Regulation and transcript analysis of the ceroperon responsible for quorum sensing in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1

Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 is a Gram negative facultative photoheterotrophic bacterium that has been shown to have an N-acyl homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing system called cer for c&barbelow;ommunity e&barbelow;scape r&barbelow;esponse. The cer ORFs are cerR, the transcriptional regulator, cerI, the autoinducer synthase and cerA , whose function is unknown. The autoinducer molecule, 7,8- cis-N-(tetradecenoyl) homoserine lactone, has been characterized. The objective of this study was to identify an environmental stimulus that influences the regulation of cerRAI and, to characterize transcription of the cer operon. ^ A cerR::lacZ transcriptional fusion was made and β-Galactosidase assays were performed in R. sphaeroides 2.4.1 strains, wild type, AP3 (CerI−) and AP4 (CerR−). The cerR::lacZ β-Galactosidase assays were used as an initial survey of the mode of regulation of the Cer system. A cerA::lacZ translational fusion was created and was used to show that cerA can be translated. The presence of 7,8-cis-N-(tetradecenoyl) homoserine lactone was detected from R. sphaeroides strains wild type and AP4 (CerR−) using a lasR::lacZ translational fusion autoinducer bioassay. The cerR::lacZ transcriptional fusion in R. sphaeroides 2.4.1 wild type was tested under different environmental stimuli, such as various carbon sources, oxygen tensions, light intensities and culture media to determine if they influence transcription of the cer ORFs. Although lacZ assay data implicated high light intensity at 100 W/m2 to stimulate cer transcription, quantitative Northern RNA data of the cerR transcript showed that low light intensity at 3 W/m2 is at least one environmental stimulus that induces cer transcription. This finding was supported by DNA microarray analysis. Northern analysis of the cerRAI transcript provided evidence that the cer ORFs are co-transcribed, and that the cer operon contains two additional genes. Bioinformatics was used to identify genes that may be regulated by the Cer system by identifying putative lux box homologue sequences in the presumed promoter region of these genes. Genes that were identified were fliQ, celB and calsymin, all implicated in interacting with plants. Primer extension was used to help localize cis-elements in the promoter region. The cerR::lacZ transcriptional fusion was monitored in a subset of different global DNA binding transcriptional regulator mutant strains of R. sphaeroides 2.4.1. Those regulators involved in maintaining an anaerobic photosynthetic lifestyle appeared to have an effect. Collectively, the data imply that R. sphaeroides 2.4.1 activates the Cer system when grown anaerobic photosynthetically at low light intensity, 3 W/m2, and it may be involved in an interaction with plants. ^

Perceived gender relations and sexual relations among undergraduate female students in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Background. Literature worldwide has documented associations between gender-based relationship inequity, sexual communication self-efficacy, and actual use of condoms and contraceptives among young women. However studies that have rigorously tested these associations in southern Vietnam are extremely rare. This study aimed to examine these associations and other current sexual practices among undergraduate female students in the Mekong Delta. Method. A qualitative study was conducted to examine the operationalization of the Theory of Gender and Power and to obtain salient and culture-relevant dimensions of perceived gender relations in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Sixty-four undergraduate female students from two universities participated in eight group discussions focusing on their viewpoints regarding national and local gender equity issues. A subsequent cross-sectional survey consisting of 1181 third-year female students from Can Tho University and An Giang University was conducted. Latent variable modeling and logistic regression were employed to examine the hypothesized associations. Results. Dimensions of perceived gender relations were attributable to theoretical structures of labor, power, and cathexis. Perceptions about gender inequities were comparable to findings from several reports, in which women were still viewed as inferior and subordinate to men. Among students who had ever had a boyfriend(s) (72.4%), 44.8% indicated that their boyfriend had ever asked for sex, 13% had ever had penile-vaginal sex, and 10.3% had ever had oral sex. For those who had ever had penile-vaginal sex, 33% did not use any contraceptive method at first sex. The greater a student’s perception that women were subordinate to men, the lower her self-efficacy for sexual communication and the lower her actual frequencies of asking for contraceptive or condom use. Sexual communication self-efficacy was marginally associated with actual contraceptive use (p=.039) and condom use (p=.092) at first sex. Conclusion. Sexual health promotion strategies should address the influence of perceived unequal gender relations on young women’s sexual communication self-efficacy and the subsequent impact on actual contraceptive and condom use.^

The Confucius institutes and China's soft power

The Confucius Institutes have been established by the Chinese government which operates them in collaboration with foreign universities and educational institutions in order to promote understanding of the Chinese language and culture. The first Confucius Institute opened its doors in Seoul, South Korea in 2004. Within the past seven years, 353 Confucius Institutes and 473 Confucius Classrooms have been established in 104 countries and regions. It is quite unusual for a language school to be able to make progress so rapidly. These developments raise a series of basic questions. First, what are the Confucius Institutes? What are their purpose and function? How have they been able to multiply so quickly? Are Confucius Institutes instruments of China's soft power? This article seeks to answer these questions by analyzing the details behind the establishment of Confucius Institutes, their organizational mechanism, and their activities. This paper concludes that due to insufficiency of cultural content and key concepts which can typify contemporary China, it is hard to see Confucius Institutes as China's soft power.

Intercultural Approaches to Cities and Spaces in Literature, Film, and New Media: a review of new work by Manzanas and Benito and Lopez-Varela and Net

Intercultural Approaches to Cities and Spaces in Literature, Film, and New Media: a review of new work by Manzanas and Benito and Lopez-Varela and Net

The Spreading of Christianity and the introduction of Modern Architecture in Shannxi, China (1840-1949): Christian churches and traditional Chinese architecture

La arquitectura china ha experimentado grandes cambios a lo largo de un extenso proceso histórico. El hito de mayor importancia es el que da paso al denominado Tiempo Moderno, periodo en el cual irrumpe por vez primera en China la arquitectura occidental, que comienza a tener una influencia muy activa y significativa sobre los rasgos y la identidad de la arquitectura tradicional china, hasta ese momento el único estilo o forma de hacer –muy diferente, en cuanto a su concepción y fisonomía, de los planteamientos occidentales- que había sobrevivido sin desvíos significativos, configurando un panorama milenario bastante homogéneo en los aspectos técnicos y artísticos en el desarrollo de esa arquitectura. Por un cúmulo de complejas razones, la mayor parte de la arquitectura china del periodo feudal -es decir el que forman todos los años anteriores a 1849- ha desaparecido. Sin embargo, desde la fecha indicada hasta la Revolución de 1949 (el denominado periodo semicolonial o semifeudal), sí se conservan muchas edificaciones, que fueron mejor construidas y mantenidas luego, destacando por su importancia en ese sentido las iglesias cristianas. Dichos templos representan cronológicamente, no sólo la primera irrupción de la arquitectura clásica occidental en China, sino el inicio de un proceso de modernización de la profundamente enraizada y, en buena medida, estancada arquitectura vernácula, combinando técnicas y estilos de ambos planteamientos, para dar como resultado originales edificaciones de un singular eclecticismo que caracterizarían buena parte de la arquitectura de dicha etapa semicolonial. En términos generales, últimamente se ha ido prestando cada vez más atención a esta arquitectura de los tiempos modernos, aunque las iglesias cristianas de la provincia de Shaanxi no han sido objeto de estudio específico, a pesar de que su tipología es muy representativa de las construcciones de esta clase en otras regiones del interior de China. La investigación que desarrolla la presente tesis doctoral sale al paso de esa deficiencia, abriendo puertas a la continuación del trabajo referido, extendido a otras zonas o arquitecturas, y, por extensión, a la profundización analítica de la hibridación arquitectónica y cultural entre China y Occidente. Sobre las bases de investigación documental, estudios de campo y dibujo, la tesis plantea un estudio aclaratorio de los rasgos y raíces de la arquitectura tradicional china, al que sigue otro histórico y tipológico de los templos cristianos en la provincia de Shaanxi, deteniéndose en sus características fundamentales, situación (uso) actual y estado de conservación. Se ha considerado imprescindible añadir al trabajo, como apéndice, un elaborado glosario conceptual ilustrado de términos básicos arquitectónicos y constructivos, en chino, inglés y español. ABSTRACT The Chinese architecture has gone through great changes during the long process of history. The tremendous changing period was the named Modern Times of China when, for the very first time, the western architecture was introduced into China and became to influence majorly on the traditional Chinese architecture. Before that, the traditional Chinese architecture which has its own, yet totally different system from the occidental architecture system was the only architectural style could be found in China. Although, due to many historical, conceptual and architectural characteristic reasons, large amount of the ancient Chinese architecture built in the feudal China was not preserved, there are a lot of buildings of semi-feudal China that was well constructed and conserved. The most important architectural type of the semi-feudal China is the Christian Churches. It was not only the first western architectural form that was brought into and well developed in China, but also was the beginner of the modernization process of Chinese architecture. Because of the deep root of the 2000-year traditional Chinese architecture, all the Christian Churches built in China during the semi-colonial society has a combined style of both the traditional Chinese architecture and the classic western churches. They are a priceless asset of the Chinese architectural history. Recently, more and more attention had been paid on the Chinese Modern Times architecture, however, the Christian Churches in Shaanxi Province, the province which has a unique history with the Christian, but less economically developed have never been researched yet. The Christian Churches of Shaanxi Province reflect the general feature of developing history of the Christian Churches of common inner-land regions in China. The research opens the door to further study on other Christian Churches and related buildings, and also for the further study on the Chinese-western architectural and culture communication. On the base of document research, field survey and mapping, in this thesis, an in-depth study had been done on the general history of the features and roots of the traditional Chinese architecture, the developing history of the Christian Churches of Shaanxi Province and the architectural types, examples, characteristics, present situation and conservation status. By comparing the Christian Churches of the cities in Shaanxi province to the Christian Churches in other more developed cities, and by comparing the Christian Churches in China to the classic western churches, the architectural combination feature of the Christian Churches in China are highlighted. The thesis is a fundamental research on which many further studies about the architectural developing history, characteristics and conservation of the Christian Churches in China could be done. It is considered essential to add to the work, as an appendix, an elaborate conceptual illustrated glossary of architectural and construction terms in Chinese, English and Spanish.

Development of somatic embryogenesis for cloning and conservation of mature holm oak trees (Quercus ilex L.)

La encina (Quercus ilex L.) es una de las especies forestales mediterráneas más importantes. Constituye gran parte del estrato arbóreo de dehesas o montados, produce bellota como alimento del ganado y establece simbiosis con hongos micorrizógenos de gran valor económico. La encina está considerada como una especie recalcitrante en términos de conservación de semillas y capacidad morfogénica, lo que dificulta los programas de conservación de recursos genéticos y la mejora de la especie. La propagación vegetativa es una potente herramienta de los programas de mejora, por lo que es preciso desarrollar protocolos de regeneración somática en encina. La embriogénesis somática está considerada como la modalidad más adecuada de regeneración basada en técnicas de cultivo de tejidos vegetales utilizada en biotecnología forestal. Este trabajo se centra en el estudio de determinados aspectos de la embriogénesis somática para la regeneración clonal de encinas adultas. La memoria de esta tesis se ha dividido en capítulos que se corresponden con diferentes aspectos del sistema embriogénico. La embriogénesis somática se indujo en tegumentos maternos de óvulos en desarrollo procedentes de bellotas inmaduras de encinas adultas. A pesar de las bajas frecuencias de inducción, las líneas embriogénicas generadas se amplificaron mediante embriogénesis secundaria observándose cierta pérdida de la capacidad de diferenciación con el tiempo. Tanto el genotipo como la formulación del medio de cultivo influyeron en la respuesta embriogénica, concluyendo que la formulación de macronutrientes de Schenk y Hildebrant del medio sin reguladores de crecimiento fue la combinación más efectiva en la inducción. Los resultados sugirieron la existencia de una ventana en el desarrollo del óvulo más sensible a la inducción. El genotipo in[luyó en la capacidad proliferativa de los cultivos y en la conversión de los embriones somáticos, que se incrementó suplementando el medio con ácido indol-3-butírico y 6-benciladenina. El cultivo en medio líquido de líneas embriogénicas en condiciones de inmersión transitoria incrementó el crecimiento, dependiendo del genotipo, con respecto al cultivo en medio semisólido. Sin embargo, no mejoró la capacidad de diferenciar embriones cotiledonares aislados. Se estableció un protocolo de inicio y mantenimiento de cultivos en suspensión para varias líneas embriogénicas mediante inoculación en alta densidad de agregados embrionarios procedentes del medio semisólido. Para evitar la pérdida de vigor y la capacidad morfogénica debida al cultivo prolongado se desarrolló un protocolo de crioconservación de líneas embriogénicas mediante vitrificación. Al determinar la influencia de los agentes crioprotectores antes y después de su inmersión en nitrógeno líquido se concluyó que las respuestas de capacidad de crecimiento y de diferenciación del material embriogénico son independientes, además de estar bajo influencia del genotipo y el tipo de material crioconservado. La combinación de sacarosa y PVS2 previa a la inmersión en nitrógeno líquido proporcionó la mayor tasa de recuperación. Cuando las líneas fueron crioconservadas 30 días la capacidad de diferenciación se perdió en todas ellas. El análisis de SSR detectó variación somaclonal en el material crioconservado a corto plazo. SSR y RAPD mostraron importantes diferencias genéticas entre los árboles donantes y el material embriogénico que dependieron del genotipo. El grado de detección dependió del marcador empleado. Ambos marcadores revelaron baja inestabilidad intraclonal. Los RAPD revelaron variación genética intra-individuo en las encinas donantes. Se discuten la variación genética pre-existente en encina, su aparición durante las primeras fases de la inducción de embriogénesis, y la presencia de tejidos provenientes de la fertilización en el explanto materno. Esto hace preciso definir la identidad genética del material donante y acometer ensayos de detección precoz de variación somaclonal. ABSTRACT Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is one of the most important Mediterranean forest species. It conforms the tree layer of dehesas or montados, it produces acorns to feed the livestock and it establishes symbiosis with profitable mycorrhizal fungi. Holm oak is considered as recalcitrant species in terms of seed conservation and morphogenic capacities, which complicates the development of genetic conservation and improvement programs. Vegetative propagation is one of the mightiest tools for breeding programs therefore; developing protocols for clonal regeneration of holm oak is essential. Somatic embryogenesis is considered the best tissue culture-based way of plant regeneration in forest biotechnology. The present study is focused on the study of certain aspects of somatic embryogenesis for clonal regeneration of mature holm oak. This thesis manuscript is divided into several chapters that match with different aspects of the embryogenic system. Somatic embryogenesis induction was achieved on maternal teguments of developing ovules from immature acorns of adult holm oak trees. Despite the low induction frequencies, the generated embryogenic lines were amplified by secondary embryogenesis. A decline in the differentiation capacity over time was also observed. It was concluded that both genotype and culture media formulation influenced the embryogenic response, being the Schenk and Hildebrandt´s macronutrients formulation from culture medium and the lack of plant growth regulators the most effective combination for the induction of the embryogenic response. It has been suggested the existence of a developmental window in which ovules are prone to induction. Genotype influenced the proliferation capacity and the plant conversion of somatic embryos, which was also favoured by the presence of indol-3-butyric acid and 6-bencyladenine. The use of temporary immersion systems as proliferation in liquid culture of the embryogenic lines increased the growth depending on genotype, when compared to semisolid cultures. However, it did not improve the differentiation of single cotyledonary embryos. A protocol for the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic suspension cultures was established for several embryogenic lines with highly dense inoculi of embryogenic clusters from proliferating semisolid cultures. In order to avoid the loss of vigour and morphogenic ability of embryogenic lines due to prolonged cultures, a cryopreservation protocol for embryogenic lines of holm oak has been developed. During the determination of the influence of cryoprotective agents on the growth and differentiation capacities before and after liquid nitrogen immersion, it was concluded that both responses were independent from each other and also under the influence of genotype and the type of cryopreserved material. The combination of sucrose and PVS2 prior liquid nitrogen immersion provided higher recovery rates. When the same embryogenic lines were cryopreserved for 30 days, none was able to differentiate. The SSRs analysis of the short-term cryopreserved material detected somaclonal variation. Both SSR and RAPD markers showed high sensitivity to detect genetic differences between the donor trees and the generated embryogenic material. Nevertheless, the degree of instability detection depended on the marker. The SSR analysis indicated a relationship between genotype, the studied loci and the located polymorphisms. Also, both markers revealed low intraclonal genetic variation. The RAPD detected genetic variation within the donor trees. The presence of pre-existent genetic variation within mature trees, in addition to its occurrence during the early stages of the embryogenic induction, and the presence of tissues of fertilisation origin within the maternal explants are all discussed. Nonetheless, the determination of the genetic identity of donor material is required, in addition to early detection methods of somaclonal variation.

Development of somatic embryogenesis for cloning and conservation of mature holm oak trees (Quercus ilex L.)

La encina (Quercus ilex L.) es una de las especies forestales mediterráneas más importantes. Constituye gran parte del estrato arbóreo de dehesas o montados, produce bellota como alimento del ganado y establece simbiosis con hongos micorrizógenos de gran valor económico. La encina está considerada como una especie recalcitrante en términos de conservación de semillas y capacidad morfogénica, lo que dificulta los programas de conservación de recursos genéticos y la mejora de la especie. La propagación vegetativa es una potente herramienta de los programas de mejora, por lo que es preciso desarrollar protocolos de regeneración somática en encina. La embriogénesis somática está considerada como la modalidad más adecuada de regeneración basada en técnicas de cultivo de tejidos vegetales utilizada en biotecnología forestal. Este trabajo se centra en el estudio de determinados aspectos de la embriogénesis somática para la regeneración clonal de encinas adultas. La memoria de esta tesis se ha dividido en capítulos que se corresponden con diferentes aspectos del sistema embriogénico. La embriogénesis somática se indujo en tegumentos maternos de óvulos en desarrollo procedentes de bellotas inmaduras de encinas adultas. A pesar de las bajas frecuencias de inducción, las líneas embriogénicas generadas se amplificaron mediante embriogénesis secundaria observándose cierta pérdida de la capacidad de diferenciación con el tiempo. Tanto el genotipo como la formulación del medio de cultivo influyeron en la respuesta embriogénica, concluyendo que la formulación de macronutrientes de Schenk y Hildebrant del medio sin reguladores de crecimiento fue la combinación más efectiva en la inducción. Los resultados sugirieron la existencia de una ventana en el desarrollo del óvulo más sensible a la inducción. El genotipo in[luyó en la capacidad proliferativa de los cultivos y en la conversión de los embriones somáticos, que se incrementó suplementando el medio con ácido indol-3-butírico y 6-benciladenina. El cultivo en medio líquido de líneas embriogénicas en condiciones de inmersión transitoria incrementó el crecimiento, dependiendo del genotipo, con respecto al cultivo en medio semisólido. Sin embargo, no mejoró la capacidad de diferenciar embriones cotiledonares aislados. Se estableció un protocolo de inicio y mantenimiento de cultivos en suspensión para varias líneas embriogénicas mediante inoculación en alta densidad de agregados embrionarios procedentes del medio semisólido. Para evitar la pérdida de vigor y la capacidad morfogénica debida al cultivo prolongado se desarrolló un protocolo de crioconservación de líneas embriogénicas mediante vitrificación. Al determinar la influencia de los agentes crioprotectores antes y después de su inmersión en nitrógeno líquido se concluyó que las respuestas de capacidad de crecimiento y de diferenciación del material embriogénico son independientes, además de estar bajo influencia del genotipo y el tipo de material crioconservado. La combinación de sacarosa y PVS2 previa a la inmersión en nitrógeno líquido proporcionó la mayor tasa de recuperación. Cuando las líneas fueron crioconservadas 30 días la capacidad de diferenciación se perdió en todas ellas. El análisis de SSR detectó variación somaclonal en el material crioconservado a corto plazo. SSR y RAPD mostraron importantes diferencias genéticas entre los árboles donantes y el material embriogénico que dependieron del genotipo. El grado de detección dependió del marcador empleado. Ambos marcadores revelaron baja inestabilidad intraclonal. Los RAPD revelaron variación genética intra-individuo en las encinas donantes. Se discuten la variación genética pre-existente en encina, su aparición durante las primeras fases de la inducción de embriogénesis, y la presencia de tejidos provenientes de la fertilización en el explanto materno. Esto hace preciso definir la identidad genética del material donante y acometer ensayos de detección precoz de variación somaclonal. ABSTRACT Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is one of the most important Mediterranean forest species. It conforms the tree layer of dehesas or montados, it produces acorns to feed the livestock and it establishes symbiosis with profitable mycorrhizal fungi. Holm oak is considered as recalcitrant species in terms of seed conservation and morphogenic capacities, which complicates the development of genetic conservation and improvement programs. Vegetative propagation is one of the mightiest tools for breeding programs therefore; developing protocols for clonal regeneration of holm oak is essential. Somatic embryogenesis is considered the best tissue culture-based way of plant regeneration in forest biotechnology. The present study is focused on the study of certain aspects of somatic embryogenesis for clonal regeneration of mature holm oak. This thesis manuscript is divided into several chapters that match with different aspects of the embryogenic system. Somatic embryogenesis induction was achieved on maternal teguments of developing ovules from immature acorns of adult holm oak trees. Despite the low induction frequencies, the generated embryogenic lines were amplified by secondary embryogenesis. A decline in the differentiation capacity over time was also observed. It was concluded that both genotype and culture media formulation influenced the embryogenic response, being the Schenk and Hildebrandt´s macronutrients formulation from culture medium and the lack of plant growth regulators the most effective combination for the induction of the embryogenic response. It has been suggested the existence of a developmental window in which ovules are prone to induction. Genotype influenced the proliferation capacity and the plant conversion of somatic embryos, which was also favoured by the presence of indol-3-butyric acid and 6-bencyladenine. The use of temporary immersion systems as proliferation in liquid culture of the embryogenic lines increased the growth depending on genotype, when compared to semisolid cultures. However, it did not improve the differentiation of single cotyledonary embryos. A protocol for the initiation and maintenance of embryogenic suspension cultures was established for several embryogenic lines with highly dense inoculi of embryogenic clusters from proliferating semisolid cultures. In order to avoid the loss of vigour and morphogenic ability of embryogenic lines due to prolonged cultures, a cryopreservation protocol for embryogenic lines of holm oak has been developed. During the determination of the influence of cryoprotective agents on the growth and differentiation capacities before and after liquid nitrogen immersion, it was concluded that both responses were independent from each other and also under the influence of genotype and the type of cryopreserved material. The combination of sucrose and PVS2 prior liquid nitrogen immersion provided higher recovery rates. When the same embryogenic lines were cryopreserved for 30 days, none was able to differentiate. The SSRs analysis of the short-term cryopreserved material detected somaclonal variation. Both SSR and RAPD markers showed high sensitivity to detect genetic differences between the donor trees and the generated embryogenic material. Nevertheless, the degree of instability detection depended on the marker. The SSR analysis indicated a relationship between genotype, the studied loci and the located polymorphisms. Also, both markers revealed low intraclonal genetic variation. The RAPD detected genetic variation within the donor trees. The presence of pre-existent genetic variation within mature trees, in addition to its occurrence during the early stages of the embryogenic induction, and the presence of tissues of fertilisation origin within the maternal explants are all discussed. Nonetheless, the determination of the genetic identity of donor material is required, in addition to early detection methods of somaclonal variation.

Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 and the p35 subunit of interleukin 12 form a novel heterodimeric hematopoietin

The Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) is a novel soluble hematopoietin component related to the p40 subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12). When EBI3 was expressed in cells, it accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum and associated with the molecular chaperone calnexin, indicating that subsequent processing and secretion might be dependent on association with a second subunit. Coimmunoprecipitations from lysates and culture media of cells transfected with expression vectors for EBI3 and/or the p35 subunit of IL-12 now reveal a specific association of EBI3 with p35. Coexpression of EBI3 and p35 mutually facilitates their secretion. Most importantly, a large fraction of p35 in extracts of the trophoblast component of a human full-term normal placenta specifically coimmunoprecipitated with EBI3, indicating that EBI3 is in a heterodimer with p35, in vivo. Because EBI3 is expressed in EBV-transformed B lymphocytes, tonsil, spleen, and placental trophoblasts, the EBI3/p35 heterodimer is likely to be an important immunomodulator.

Conceptual Decolonization of Space: Worldview and Language in Anishinaabe Akiing

This dissertation examines the role of worldview and language in the cultural framework of American Indian people. In it I develop a theory of worldview which can be defined as an interrelated set of logics that orients a culture to space (land), time, the rest of life, and provides a prescription for understanding that life. Considering the strong links between language and worldview, it is methodologically necessary to focus on a particular language and culture to decolonize concepts of and relationships to land. In particular, this dissertation focuses on an Anishinaabe worldview as consisting of four components, which are; (1) an intimate relationship to a localized space; (2) a cyclical understanding of time; (3) living in a web of relatedness with all life, and (4) understanding the world around us in terms of balance. The methodological approach draws from Anishinaabemowin, the traditional Anishinaabe language, as a starting place for negotiating a linguistic-conceptual analysis of these logics to decolonize the understandings of land, time, relatedness and balance. This dissertation helps to demonstrate that the religious language as codified in the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution as religious freedom is unable to carry the meaning of the fundamental relationships to land that are embedded in Anishinaabemowin and culture. I compare the above Anishinaabe worldview to that of the eurowestern culture in America, which is; (1) the domination of space; (2) a linear progression of time; (3) a hierarchical organization of life; and (4) understanding the world as a Manichean battle of good versus evil. This dissertation seeks to decolonize American Indian translational methodologies and undermine the assumptions of eurowestern cultural universality.

John La Farge as collector of Japanese art : motivations and reflections

Throughout his lifetime, American artist John La Farge (1835-1910) amassed an enormous collection of art and books. La Farge’s study of art and culture encompassed several genres and aesthetic elements. La Farge has been credited as the first American artist — even prior to James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)— to integrate visual elements and cultural awareness of the Far East within his own Western-trained art. Although many scholars have studied La Farge’s art and life from various perspectives, including his interest in Asian art, the object of the present study is solely focused on La Farge’s collecting of Japanese art.

Internet Civil Liberties in the U.S. and the Protection of the Modern Terrorist

This capstone examines the civil liberties of the modern terrorist and explicates the right to freedom of speech for terrorist organizations and their use of the internet. Terrorist organizations use the internet to promote ideas, recruit members, organize the flow of information, and coordinate actions. During the war on terror the US Patriot Act became law allowing for U.S. government censorship and surveillance of internet traffic and many believe these acts are a threat to civil liberties. Terrorist organizations have the right to express their views, however unpopular, and censoring or restricting web sites diminishes civil liberties for all, which democracies and liberal societies are founded upon.

Samurai Son and Exploring Cultural Myths Through Fantasy Fiction

Samurai Son is a story that captures the beauty, wonder and imagination of Japanese legends and mythology with some modern-day sensibilities and morals against the backdrop of medieval Japan. The story blends Shinto religion and stories about the tengu, bird-like wind spirits with a modern plotline in a Japanese fantasy universe. This world is filled with magic, demons, kami (magical spirits), gods and goddesses, samurai, ninja and martial arts.

Looking Back: A Granddaughter's Quest for Redemption and Understanding

On December 7th, 1941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This event signaled the beginning of America's involvement in World War II. It also signaled the beginning of a change of life for the Japanese living in the United States. Following the attack, 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry were placed in ten internment camps across the United States. Two-thirds of those interned were American citizens, including my grandmother. The fact that these American citizens were treated as prisoners in their own country had a devastating effect on the relationships of those interned and the generations of Japanese Americans that followed. This essay recounts my grandma's experience and explores how her internment changed her life and the lives of her descendants.