The regulatory and transcriptional landscape associated with carbon utilization in a filamentous fungus.

Filamentous fungi, such as Neurospora crassa, are very efficient in deconstructing plant biomass by the secretion of an arsenal of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, by remodeling metabolism to accommodate production of secreted enzymes, and by enabling transport and intracellular utilization of plant biomass components. Although a number of enzymes and transcriptional regulators involved in plant biomass utilization have been identified, how filamentous fungi sense and integrate nutritional information encoded in the plant cell wall into a regulatory hierarchy for optimal utilization of complex carbon sources is not understood. Here, we performed transcriptional profiling of N. crassa on 40 different carbon sources, including plant biomass, to provide data on how fungi sense simple to complex carbohydrates. From these data, we identified regulatory factors in N. crassa and characterized one (PDR-2) associated with pectin utilization and one with pectin/hemicellulose utilization (ARA-1). Using in vitro DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq), we identified direct targets of transcription factors involved in regulating genes encoding plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. In particular, our data clarified the role of the transcription factor VIB-1 in the regulation of genes encoding plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and nutrient scavenging and revealed a major role of the carbon catabolite repressor CRE-1 in regulating the expression of major facilitator transporter genes. These data contribute to a more complete understanding of cross talk between transcription factors and their target genes, which are involved in regulating nutrient sensing and plant biomass utilization on a global level

How does diet quality predict the performance of ROTC cadets on the ACFT

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a newly developed test assessing U.S. Army soldiers\u27 combat readiness. The Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) is a questionnaire established by the USDA that quantifies overall diet quality. The HEI-2015 uses a scale of 0 to 100 with higher scores aligning more with the recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The HEI-2015 is comprised of 13 subcategories: Total Fruits [TF], Whole Fruits [WF], Total Vegetables [TV], Greens and Beans [GB], Whole Grains [WG], Dairy [D], Total Protein foods [TP], Seafood and Plant Proteins [SPP], Fatty Acids [FA], Refined Grains [RG], Sodium [S], Added Sugars [AS], and Saturated Fats [SF]. Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine if diet quality can predict performance outcomes of the ACFT in ROTC cadets. Methods: ROTC cadets (31 males, 21 females; aged 20.5 ± 2.2 years) completed the 6-event ACFT (3-repetition maximum trap-bar deadlift [MDL], standing power toss [SPT], hand-release pushups [HRPU], sprint-drag-carry [SDC], plank [PLK], and 2-mile run [2MR]). The cadets were invited into the laboratory to complete the HEI-2015. The ability of the HEI-2015 to predict ACFT performance was determined with a linear regression model. Significance was set at p \u3c 0.05. Results: HEI-2015 total score was significantly and positively correlated to ACFT total score, showing (r = .319, p = .014). Subcategories of the HEI-2015 were positively and significantly correlated with ACFT total scores, GB (r = .326, p = .012), SPP (r = .349, p = .007), and FA (r = .263, p = .044). HEI-2015 total score significantly explained 10% (p = .014) of the variance on the ACFT total scores with a beta coefficient 3.121. Conclusion: HEI-2015 total score, GB, SPP, and FA are all predictors of the ACFT total score. This data shows that overall diet quality is an important factor in determining a soldier’s combat readiness. For every 1.2 point increase in HEI-2015 total score, it is predicted that ACFT total score will increase by 3.1 points

Influence of participant and reviewer characteristics in application scores for a hematology research training program

The American Society of Hematology Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI) is a clinical research training program with a competitive application process. The objectives were to compare application scores based on applicant and reviewer sex and underrepresented minority (URM) status. We included applications to CRTI from 2003 to 2019. The application scores were transformed into a scale from 0 to 100 (100 was the strongest). The factors considered were applicant and reviewer sex and URM status. We evaluated whether there was an interaction between the characteristics and time related to application scores. In total, 713 applicants and 2106 reviews were included. There was no significant difference in scores according to applicant sex. URM applicants had significantly worse scores than non-URM applicants (mean [standard error] 67.9 [1.56] vs 71.4 [0.63]; P = .0355). There were significant interactions between reviewer sex and time (P = .0030) and reviewer URM status and time (P = .0424); thus, results were stratified by time. For the 2 earlier time periods, male reviewers gave significantly worse scores than did female reviewers; this difference did not persist for the most recent time period. The URM reviewers did not give significantly different scores across time periods. URM applicants received significantly lower scores than non-URM applicants. The impact of reviewer sex and URM status changed over time. Although male reviewers gave lower scores in the early periods, this effect did not persist in the late period. Efforts are required to mitigate the impact of applicant URM status on application scores

The Role of Body Fat Percentage and VO2MAX in Predicting Arterial Stiffness in Female College Students

Within the college population, high blood pressure (BP), as well as obesity and sedentary lifestyles, are seen. Bodyfat influences these outcomes. Much of the literature ignores the possible effects that fitness may have on these outcomes, specifically in females. Purpose: The intent of this study was to determine if VOMAX can predict arterial stiffness after adjusting for body fat% in college females. Methods: Healthy young females were recruited from Grand Canyon University. Subjects came to the lab for a single visit for the following assessments: height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, aortic BP, augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index adjusted at a heart rate of 75 (Aix@75), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and a VO2MAX. Hierarchical regression was used with body fat% entered into the first block and VO2MAX entered into the second block. Results: 92 female college students completed the study. The mean BMI was 25.4 +/-5.1 kg/m2, and the mean age was 20.5 +/- 2.2 years. Body fat% and VO2MAX did not statistically predict brachial systolic BP (P=0.137) or cfPWV (P=0.439). Body fat % significantly predicted brachial diastolic BP (R2=0.047, P=0.040), and VO2MAX significantly explains 4.4% more of the variance (P=0.043). Body fat % significantly predicted central systolic BP (R2=0.126, P=2MAX did not significantly add to the model (P=0.320). For central diastolic BP, body fat % was not an independent predictor (P=0.075); however, VO2MAX was found to be an independent predictor (R2=0.100, P=0.015). Body fat % was not an independent predictor (P=0.075) of AP; however, VO2MAX was found to be an independent predictor of AP (R2=0.113, P=0.008). Body fat % significantly predicted Aix@75 (R2=0.067, P=0.014), and VO2MAX was an independent predictor (R2=0.193, P=Conclusion: After adjusting for body fat%, VO2MAX significantly predicted measures of arterial stiffness in college aged females. Additionally, VO2MAX seemed to be a better predictor of arterial stiffness than body fat%. It is crucial to also consider physical fitness when considering body fat% and health

Improving risk assessment of violence among military Veterans: An evidence-based approach for clinical decision-making

Despite increased media attention on violent acts against others committed by military Veterans, few models have been developed to systematically guide violence risk assessment among Veterans. Ideally, a model would identify which Veterans are most at risk for violence and increased attention could then be turned to determining what could be done to prevent violent behavior. This article suggests how empirical approaches to risk assessment used successfully in civilian populations can be applied to Veterans. A review was conducted of the scientific literature on Veteran populations regarding factors related to interpersonal violence generally and to domestic violence specifically. A list was then generated of empirically-supported risk factors for clinicians to consider in practice. To conceptualize how these known risk factors relate to a Veteran’s violence potential, risk assessment scholarship was utilized to develop an evidence-based method to guide mental health professionals. The goals of this approach are to integrate science into practice, overcome logistical barriers, and permit more effective assessment, monitoring, and management of violence risk for clinicians working with Veterans, both in Veteran Administration settings and in the broader community. It is likely that the use of a systematic, empirical framework could lead to improved clinical decision-making in the area of risk assessment, and help reduce violence among Veterans

Correlates of Anger and Hostility in Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

As troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan to civilian life, clinicians are starting to grapple with how best to detect those at risk of post-deployment adjustment problems. Data reveal the presence of mental health problems in these soldiers, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), head injury, and alcohol abuse. Each of these conditions has been associated with elevated anger and hostility in veterans from previous conflicts. The authors sought to identify variables empirically related to anger and hostility in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans

The Grizzly, September 18, 2003

Senate Debates Future of Pell Grants • Presidential Address on Iraq • Downloading a Lawsuit • Working for the Weekend • How Accessible is Ursinus College? • Time of the Month not Every Month • Doors Close on an Urban Myth: Elevator Danger • Opinions: Zack\u27s: Not Always a Good Alternative; Have you Thanked Your Cleaning Staff Today?; The Negative Side of Reality TV; Out of the Middle East: Part Two • Nonsense! • An Off-campus Opportunity: Southlander • Potions, Pills and Prescriptions: Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry • Dance with the Best! • Dave Matthews\u27 Experience: From the Eyes of UC Students • Student Profile: Jennifer Cackowski Challenged at Frankfurt Consulate • Price Comparison: Gas Prices • Bears Defense Crushes Catholic • Volleyball Team Continues Streaky Play • UC Cross Country Battles Elements and Competition • Women\u27s Soccer Team off to Best Start Ever • Men\u27s Soccer: Continuing to Fight • Field Hockey: Bears Lose Tough Onehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1541/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, September 11, 2003

Unique Organizations Attract New Members at Activities Fair • To Party or Not to Party: How is the Question • Reflections on the Post-September 11th World • An Anniversary Like No Other • A Major Decision • A Day in the Life: Lounge Living • Student Spotlight: Locks for Love • Activities Coming to You • Family Day at UC • John Mayer & Counting Crows • Opinions: Please Read: E-mail Abuse is Annoying; A Continuing Story: Out of the Middle East; The [De] Stabilized Situation in Iraq • 9/11: Reliving the Tragedy • SIGI Plus to the Rescue • UC on File Sharing: Joining the Bandwagon • Party Etiquette 101 • Price Comparison: Popular CDs • The Wit and Wisdom of J. D. Salinger • Bears Knock Out Susquehanna, 24-17 • Volleyball Team Makes it Three in a Row • TCNJ Field Hockey Blanks Ursinus • Men\u27s Soccer Comes out Even • Ursinus Women Dominate Soccer Classic • The Kobe Bryant Sagahttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1540/thumbnail.jp