Neuronal inhibition of the autophagy nucleation complex extends life span in post-reproductive C. elegans

Autophagy is a ubiquitous catabolic process that causes cellular bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components and is generally associated with positive effects on health and longevity. Inactivation of autophagy has been linked with detrimental effects on cells and organisms. The antagonistic pleiotropy theory postulates that some fitness-promoting genes during youth are harmful during aging. On this basis, we examined genes mediating post-reproductive longevity using an RNAi screen. From this screen, we identified 30 novel regulators of post-reproductive longevity, including pha-4 Through downstream analysis of pha-4, we identified that the inactivation of genes governing the early stages of autophagy up until the stage of vesicle nucleation, such as bec-1, strongly extend both life span and health span. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that the improvements in health and longevity are mediated through the neurons, resulting in reduced neurodegeneration and sarcopenia. We propose that autophagy switches from advantageous to harmful in the context of an age-associated dysfunction

A symmetric polymer blend confined into a film with antisymmetric surfaces: interplay between wetting behavior and phase diagram

We study the phase behavior of a symmetric binary polymer blend which is confined into a thin film. The film surfaces interact with the monomers via short range potentials. We calculate the phase behavior within the self-consistent field theory of Gaussian chains. Over a wide range of parameters we find strong first order wetting transitions for the semi-infinite system, and the interplay between the wetting/prewetting behavior and the phase diagram in confined geometry is investigated. Antisymmetric boundaries, where one surface attracts the A component with the same strength than the opposite surface attracts the B component, are applied. The phase transition does not occur close to the bulk critical temperature but in the vicinity of the wetting transition. For very thin films or weak surface fields one finds a single critical point at $\phi_c=1/2$. For thicker films or stronger surface fields the phase diagram exhibits two critical points and two concomitant coexistence regions. Only below a triple point there is a single two phase coexistence region. When we increase the film thickness the two coexistence regions become the prewetting lines of the semi-infinite system, while the triple temperature converges towards the wetting transition temperature from above. The behavior close to the tricritical point, which separates phase diagrams with one and two critical points, is studied in the framework of a Ginzburg-Landau ansatz. Two-dimensional profiles of the interface between the laterally coexisting phases are calculated, and the interfacial and line tensions analyzed. The effect of fluctuations and corrections to the self-consistent field theory are discussed.Comment: Phys.Rev.E in prin

Phase diagram for diblock copolymer melts under cylindrical confinement

We extensively study the phase diagram of a diblock copolymer melt confined in a cylindrical nanopore using real-space self-consistent mean-field theory. We discover a rich variety of new two-dimensional equilibrium structures that have no analog in the unconfined system. These include non-hexagonally coordinated cylinder phases and structures intermediate between lamellae and cylinders. We map the stability regions and phase boundaries for all the structures we find. As the pore radius is decreased, the pore accommodates fewer cylindrical domains and structural transitions occur as cylinders are eliminated. Our results are consistent with experiments, but we also predict phases yet to be observed.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures. submitted to Physical Review Letter

Organization of Block Copolymers using NanoImprint Lithography: Comparison of Theory and Experiments

We present NanoImprint lithography experiments and modeling of thin films of block copolymers (BCP). The NanoImprint lithography is used to align perpendicularly lamellar phases, over distances much larger than the natural lamellar periodicity. The modeling relies on self-consistent field calculations done in two- and three-dimensions. We get a good agreement with the NanoImprint lithography setups. We find that, at thermodynamical equilibrium, the ordered BCP lamellae are much better aligned than when the films are deposited on uniform planar surfaces

The Ursinus Weekly, October 18, 1973

U.S.G.A. initiates tough new policy, vows good supervision of open houses • Ursinus admission requirements, unlike national trends, maintain standards • Cooperative atmosphere at education banquet • Ursinus karate club holds demonstration • Chapel program begins • College Union calendar full • Debating club forming; Mr. Perreten will head group • Editorial: On the outside looking in; Autumn at Ursinus • Letters to the Editor: Early riser protests; Declaration of independence; Compromise called for • Alumni Corner • Film: “Heavy Traffic” • Bagpiper Bud Hamilton plays at first College Union program • Ornithology - flocking together Supersax plays Bird • Library staff portrait: Mr. James Rue • Bearettes down Glassboro, F&M, and Bucks County • Another game, another loss • Cross country wins roll on • Soccer team now 3-2https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1002/thumbnail.jp

Perception of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on dental researchers

Background/objectives: Historical evidence shows a gender-based disproportionate effect of pandemics across different populations. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began spreading its devastating effects worldwide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on research productivity, work-life arrangements, and mental health of dental professionals worldwide with focus on gender differences. Methods: A 38-item survey, concerning demographics, career stage, employer support, family structure, mental health, and relationships, was distributed to 7692 active members of the International Association for Dental Research. Bivariate associations between independent variables and the primary outcome variable were tested using Spearman's correlation test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the simultaneous, independent associations between each variable and researcher productivity. Results: A total of 722 responses were obtained, indicating a 9.4% response rate. Higher productivity was reported by male respondents (p = 0.021), and by those in senior career stages (p = 0.001). Institutional support was associated with higher productivity (p < 0.0001). Lower productivity was reported by younger researchers (p = 0.003). Remote work negatively affected productivity (p < 0.0001) and female respondents reported working more hours, regardless of work location (p = 0.004). Poor mental health was associated with low productivity (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected dental professionals’ perceived productivity and mental health around the globe. Younger individuals and women were disproportionally affected, and institutional support had a significant influence to mitigate effects of the pandemic for dental researchers

Adaptação do inventário parental “Language Use Inventory (LUI)” para crianças entre 18 e 47 meses para o português europeu : estudo piloto

Language acquisition and development takes in account the child’s interaction with the surrounding environment. Daily social interactions with people and communication with others allow the child to acquire language being pragmatics considered a system of rules that support the communicative use of language. Identification and assessment of children at risk for language disorders are crucial in order to carry out an effective early intervention. This study was carried out taking into account first, the relevance of pragmatics as a component of language, and second the lack of assessment tools in Portugal to assess these abilities. Therefore, the aim of this study consists on the translation, adaptation and validation of the inventory “Language Use Inventory” (LUI), to European Portuguese. The LUI is a standardized parent report measure designed to assess pragmatic language development in children within 18- to 47-month-old.Objetivo: A aquisição e o desenvolvimento da linguagem resultam da interação da criança com o meio ambiente. As interações sociais cotidianas com as pessoas e a comunicação com outros permitem que a criança adquira linguagem, sendo a pragmática o sistema de regras que suporta o uso comunicativo da linguagem. A identificação e a avaliação de crianças em risco de desenvolverem transtornos de linguagem são cruciais, tendo em vista a intervenção precoce eficaz. Tendo em vista a relevância da pragmática como componente da linguagem e a escassez, em Portugal, de instrumentos de avaliação da linguagem validados para idades precoces, a finalidade deste estudo consistiu na tradução, adaptação e validação do instrumento Language Use Inventory (LUI), para o português europeu. O LUI é um inventário parental que avalia o desenvolvimento da pragmática entre os 18 e os 47 meses. Métodos: Foram adotados todos os procedimentos recomendados pelas diretrizes internacionais sobre a adaptação de testes, culminando em estudo piloto com uma amostra de 120 inventários, respondidos pelos pais/cuidadores de crianças portuguesas da referida faixa etária. Resultados: Os coeficientes de consistência interna (Alfa de Cronbach) para a versão portuguesa do LUI situaram-se em 0,97 para a escala total e entre 0,71 e 0,96 para as subescalas. Conclusão: Os resultados preliminares dos estudos de adaptação e de validação do LUI-Pt para crianças portuguesas são promissores e asseguram a validade interna desta escala em termos da sua dimensionalidade e consistência interna

The Ursinus Weekly, November 15, 1973

First SFARC meeting yields suggestions for parking, Wismer • Banana split rated big success as news spreads across the country • Philadelphia soloists will play at forum • Career day planned for English majors • New Sturgis portrait dedicated at ceremony • Editorial: All that shivers is not cold • Spotlight: Mr. Scott Dempsey • Letters to the editor: SFARC member pledges interest; Faculty digs banana split • Alumni corner: U.C. graduate now holds position as ambassador • Tolstoy’s War and peace to be shown on PBS starting next Tuesday • Jazz: Buddy Rich strikes out • Believe it or not • A splendid time was guaranteed for all • The Zodiac: A preview to real astrology • Guard hired to check I.D.’s during open dorms • Ursinus women athletes make better lovers • Booters stand 6-6-1 • X-country wrap-up • Bears upset Grove Cityhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1006/thumbnail.jp