Roles of NAD+ in Testicular Aging and Epigenetic Sperm Modifications

Since 1980, the average age of first-time fathers has been increasing. With increased age, sperm chromatin quality and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels are reduced. In order to condense around protamines, sperm DNA undergoes breaks, at which time epigenetic reprogramming occurs. In humans, about 2% of DNA stays wound to histones in spermatozoa. Histones carry post-translational modifications that control gene activity and have the potential to transmit epigenetic information to the offspring. Analysis of epigenetic sperm modifications is being conducted within niacin deficient versus niacin replete mice. The experimental plan includes the characterization of histone exchange in elongating spermatids via immunoblotting using anti-histone modification specific antibodies and immunohistochemistry in testis sections, the detection of incomplete sperm chromatin maturation via chromomycin A3 staining, and the mapping of DNA strand breaks in spermatids and sperm using next-generation sequencing. Preliminary data suggests that histone H4 hyperacetylation, which is a prerequisite for the formation of mature sperm chromatin, in testis is decreased in niacin deficient mice. However, the percentage of stage 9-11, at which time histone H4 hyperacetylation occurs, seminiferous tubules within testis cross sections does not seem to differ. These preliminary findings suggest that the varying post-translational modifications on histones in niacin deficient mice testis may contribute to decreased fertility when compared to niacin replete mice.Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m.Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/81298203941?pwd=WXZkRjhqdlZNTVlidXk3UnB1K2VtUT0

Decision Tree-Based Classification Model for Identification of Effective Leadership Indicators

This study was aimed at identifying effective leadership abilities as appreciated by soldiers in the Lithuanian armed forces. Leader behavior was measured using an adapted version of the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ), which was originally developed by Andrew W. Halpin from Ohio State University. Data were collected from soldiers holding different ranks and doing professional military service in all units of the Lithuanian armed forces and were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 software application. For our data analysis, the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) decision tree growing method was used with three class dependent variables. The CHAID algorithm helped in specifying the best splits for each of twelve potential predictors and then select the predictors whose splits presented the most serious differences in the sub-populations of the sample. In the Chi-squared significance test, the lowest p-value was achieved. The model structures obtained after analysis are presented

General ω-hyperstructures and certain applications of those

The aim of this paper is to investigate general hyperstructures construction of which is based on ideas of A. D. Nezhad and R. S. Hashemi. Concept of general hyperstructures considered by the above mentioned authors is generalized on the case of hyperstructures with hyperoperations of countable arity. Speci cations of treated concepts to examples from various elds of the mathematical sturctures theory are also included.

Decision Tree-Based Classification Model for Identification of Effective Leadership Indicators

This study was aimed at identifying effective leadership abilities as appreciated by soldiers in the Lithuanian armed forces. Leader behavior was measured using an adapted version of the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ), which was originally developed by Andrew W. Halpin from Ohio State University. Data were collected from soldiers holding different ranks and doing professional military service in all units of the Lithuanian armed forces and were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20 software application. For our data analysis, the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) decision tree growing method was used with three class dependent variables. The CHAID algorithm helped in specifying the best splits for each of twelve potential predictors and then select the predictors whose splits presented the most serious differences in the sub-populations of the sample. In the Chi-squared significance test, the lowest p-value was achieved. The model structures obtained after analysis are presented

Students of Color and COVID-19: Experiences, Coping Strategies, and Supports

The coronavirus disease of 2019, known as the COVID-19 pandemic, is a disaster event that posed significant physical, social, financial, and mental health risks to college students. Disproportionate experiences of stressors position students of color as a population particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of COVID-19, thus, the current study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate students of color in the United States. Students participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews about their experiences with stressors during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis and revealed themes including (a) the pandemic’s impact on students; (b) basic needs as college students; (c) strategies used to cope with stressors; and (d) supports desired from institutions and faculty. Findings inform colleges and healthcare providers of the most salient concerns for students of color and the sources found helpful. As such, these findings may guide effective prevention and intervention strategies to minimize the effects of future disasters

On subpolygroup commutativity degree of finite polygroups

Probabilistic group theory is concerned with the probability of group elements or group subgroups satisfying certain conditions. On the other hand, a polygroup is a generalization of a group and a special case of a hypergroup. This paper generalizes probabilistic group theory to probabilistic polygroup theory. In this regard, we extend the concept of the subgroup commutativity degree of a finite group to the subpolygroup commutativity degree of a finite polygroup $P$. The latter measures the probability of two random subpolygroups $H, K$ of $P$ commuting (i.e., $HK = KH$). First, using the subgroup commutativity table and the subpolygroup commutativity table, we present some results related to the new defined concept for groups and for polygroups. We then consider the special case of a polygroup associated to a group. We study the subpolygroup lattice and relate this to the subgroup lattice of the base group; this includes deriving an explicit formula for the subpolygroup commutativity degree in terms of the subgroup commutativity degree. Finally, we illustrate our results via non-trivial examples by applying the formulas that we prove to the associated polygroups of some well-known groups such as the dihedral group and the symmetric group