such as lipids, nucleotides, and their derivatives. NPP1, NPP2, and NPP3 hydrolyze nucleotides (and derivatives). NPP6 and NPP7 along with NPP2 hydrolyze phosphodiester bonds in lipids (and derivatives). Thus far, NPP4 and NPP5 have yet to be characterized in terms of which substrates they act upon or the activity which they posses. Many of the hydrolytic pathways of NPP enzymes lead to the formation of bioactive lipids that affect numerous pathological as well as physiological processes. This combined with their extracellular action makes them suitable targets for therapeutic intervention.NPP6 is expressed predominately in the kidneys where it plays a role in choline reabsorption. Choline is needed to maintain healthy kidneys; however over time choline degrades and the body does not replenish it. Therefore, structurally and functionally characterizating NPP6 is essential for potential kidney therapeutics.Here, we focused on testing and identifying more substrates for NPP6. Our results show that NPP6 is not a very promiscuous enzyme. Overall, NPP6 preferred hydrolyzing smaller substrates opposed to larger substrates. Like another member of the NPP superfamily, NPP7, NPP6 has lysophopholipase C activity. We identified lysophosphatidic acid 16:0 (LPC16:0) and para-nitrophenyl phosphocholine (pNPPC) as highly potent substrates for NPP6.Next, we focused on characterizing the structure and funciton of NPP6. Given that very little is known about the structure and function of NPP6, insight into this area may assist in the design of chemical probes of NPP6 physiological roles. All NPP superfamily members hydrolyze a wide range of substrates but exhibit unique substrate specificity profiles. Currently, little is known what defines the varying substrate specificity among the enzymes. To explore substrate specifying determinants for NPP6, we used computational modeling as a rational tool to guide selection of substrate recognition residues to experimentally mutate. We selected known substrates such as LPC16:0 and pNPPC and docked each into the NPP6 homlogy model. The experimental results validated the model suggesting the presence of a common binding pocket for the different substrates of NPP6. Furthermore, the experimental studies provide validation of our model for hydrogen bond interactions between the substrate and specific amino acid residues either during substrate recognition or during the catlytic process.The catalytic domain of the NPP superfamily has been associated with other sulfo- and phospho- coordinating metalloenzymes which include the alkaline phosphatase superfamily. Both the alkaline phosphatases and NPPs possess two divalent metal cations within their binding pocket and are inactivated by removal of the endogenous divalent metals. Until now, the role of the endogenous divalent metals has been unknown. Here, we show that the secondary structure is not affected by the presence or absence of the endogenous divalent metals; although, the catalytic activity is elmiinated upon overnight incubation with the metal chelator, EDTA. Attempts to restore the catalytic activity of NPP6 were made. Results showed that Ca2+ and Zn2+ restored almost complete function of the enzyme

The multi-modal Matrix: Common Semiotic Principles in the Seven Modes of Narrative Film

[Abstract] From this brief introduction to the Multi-modal Matrix, it is hoped that the potential richness, depth and complexity of compositional choices available to the film-maker has been communicated. Understanding how film is articulated, how it may be generated by applying the symbolic code, is seen as a means of empowerment for both the filmmaker and film viewer. The former may be empowered with a range of devices with which to generate more conceptually and perceptually intriguing statements in film language, which engage the viewer and prolong that engagement; the latter may be provided with a set of tools with which to negotiate the more perceptually-challenging meanings offered in the film text. Constructive comments and suggestions for co-operative developments are welcome

Questioning Race: Ancestry DNA and dialogue on race

Human genetics and racial identity converge pointedly in the family narrative. Until recently, genetics, racial identity, and family narrative were all rather malleable concepts in the public arena. All were presented in anecdotal form for the most part, and were often based on certain social conventions. The interjection of popularly available ancestry DNA data adds an additional piece of information to the discussion of genetics, race and narrative. Using the framework of both narrative theory and theory of social construction, this work uses quantitative and qualitative data to explore how individuals react to ancestry DNA findings and to consider if and how this information will change narratives, behaviors, and perspectives. We also explore if one’s racial identification makes a difference in initial accuracy and if there is a difference among racial groupings in terms of change in census identification based on knowledge of their DNA profile

Mentoring Experiences of Women in Graduate Education: Factors that Matter

This exploratory study focused on the mentoring experiences of women faculty members and graduate students within a counseling psychology graduate program. Results from semi-structured interviews and focus groups identified the women’s contextual mentoring experiences in higher education and highlighted several factors that contribute to mentorship experiences unique to women in graduate higher education. Findings demonstrate the importance of relational mentoring relationships and investment by mentors. Implications for building upon mentoring theories for women and future research are discussed

The Phases and Faces of the Duke Lacrosse Controversy: A Conversation James E. Coleman, Jr.

This panel took place at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools ( SEALS ) in July 2008 in West Palm Beach, Florid

Synthesis, x-ray structure and anion binding properties of a cryptand-like hybrid calixpyrrole

The novel cryptand in/out-3, containing two tripyrrolemethane units briged by three 1,3- diisopropylidenbenzene arms was readily synthesized by a convergent three-step synthesis. It binds fluoride by inclusion with excellent selectivity with respect to a number of other tested anions. The structure of the free receptor and that of its fluoride complex were investigated in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The solid state X-ray structure of the free cryptand 3 was also determined

Indigenous Cultural Safety Training in Health, Education, and Social Service Work

Background: Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) training is a growing field of study; however, little consensus exists about how ICS is conceptualized and operationalized. This lack of consistency can lead to misinterpretation and misappropriation of Indigenous knowledges and histories that can further perpetuate colonial harms. Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore and characterize the academic literature related to the conceptualization and operationalization of ICS training within the fields of health, social services, and education. Methods: This scoping review protocol employs the Joanna Briggs Institute’s three-step search strategy to identify articles in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and ASSIA. This protocol follows the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (Joanna Briggs Institute, 2015; Tricco et al., 2018). Discussion: This review will add new knowledge by offering insights into the historic and contemporary approaches to defining and operationalizing ICS training in the health, education and social services fields. The results produced will be of interest to scholars and health, social services, and education providers looking to apply the most current and appropriate concepts and practices of ICS