Dry farming the Zinfandel grape varietal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dry farming the Zinfandel grape varietal - Essay Example Before irrigation systems became available and practical, dry farming was standard practice for planting and managing wine grapes in California. Dry farming is still possible and successfully used by some growers, but it is site-specific and dependent on annual rainfall, climate, soil type and grape variety. The economics of dry farming are a key consideration in relation to grape yields and prices. Dry farming wine grapes depend on residual soil moisture to meet the water requirements for grape vine growth and berry development (Chatterton, 196). Even in California’s dry Mediterranean climate, the water retained in soils from winter rains can be sufficient to support grape production throughout the growing season without supplemental irrigation. Dry farming techniques can improve grape and wine quality. Many growers have said that they trade quantity for quality when dry farming. Although dry-farmed vineyards may yield less than irrigated vineyards, the fruit that is produced often has more concentrated flavors and a deeper expression of quality taste. Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles believes that their dry-farmed berries are essential to the balance and expression of their wines. Dry farming can also have significant positive impacts on the environment and improve the sustainability of vineyards. By not irrigating, dry farmers reduce the water footprint of the vineyard. According to Frank Leeds (2003), studies in Napa Valley shows that he is saving a minimum of 16,000 gallons of water an acre a year by dry farming his vineyards, compared to those that only lightly irrigate. If vineyards can conserve fresh water, not only will they be contributing to water conservation, but also reducing their dependency on a highly demanded resource, particularly in areas of groundwater overdraft (Hargreaves & Mary, 109). Competition over

Prostate Among African American Men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Prostate Among African American Men - Essay Example The genetic coding of the cells responsible for control of multiplication is interfered with, making the cells to lose control off their multiplication activities (Thompson, 2002). In the case of prostate cancer, the cells that multiply uncontrollably are those found in the prostate gland. The danger of the cancer is that the cells might migrate to other organs of the body. This is called "metastasis" (Robbins, 2007). When they get to these other organs, they make the cells here to also multiply. This makes the organ to become cancerous also. This form of cancer has some effects on the patient. It might lead to pain and difficulty when passing urine and erectile dysfunction (Rosenberg, 2008). This paper is going to look at the issue of prostate cancer among African American men. This is because it has been noted that there are disparities between the occurrence and effects of prostate cancer between African American men and Caucasian, American men. There is a variation in reported incidences of prostate cancer around the world. Countries from the Asian continent, for example china and Japan, report fewer cases than the European or American continent (American Prostate Cancer Association [APCA], 2009). America records one of the highest rates of prostate cancer around the world. ... Another important aspect is that it rarely has symptoms (Washburn et al, 2004). It might manifest itself in form of other complications like that of erectile dysfunction, but no direct symptoms. This, coupled with the fact that majority of those inflicted are above sixty years, makes it hard to diagnose. In fact, the patient might die from other diseases (Arterburn, 2006). African American men record the highest incidences of prostate cancer around the globe (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2008). They make up about a quarter of all prostate cancer cases (NCI, 2008). They are also more likely to die from it than other men. In fact, they are three times more likely to die from it than their white counterparts (NMA, 2008). Prevalence of Prostate Cancer amongst African American Men This cancer is very significant to the African American man. As far as non-skin cancerous conditions are concerned, it tops the list in terms of occurrence amongst this segment (Washburn et al, 2004). It the most diagnosed cancer among these men. The American Prostate Cancer Association estimates that approximately 40,000 cases will be reported this year alone (2009). This is among the African American men. It is fact that the mortality rate from prostate cancer is dropping (APCA, 2009). But still, it occupies the second position as far as cancer mortalities amongst African American men is concerned (APCA, 2009). In 2005, more than five thousand black men in America succumbed to this cancer (Robbins, 2007). This dropped to about four thousand in 2007 (Robbins, 2007). The mortality rate has been in decline though. For instance, between the years 2000 and 2003, approximately sixty men out of 100,000 died.

Mona and the Promised Land Essay Example for Free

Mona and the Promised Land Essay It has often been said that coming to America is the start of a new life for many immigrant families. The novels Mona and the Promised Land by Gish Jen, and Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez, it is said that â€Å"American means being whatever you want† (Jen 49). Mona and Rodriguez both strive to reach that â€Å"American dream. † They take the initiative throughout the novel and seek what they want to become. However, the novels show that in order for Mona and Rodriguez to become what they want, they have to make sacrifices. From losing their culture to losing their strong relationships with their parents, Mona and Rodriguez will have to endure consequences of their decision to become what they want to be. Mona and Rodriguez were raised up to believe their parent’s religion and traditions. To begin, Mona has an Asian appearance, which automatically differentiates her, and Rodriguez has an accent, which also distinguishes him as different. The differences that set Mona apart from Americans lead her to decide that she wants to practice Judaism because she lives in a neighborhood that is dominated by the Jewish community, and wants to be more accepted in that community. The dissimilarities that set Rodriguez apart from Americans lead him to deepen his understanding of the American culture. Mona and Rodriguez believe that religion and culture are two of the primary instruments through which they can create and develop a new identity. Mona states, â€Å"Jewish is American, American means being whatever you want, and I happen to pick being Jewish† (Jen 49). Mona relates being Jewish with being American and she wants to be an American because then there is no limit to what she can accomplish or become. However, Mona still has people constantly trying to bring her back to her Chinese culture. Helen, her mother, tries to trap Mona in her Chinese culture by telling her that Chinese people are not supposed to be Jewish, and that if she chooses to be a Jew, she can no longer live in her home. Mona is in a complex situation where she wants to identify herself as a Jew, but Helen wants to limit her ability to be â€Å"whatever she wants,† (Jen 49) which forces Mona to choose between sacrificing what she wants to be or pleasing her mother. Helen asks Mona, â€Å"How can you be Jewish? Chinese people don’t do such things† (Jen 45). Mona replies, â€Å"I guess I must not be Chinese then† (Jen 46). Jen shows that Mona can be Jewish and also Chinese, but she cannot be Chinese and also Jewish, meaning the Jewish community will accept her even though she is Chinese, but her Chinese parents will not accept her being Jewish. Mona feels bound by her Chinese culture, when as an American, she feels as though she is supposed to have the freedom to do â€Å"whatever she wants† (Jen 49). Though Mona feels as though she has found how she wants to identify herself, she is realizing that her decision to become Jewish is conflicting with her relationship with her mother. Helen wants Mona to find herself in the Chinese culture, even though she was born in America. Mona feels as though, being born in America, she is supposed to have the right to find her identity in any way she chooses. Mona states, â€Å"Free country! Right! (Jen 250), but her mother combats that by stating, â€Å"In this house no such thing† (Jen 250). Helen is making clear that as long as Mona is under her roof, Mona will have to obey her instructions. Helen also tells Mona, â€Å"Once you leave this house you cannot come back† (Jen 251). Mona is in a situation where she has to decide between living with her parents and being Chinese, or leaving her home and staying Jewish. Rodriguez believes one must sacrifice their culture to become a part of another culture. Rodriguez states â€Å"Outside the house was public society; inside the house was private,† (15) meaning, outside of his home, nobody understands the way he feels inside of his home, and the amount of security and comfort that he feels while he is home. As Rodriguez grows deeper into the culture that he is learning about, the private feeling he has when he is at home, no longer became that private feeling. Rodriguez had a deep connection with his parents in which he states, â€Å"I am speaking with ease in Spanish. I am addressing you in words I never use with los gringos. I recognize you as someone special; close, like no one outside. You belong with us. In the family† (15). In his home with his family is the only place he feels as though he can truly express himself, but not only did he have to sacrifice his culture, but his parents did also. â€Å"They agreed to give up the language (the sounds) that had revealed and accentuated our family’s closeness† (20). By his family also giving up their culture in their home, it is taking away his only place to truly express himself with his family, and losing that bond that they share. Mona wants to find happiness in things other than what she already has as a Chinese girl living in America. She changes her beliefs because she thinks she can find happiness in Judaism. She also changes her lifestyle because she has the freedom to do whatever she wants. After Mona gets everything she has sought, she realizes that all the sacrifices she made to fit into society were, in the end, not worth losing her mother. Rodriguez identifies himself with any culture he wants to. Rodriguez strived to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and become one with the culture and that is just what he did. He also lost his culture and that special connection with his family. Mona and Rodriguez believed that religion and culture are two of the primary instruments through which they could create and develop a new identity, but did not realize there would be major consequences from their decision to become what they want to be. Work Cited Jen, Gish. Mona in the Promised Land. New York: Knopf, 1996. Print. Rodriguez, Richard. Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez: An Autobiography. Boston, MA: D. R. Godine, 1982. Print.

Effects of Wnt-3a and Wnt-5a on Proliferation of HEK293 Cell

Effects of Wnt-3a and Wnt-5a on Proliferation of HEK293 Cell Letong YUAN 1. Outline how you decided how many cells, how many wells and how much Wnt to use.   Please do not repeat anything in the protocols your answer should just explain concisely and clearly how and why you designed the experiment in the way that you did (250 words max). We were provided with three cell lines but we decided to investigate the effect of both Wnt on the proliferation of one cell line, HEK293 cells, limiting the number of variables in the experiment. Unlike MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 which are breast cancer cell lines, HEK293 is derived from human embryonic kidney cells in tissue culture and are non-pathological. As the average doubling time of HEK293 is 24hours, we decided to seed HEK293 suspension cells at 1X105 cells/ml (suggested by Thermofisher ©) in each well containing 500 µl medium. We used 16 wells in total on two 24-well-culture plates, i.e. 8 wells on each plate as illustrated in figure 1. We used two identical plates as cells are not viable after PFA fixation. After 24 hours, as the cultures are in log phase, an escalating amount of Wnt, namely, 0, 5, 20 and 50ng, was added for the investigation of HEK293 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The amount of Wnt added was suggested by Reischmann et al, 2015 and limited by the amount of Wnt provided. 100 and 200ng could also be tested if enough Wnt were provided. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of amount of Wnt added in each well containing HEK293 cells. Two of these wells are used as cells on one plate was fixed after every 24 hours. 2. Describe your cultures non-quantitatively (i.e. qualitatively) (200 words max). At 0h, cells tend to be spherical or have elongated shapes and plump with a high density, then they were passaged. After 24h, cells attached to well surfaces as they settle down and then started to differentiate. Some cells have developed one or more antenna-like projections for better attachment and nutrition, while spherical ones are non-adherent. 2-9 cell clusters could be observed, whereas few dead cells were present. At 72h, cell clusters with more than 20 cells were normally seen. Being polar, HEK293 are fibroblastic cells. 3. Analyse one characteristic of your cultures quantitatively including a well-presented and informative graph and a photograph that illustrates the graphed result (think about what makes an informative graph). Have a look at some primary cell culture papers to see how data can be presented clearly and thoroughly. What should you always have on the graph of an experiment looking at the effects of a cell signal on cultured cells? The number of cells show an increasing trend with an increase amount of Wnt-5a added. The addition of 50ng results in almost twice as many cells as in 0ng. Wnt-5a triggers noncanonical signalling pathway. Anomalies in data are possibly because of a non-representative image taken. Its effect can be minimised by having replicates in this experiment. Another contributing factor is the inaccurate particle analysis by imageJ, whose effect can be minimised by taking the mean of numerous results. 4.Briefly suggest a possible mechanism behind your result or, if the ligand has no effect, suggest why this happened. Please note: no effect is not a failure there could well be solid ICB reasons why there was no effect recorded and you can still produce an excellent write-up (200 words max).   Ã‚   Wnt activates signalling cascade through canonical/ ÃŽ ²-catenin Wnt signalling pathway (e.g. Wnt-3a) or noncanonical/ ÃŽ ²-catenin independent Wnt signalling pathway (e.g. Wnt-5a).   In canonical pathway, Wnt binds to frizzled 7TM receptors. Then LRP 5 or LPR6 activates dishevelled (Dvl), triggering the inhibition of GSK3. ÃŽ ²-catenin accumulates in the cytoplasm because of the disassembly of the destruction complex containing APC, Axin and GSK3. In noncanonical pathway, ÃŽ ²-catenin is not involved. Daam1 activates small G-protein Rho, which activates ROCK. Figure 3 In the absence of Wnt, ÃŽ ²-catenin interacts with APC, axin, GSK3, and CK1 forming a degradation complex. The phosphorylation of ÃŽ ²-catenin triggers its degradation. Croucho kept Wnt-responsive genes inactive by binding to LEF1/TCF. The presence of Wnt clamps LRP and Frizzled protein together. The phosphorylation of cytosolic tail of LRP by members of degradation complex causes the disassembly of the destruction complex, which prevents the phosphorylation of ÃŽ ²-catenin and allow its accumulation. Excess ÃŽ ²-catenin can be translocated into the nucleus without degradation and it replaces Groucho and activates the transcription of target genes mediated by LEF1/TCF. These genes are essential to processes like cell attachment, cell proliferation and differentiation.   This explains the addition of Wnt promotes cell proliferation and differentiation. 5. Suggest a possible future experiment to investigate if/how this ligand has an effect on the cells you tested (200 words maximum). Be bold and creative here and try to push yourself beyond, try different concentrations. To see if and how the ligand influences the cells, one way is to assay Wnt-responsive gene product, e.g. ÃŽ ²-catenin, by Western blotting. After Bradford assay determining protein concentration in cell lysate, run a SDS-PAGE gel and transfer the gel onto a nitrocellulose membrane. Analyse the membrane with primary antibody against ÃŽ ²-catenin, then incubate with corresponding secondary antibody. It is possible to add an inhibitory component of the Wnt signalling pathway, for example Apc protein (Albert et al, 2015) that binds to ÃŽ ²-catenin and induces its degradation. Wnt-responsive genes should be kept silence by Croucho bound to transcription regulator LEF1/TCF.

Essays --

This essay will assess research into the impact of globalization on inflation and discuss whether it has weekend the ability of central banks to control the dynamics of inflation. The ability of central banks to control the rates of inflation may be substantially complicated by the increased globalization of the goods markets, factor markets and the financial markets (Woodford, 2007). The ability of national banks to influence the dynamics of inflation through monetary policy may be undermined by globalization. The central bank’s primary goal is to maintain price stability by regulating the level of inflation through monetary policy. Globalization increases trade both within and across countries (Schwerhoff & Sy, 2013). Through communicating their policy intentions regarding the future short-term interest rates, central banks can affect also the current longer-term rates (Tang, 2011). The new consensus (DSGE) Model incorporates four components, the output gap equation, the Phillip’s curve, the exchange rate equation and the Policy Rule (Woodford, 2007). The policy rule incorporates the Taylor rule which stipulates the amount a central bank should change the nominal interest rates in response to changes in inflation, output or other economic conditions. It also incorporates the idea of the inconsistent trinity, (sovereign monetary policy, fixed exchange rate and free capital flow) where only two of these can be possible at any given time. The impact of globalization on the effectiveness of monetary policy is now at the center of international macroeconomics literature with the recent experience of inflation accelerating the large number of industrial and emerging market countries (Ãâ€"zatay & Ãâ€"zmen, 2008). They support the idea tha... ...lely on their domestic economy (The Economist, 2005). Even though this may suggest that globalization has been able to combat the nature of inflation mistakes by central banks could allow it to break out again. (The Economist, 2005). This is partly due to the fact that a number of central banks make their decisions based on the actions of other central banks such as the Federal Reserve in the US (Rogoff, 2006). An example of this would be with number of Asian and oil producing countries will stabilize their currencies against the US dollar, which implies that the policies enacted by the Fed can still have an impact on global interest rates. (Fisher, 2006) Suggests that central banks should be conditioned on changes in foreign potential output and questions why, for instance, the output gap is calculated without taking into account the Chinese and Indian economies.

The Scarlet Pimpernel :: Free Essay Writer

The Scarlet Pimpernel In 1792, during the French Revolution, a figure named the Scarlet Pimpernel saved many aristocrats from the French. Using daring plots and disguises he escaped from the French and his archenemy, Chauvlin. The richest man in England, Sir Percy Blakenley was married to the most beautiful woman in France, LadyMarguerite Blankenley. Sir Percy was an important character in The Scarlet Pimpernel. The story took place in both England and France. It started in Paris, France at the scene of the guillotine. Some of the story took place at The Fisherman's Rest in Dover, England. Otherparts of the story took place at Sir Percy's house in Richmond, England, The Chat Gris in Calais, France, Lord Greenville's Ball and The Covent Garden Theatre in England. The theme of the story was love and courage. It showed how much Sir Percy cared about and loved Marguerite. Marguerite once loved him, but now took him for granted and thought of him as a fop. It also limned how brave Sir Percy, The Scarlet Pimpernel, was in risking his life for the lives of the aristocrats. The Scarlet Pimpernel and a small band of devoted followers had dedicated their lives and fortunes to saving the innocent aristocrats of the French Revolution and the horror of the guillotine. They risked their lives on numerous occasions and rescued many French noblesse bringing them to the safety and security of England. Sir Percy Blakenley, one of the wealthiest men in England, was married to Lady Marguerite St. Just who was thought to be themost beautiful and smartest woman in Europe. She was perceived asa traitor to the French cause for having betrayed the Marquis de St. Cyr and his whole family to the bloody guillotine. This she was duped into doing because of her brother, Armond, who was almost killed by them for having dared to love the daughter of anaristocrat. Therefore Sir P ercy showed no love toward Marguerite and acted the part of a fool. She thought Sir Percy to be a vain,pompous dandy and could not conceive how she ever married him. Inspite of this she still had feelings of love for him. Sir Percy loved her deeply, though he also hated and detested her for what she did. He was emotionally torn between love and hate though he would have given or done anything for her, save revealing his true identity as The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Famous graphic designers and illustrators

The most recognized and famous graphic designers and Illustrators are from the US and different countries from Europe, but what about the graphic designers from the Philippines. Kate Morose a famous British artist, and Wham Abaca a Philippine artist who Is not so famous. Two artists that are very good designers and both use pop art and contemporary. Also both work with an explosion of colors. Just looking at their work, you can see the free mind that both have. But Just because Kate Is fromEngland and Wham Is from the Philippines, do not have the same popularity. All around the world you can find people who have an Incredible talent, you do not have to go to England to find good graphic designers. The two illustrators, we just mention, their style is like pop art, with a lot of color and a lot of shapes. Kate Morose use words, with funny letters that make a massage. Wham Abaca, also give us a massage like every artist do, but he just work with images and some time a couple of words. The big difference between this to great artist, are that Skate's work is softer and Wham is most grotesque.Even with this big different, both are good designers that make their ideas flow in their works and looks garish. Skate's and Wham's designs blow up with colors. Kate uses more colors that Wham, she almost use the entire color palette in Just one design and it not looks heavy. But even if Wham is working Just with specific color, all their work is colorful and looks bright. Both make the people turn to see their work, because the bright colors attract their attention. It is difficult to make a good design with a lot of colors, because you have to choose the right tone and make a good contrast when you put them together.Kate and Wham have made a very good Job with that. As you can see in the pictures, both artists try to give massages using their own style and giving life to whatever they want to transmit. Kate gave us very clear what she wants to said, because she uses words, and the words are easy to read. Wham's works Is more like â€Å"one picture tells us more than a thousand words†, because he do not use a lot of words, sometime non. But some of Skate's designs the words are difficult to read and the Wham's pictures are difficult to make a clear message.Even o both reflect their free mind and creatively very well, but not all the people can make a clear message from their creations. As we could saw, designs from a Philippine It Is as well from designs from someone of England. Wham has a unique style, kind pop art, but he put his own touch. He knows how to combine the colors and make them look very attractive, making his wants to give a message, which reflects his thinking. Even if it is look a little bit strange and scary. The world is a place full of persons with great talents that can be found even in places that are not so common like the Philippines.