Current and future status of the Fraxinus nigra swamp in the Bessey Creek Nature Preserve, Cheboygan County MI

Field Botany of Northern MichiganWith the continued movement of pests such as the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), northward into upper Michigan, current vegetation analysis will be important to understanding how different plant communities will be affected. In this study, the woody vegetation of Bessey Creek Nature Preserve (BCNP) was measured and analyzed to provide a more complete knowledge of the tree community of BCNP. We sampled tree species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of >1.5 cm. Both the east and west sides of Bessey Creek were sampled using a plotless point-quarter method. We recorded ten species, with an Acer rubrum complex and Fraxinus nigra dominating the Preserve with relative densities of 34.5% and 27.3% respectively. We found, however, the most frequently observed trees were not the biggest. Thuja occidentalis and Ulmus Americana, though uncommon, had the highest mean DBH. The mean canopy coverage was 85.93%. This value and the relative density of Fraxinus nigra are expected to fall with the impending spread of the emerald ash borer to this area. The loss of F. nigra will create opportunities for shade intolerant species to grow; reflecting what seems to have happened in the past with the loss of U. americana. We expect that the forest will continue to be dominated by Acer rubrum and its hybrids in the future.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89429/1/Batzer_Congdon_Hillabrand_Labuz_2011.pd

The role of the Kin28 protein kinase in chromatin remodeling and transcription termination

The Kin28 subunit of the general transcription factor complex, TFIIH, is a kinase that phosphorylates the heptapeptide repeats at serine position 5 (Ser5) on the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Optimal Ser5 phosphorylation is important during transcription for Pol II to transition from the initiation step to the elongation step in a process called promoter escape. During transcription initiation, the nucleosome directly downstream of the promoter, called +1, must be disassembled before Pol II can engage the transcription start site. Previous work showed that the transcription machinery plays a direct role in the disassembly of the +1 nucleosome, but the exact mechanism is currently unknown. We hypothesize that the disassembly of the +1 nucleosome occurs during promoter escape. To test this idea, I attempted to conditionally deplete Kin28, in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to block promoter escape. I then applied a modified genomic approach to map nascent Pol II-associated RNA molecules before and after Kin28 depletion. The Kin28 depletion failed to block promoter escape, possibly due to incomplete removal of Kin28 from the nucleus. Instead, I found that the Kin28 depleted strain accumulated Pol II-associated read-through transcripts beyond the transcription termination site suggesting that Kin28 plays a role in the processing of the nascent RNA of protein-coding genes. | 49 page

Detecting Foundation Pile Length of High-Mast Light Towers

(c) 1006625 (wo) 62The goal of the project is to establish a non-destructive field testing technique, including a data analysis algorithm, for determining in-place pile lengths by way of seismic waves. The length of each pile supporting a high-mast light tower (HMLT) will be identified through a systematic sensing approach that includes (i) collection and classification of the pertinent foundation designs and soil conditions; (ii) use of ground vibration waveforms captured by a seismic cone penetrometer; (iii) three-dimensional visco-elastodynamic finite element analysis (FEA) used as a tool to relate the sensory data to in situ pile length; (iv) use of machine learning (ML) algorithms, trained with the outputs of FEA simulations, to solve the germane inverse problem; (v) HMLT field testing; and (vi) analysis-driven data interpretation. Several hundred HMLTs throughout Minnesota have foundation systems, typically concrete-filled steel pipe piles or steel H-piles, with no construction documentation (e.g., pile lengths). Reviews of designs within current standards suggest that some of these foundations may have insufficient uplift capacity in the event of peak wind loads. Without knowledge of the in situ pile length, an expensive retrofit or replacement program would need to be conducted. Thus, developing a screening tool to determine in situ pile length \u2014 as compared to a bulk retrofit of all towers with unknown foundations \u2014 would provide significant cost savings

Detecting Foundation Pile Length of High-Mast Light Towers

The goal of the project is to establish a non-destructive field testing technique, including a data analysis algorithm, for determining in-place pile lengths by way of seismic waves. The length of each pile supporting a high-mast light tower (HMLT) will be identified through a systematic sensing approach that includes (i) collection and classification of the pertinent foundation designs and soil conditions; (ii) use of ground vibration waveforms captured by a seismic cone penetrometer; (iii) three-dimensional visco-elastodynamic finite element analysis (FEA) used as a tool to relate the sensory data to in situ pile length; (iv) use of machine learning (ML) algorithms, trained with the outputs of FEA simulations, to solve the germane inverse problem; (v) HMLT field testing; and (vi) analysis-driven data interpretation. Several hundred HMLTs throughout Minnesota have foundation systems, typically concrete-filled steel pipe piles or steel H-piles, with no construction documentation (e.g., pile lengths). Reviews of designs within current standards suggest that some of these foundations may have insufficient uplift capacity in the event of peak wind loads. Without knowledge of the in situ pile length, an expensive retrofit or replacement program would need to be conducted. Thus, developing a screening tool to determine in situ pile length - as compared to a bulk retrofit of all towers with unknown foundations - would provide significant cost savings.Kennedy, Daniel; Guzina, Bojan; Labuz, Joseph. (2022). Detecting Foundation Pile Length of High-Mast Light Towers. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/250146

Novel Approach for Laparoscopically Placed Chronic Amniotic Fluid Catheters in Sheep

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Introduction:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Several fetal therapies involve repeated amniotic fluid intervention. We hypothesize that a minimally invasive approach can be used to safely implant an intrauterine catheter infusion system in a fetal ovine model for chronic use during pregnancy. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Method:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Five pregnant sheep underwent operation between gestational days 110 and 115 (term 145 days). A Codman® implantable infusion pump was adapted for intrauterine use. The chamber was placed in the maternal flank and the tunneled catheter laparoscopically inserted into the amniotic cavity, secured with a pursestring. Three had an additional uterine anchoring suture. Ewes were sacrificed after natural delivery, and the uterus underwent gross and microscopic analyses. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; There were no maternal mortalities, abortions, or preterm labor. Pumps were accessed and remained functional throughout gestation. Four ewes delivered healthy term lambs; the other delivered twins with failure to progress and demise. On necropsy, catheters secured with an anchoring suture remained in place, while the other 2 dislodged during labor. There was no chorioamnionitis by culture or histology. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Laparoscopically placed intra-amniotic infusion catheters were implanted safely and remained functional until delivery in an ovine model. This novel approach has promise in providing safe, durable amniotic fluid access for the potential treatment of fetal disease. </jats:p

Enhancing Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Function and Expansion with Human Selective Serum

Abstract Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are promising innate-like lymphocytes with potential for use in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Existing MAIT cell expansion protocols are associated with potentially decremental phenotypic changes, including increased frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells and higher inhibitory receptor expression. In this study, we compared the effect on expansion of human MAIT cells of a serum replacement, Physiologix XF SR (Phx), with traditional serum FBS for supplementing RPMI 1640 media. Using flow cytometry, we found that Phx supported a significantly higher proliferative capacity for MAIT cells and resulted in a lower frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells, which have been associated with reduced Th1 effector and cytolytic functions. We saw that culturing MAIT cells in Phx led to better survival of MAIT cells and lower frequency of PD-1+ MAIT cells than FBS-supplemented media. Functionally, we saw that Phx supplementation was associated with a higher frequency of IFN-γ+ MAIT cells after stimulation with Escherichia coli than FBS-supplemented RPMI. In conclusion, we show that MAIT cells cultured in Phx have higher proliferative capacity, lower expression of inhibitory receptors, and higher capacity to produce IFN-γ after E. coli stimulation than FBS-supplemented RPMI. This work shows that expanding MAIT cells with Phx compared with FBS-supplemented RPMI results in a more functionally desirable MAIT cell for future anti-tumor immunotherapy.</jats:p

Use of Cadaveric Skin Graft for Staged Gastroschisis Repair in a Premature Infant

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect that, when simple, has excellent overall outcomes. However, morbidity increases with prematurity. A staged approach to closure is often needed until the infant can tolerate definitive repair. We demonstrate the novel use of cadaveric skin allograft as a defect patch, exploiting a tolerant neonatal immune system for long-term durable coverage. A 580-g, 26-week-gestation boy was born with gastroschisis. Primary closure was not possible, necessitating staged closure. After initial silo placement, neither the fascia nor the skin could be closed. Therefore, cadaveric skin was utilized for coverage: there was 100% take, no wound care needs, and no acute rejection. He was discharged at 4 months tolerating full feeds. At 6 months signs of rejection ultimately manifested, and he underwent uneventful elective graft excision and fascial closure. We offer this as a useful option for management of staged gastroschisis closure in an extremely premature infant. </jats:p

Abstract 18359: Long Term Follow-up of Aortic Coarctation Repair Using Leg-arm Blood Pressure Difference to Assess Hemodynamic Profiles

Introduction: Patients with successfully repaired coarctation (CoA) need long term follow up due to the risk of abnormal arterial elasticity and complications of hypertension. We hypothesize that even subtle hemodynamic abnormalities are marked by lack of a blood pressure standing wave effect to the lower extremities (arm ≥ leg systolic BP: ARM Group) and is associated with elevated aortic flow velocities, increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), higher arm BP and a greater requirement for interventions compared to subjects with the normal standing wave effect (leg &gt; arm SBP: LEG Group). Methods: CoAs repaired between 1990 and 2008 with at least two documented right arm and leg SBPs at clinic visits along with M-mode, 2D and Doppler echocardiography were selected. The largest recorded peak instantaneous (PeakV) and mean velocities (MeanV) in the descending aorta were reviewed, as were measures of the proximal transverse arch (TA) and LVPWd. Measurements were indexed by Z-score. Patient records were also reviewed for reintervention and antihypertensive medical therapy. Results: Eighty patients met our criteria with 29 ARM (median age 12 years) and 51 LEG (median 13 years) Group members. Compared to LEG, ARM had significantly increased arm SBP Z-score (p &lt;0.001), PeakV (p &lt;10 -4 ), MeanV (p &lt;10 -6 ), and LVPWd (p &lt;0.01) (Figure). There was no difference in arm diastolic BP (p =0.7) or TA diameter (p =0.3). Even without overt markers such as hypertension or medication, otherwise healthy ARM subjects were still found to have the same relationships. Furthermore, 11/29 (38%) ARM compared to 39/51 (76%) LEG were normotensive with no previous intervention and no BP medicine (Fisher’s p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Higher leg SBP after CoA repair is a marker for salutary hemodynamic and echo parameters as well as freedom from interventions post repair. Follow-up tailored by recognizing good outcome in LEG Group could be accomplished with less expense and obtrusive testing. </jats:p

Human skin mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells show increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression following burn trauma

Abstract The role of T cells in burn trauma is an understudied research area explored primarily in mice, with sparse data in humans. Patients surviving an initial burn injury are at a high risk of infection, sepsis, and death. Unconventional T-cells such as mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that respond rapidly to pathogens. Circulating MAIT cells are primarily interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) producing when presented with a microbial-derived ligand on MHC class-1 related protein (MR1) or activated by cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 &amp; IL-18. In this study, we obtained discarded burn (n=6) and normal (from discarded autograft, n=4) skin tissue from burn patients and compared unconventional T cell functionality by flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). We did not find any significant differences between the frequency of total MAIT cells between burn injury or normal skin, 1.51 ± 1.42 and 2.98 ± 4.40, respectively. There is a significant higher level of CD38 expression in MAIT cells from burn injury tissue and a significant higher level of CD69 expression in MAIT cells from normal skin tissue. Skin MAIT cells in a burn injury show significantly higher levels of IFN-g and TNF before and after PMA-ionomycin stimulation compared to normal skin MAIT cells, which mainly produce IL-6 &amp; IL-17A, suggesting that skin MAIT cells of burn patients show a MAIT cell phenotype that is more responsive to infection. We are characterizing these MAIT cell subtypes in further detail with scRNA-seq and anticipate presentation of that data at time of the conference. Our findings provide the means towards an understanding of the role that skin MAIT cells play in skin of patients with burn trauma.</jats:p