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Biomineralization is defined as the selective uptake of elements that are incorporated into a defined mineral structure under strict biological (genetic) control. However, mineralization does not always occur under biological (i.e. metazoan) control. Microbial consortia may also induce or promote mineral formation by influencing the surrounding environment via metabolic pathways, in a process called microbially-induced mineralization. Microbially-induced mineralization may also occur when microbial communities within a shell secreting organism enhance the ability of the host to calcify. Bivalvia (Mollusca) generally exemplify biomineralization and possess complicated, intricate shell morphologies that are dictated by genetics. However, some unusual shell features found in bivalve skeletons are the result of microbial influences on the calcification process. One potential case of microbially-induced mineralization amongst Bivalves are the chalky deposits found in the shells of certain oyster species. Chalk is composed of small, blade-like crystals that interlock and are oriented in a way that leaves void space between laths, resulting in a shell structure that is softer and less dense than surrounding folia. Because of the unique microstructure, previous authors have suggested that chalk formation is a result of microbially-influenced mineralization that occurs within the oyster shell. Specifically, that activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in oyster calcifying fluid are able to influence internal carbonate chemistry, resulting in rapid shell growth in the form of chalky deposits. Here, I test the hypothesis that chalk is a case of microbially-induced mineralization. Together, data indicates that SRB are not responsible for inducing chalk formation in oysters. However, microbial consortia within oysters may be important for promoting healthy shell calcification. In addition, characterization of the structure and distribution of chalky deposits in oyster shells shows that chalk is a useful adaptation for a cementing lifstyle, and contributes to cementation.

The missional church movement seeks to galvanize Christians to actively participate in practices that allow others to glimpse the reality of the kingdom of God both now and in the coming age. Older adults, aged sixty-five and older, currently make up thirty-three percent of the membership of Christian churches in the United States, a percentage that will continue to increase exponentially, yet no literature explores their experiences within the missional church movement or accounts for the skills, gifts, and limitations of older adults pertaining to it. The purpose of this research was to investigate the beliefs, attitudes, and practices of older adults in the United States with respect to the missional church movement and to identify barriers that preclude them from participating fully in missional activity in their contexts. This research focused on adults aged sixty-five through eighty-five, the most active segment of the older adult population, including the oldest baby boomers through the youngest of the silent generation. The research methods included a survey of 101 older adults across the United States with follow-up focus groups involving twenty participants. While older adults often agree with missional church movement principles, they tend to practice their faith in more “traditional” ways. They must balance their passion for witness and service with reduced physical capacity, though retirement offers opportunities for renewed spiritual growth and new ministry opportunities. Nonetheless, a fuller integration of the older adult into the missional church would result in an increasingly realized expression of the kingdom of God on earth.

The cellular envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly complex structure containing many lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Our first objective established a comprehensive description of the cell wall proteome of M. tuberculosisusing traditional two-dimensional gel-based techniques and liquid-chromatogoraphy mass spectrometry (LC-MS). From this work, over 500 proteins were identified using a combination of differential detergent extraction and multi-dimensional-LC. A highly lipoprotein enriched fraction revealed that the majority of cell wall associated proteins were functionally annotated to mechanisms of intermediary metabolism (35%) and macromolecular synthesis and degradation (25%) building upon evidence that the M. tuberculosis cell wall is actively engaged in cellular homeostasis and remodeling events. Secondly, we investigated the role of the cell envelope proteins in the search for novel immunodiagnostic epitopes. It is well known that the cell wall of M. tuberculosis is highly immunogenic and contains both non-protein and protein antigens. Specifically, the proteins associated with the cell wall were shown to be uniquely responsible for the activation of human CD8 T cell clones generated from both actively and latently infected individuals. The immunological response to CD8 T cell antigens may be an effective means of distinguishing between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active disease. To broadly define the repertoire of CD8 T cell antigens, 56 proteins from the cell wall proteome study were included in the design of a synthetic peptide library. Exhaustive screening of the peptide library for novel antigens and epitopes that elicit an immunological response in TB patients, resulted in the identification of eight cell wall antigens that are currently being investigated for their clinical utility. In addition, the cell wall proteome was also mined in the identification of an HLA-E restricted CD8 T cell epitope. HLA-E has low polymorphism in the human population and seems to be enriched in M. tuberculosis - containing phagosomes, therefore identification of this antigen could be used as a novel diagnostic or vaccine candidate. Using a MS-based proteomics approach, we discovered the HLA-E antigen to be the post-translationally modified glycoprotein Mpt32 (45kDa/Apa). Glycosylated proteins and lipids within the mycobacterial cell envelope are dominant and the role of this modification in the host immune response can now be elucidated. Lastly, the composition and integrity of the M. tuberculosiscell envelope facilitates its adaptation and survival within various microenvironments. These physiological functions are influenced by the presence or absence of functionally linked genes and proteins whose relative abundance may change over time or within altered metabolic states. Our final efforts used nucleotide analog probes, to specifically bind and enrich proteins with an ATP-binding function and measure their relative abundance between altered states of growth (i.e. between active disease and hypoxia-induced dormancy). With these efforts we classified 122 ATP-binding proteins in either metabolic state and demonstrated differential abundance patterns between actively growing and hypoxic cells within the functionally linked protein networks of energy metabolism, cell wall and lipid biosynthesis. These protein families represented in the M. tuberculosis ATPome are a subset of essential (60% of the Mtb-ATPome) gene products and may be relevant therapeutic targets for the future development of novel small molecule inhibitors against M. tuberculosis. The spectrum of studies undertaken to mine the cellular envelope for diagnostic and drug targets demonstrates a natural evolution of MS-based proteomics in the study of biologically relevant questions. From a purely descriptive characterization of the cell wall proteome, this data was utilized in a practical approach in the design of a high-throughput antigen/epitope-screening library and finally these studies culminate in a functionally relevant profile of the ATP-binding proteins of M. tuberculosis. Future work will continue to focus on developing hypothesis-driven proteomic studies for the identification of novel diagnostic antigens and drug targets. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Infant prematurity is associated with acute health risks and altered fat deposition. Aberrations in fat deposition put preterm infants at a higher risk for developing conditions such as hypertension and glucose intolerance in later life. Thus, the recommended catch-up growth for preterm infants, which only examines weight gain, may have detrimental consequences for future metabolic health. Validated, low-risk methods of accurately determining body fat deposition will assist medical professionals in monitoring interventions and optimizing growth quality in preterm infants. This study compared body fat composition in infants that were born preterm (n = 28) between 32-36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and born term (n = 28) between 38-41 weeks PMA at the University of Utah Hospital. Relationships between percent body fat (%BF) measured by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and anthropometry/skinfolds were determined. Gender and ethnic distribution were similar between the preterm and term cohorts. Age adjusted body weight, length, head circumference, and body mass index were significantly lower for preterm infants (p < 0.001). Despite the smaller body size and less mature PMA at hospital discharge, preterm infants had higher %BF by ADP (p = 0.057). In addition, mid-arm circumference was a good predictor for preterm infant %BF (p < 0.001). Our results show that preterm infants develop increased body fat percentage as they approach term-corrected age compared to term infants. This result may explain the connection between a preterm birth and metabolic consequences later in life. This study provides support for the importance of monitoring body composition in preterm infants to ensure proper growth quality.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Unity Task Force on the unity of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church by conducting focus group interviews of members of the West Ohio Conference Unity Task Force and Extended Cabinet, by surveying the West Ohio Conference lay and clergy delegates and alternates to the 2008 and 2012 general and jurisdictional conferences, and by interviewing the resident bishop of the West Ohio Conference. When believers experience soteriological unity with Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, they should exhibit behavior consistent with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), as well as kinship and koinonia described in the Old and New Testaments. The unity of believers in the Bible provides a description for what functional unity should look like among believers in all eras, as well as the missional unity that results in the body of Christ reaching out to the world. Thus, by describing the signs of soteriological, functional, and missional unity in a body of believers, one should be able to determine a relative level of overall unity they experience. This research showed that the Unity Task Force caused little, if any, significant increase in the sense of unity in the West Ohio Conference. Significant events both positively and negatively impacted the sense of unity in the conference, and building relationships with God and each other is the key to maintaining and building unity.

Many of the leadership qualities and skills demonstrated by elected officials prior to their public roles are not transferable to the public sector. Meanwhile, the challenges to local governments - legal, fiscal, risk and conflict management, environmental - have reached heretofore unknown levels of urgency and complexity. Elected officials need access to training for effective, collaborative group decision making

One year after undergoing coronary-artery bypass-graft (CABG) surgery, 88% of the octogenarians in a recent study said they would undergo the surgery again. What to expect during surgery, the postoperative period and recovery are discussed.