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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of developmental psychiatric disorders characterized by limits in social behaviours, interests, and communication. Current research indicates that these symptoms may arise from certain patterns of overconnectivity and underconnectivity within the brain, which mainly form during prenatal development. There are many potential causes to this differential “wiring”, one of which may be improper cholesterol metabolism. Cholesterol is a vital component to neuron structure, and facilitates the formation of connections between neurons through growth cones that localize the proteins used for directional growth and synapse formation. Several cholesterol metabolism disorders are also commonly accompanied by ASD, indicating a potential link between cholesterol supply and the formation of neural networks. In this review paper, I will summarize current studies that explore the onset of ASD and the intricacies of neuron and synapse development in relation to cholesterol deficiency.
Keywords: Cholesterol metabolism, autism, growth cone, synapse, brain development
The Pacific Northwest is home to temperate rainforests that contain many vascular and non-vascular epiphytes. Non-vascular epiphytes have received the majority of research attention, whereas little research has been conducted on the Pacific Northwest’s most common vascular arboreal epiphyte, Polypodium glycyrrhiza. This study set out to quantify P. glycyrrhiza abundance on Acer macrophyllum and Alnus rubra and investigate how these abundances change with proximity to a riparian zone. It was hypothesized in this research that P. glycyrrhiza would show a preference for growing on
A. macrophyllum individuals in comparison to the common hardwood species A. rubra, and that abundances would shift with streambed proximity. P. glycyrrhiza showed greater abundance on A. macrophyllum individuals compared to A. rubra, and on A. macrophyllum, a clear decline in abundance occurred with distance from the streambeds. There was no relationship found between streambed proximity and abundance of P. glycyrrhiza on A. rubra.
Keywords: Pacific Northwest, epiphyte, Polypodium glycyrrhiza, Acer macrophyllum, Alnus rubra
Survivor has been one of the biggest and most popular CBS reality shows for over twenty years. However, due to the rise of ‘fandoms’ in the age of social media Survivor has been getting dissected and picked apart as it has never before been. This paper aims to look at the hit reality competition show through a critical lense. Additionally, this paper aims to explore the discourse on the gendered differences of game-play styles. Further, utilizing a feminist perspective on the role of gender in the gameplay of the show. All of these subjects will be using textual analysis of the show Survivor to provide context for the arguments being made. The paper also has a purpose to hold a mirror up to the flaws of Survivor. Everything in order to provide a richer examination of the incredibly dynamic, complex and fragile structure that is the game of Survivor.
Keywords: Survivor, critique, diversity, reality television, feminism
“Crescendo” is a short story dealing with the aftermath of abuse and how these relationships linger on even years later. Using the uncommon second person point of view, we are drawn into the story of a young woman as she goes through an evening of her life. Through flashbacks and the powerful usage of music, we see how she has tried to come to terms with trauma and her failed relationship, and the choices that have led her to this particular evening. This piece has been previously published in Pink Panther Magazine.
General William Jackson Palmer’s railroad empire helped shape the West as we know it. Examining the history of how he developed the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) offers insights into how transportation infrastructure affected settlement in the West. General Palmer routed around existing towns in favor of his own planned and controlled settlements: Colorado City gave way to Colorado Springs, Animas City to Durango, and so on. His railroads were financed by investors on the East Coast and in England, with the rail infrastructure supporting similarly financed industries built on commodity resource extraction. Competition with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway over access to mining boomtowns like Leadville, CO provoked armed conflict.
Keywords: Railroads, Infrastructure, Mining, Colorado, Mexico
Figure 1A. Benzannulation reaction, common to essential metabolic processes, catalyzed by an artificial metalloenzyme formed through strong binding of a biotinylated Co(III) cofactor and native protein.
Keywords: Catalysis, Metalloenzymes, Biotin, Cofactor, Cobalt
This study examines young consumers’ behavior towards luxurious products and how product
messages on social media impact consumers’ decisions towards luxurious products. Using the
theory of reasoned action, hedonic and utilitarian values, and self-congruity concept, a research
model has been created to measure the relationships among several constructs. One hundred data
were collected from college students using an online survey. Findings explain that social media
hedonic and utilitarian product messages positively affect attitude toward brand information,
while social media hedonic messages and luxury brand imagery congruity influence word of
mouth (WOM). Brand loyalty is positively affected by attitude toward brand information, WOM,
and brand imagery congruity. Brand loyalty influences intention to join a brand page and
purchase intention. As managerial suggestions, to increase brand loyalty, marketers should
increase product information on social media, interact with consumers for WOM, and understand
consumers’ brand imagery perceptions.
Keywords: Product Messages, Social Media, Luxury Brand Congruity, Brand Loyalty, WOM