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The article describes ways employees respond to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives categorized based on their favorable and unfavorable cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses and also examines how these profiles are associated with employee outcomes.

Digital PCR (dPCR) is based on the separation of target amplification reactions into many compartments with randomly distributed template molecules. Here, we present a novel digital PCR format based on DNA binding magnetic nanoreactor beads (mNRBs). Our approach relies on the binding of all nucleic acids present in a sample to the mNRBs, which both provide a high-capacity binding matrix for capturing nucleic acids from a sample and define the space available for PCR amplification by the internal volume of their hydrogel core. Unlike conventional dPCR, this approach does not require a precise determination of the volume of the compartments used but only their number to calculate the number of amplified targets. We present a procedure in which genomic DNA is bound, the nanoreactors are loaded with PCR reagents in an aqueous medium, and amplification and detection are performed in the space provided by the nanoreactor suspended in fluorocarbon oil. mNRBs exhibit a high DNA binding capacity of 1.1 ng DNA/mNRB (95% CI 1.0–1.2) and fast binding kinetics with ka= 0.21 s–1(95% CI 0.20–0.23). The dissociation constant KDwas determined to be 0.0011 μg/μL (95% CI 0.0007–0.0015). A simple disposable chamber plate is used to accommodate the nanoreactor beads in a monolayer formation for rapid thermocycling and fluorescence detection. The performance of the new method was compared with conventional digital droplet PCR and found to be equivalent in terms of the precision and linearity of quantification. In addition, we demonstrated that mNRBs provide quantitative capture and loss-free analysis of nucleic acids contained in samples in different volumes.

The author discusses principles of working at Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty to understand hunger and poverty and mentions pedagogical advantages of metaphorical language to moral formation. Topics discussed include ethical imperative of Leviticus 19:34 grounded in the antecedent, wellspring of biblical ethics as spiritual discipline of remembering and how memories become metaphors animating.

The tremendous rate with which data is generated and analysis methods emerge makes it increasingly difficult to keep track of their domain of applicability, assumptions, limitations, and consequently, of the efficacy and precision with which they solve specific tasks. Therefore, there is an increasing need for benchmarks, and for the provision of infrastructure for continuous method evaluation. APAeval is an international community effort, organized by the RNA Society in 2021, to benchmark tools for the identification and quantification of the usage of alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites from short-read, bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. Here, we reviewed 17 tools and benchmarked eight on their ability to perform APA identification and quantification, using a comprehensive set of RNA-seq experiments comprising real, synthetic, and matched 3′-end sequencing data. To support continuous benchmarking, we have incorporated the results into the OpenEBench online platform, which allows for continuous extension of the set of methods, metrics, and challenges. We envisage that our analyses will assist researchers in selecting the appropriate tools for their studies, while the containers and reproducible workflows could easily be deployed and extended to evaluate new methods or data sets.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are widely adopted by organizations to improve work conditions and career outcomes for disadvantaged groups, yet they often struggle with achieving sustainable change. This paper examines employee resistance as a barrier to DEI initiatives’ success. We review the literature on the conceptualization and study of resistance to DEI initiatives, and offer recommendations for future research. Overall, we advocate for a behavioral perspective to generate a more nuanced understanding of the complex nature of this resistance, which highlights its potentially ambivalent and subtle manifestations, and emphasizes its evolving nature in response to changing contexts over time. Acknowledging this complexity is crucial for advancing our understanding of resistance to DEI initiatives and for organizations aiming to address it effectively.

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.Prado, AKG, Reichert, T, Conceição, MO, Delevatti, RS, Kanitz, AC, and Kruel, LFM. Effects of aquatic exercise on muscle strength in young and elderly adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. J Strength Cond Res36(5): 1468–1483, 2022—The effects of training in an aquatic environment on muscular strength are still contradictory in the literature. The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies about muscle strength responses after a program of aquatic exercise. A systematic review followed the Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. The search was performed between December 2015 and January 2016. There were no language restrictions, and PubMed, SCOPUS, Scielo, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were consulted. An analysis of eligibility of the studies was performed by 2 independent authors. The data extraction followed standard criteria, and an evaluation of methodological quality was performed. The statistical analysis was conducted in the Review Manager 5.1 software. The statistical heterogeneity was assessed by means of Cochran's Q test and by the inconsistency test (I2). The search found 2,563 articles, 27 were included, totaling a total nof 1,006 subjects. The analysis of the risk of bias demonstrated a lack of clarity of the randomization process, allocation concealment, blinding assessment, intention to treat analysis, and calculation of the sample in 70% or more of the studies analyzed. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, in isometric peak torque (PT) of knee unilateral extension and flexion, and isokinetic PT (60°·s−1) of knee unilateral extension. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the positive effects of training in an aquatic environment may be dependent on factors such as age, velocity of movement, and use of device. Land-based and aquatic exercises seem to lead to similar muscle strength gains. Aquatic exercise should be recommended as a strategy to improve muscle strength, but new studies with better methodological quality should be conducted.

There are several options for treating a patient with malignant eyelid melanoma (neoplasm, usually of the skin, containing melanin-producing cells). The preferred treatment is complete removal of the melanoma with as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. However, when the melanoma is located on the eyelid, it is not possible to remove the amount of tissue (2 to 5 cm) that would be removed in other skin areas. Cryosurgery (surgery using freezing techniques) can only be used for tumors with a depth of .75 mm; chemotherapy is used for inoperable eyelid tumors. Eyelid melanomas are usually resistant to conventional radiotherapy. However, treatment of melanomas of the choroid (the vascular tunic covering the posterior five-sixths of the eye) with contact irradiation has been effective. A case is reported in which malignant eyelid melanoma was treated with contact irradiation with plaques of iodine 125. The patient was an 80-year-old man with malignant melanoma of the eyelid, which was over 4 mm thick and had spread to the regional lymph nodes. The patient had refused surgery and chemotherapy, but finally agreed to irradiation. A special shield was necessary to protect the eye from irradiation, but the technique was similar to that used in choroid melanoma contact irradiation. Following therapy the tumor almost completely regressed. The metastasis present before therapy continued. There were no complications seen at the 15-month follow-up period after radiotherapy. The patient eventually died of complications of lung cancer. This treatment is felt to be effective and useful for treating inoperable eyelid melanoma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Electrical controls for proportional hydraulic circuits are nothing new, but thanks to several recent advances, electronic controls for hydrostatic drives are setting new standards in the mobile industry. Electronic Transmission [...]

Introduction:A novel long-term murine model for Graves’ disease (GD) using repeated, long-term immunizations with recombinant adenovirus expressing the extracellular A-subunit of the human thyrotropin receptor (Ad-TSHR) was applied to evaluate the functional anti-TSHR-antibody (TSHR-Ab) profile. Methods:BALB/c mice received 7 immunizations with either 1010 plaque-forming units of Ad-TSHR or control Ad-GFP. Naïve (nonimmuized native) mice were also studied. Three 3-weekly immunizations were followed by 4-weekly boosts until the 7th immunization. Blocking (TBAb) and stimulating (TSAb) TSHR-Ab were measured with bioassays. Assay cut-offs for TBAb/TSAb were at 34% inhibition and a specimen-to-reference ratio (SRR) of 140%. Results:Nineteen (8 Ad-TSHR-, 4 Ad-GFP-immunized, and 7 native) mice were investigated. All native mice were negative for TSHR-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins (TBII) prior to immunization. Native and Ad-GFP mice were negative in weeks 17 and 27 for TBII and TBAb/TSAb. In native mice, the free thyroxine (fT4) levels (median [25th percentile; 75th percentile]) were in the upper normal range (1.2 ng/mL [1.1; 1.6]) prior to immunization, at weeks 17 (2.2 ng/mL [2.1; 2.4]) and 27 (1.4 ng/mL [1.1; 1.7]), respectively. In contrast, in Ad-TSHR-immunized mice, fT4 values were markedly increased at weeks 17 (4.4 ng/mL [3.9; 6]) and 27 (4.5 ng/mL [4.2; 6]) compared to those in Ad-GFP mice (2 ng/mL [1.8; 2.1] and 1.4 ng/mL [1.1; 1.6]), respectively (p= 0.0008, p= 0.001). In contrast, at week 17, in Ad-TSHR mice, the mean TBII, TBAb, and TSAb levels were 40 IU/L (40; 40); 62% inhibition (38; 69), and 116% SRR (97; 185), respectively; at week 27, they were 40 IU/L (39; 40); 65% inhibition (34; 80) and 95% SRR (63; 187), respectively. Three serum samples from Ad-TSHR mice (38%) demonstrated dual TBAb/TSAb positivity. Conclusions:TBAb/TSAb were highly prevalent in Ad-TSHR-immunized mice, thus confirming the successful establishment of a novel, long-term murine model for GD. All TBAb- and TSAb-positive Ad-TSHR-immunized mice were TBII-positive. Thus, the binding immunoassay did not differentiate between TSHR-Ab functionality.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to associate phase angle (PhA) with sarcopenia and its components in physically active older women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 94 physically active older women. PhA and muscle mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength (HGS) and functional capacity was evaluated by 4-meter walk test. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the European Consensus on Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia (2010). Participants were evaluated according to the PhA tercile. The individuals were divided into two groups: 1st vs. 2nd and 3rd terciles. The individuals in the first tercile were considered having low PhA (< 5.7º). Results: Low PhA was not associated with sarcopenia (OR = 1.50 (0.520–4.319)), low muscle mass index (OR = 1.50 (0.520–4.319)), low HGS (OR = 3.15 (0.954–10.401)) and low walk speed (OR = 1.46 (0.384–5.534)). In addition, PhA had a weak correlation with walk speed (r= 0.24, p= 0.023) and walk speed was able to predict the PhA variations by 3.9%. Conclusion: PhA was not associated with sarcopenia and its components in physically active older women. Although PhA was correlated with walk speed, the biological meaning of this association is questionable, since the power of the prediction was low.

Global acquisition of atmospheric wind profiles using a spaceborne direct-detection Doppler wind lidar is being accomplished following the launch of European Space Agency’s Aeolus mission. One key part of the instrument is a single-frequency, ultraviolet laser that emits nanosecond pulses into the atmosphere. High output energy and frequency stability ensure a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio of the backscatter return and an accurate determination of the Doppler frequency shift induced by the wind. This Letter discusses the design of the laser transmitter for the first Doppler wind lidar in space and its performance during the first year of the Aeolus mission, providing valuable insights for upcoming space lidar missions.

Objective:Stimulating thyrotropin-receptor antibodies (TSAb) cause Graves’ disease (GD). We tested a novel homogeneous fluorescent 3′,5′ cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) assay for the detection of TSAb in a bioassay. Methods:Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines expressing either a chimeric (MC4) or wild-type (WT) TSH-R were incubated with the adenyl cyclase activator forskolin, a human TSAb monoclonal antibody (M22), and with sera from GD patients. Intracellular cAMP levels were measured using a Bridge-It® cAMP assay, and the results were compared with a luciferase-based bioassay. Results:Both cell lines were stimulated with forskolin concentrations (0.006–200 µM) in a dose-dependent manner. The linear range in the MC4 and WT cells was 0.8–25 and 3.1–50 µM, respectively. Levels of cAMP and luciferase in forskolin-treated MC4 and WT cells were positively correlated (r= 0.91 and 0.84, both p< 0.001). The 50% maximum stimulatory concentration of forskolin was more than 16-fold higher for the CHO-WT cells than the CHO-MC4 cells in the cAMP assay and 4-fold higher in the luciferase assay. Incubation of both cell lines with M22 (0.006–50 ng/mL) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cAMP levels with linear ranges for the MC4 and WT cells of 0.8–12.5 and 0.2–3.125 ng/mL, respectively. Comparison of cAMP and luciferase levels in M22-treated MC4 and WT cells also showed a positive correlation (r= 0.88, p< 0.001 and 0.75, p= 0.002). A positive correlation was also noted when using patient samples (r= 0.96, p< 0.001) that were all TSH-R-Ab binding assay positive. Conclusion:The novel, rapid, simple-to-perform cAMP assay provides TSAb-mediated stimulatory results comparable to a luciferase-based bioassay.

ABSTRACTPost-transcriptional control of gene expression is mediated via RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that interact with mRNAs in a combinatorial fashion. While recent global RNA interactome capture experiments expanded the repertoire of cellular RBPs quiet dramatically, little is known about the assembly of RBPs on particular mRNAs; and how these associations change and control the fate of the mRNA in drug-treatment conditions. Here we introduce a novel biochemical approach, termed tobramycin-based tandem RNA isolation procedure (tobTRIP), to quantify proteins associated with the 3ʹUTRs of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B/p27Kip1) mRNAs in vivo. P27Kip1plays an important role in mediating a cell’s response to cisplatin (CP), a widely used chemotherapeutic cancer drug that induces DNA damage and cell cycle arrest. We found that p27Kip1mRNA is stabilized upon CP treatment of HEK293 cells through elements in its 3ʹUTR. Applying tobTRIP, we further compared the associated proteins in CP and non-treated cells, and identified more than 50 interacting RBPs, many functionally related and evoking a coordinated response. Knock-downs of several of the identified RBPs in HEK293 cells confirmed their involvement in CP-induced p27mRNA regulation; while knock-down of the KH-type splicing regulatory protein (KHSRP) further enhanced the sensitivity of MCF7 adenocarcinoma cancer cells to CP treatment. Our results highlight the benefit of specific in vivomRNA-protein interactome capture to reveal post-transcriptional regulatory networks implicated in cellular drug response and adaptation.

Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening consequence of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifibrotic potential of clinically available vitamin D analogs compared to that of calcitriol in vitro and in vivo. Murine hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and human LX-2 cells were treated with vitamin D analogs, and the profibrotic behavior of these cells was studied. In vivo liver fibrosis was induced using CCl4until measurable fibrosis was established. Animals were then treated with calcitriol and paricalcitol. Vitamin D and its analogs showed antifibrotic effects in vitro. Treatment with active vitamin D (calcitriol, CAL) and its analogs reduced the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in mHSC. In human LX-2 cells alfacalcidol reduced transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induced platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β protein expression and contractility while paricalcitol (PCT), in its equipotent dose to CAL, reduced TGF-β induced α-SMA protein expression, and ACTA2 and TGF-β mRNA expression. No effects of a treatment with vitamin D and its analogs were observed in Kupffer cells. In vivo, PCT-treated mice had significantly lower calcium levels than CAL-treated mice. CAL and PCT reduced the hepatic infiltration of CD11b-positive cells and alanine transaminase levels, while PCT but not CAL significantly inhibited fibrosis progression, with a favorable side effect profile in the CCl4model. We conclude that hypocalcemic vitamin D analogs should be considered in future studies investigating vitamin D for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Post-transcriptional control of mRNAs by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has a prominent role in the regulation of gene expression. RBPs interact with mRNAs to control their biogenesis, splicing, transport, localization, translation, and stability. Defects in such regulation can lead to a wide range of human diseases from neurological disorders to cancer. Many RBPs are conserved between Caenorhabditis elegansand humans, and several are known to regulate apoptosis in the adult C. elegansgerm line. How these RBPs control apoptosis is, however, largely unknown. Here, we identify mina-1(C41G7.3)in a RNA interference-based screen as a novel regulator of apoptosis, which is exclusively expressed in the adult germ line. The absence of MINA-1 causes a dramatic increase in germ cell apoptosis, a reduction in brood size, and an impaired P granules organization and structure. In vivo crosslinking immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that MINA-1 binds a set of mRNAs coding for RBPs associated with germ cell development. Additionally, a system-wide analysis of a mina-1deletion mutant compared with wild type, including quantitative proteome and transcriptome data, hints to a post-transcriptional regulatory RBP network driven by MINA-1 during germ cell development in C. elegans. In particular, we found that the germline-specific Argonaute WAGO-4 protein levels are increased in mina-1mutant background. Phenotypic analysis of double mutant mina-1;wago-4revealed that contemporary loss of MINA-1 and WAGO-4 strongly rescues the phenotypes observed in mina-1mutant background. To strengthen this functional interaction, we found that upregulation of WAGO-4 in mina-1mutant animals causes hypersensitivity to exogenous RNAi. Our comprehensive experimental approach allowed us to describe a phenocritical interaction between two RBPs controlling germ cell apoptosis and exogenous RNAi. These findings broaden our understanding of how RBPs can orchestrate different cellular events such as differentiation and death in C. elegans.

Animal individuality is challenging to explain because individual differences are regulated by multiple selective forces that lead to unique combinations of characteristics. For instance, the study of personality, a core aspect of individuality, may benefit from integrating other factors underlying individual differences, such as lateralized cerebral processing. Indeed, the approach-withdrawal hypothesis (the left hemisphere controls approach behavior, the right hemisphere controls withdrawal behavior), may account for differences in boldness or exploration between left and right hemispheric dominant individuals. To analyze the relationships between personality and laterality we tested 80 male piglets with established laterality patterns for 2 motor functions (tail curling direction and the side of the snout used for manipulation) and a combined classification integrating both motor functions using cluster analysis. We analyzed basal salivary testosterone and cortisol along with their behavior in standardized tests as pre-established indicators of different personality traits (Boldness, Exploration, Activity, Sociability, and Coping). We found that the direction of the single motor biases showed significant associations with few personality traits. However, the combined laterality classification showed more, and more robust, significant associations with different personality traits compared with the single motor biases. These results supported the approach-withdrawal hypothesis because right-biased pigs were bolder and more explorative in a context of novelty. Additionally, right-biased pigs were more sociable than left-biased pigs. Therefore, the present study indicates that personality is indeed related to lateralized cerebral processing and provides insight into the multifactorial nature of individuality.

Laser ablation of gold in liquids with nanosecond laser pulses in aqueous solutions of inorganic electrolytes and macromolecular ligands for gold nanoparticle size quenching is probed inside the laser-induced cavitation bubble by in situX-ray multicontrast imaging with a Hartmann mask (XHI). It is found that (i) the in situsize quenching power of sodium chloride (NaCl) in comparison to the ablation in pure water can be observed by the scattering contrast from XHI already inside the cavitation bubble, while (ii) for polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a macromolecular model ligand an in situsize quenching cannot be observed. Complementary ex situcharacterization confirms the overall size quenching ability of both additive types NaCl and PVP. The macromolecular ligand as well as its monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) are mainly effective for growth quenching of larger nanoparticles on later time scales, leading to the conclusion of an alternative interaction mechanism with ablated nanoparticles compared to the electrolyte NaCl, probably outside of the cavitation bubble, in the surrounding liquid phase. While monomer and polymer have similar effects on the particle properties, with the polymer being slightly more efficient, only the polymer is effective against hydrodynamic aggregation.