Search

Introduction: Accurately quantifying the diet of species has implications for our understanding of their ecology and conservation. Yet, determining the dietary composition of threatened and elusive species in the wild is often difficult. Methods: This study presents the first dietary assessment of tjakura (Liopholis kintorei) using non-invasive sampling of scats and high-throughput sequencing techniques. Results: The tjakura in Uluru consumed 48 invertebrates, 27 plants, and two vertebrate taxa. Fruit flies (Leucophenga spp.), beetles (Harpalus spp. and Omorgus spp.), mosquitos (Culicidae spp.), termites (Termitidae spp.), spiked mallow (Malvastrum americanum), bush tomatoes (Solanum centrale), and wild turnip (Brassica tournefortii) comprised the majority of the diet. Analysis of similarity revealed that food items did not differ significantly between tjakura age groups, seasons, or time since the last fire, however, adults, hot season, and fire scar of 2018 showed a relatively higher prey diversity. Discussion: These high similarities in diet composition between age classes and fire scars indicate potential intraspecific competition when food resources are scarce. The diet diversity and potential plasticity observed in this study reflect a dietary ecology influenced by food availability rather than preference. Our study demonstrates that scat DNA metabarcoding is an important complementary tool to conventional scat analysis or indigenous knowledge as most food items we identified were previously not recorded through those methods.

This study examines trends in violence research funding within and across National Institutes of Health (NIH) institutes/centers from 2011 to 2020.

The twenty-first century heralds significant transformations in matters of collective, existential concern for human and nonhuman subjects. These include the processes of accelerating technological mediation, the climate crisis, social and ecological disparity, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Posthumanism, in discourse with these conditions, emerges as a heterogeneous field of transdisciplinary inquiry that includes an intersection with artistic research and practice, with a corresponding diversity in how the confluence is studied, practiced, and ultimately understood. Conducted between 2016 and 2023, this thesis-only PhD project responds to this critical and creative juncture. Its primary aim is to investigate the performative process of how art works across boundaries of knowledge and across multiple modalities of practice. As part of this investigation, I seek to contribute new accounts, concepts, processes, and creations that challenge paradigms of human-centred subjectivity. To achieve this aim, I propose and then apply an overarching methodology of boundary work with art for my transdisciplinary and multimodal research. In Part I, I provide a scholarly and artistic context for this undertaking, establishing key discourses that lead the research through the field of posthumanism, the worlding work of art, posthuman subjectivity, and the thesis’s methodological framework. Two contextual chapters cover my readings of these literatures in order to arrive at the project’s aims. In Chapter 1, I address Rosi Braidotti's call to account for the specificity of art practices at a posthuman interface. I consider this through Barbara Bolt’s framework for a material performativity of art, which proposes to open creative practice to knowledges, processes and worldings beyond representationalism and the art world. I then propose my methodology in Chapter 2. This methodology of boundary work with art contextualises and defines three ethical accountabilities for performing

Background & aimsDespite recent progress, non-invasive tests for the diagnostic assessment and monitoring of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain an unmet need. Herein, we aimed to identify diagnostic signatures of the key histological features of NAFLD.MethodsUsing modified-aptamer proteomics, we assayed 5,220 proteins in each of 2,852 single serum samples from 636 individuals with histologically confirmed NAFLD. We developed and validated dichotomized protein-phenotype models to identify clinically relevant severities of steatosis (grade 0 vs. 1-3), hepatocellular ballooning (0 vs. 1 or 2), lobular inflammation (0-1 vs. 2-3) and fibrosis (stages 0-1 vs. 2-4).ResultsThe AUCs of the four protein models, based on 37 analytes (18 not previously linked to NAFLD), for the diagnosis of their respective components (at a clinically relevant severity) in training/paired validation sets were: fibrosis (AUC 0.92/0.85); steatosis (AUC 0.95/0.79), inflammation (AUC 0.83/0.72), and ballooning (AUC 0.87/0.83). An additional outcome, at-risk NASH, defined as steatohepatitis with NAFLD activity score ≥4 (with a score of at least 1 for each of its components) and fibrosis stage ≥2, was predicted by multiplying the outputs of each individual component model (AUC 0.93/0.85). We further evaluated their ability to detect change in histology following treatment with placebo, pioglitazone, vitamin E or obeticholic acid. Component model scores significantly improved in the active therapies vs. placebo, and differential effects of vitamin E, pioglitazone, and obeticholic acid were identified.ConclusionsSerum protein scanning identified signatures corresponding to the key components of liver biopsy in NAFLD. The models developed were sufficiently sensitive to characterize the longitudinal change for three different drug interventions. These data support continued validation of these proteomic models to enable a "liquid biopsy"-based assessment of NAFLD.Clinical trial numberNo

The aim of this study was to determine whether specific three-dimensional aortic shape features, extracted via statistical shape analysis (SSA), correlate with the development of thoracic ascending aortic dissection (TAAD) risk and associated aortic hemodynamics. Thirty-one patients followed prospectively with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA), who either did (12 patients) or did not (19 patients) develop TAAD, were included in the study, with aortic arch geometries extracted from computed tomographic angiography (CTA) imaging. Arch geometries were analyzed with SSA, and unsupervised and supervised (linked to dissection outcome) shape features were extracted with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), respectively. We determined PLS-DA to be effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients ( $$p = 0.0010$$ p = 0.0010 ), with decreased tortuosity and more equal ascending and descending aortic diameters associated with higher dissection risk. In contrast, neither PCA nor traditional morphometric parameters (maximum diameter, tortuosity, or arch volume) were effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients. The arch shapes associated with higher dissection probability were supported with hemodynamic insight. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations revealed a correlation between the PLS-DA shape features and wall shear stress (WSS), with higher maximum WSS in the ascending aorta associated with increased risk of dissection occurrence. Our work highlights the potential importance of incorporating higher dimensional geometric assessment of aortic arch anatomy in TAAD risk assessment, and in considering the interdependent influences of arch shape and hemodynamics as mechanistic contributors to TAAD occurrence.

Notes that the number of second language writers in composition classes and seeking assistance at university writing centers is growing every year. Explores some insights offered by second language acquisition research. Argues that writing centers may be an ideal place for second language writers to work on their writing. (PM)

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.)We remember pianist and composer JESSICA WILLIAMS. She died last month, one week before her 74th birthday. For several years, Jessica Williams was the house pianist at the Keystone Korner jazz club in San Francisco, where she played with jazz giants like saxophonists Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and Charlie Rouse; and drummers Philly Joe Jones and Tony Williams, both of whom she became close to. McCoy Tyner and Dave Brubeck were among the jazz pianists who singled her out for her spectacular playing. In 1994, she received a Guggenheim Fellowship for composition. We'll start the show with an appreciation of JESSICA WILLIAMS from our executive producer, DANNY MILLER. (2.) We'll listen back our 1997 in studio interview and concert with pianist and composer JESSICA WILLIAMS. (THIS INTERVIEW BY TERRY GROSS). (THIS INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY AIRED 11.26. 1997). (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES THROUGH TO THE END OF THE SHOW)

Although published literature regarding the 5 species of marine turtle found along the continental African east coast has grown substantially over the last decades, a comprehensive synthesis of their status and ecology is lacking. Using a mixed methods approach, which combined an exhaustive literature review and expert elicitation, we assessed the distribution and magnitude of nesting, foraging areas, connectivity, and anthropogenic threats for these species in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. A complex pattern of nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration pathways emerged that identified areas of high importance in all 5 countries, although significant data gaps remain, especially for Somalia. Illegal take, bycatch, and loss of foraging and nesting habitat were identified as the most serious anthropogenic threats. Although these threats are broadly similar along most of the coast, robust data that enable quantification of the impacts are scarce. Experts identified regional strengths and opportunities, as well as impediments to turtle conservation. Topics such as legislation and enforcement, collaboration, local stakeholders, and funding are discussed, and future directions suggested. Given the projected growth in human population along the continental African east coast and expected accompanying development, anthropogenic pressures on turtle populations are set to increase. Stronger regional collaboration and coordination within conservation and research efforts are needed if current and future challenges are to be tackled effectively.

The persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a multitude of changes in the ways nursing education, research, and practice are carried out. In addition to the demands of shifting to remote education as well as finding alternatives to direct patient care learning, nursing faculty and students are directly confronting morbidity and mortality among classmates, colleagues, friends, and family members. These experiences unquestionably meet criteria for traumatic experience, and this must be accounted for in nursing education as they can have detrimental effects on learning, teaching, and well-being. The current generation of nursing students and faculty will necessarily carry the traumatic experiences of this chaotic time into workplace, classroom, and community settings. Understanding how to manage this trauma appropriately not only supports individuals through this experience but provides increased opportunity and capacity for the provision of trauma-informed care (TIC) to patients and colleagues going forward. This paper describes some of the ways COVID-19-related trauma may affect nursing faculty and students; and proposes application of TIC principles to research, education, and practice environments to enhance well-being and overall functioning in the profession.

The aim of this study was to determine whether specific three-dimensional aortic shape features, extracted via statistical shape analysis (SSA), correlate with the development of thoracic ascending aortic dissection (TAAD) risk and associated aortic hemodynamics. Thirty-one patients followed prospectively with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA), who either did (12 patients) or did not (19 patients) develop TAAD, were included in the study, with aortic arch geometries extracted from computed tomographic angiography (CTA) imaging. Arch geometries were analyzed with SSA, and unsupervised and supervised (linked to dissection outcome) shape features were extracted with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), respectively. We determined PLS-DA to be effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients (p=0.0010), with decreased tortuosity and more equal ascending and descending aortic diameters associated with higher dissection risk. In contrast, neither PCA nor traditional morphometric parameters (maximum diameter, tortuosity, or arch volume) were effective at separating dissection and no-dissection patients. The arch shapes associated with higher dissection probability were supported with hemodynamic insight. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations revealed a correlation between the PLS-DA shape features and wall shear stress (WSS), with higher maximum WSS in the ascending aorta associated with increased risk of dissection occurrence. Our work highlights the potential importance of incorporating higher dimensional geometric assessment of aortic arch anatomy in TAAD risk assessment, and in considering the interdependent influences of arch shape and hemodynamics as mechanistic contributors to TAAD occurrence.

Case Presentation: In this case, we demonstrate how a small radiolucency in the proximal humerus can progress to an even larger problem within a few months in a patient without follow-up. Our patient’s ultimate diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to the right proximal humerus, completely obliterating the affected bone.Discussion: In many underserved communities, patients have limited access to medical care, particularly specialty care. These patients often present to the emergency department and are unable to acquire appropriate follow-up. This situation illustrates the social issues that our patients face every day affecting their access to healthcare and ultimately necessary medical treatment.

BackgroundInterpersonal violence, such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and adverse childhood experiences, is a significant global health concern. A major challenge to nurses and others working in the field of interpersonal violence deals with the complexity involved in measuring interpersonal violence. Numerous validated instruments exist; however, there is no standard approach for scoring these instruments. There is also a tendency to examine different forms of violence separately, not accounting for the known co-occurrence of violence. This has led to confusion as the interpretation of results often differs depending on the specific method used.ObjectivesThe purpose of this article is to summarize the major methods for scoring interpersonal violence measures and implications of each approach with a specific focus on co-occurrence.MethodsThe article begins with a summary of the primary goals of measuring interpersonal violence, major methods for scoring interpersonal violence measures, along with scoring challenges. We then provide a case exemplar examining the relationship between interpersonal violence and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms to illustrate how scoring methods can affect study results and interpretation of findings.ResultsOur article shows that each scoring method provides a different picture of the distribution of interpersonal violence experiences and varies regarding the ease of interpretation. Scoring methods also affect interpretation of associations between interpersonal violence and other factors, such as having statistical power to detect significant associations. Accounting for the co-occurrence is critical for making accurate inferences by identifying potential confounding interactions between different types of violence.DiscussionThe application of different scoring methods leading to varying interpretations highlights the need for researchers to be purposeful when selecting a method and even applying multiple methods wh

Background: More than 300,000 babies are born in Australia each year, with almost 20% of newborns requiring some form of neonatal resuscitation at birth. The most common first responders to a neonatal resuscitation emergency are midwives. While the Australian and New Zealand Council on Resuscitation guides midwives’ practice during a neonatal resuscitation, each state and territory uses varying strategies to train and assess midwives proficiency in neonatal resuscitation. Aim: To examine the neonatal resuscitation training requirements for midwives and raise awareness for the lack of consistency in training in Australia. Discussion: A significant variation was found in the teaching methods and frequency of training for neonatal resuscitation across Australia. Neonatal resuscitation is mandated through a state-wide guideline or policy in only four of the states with seven formal neonatal resuscitation training programs used across seven states and territories. Although a multi-modal approach to learning is present in all of the programs, the combination of teaching methods differ. Conclusion and Recommendations: A standardised, evidence-based training program is required to ensure consistency in training for midwives in Australia. Multi-modal learning is common across all current training programs; however, the best combination of multi-modal teaching methods needs to be determined. Neonatal resuscitation training needs to occur at least annually, as recommended by the Australian and New Zealand Council on Resuscitation.

The most common neonatal emergency encountered in clinical practice is neonatal resuscitation. With up to 15% of newborns requiring some form of resuscitation at birth, midwifery students will undoubtedly come face-to-face with this emergency at some point during their training. The unpredictability of when neonatal resuscitation will be encountered in practice, however, can impact on a students’ level of confidence in performing life-saving resuscitation skills when the situation arises.

The practice of trauma-informed care (TIC) allows nurses in any setting to identify and intervene with traumatized individuals and to create a continuum of care when forensic nursing services are needed. The purpose of this article is to suggest ways to incorporate TIC content into baccalaureate nursing programs. We begin with an overview of baccalaureate nursing curricula and common types of traumatic experience important for students to understand. We then propose specific strategies for inclusion of TIC content in baccalaureate nursing education, using the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. With a solid foundation in TIC, baccalaureate-prepared nursing students can provide effective patient care and better support forensic nursing practice. This will increase the capacity of the nursing profession in general to meet the needs of those affected by trauma, violence, and abuse.

Animal movements can facilitate important ecological processes, and wide-ranging marine predators, such as sharks, potentially contribute significantly towards nutrient transfer between habitats. We applied network theory to 4 years of acoustic telemetry data for grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) at Palmyra, an unfished atoll, to assess their potential role in nutrient dynamics throughout this remote ecosystem. We evaluated the dynamics of habitat connectivity and used network metrics to quantify shark-mediated nutrient distribution. Predator movements were consistent within year, but differed between years and by sex. Females used higher numbers of routes throughout the system, distributing nutrients over a larger proportion of the atoll. Extrapolations of tagged sharks to the population level suggest that prey consumption and subsequent egestion leads to the heterogeneous deposition of 94.5 kg d−1 of nitrogen around the atoll, with approximately 86% of this probably derived from pelagic resources. These results suggest that sharks may contribute substantially to nutrient transfer from offshore waters to near-shore reefs, subsidies that are important for coral reef health.

Federal spending on non-health entitlement programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and SNAP, has decreased as a percent of GDP since 2011, putting social safety net and community and economic development funding at risk. As an important component of community development, small business support programs are also at risk under social spending cuts. While theory suggests that a strong small business sector could protect health by improving socioeconomic conditions and reducing unemployment, the public health implications of reduced support for small business has not been explored. We conducted a scoping literature review of studies indexed by Pubmed, Cochrane Review, Google Scholar, and Academic Search Premier. The literature suggests that small businesses may provide social and economic benefits to communities that likely protect health, especially in economically deprived communities. These health impacts should be considered when policy-makers weigh decisions that affect small businesses and funding for community and economic development., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts

BackgroundDespite the rollout of Medicare Part D, cost-related nonadherence (CRN) among older adults remains a problem.ObjectivesTo examine the rate and correlates of self-reported CRN among a population of older persons with diabetes.Research designCross-sectional.SubjectsA total of 1264 Part D patients with diabetes, who entered the coverage gap in 2006.MeasuresInitial administrative medication lists were verified in computer-assisted telephone interviews, in which participants brought their medication bottles to the phone. Medications were classified into cardiometabolic (diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol-lowering), symptom relief, and "other." Participants were asked if they had any CRN during 2006, and if so to which medication/s. We used the person-medication dyad as the unit of analysis, and tested a multivariate random effects logistic regression model to analyze the correlates of CRN.ResultsApproximately 16% of participants reported CRN. CRN was more frequent for cholesterol-lowering medications (relative risk, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.32) compared with medications taken for symptom relief. CRN was reported less frequently with increasing age above 75 years, compared with patients between 65 and 69. In addition, compared with those with incomes of ≥$40,000, CRN risk for those with incomes of <$25,000 was markedly higher (relative risk, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-4.65).ConclusionsIn summary, we found high rates of CRN among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, particularly those with lower incomes. We observed more frequent CRN for cholesterol-lowering medications as compared with medications for symptom relief. Efforts to ensure medication affordability for this population will be important in boosting adherence to key medications.

Objective: This dissertation describes the complex relationships between health-related employer support, pain, future medical expenditures and productivity at work by answering three research questions: (1) to what extent is health-related employer support associated with productivity at work and future medical expenditures controlling for factors other than pain, (2) to what extent does pain mediate the relationships between health-related employer support and productivity at work and between health-related employer support and future medical expenditures, and (3) to what extent does health-related employer support moderate the relationship between pain and productivity at work and between pain and future medical expenditures. Data: The main analysis used a restricted survey dataset for a pooled sample of employees from 14 U.S. employers (N=34,359) from 2010 (for one employer, 2008). For five employers, two years of data (2010 and 2011) were available, and for one employer, health insurance claims were also available (N=1,590). Methods: Multiple imputations corrected missing data problems. Regression analyses, including multiple linear regression, multiple logistic regression, and two-part models were used to analyze the relationships. Results: Health-related employer support was not found to be significantly related to future medical expenditures or sick days, regardless of whether the regression controlled for pain. In contrast to the hypothesized direction, lack of health-related employer support was significantly associated with higher self-rated relative productivity, while pain was not significantly associated with self-rated relative productivity. Lack of emotional health-related employer support was significantly associated with increased chance of pain. Pain was significantly associated with increased sick days and increased future medical expenditures. No evidence that health-related employer support moderated the relationship between pain and productivi

Objectives: Underreporting of occupational injuries is well documented, but underreporting patterns may vary by worker characteristics, obscuring disparities. We tested for racial and ethnic differences in injury reporting patterns by comparing injuries reported via research survey and administrative injury database in the same group of healthcare workers in the US. Methods: We used data from a cohort of 1568 hospital patient-care workers who were asked via survey whether they had been injured at work during the year prior (self-reported injury; N=244). Using the hospital’s injury database, we determined whether the same workers had reported injuries to the hospital’s occupational health service during that year (administratively reported injury; N=126). We compared data sources to test for racial and ethnic differences in injury reporting practices. Results: In logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and occupational characteristics, black workers’ odds of injury as measured by self-report data were 1.91 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.04–3.49] compared with white workers. The same black workers’ odds of injury as measured by administrative data were 1.22 (95% CI 0.54–2.77) compared with white workers. Conclusions: The undercount of occupational injuries in administrative versus self-report data may be greater among black compared to white workers, leading to underestimates of racial disparities in workplace injury.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Comedian and actress JESSICA WILLIAMS. Williams was the Daily Show's youngest correspondent ever- she often talked about racism, sexism and homophobia . She is now starring in a new Netflix movie called "The Incredible Jessica James" which will be released July 28th. Williams is also co- host with Phoebe Robinson of the WNYC's comedy podcast Two Dope Queens.She is a frequent performer at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in Los Angeles and also made appearances on season 3 of HBO'S "Girls." Williams made her TV debut in 2006 on the Nickelodeon series 'Just for Kicks'.(THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW)(2.) Linguist GEOFF NUNBERG considers the influence of Jane Austen, especially one famous opening sentence from her novel "Pride and Prejudice." July 18th marked the 200the anniversary of Jane Austen's death.

Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2016., Cataloged from PDF version of thesis., Includes bibliographical references (pages 85-86)., This study explores local innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana. It presents the results of 28 in-person interviews with Ghanaian entrepreneurs who live and work in four cities across Ghana. The interviews detailed the entrepreneurs' business endeavors, backgrounds, and thoughts regarding Ghanaian innovation and entrepreneurship. The interview data was supplemented with a statistical analysis in order to observe trends among the entrepreneurs, and the main findings offer some insight into Ghanaian entrepreneurship. Overall, the interview participants found it relatively easy to start businesses in Ghana, and started businesses for a variety of reasons, which included a deficit of currently existing jobs and the desire to solve a local problem in an entrepreneurial way. In addition, the makeup of the businesses varied, and many included both a for-profit and philanthropic arms. The philanthropic arms of businesses also varied in terms of focus and informativeness. Although the cities in which the entrepreneurs are situated are very different, geography did not seem to impact the businesses' focus overall. The study also investigated the relationship of entrepreneurship to innovation in Ghana. Overall, we determined that entrepreneurship in Ghana does not always mean that innovation is occurring, and that many entrepreneurs seemed limited in their capacity to innovate. The study identifies several barriers to innovation in Ghana, including a lack of capital, infrastructure challenges, and an entrenched system of apprenticeship. Within the bounds of the study, the more innovative businesses tended to be headed by entrepreneurs who were more highly educated, and businesses with more innovative philanthropic arms tended to be started by entrepreneurs with more clearly-defined role models. The results of this study are not representative of the whole pool of Ghanaian entrepreneurs because the interview participants were not selected rigorously. The findings are intende, by Grace Connors and Jessica Press-Williams., S.B.

Ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication are removed by RNase H2-dependent ribonucleotide excision repair (RER). In RER-defective yeast, topoisomerase 1 (Top1) incises DNA at unrepaired ribonucleotides, initiating their removal, but this is accompanied by RNA-DNA-damage phenotypes. Here we show that these phenotypes are incurred by a high level of ribonucleotides incorporated by a leading strand-replicase variant, DNA polymerase (Pol) ɛ, but not by orthologous variants of the lagging-strand replicases, Pols α or δ. Moreover, loss of both RNases H1 and H2 is lethal in combination with increased ribonucleotide incorporation by Pol ɛ but not by Pols α or δ. Several explanations for this asymmetry are considered, including the idea that Top1 incision at ribonucleotides relieves torsional stress in the nascent leading strand but not in the nascent lagging strand, in which preexisting nicks prevent the accumulation of superhelical tension.

Nearly one quarter of Americans use alcohol in a risky manner. Most of the alcohol use interventions recommended by the CDC’s Community Guide are environmental; few evidence-based approaches attempt to address alcohol use on an individual or interpersonal level. Podcasting is a cost-effective communication tool whose potential impact for public health has been widely touted. The aim of this study was to answer the following research question: “How could an effective podcast about alcohol use be designed and evaluated?” Literature and guidelines related to health and science podcasts for popular consumption were reviewed. No literature specific to alcohol use and podcasts were located. According to peer-reviewed and gray literature, health podcasting is feasible and cost-effective, although it may be time-consuming. Of particular note is the importance of entertaining the target audience. Humor and the use of narrative can contribute to the entertainment value of a podcast. Podcasts can be evaluated for their impact at the individual or interpersonal level. Knowledge gain, attitude shift, and behavior change are all individual-level metrics, whereas information-sharing and the proliferation of “podologues” (conversation based the podcast) can indicate an interpersonal effect. Although the review concluded that there is insufficient formative research to design a podcast to reduce risky drinking, it identified a number of design and evaluation tools that may prove useful for podcasting about alcohol use and other health behaviors. It also outlined a rationale for podcasting about alcohol use and a research agenda to guide the development of an efficacious podcast to address risky alcohol use. A quick guide to podcasting about alcohol use is included as an appendix. Statement of public health relevance: Alcohol use has a profound effect on health. It is responsible for one in 10 deaths among working age Americans and more than one in three Americans say alcohol has bee

The goal of this study was to examine whether developmental level, digital game-playing experience, and the interactive nature of advergames influenced children's understanding and attitudes towards advertising and how that understanding might affect children's susceptibility to advertising effects. Fourth through sixth grade participants (Ages 8–12) were grouped in same-grade, sex, and gameplay experience dyads, with one participant playing the advergame and the other watching it. After gameplay, both participants were asked to respond to survey questions assessing their advertising literacy levels (as evidenced by the Children's Advertising Literacy Scale) and their advertising effects levels (as evidenced by brand and source recognition, brand preference, and purchase requests). The results of a multivariate analysis of variance indicated that older children showed higher levels of attitudinal advertising literacy and experienced less advertising effects from exposure to the persuasive content in the advergame. The results of a multiple regression also indicated that participants' advertising literacy levels predicted the extent to which they were influenced by advertising effects. Additionally, substantial changes in participant ranking of the featured brand before and after gameplay were seen for all participant groups, independent of grade or player status (player vs. viewer). Correlation analyses revealed that players who performed better on the advergame showed higher levels of brand recall and experienced lower levels of advertising effects.

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a prominent topic in the literature, little is known about how companies operationally implement CSR. Accordingly, this chapter presents key insights into how companies design and implement (develop) CSR projects, including the activities involved, their sequence, and the roles of various stakeholders as actors. The insights are based on a qualitative scoping study involving in-depth interviews with CSR practitioners from five major Australian companies. Ten stages of CSR development and 12 actors are identified before presenting an aggregate empirical model of CSR project development.

RNase H2-dependent ribonucleotide excision repair (RER) removes ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication. When RER is defective, ribonucleotides in the nascent leading strand of the yeast genome are associated with replication stress and genome instability. Here, we provide evidence that topoisomerase 1 (Top1) initiates an independent form of repair to remove ribonucleotides from genomic DNA. This Top1-dependent process activates the S phase checkpoint. Deleting TOP1 reverses this checkpoint activation and also relieves replication stress and genome instability in RER-defective cells. The results reveal an additional removal pathway for a very common lesion in DNA, and they imply that the "dirty" DNA ends created when Top1 incises ribonucleotides in DNA are responsible for the adverse consequences of ribonucleotides in RNase H2-defective cells.

In his 2010 series, Still Existence, South African photographer Thandile Zwelibanzi images illegal African immigrants as they informally sell sweets and cigarettes on the streets of Johannesburg. In his documentation of the political arguments of these foreigners for their inclusion in the consensus of the nation, Zwelibanzi lends a medium to these individuals through which they can obtain aesthetic (and therefore political) agency. If, in Still Existence, the public sphere of Johannesburg's streets serve as the "dissensual stage" upon which foreign traders exert their claims of belonging and contest their right to work, then it is the process of their subjectivization and their argument for their belonging that are ultimately imaged in these portraits.

The two DNA strands of the nuclear genome are replicated asymmetrically using three DNA polymerases, a, d, and e. Current evidence suggests that DNA polymerase e (Pol e) is the primary leading strand replicase, whereas Pols a and d primarily perform lagging strand replication. The fact that these polymerases differ in fidelity and error specificity is interesting in light of the fact that the stability of the nuclear genome depends in part on the ability of mismatch repair (MMR) to correct different mismatches generated in different contexts during replication. Here we provide the first comparison, to our knowledge, of the efficiency of MMR of leading and lagging strand replication errors. We first use the strand-biased ribonucleotide incorporation propensity of a Pol e mutator variant to confirm that Pol e is the primary leading strand replicase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We then use polymerase-specific error signatures to show that MMR efficiency in vivo strongly depends on the polymerase, the mismatch composition, and the location of the mismatch. An extreme case of variation by location is a T-T mismatch that is refractory to MMR. This mismatch is flanked by an AT-rich triplet repeat sequence that, when interrupted, restores MMR to .95% efficiency. Thus this natural DNA sequence suppresses MMR placing a nearby base pair at high risk of mutation due to leading strand replication infidelity. We find that, overall, MMR most efficiently corrects the most potentially deleterious errors (indels) and then the most common substitution mismatches. In combination with earlier studies, the results suggest that significant differences exist in the generation and repair of Pol a, d, and e replication errors, but in a generally complementary manner that results in high-fidelity replication of both DNA strands of the yeast nuclear genome., Pub. in PLoS Genetics, v8 n10, p1-9, 11 Oct 2012. The original document contains color images.

We have investigated the ability of the 3' exonuclease activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA polymerase ɛ (Pol ɛ) to proofread newly inserted ribonucleotides (rNMPs). During DNA synthesis in vitro, Pol ɛ proofreads ribonucleotides with apparent efficiencies that vary from none at some locations to more than 90% at others, with rA and rU being more efficiently proofread than rC and rG. Previous studies show that failure to repair ribonucleotides in the genome of rnh201Δ strains that lack RNase H2 activity elevates the rate of short deletions in tandem repeat sequences. Here we show that this rate is increased by 2-4-fold in pol2-4 rnh201Δ strains that are also defective in Pol ɛ proofreading. In comparison, defective proofreading in these same strains increases the rate of base substitutions by more than 100-fold. Collectively, the results indicate that although proofreading of an 'incorrect' sugar is less efficient than is proofreading of an incorrect base, Pol ɛ does proofread newly inserted rNMPs to enhance genome stability.

It is unclear whether emotion recognition deficits, in particular those found in autism, are due to a failure to extract salient social information from the eye region or a difficulty in combining all facial cues into a coherent whole. To evaluate which ability is most vital to successful emotion recognition, the availability of these processes were manipulated in non-clinical participants. Participants were presented with six basic expressions of emotion from the Ekman and Friesen Facial Affect set (1976) and performed a six alternative forced choice response task to facial expressions of emotion. In condition 1, the effects of a failure to attend to the eye region were tested through a mask being placed over the eye region. In condition 2, the effects of weak central coherence were tested using a gaze contingent window in which holistic processing was disrupted and the observer was restricted to viewing one fixated feature at a time. Eye fixation data was recorded to examine the influence of information from the eyes and mouth on correct recognition of emotions. Clear differences were seen between the conditions, with emotion recognition most impaired when the eye region was not available. However, the results demonstrated that each emotion was differentially affected by experimental manipulation, in particular recognition of disgust was most impaired in the second condition when holistic processing was disrupted. The results suggest that deficits in emotion recognition can generally be attributed to a failure to attend to the eye region yet local level processing may also play a significant role, depending upon the emotion in question.

The Rad50 ABC–ATPase complex with Mre11 nuclease is essential for dsDNA break repair, telomere maintenance and ataxia telangiectasia–mutated kinase checkpoint signaling. How Rad50 affects Mre11 functions and how ABC–ATPases communicate nucleotide binding and ligand states across long distances and among protein partners are questions that have remained obscure. Here, structures of Mre11–Rad50 complexes define the Mre11 2-helix Rad50 binding domain (RBD) that forms a four-helix interface with Rad50 coiled coils adjoining the ATPase core. Newly identified effector and basic-switch helix motifs extend the ABC–ATPase signature motif to link ATP-driven Rad50 movements to coiled coils binding Mre11, implying an ~30-Å pull on the linker to the nuclease domain. Both RBD and basic-switch mutations cause clastogen sensitivity. Our new results characterize flexible ATP-dependent Mre11 regulation, defects in cancer-linked RBD mutations, conserved superfamily basic switches and motifs effecting ATP-driven conformational change, and they provide a unified comprehension of ABC–ATPase activities.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) Actor and comedian JOHN LEGUIZAMO ('leg-we-ZAH-mo'). He has a recurring role on NBC's 'ER.' He is the voice of Sid in the animated hit, 'Ice Age: The Meltdown.' He can also be seen in the film 'The Groomsmen' which premieres at the Tribeca film festival next week. Leguizamo got his start as a stand up comedian. His two early 90s HBO specials, 'Spic-O-Rama' and 'Mambo Mouth,' were critically acclaimed. He went on to roles in a many films including 'Carlito's Way,' 'Super Mario Brothers,' 'Ice Age,' and George Romero's film 'Land of the Dead.' (REBROADCAST from 7/18/05) (2.) Jazz critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD has an appreciation of jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk. This week Monk received a special posthumous citation from the Pulitzer Prize committee for 'a body of distinguished and innovative musical composition that has had a significant and enduring impact on the evolution of jazz.' (3.) The late soprano saxophonist STEVE LACY. He died in 2004 at the age of 69. LACY was considered the foremost interpreter of Thelonious Monk and in fact trained and performed with Monk when he was in his mid-20's. LACY was also known as the "father of the modern soprano saxophone." (REBROADCAST from 8/28/97) (4.) Drummer PAUL MOTIAN (like 'motion'). This year he is celebrating over 50 years in music. He worked with Monk in 1960. (REBROADCAST from 3/13/06) (5.) Composer and pianist JOEL FORRESTER, the co-founder of the Microscopic Septet (now defunct), composer of the Fresh Air theme. He never worked with Monk but met him late in Monk's life. (REBROADCAST from 10/20/97) (6.) Jazz pianist JESSICA WILLIAMS. She's been recording albums, both solo and with ensembles, since 1978. Her music is often featured between interview segments on the show. You can hear the influence of Monk on her playing. (REBROADCAST from 11/26/97)

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., (1.) An in-studio concert and interview with jazz pianist JESSICA WILLIAMS, recorded at WHYY. We'll hear WILLIAMS' original compositions as well as some interpretations of standards. WILLIAMS has been recording albums, both solo and with ensembles, since 1978. Her music is often featured on Fresh Air between interview segments. Williams' new album is 'This Side Up,' on the MAXJAZZ piano series. (THIS INTERVIEW WILL CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW) (Original airdate: 11/26/97)(2.) Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews 'Come Away With Me,' the debut album from vocalist Norah Jones.

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., INT. 1: An in-studio concert and interview with jazz pianist JESSICA WILLIAMS, recorded at WHYY. The concert was previewed on last Wednesday's show. It will feature WILLIAMS' original songs as well as some interpretations of standards, some from Williams' 1997 release: "Higher Standards" (Candid). WILLIAMS has been recording albums, both solo and with ensembles, since 1978. Her music is often featured on Fresh Air between interview segments. (THIS INTERVIEW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF THE SHOW) INT. 2: JESSICA WILLIAMS, CONTINUED REV. : JESSICA WILLIAMS, CONTINUED

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR., INT. 1: Historian STANLEY KUTLER. He's just edited a collection of "The New Nixon Tapes." The book is titled "Abuse of Power" (The Free Press). KUTLER sued the National Archives and the Nixon Estate for the release of 3000 hours of tapes in 1996, 200 hours of which are now available. KUTLER is also the author of "The Wars of Watergate," and historical advisor for the television documentary, "Watergate." (THIS INTERVIEW WILL CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.) INT. 2: Preview of our in-studio interview and concert with jazz pianist JESSICA WILLIAMS. It will air next week. REV. : Book critic MAUREEN CORRIGAN reviews "Matters of Choice" the new novel by Jeannette Haien (Harper Collins) REV: Composer SAUL CHAPLIN passed away Saturday at the age of 85. We pay tribute to Chaplin by playing a recording of a 1972 interview with SAMMY CAHN at New York's 92nd St. Y. CAHN collaborated with CHAPLIN on many of his most known works.

Background RA patients have an increased prevalence of CVD independently of traditional risk factors. Studies using a mouse model of inflammatory arthritis – mCIA have shown decreased vascular constriction response of the thoracic aorta to 5HT, associated with increased MMP-9 production. The source of the latter, inflammatory content and impact on the structural proteins of the vessel wall remains elusive. Methods Myography was used to determine vascular constriction response in mCIA animals. Immunohistochemistry determined presence of F4/80+ macrophages, Ly6G+ neutrophils, DR3 and MMP-9. DR3 was assessed in the healthy and arthritic constriction response using DR3-/- and DR3WTs. Vascular calcification was determined in short and long term mCIA using RT-qPCR. Protein levels were quantified using immunohistochemistry. Collagen and elastin were determined using Van Geisson and Ver Hoeffs staining. The role of the AIM2 inflammasome in mCIA associated vascular dysfunction was also determined using CRID3 therapy. Results Increased macrophages with complimentary DR3 staining were observed in the aorta and PVAT.DR3-/- had normal constriction response despite increased cells and MMP-9 in the PVAT. DR3 ablation decreased arthritis onset and severity, however, worsened the vascular function. DR3 PVAT was protective to the constriction response. Calcification mediators remained constant following the onset of mCIA. Long term mCIA showed exciting trends of increase to calcification mediators. Collagen and elastin both become deregulated during mCIA and showed a fibrosis like phenotype. Blocking the AIM2 inflammasome had no impact on mCIA onset but partially restored vascular constriction response. Discussion Systemic inflammation is key in explaining the vascular dysfunction associated with the mCIA model. mCIA allows us to determine very early changes in the vasculature associated with systemic inflammation as opposed to long term changes. Macrophages specifically are early in

Background RA patients have an increased prevalence of CVD independently of traditional risk factors. Studies using a mouse model of inflammatory arthritis – mCIA have shown decreased vascular constriction response of the thoracic aorta to 5HT, associated with increased MMP-9 production. The source of the latter, inflammatory content and impact on the structural proteins of the vessel wall remains elusive. Methods Myography was used to determine vascular constriction response in mCIA animals. Immunohistochemistry determined presence of F4/80+ macrophages, Ly6G+ neutrophils, DR3 and MMP-9. DR3 was assessed in the healthy and arthritic constriction response using DR3-/- and DR3WTs. Vascular calcification was determined in short and long term mCIA using RT-qPCR. Protein levels were quantified using immunohistochemistry. Collagen and elastin were determined using Van Geisson and Ver Hoeffs staining. The role of the AIM2 inflammasome in mCIA associated vascular dysfunction was also determined using CRID3 therapy. Results Increased macrophages with complimentary DR3 staining were observed in the aorta and PVAT.DR3-/- had normal constriction response despite increased cells and MMP-9 in the PVAT. DR3 ablation decreased arthritis onset and severity, however, worsened the vascular function. DR3 PVAT was protective to the constriction response. Calcification mediators remained constant following the onset of mCIA. Long term mCIA showed exciting trends of increase to calcification mediators. Collagen and elastin both become deregulated during mCIA and showed a fibrosis like phenotype. Blocking the AIM2 inflammasome had no impact on mCIA onset but partially restored vascular constriction response. Discussion Systemic inflammation is key in explaining the vascular dysfunction associated with the mCIA model. mCIA allows us to determine very early changes in the vasculature associated with systemic inflammation as opposed to long term changes. Macrophages specifically are early in