Piloting a Community of Student Data Consultants that Supports and Enhances Research Data Services

Research ecosystems within university environments are continuously evolving and requiring more resources and domain specialists to assist with the data lifecycle. Typically, academic researchers and professionals are overcommitted, making it challenging to be up-to-date on recent developments in best practices of data management, curation, transformation, analysis, and visualization. Recently, research groups, university core centers, and Libraries are revitalizing these services to fill in the gaps to aid researchers in finding new tools and approaches to make their work more impactful, sustainable, and replicable. In this paper, we report on a student consultation program built within the University Libraries, that takes an innovative, student-centered approach to meeting the research data needs in a university environment while also providing students with experiential learning opportunities. This student program, DataBridge, trains students to work in multi-disciplinary teams and as student consultants to assist faculty, staff, and students with their real-world, data-intensive research challenges. Centering DataBridge in the Libraries allows students the unique opportunity to work across all disciplines, on problems and in domains that some students may not interact with during their college careers. To encourage students from multiple disciplines to participate, we developed a scaffolded curriculum that allows students from any discipline and skill level to quickly develop the essential data science skill sets and begin contributing their own unique perspectives and specializations to the research consultations. These students, mentored by Informatics faculty in the Libraries, provide research support that can ultimately impact the entire research process. Through our pilot phase, we have found that DataBridge enhances the utilization and openness of data created through research, extends the reach and impact of the work beyond the researcher’s specialized community, and creates a network of student “data champions” across the University who see the value in working with the Library. Here, we describe the evolution of the DataBridge program and outline its unique role in both training the data stewards of the future with regard to FAIR data practices, and in contributing significant value to research projects at Virginia Tech. Ultimately, this work highlights the need for innovative, strategic programs that encourage and enable real-world experience of data curation, data analysis, and data publication for current researchers, all while training the next generation of researchers in these best practices. [This paper is a conference pre-print presented at IDCC 2020 after lightweight peer review.

Plasma concentrations of Tapentadol and clinical evaluations of a combination of Tapentadol plus Sevoflurane for surgical anaesthesia and analgesia in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing orchiectomy

Pain is probably under-treated in animals, particularly in rabbits, due to a lack of familiarity with the species and limited information about analgesic dose, efficacy and safety. Tapentadol (TAP) is a novel opioid drug, with a proven efficacy and safety profile in humans, which could be useful as an analgesic in rabbits. In a clinical study, TAP was administered (5 mg/kg, IV) to seven male New Zealand White rabbits 5 min before anaesthetic induction with sevoflurane to perform orchiectomy. Monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, invasive blood pressure, oxygen saturation, righting reflex, palpebral reflex, jaw tone and tongue retraction, was performed throughout surgery. Pain was assessed for 8 h following surgery, using previously validated parameters, physiological assessments and behavioural assessments. Blood was also collected at regular intervals to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. TAP was rapidly distributed and eliminated in rabbits. Apnoea did not occurred in any subject. Following surgery, there were very few observable signs of pain in four rabbits and all resumed normal activities within a few hours. In conclusion, this is the first study about the clinical effects and potential utility of TAP as an adjunct drug for anaesthesia and analgesia in the rabbit. However, further studies are still needed before its use in the veterinary clinical practice

Evaluation of a questionnaire to detect the risk of developing ESGD or EGGD in horses

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects various categories of horses worldwide. This syndrome is now divided into two different diseases, based on the presence of lesions on either the squamous (Equine Squamous Gastric Disease, ESGD) or the glandular (Equine Glandular Gastric Disease, EGGD) mucosa. Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of the presence of gastric lesions with gastroscopic examination. As a gastroscopy can be considered expensive by clients, therapy is started often on the basis of clinical signs only. The aim of this study was to validate a questionnaire to detect the risk of developing ESGD or EGGD. The owners of 418 horses that were submitted to gastroscopic evaluation were asked to answer a questionnaire on risk factors for ESGD and EGGD. Horses were divided into three groups based on the results of the questionnaire and their risk of developing gastric lesions. In our population the survey was not useful to detect the presence and the severity of the lesions detected during gastroscopic examination, however answers to some of the questions did correlate with the development of gastric lesions. The questionnaire could therefore be a useful tool to evaluate the risk of ESGD or EGGD. Having owners periodically complete the survey could also make them more aware of changes in the conditions of the horses that could lead to gastric lesions. This could then help them seek advice from veterinarians on how to manage this potential ris

Magnetic Anisotropy Trends along a Full 4f-Series: The fn+7Effect

[Image: see text] The combined experimental and computational study of the 13 magnetic complexes belonging to the Na[LnDOTA(H(2)O)] (H(4)DOTA = tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid and Ln = Ce–Yb) family allowed us to identify a new trend: the orientation of the magnetic anisotropy tensors of derivatives differing by seven f electrons practically coincide. We name this trend the f(n+7) effect. Experiments and theory fully agree on the match between the magnetic reference frames (e.g., the easy, intermediate, and hard direction). The shape of the magnetic anisotropy of some couples of ions differing by seven f electrons might seem instead different at first look, but our analysis explains a hidden similarity. We thus pave the way toward a reliable predictivity of the magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide complexes with a consequent reduced need of computational and synthetical efforts. We also offer a way to gain information on ions with a relatively small total angular momentum (i.e., Sm(3+) and Eu(3+)) and on the radioactive Pm(3+), which are difficult to investigate experimentally

The chemical-physical knowledge before the restoration: The case of "The Plague in Lucca", a masterpiece of Lorenzo Viani (1882-1936)

Background: "The Plague in Lucca", a masterpiece of the contemporary painter Lorenzo Viani, was studied by multianalytical techniques (Multiband, IR and UV fluorescence imaging, micro-Raman spectroscopy, direct exposure-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) in view of its restoration at the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMC) of Palazzo delle Muse in Viareggio (Lucca, Italy). The analysis allowed to obtain a better understanding of the artistic technique of the painter and to underline critical conservation aspects. Results: At first, non-invasive techniques, such as the Multiband Imaging, Infrared Reflectometry, UV Fluorescence and X-ray Fluorescence, have been applied in order to characterize the conservation state of the painting surface and determining the more representative zones of the painting for the taking of micro-samples to be analysed in the laboratory. The destructive chemical analysis of these micro-samples, performed using mass (DEMS and GC/MS) and infrared spectroscopy (micro-Raman), permitted to reveal the nature of the organic and inorganic materials present in the painting. Conclusions: The use of different physical and chemical diagnostic techniques allowed us to obtain precious information about the palette and the technique used by Lorenzo Viani for the realization of "La Peste a Lucca". Furthermore, this approach permit to characterize paintings, to understand the nature and origin of materials used by the artist and to develop the appropriate restoration procedure

Structural and molecular dynamics investigations of ligand stabilization via secondary binding site interactions in Paenibacillus xylanivorans GH11 xylanase

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are essential for plant biomass deconstruction. GH11 family consist of endo-β-1,4-xylanases which hydrolyze xylan, the second most abundant cell wall biopolymer after cellulose, into small bioavailable oligomers. Structural requirements for enzymatic mechanism of xylan hydrolysis is well described for GH11 members. However, over the last years, it has been discovered that some enzymes from GH11 family have a secondary binding sites (SBS), which modulate the enzymes activities, but mechanistic details of the molecular communication between the active site and SBS of the enzymes remain a conundrum. In the present work we structurally characterized GH11 xylanase from Paenibacillus xylanivorans A57 (PxXyn11B), a microorganism of agricultural importance, using protein crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations. The PxXyn11B structure was solved to 2.5 Å resolution and different substrates (xylo-oligosaccharides from X3 to X6), were modelled in its active and SBS sites. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations revealed an important role of SBS in the activity and conformational mobility of PxXyn11B, demonstrating that binding of the reaction products to the SBS of the enzyme stabilizes the N-terminal region and, consequently, the active site. Furthermore, MD simulations showed that the longer the ligand, the better is the stabilization within active site, and the positive subsites contribute less to the stabilization of the substrates than the negative ones. These findings provide rationale for the observed enzyme kinetics, shedding light on the conformational modulation of the GH11 enzymes via their SBS mediated by the positive molecular feedback loop which involve the products of the enzymatic reaction.Instituto de BiotecnologíaFil: Briganti, Lorenzo. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos; BrasilFil: Capetti, Caio. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos; BrasilFil: Pellegrini, Vanessa O. A. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos; BrasilFil: Ghio, Silvina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Ghio, Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Campos, Eleonora. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Campos, Eleonora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Nascimento, Alessandro S. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos; BrasilFil: Polikarpov, Igor. Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Física de São Carlos; Brasi

Apoptosis as a Driver of Therapy-Induced Cancer Repopulation and Acquired Cell-Resistance (CRAC): A Simple In Vitro Model of Phoenix Rising in Prostate Cancer

Apoptotic cells stimulate compensatory proliferation through the caspase-3-cPLA-2-COX-2-PGE-2-STAT3 Phoenix Rising pathway as a healing process in normal tissues. Phoenix Rising is however usurped in cancer, potentially nullifying pro-apoptotic therapies. Cytotoxic therapies also promote cancer cell plasticity through epigenetic reprogramming, leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), chemo-resistance and tumor progression. We explored the rela-tionship between such scenarios, setting-up an innovative, straightforward one-pot in vitro model of therapy-induced prostate cancer repopulation. Cancer (castration-resistant PC3 and androgen-sensitive LNCaP), or normal (RWPE-1) prostate cells, are treated with etoposide and left recovering for 18 days. After a robust apoptotic phase, PC3 setup a coordinate tissue-like response, repopulating and acquiring EMT and chemo-resistance; repopulation occurs via Phoenix Rising, being dependent on high PGE-2 levels achieved through caspase-3-promoted signaling; epigenetic inhibitors interrupt Phoenix Rising after PGE-2, preventing repopulation. Instead, RWPE-1 repopulate via Phoenix Rising without reprogramming, EMT or chemo-resistance, indicating that only cancer cells require reprogramming to complete Phoenix Rising. Intriguingly, LNCaP stop Phoenix-Rising after PGE-2, failing repopulating, suggesting that the propensity to engage/complete Phoenix Rising may influence the outcome of pro-apoptotic therapies. Concluding, we established a reliable system where to study prostate cancer repopulation, showing that epigenetic reprogramming assists Phoenix Rising to promote post-therapy cancer repopulation and acquired cell-resistance (CRAC)

Developing a Plan for a More Diverse, Inclusive, and Equitable Library at a Research 1 Land-Grant University

Using the Virginia Tech strategic plan as a guide, a team of its University Libraries faculty and staff designed a strategic planning approach for the library that directly engaged with University goals and explored two areas: 1) contributing to the equity-, diversity-, and inclusion-related (EDI) goals laid out in the University strategic plan, and 2) expanding upon efforts to broaden diversity and representation in the library. The team identified four major themes: accessibility, climate, employment and professional development, outreach, and advocacy, and used these themes to develop specific recommendations. The process served to shine the light on these topics within the library, allowing for reflection and self-understanding, crucial components to change and grow with more attention to inclusion and diversity. Recognizing a need for change, it is hoped the report leads to better advocacy and ally-ship and brings issues to light for other libraries engaging in similar processes

NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA IN CHEMICALLY IMMOBILIZED BROWN BEARS (URSUS ARCTOS)

Free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) were snared and subsequently darted with a combination of xylazine-ketamine in Croatia (n = 5) or darted from a helicopter with a combination of medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam in Scandinavia (n = 20). Three adults and one yearling (1 year old) bear were captured in Croatia, with one adult being captured twice. The Scandinavian bears were divided into Group A (yearlings, n = 7) and Group B (subadults, n = 2 and adults, n = 11). The exertion time (time from activation of the trap or from the start of the helicopter chase to recumbency) and the induction time (time from darting to recumbency) were recorded. The rectal temperature (Tr) was measured as soon as possible after induction and then monitored at frequent intervals (varied between individuals) in immobilized bears. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a non-invasive method (Korotkoff's technique) every 5 minutes. The heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded every 5 minutes. Reliability of the BP monitoring technique, trends of variation of the physiological variables, and the factors related to the capture were assessed. Both exertion and induction times were longer in Croatian bears than in Scandinavian bears. In Croatian bears, the Tr was either constant or slightly decreasing, with hyperthermia recorded in two individuals (Tr > 39.0° C). In Scandinavian bears, 17 of 20 individuals developed an initial hyperthermia. Four of five bears in Croatia and 17 of 20 bears in Scandinavia showed a decreasing trend in systolic and mean BP over time. According to the Korotkoff method, all bears were hypertensive (mean BP > 130 mmHg) with varying severity, and the systolic pressure was significantly lower in yearlings when compared to subadults and adults. Yearlings had significantly (p < 0.05) higher HR than subadults and adults, however there was no significant differences in RR, SpO2, and Tr between the age groups. All Croatian bears and 13 of 20 Scandinavian bears were moderately to severely hypoxemic (SpO2 < 90%). Further studies with simultaneous invasive and non-invasive (Korotkoff) BP monitoring techniques are required to confirm the accuracy of methods used in this study. The data presented here provides evidence of the physiological impact of different capture methods and chemical immobilization of brown bears in Croatia and Scandinavia