APPLICATION OF INPUT-OUTPUT METHODOLOGY FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY IMPACT ANALYSIS: SWINE PRODUCTION IN REDWOOD COUNTY, MINNESOTA

Community/Rural/Urban Development, Livestock Production/Industries,

Antiviral RNA Interference against Orsay Virus Is neither Systemic nor Transgenerational in Caenorhabditis elegans.

UNLABELLED: Antiviral RNA-mediated silencing (RNA interference [RNAi]) acts as a powerful innate immunity defense in plants, invertebrates, and mammals. In Caenorhabditis elegans, RNAi is systemic; i.e., RNAi silencing signals can move between cells and tissues. Furthermore, RNAi effects can be inherited transgenerationally and may last for many generations. Neither the biological relevance of systemic RNAi nor transgenerational RNAi is currently understood. Here we examined the role of both pathways in the protection of C. elegans from viral infection. We studied the Orsay virus, a positive-strand RNA virus related to Nodaviridae and the first and only virus known to infect C. elegans. Immunity to Orsay virus infection requires the RNAi pathway. Surprisingly, we found that genes required for systemic or transgenerational RNAi did not have a role in antiviral defense. Furthermore, we found that Orsay virus infection did not elicit a systemic RNAi response even when a target for RNAi was provided by using transgenes. Finally, we show that viral siRNAs, the effectors of RNAi, are not inherited to a level that provides any significant resistance to viral infection in the next generation. We conclude that systemic or transgenerational RNAi does not play a role in the defense against natural Orsay virus infection. Furthermore, our data suggest that there is a qualitative difference between experimental RNAi and antiviral RNAi. Our data are consistent with a model of systemic and transgenerational RNAi that requires a nuclear or germ line component that is lacking in almost all RNA virus infections. IMPORTANCE: Since its discovery in Caenorhabditis elegans, RNAi has proven a valuable scientific tool in many organisms. In C. elegans, exogenous RNAi spreads throughout the organism and can be passed between generations; however, there has been controversy as to the endogenous role(s) that the RNAi pathway plays. One endogenous role for which spreading both within the infected organism and between generations would be advantageous is a role in viral defense. In plants, antiviral RNAi is systemic and the spread of RNAi between cells provides protection against subsequent viral infection. Here we investigated this by using the only naturally occurring virus known to infect C. elegans, Orsay virus, and surprisingly found that, in contrast to the exogenous RNAi pathway, the antiviral RNAi response targeted against this virus does not spread systemically throughout the organism and cannot be passed between generations. These results suggest that there are differences between the two pathways that remain to be discovered

Polder Tidings, Volume 1, Number 2, December 2016

United States Agency for International Developmen

Sintesis Zeolit 4A dari Abu Limbah Sawit dengan Variasi Ukuran Partikel Abu Sawit dan Variasi Volume Natrium Silikat dengan Natrium Aluminat

Zeolite defines as hydrated aluminosilicate minerals which have 3 dimension framework structures formed of silica and alumina tetrahedral by sharing all the oxygen atoms and content with balanced metal load ions of alkaline or alkaline earth metals. Zeolite 4A is synthetic zeolite which have Na+ cation in balancing up the negative charge. Purpose of this research to get advantage from palm ash as a source of silica as feed for zeolite 4A and studied the influence of the palm ash size and ratio of reactan volume. The variation size of palm ash is 60,100, 200 mesh and unsifted ash. Sythesis of zeolite 4A doing by mixing sodium silicate and sodium aluminate with variaton of volume at 55:45 and 60:40 ml/ml and rate of agitation at 200 rpm. Then the gel formed will be heated in the oven at 80oC for 8 hours and washed until pH neutral. After washing process, sample will be dried at 120oC for 3 hours. Sythesis product analyzed with IR Spectroscopy and Xray Difraction. The best result was got in variation size 100 mesh and volume at 55:45 ml/ml

Knowledge translation intervention to improve evidence-based practice behaviour of allied health professionals: A cluster randomised controlled trial and 2-year follow-up study

Background: It is difficult to foster the use of research findings among allied health professionals (AHPs). Tailored, multifaceted knowledge translation (KT) strategies are now recommended but are resource intensive to implement. Employers need effective KT solutions, but little is known about: (a) the impact and viability of multifaceted KT strategies using an online KT tool, (b) their immediate and longer-term effectiveness with AHPs, and (c) their effect on evidence-based practice (EBP) decision-making behaviour. The aim of this project was to measure the effectiveness of a multifaceted KT intervention including a customised KT tool, to change EBP behaviour, knowledge and attitudes of AHPs over an 8-week period and at 2-years. Methods: The first study was an evaluator-blinded, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in a community-based cerebral palsy service. AHPs (135 physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and social workers) from 4 regions were cluster randomized (n = 4), to either the KT intervention group (n = 73) or the control group (n = 62), using computer-generated random numbers, concealed in opaque envelopes, by an independent officer. The KT intervention included a 3-day skills training workshop and workplace support to redress barriers (paid EBP time, mentoring, system changes and access to an online research synthesis tool). Primary RCT outcome (self- and peer-rated EBP behaviour) was measured using the Goal Attainment Scale (individual level). Secondary RCT outcomes (knowledge and attitudes) were measured using exams and the Evidence Based Practice Attitude Scale. The second study was a follow-up study 2-years after the completion of the RCT using an online survey. The survey included: (a) questions based on Goal Attainment Scale, and (b) questions relating to the utilisation and usefulness of an evidence alert system. Results RCT - the intervention group’s primary outcome scores improved relative to the control group, however when clustering was taken into account, the findings were non-significant: self-rated EBP behaviour [effect size 4.97; 95% confidence interval (CI)-10.47, 20.41; p = 0.52]; peer-rated EBP behaviour (effect size 5.86; 95% CI-17.77, 29.50; p = 0.62). Statistically significant improvements in EBP knowledge were detected (effect size 2.97; 95% CI 1.97, 3.97; p \u3c 0.0001). Change in EBP attitudes was not statistically significant. Two-year follow-up study - AHPs’ KT strategy GAS T-scores improved (GAS T-score change from RCT to 2-years = 29.58; 95%CI 12.66, 46.52; p = 0.02). Conclusions The two studies suggest meaningful gains in EBP behaviour, with consistent GAS peer-ratings and self-ratings in the RCT, along with an overall increase in GAS T-scores in the 2-year follow-up study. This cannot be stated with certainty however, due to methodological issues due to pragmatic constraints. The large variability in behaviour observed between clusters suggests barrier assessments and subsequent KT interventions may need to target subgroups within an organisation

Selection for Thermophilic Bacteria with Antibacterial Potential along Fire-Affected Soils in Centralia, PA

In this study, bacteria were analyzed from a near-surface environment impacted by the anthracite coal mine fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania. We hypothesized that the elevated soil temperatures created by the spread of the underground fire would provide an ideal environment for previously unstudied thermophilic bacteria. With nearly 3 million cases of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections annually, the identification of novel bacteria is critical to make new antibiotics. Surface soil samples were taken from boreholes across eight fire-impacted locations. Bacteria were isolated from these samples on actinomycetes isolation agar at an increased temperature of 50°C to mimic the soil environment. To identify the isolates, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was utilized to amplify the 16S rRNA gene that is present in all bacterial cells. The resulting fragments were sent out for sequencing and identification of the bacteria was achieved through BLAST analysis. Preliminary results revealed the presence of multiple strains of bacteria, such as Brevibacillus thermoruber, Brevibacillus SP. YT20, Fictibacillus gelatini, Bacillus psuedomycoides, and Bacillus subtilis, that have been identified in hot springs and soils globally. These analyses provide evidence that the unique Centralia environment does select for thermophiles that can display antimicrobial properties. Our ongoing work should thus allow us to isolate novel actinomycetes that may be utilized to produce new antibiotics

Faking Orgasm: Interviews with College Women About How, When, and Why They Pretend to Experience Orgasm

Research shows that many women fake orgasm, but only a handful of studies have been done in regards to the context and reasons why women fake orgasm. This study investigated the context in which today’s young women fake orgasm, as well as examined the reasons for their faking of orgasm. The way that sexual scripts and societal pressures influence women who fake orgasm is a key component of this study. Specifically, this investigation involved in-depth interviews with a dozen college women between the ages of 19-22 who have faked an orgasm during sexual intercourse. Interviews were analyzed using established methods of qualitative inquiry. Interviews were coded for common topics and themes were created. Results revealed that college women fake for a variety of reasons and in a variety of contexts. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and recommendations for sexuality education are discussed. It is hoped that this research will add a greater understanding of women\u27s sexual scripts and the influence of society, sex partners, and friends in faking behaviors. This study expands the current body of knowledge on women’s experience of faking orgasm and adds to the ever-expanding field of sex researc

SMC is recruited to oriC by ParB and promotes chromosome segregation in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Segregation of replicated chromosomes is an essential process in all organisms. How bacteria, such as the oval-shaped human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, efficiently segregate their chromosomes is poorly understood. Here we show that the pneumococcal homologue of the DNA-binding protein ParB recruits S. pneumoniae condensin (SMC) to centromere-like DNA sequences (parS) that are located near the origin of replication, in a similar fashion as was shown for the rod-shaped model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. In contrast to B. subtilis, smc is not essential in S. pneumoniae, and Δsmc cells do not show an increased sensitivity to gyrase inhibitors or high temperatures. However, deletion of smc and/or parB results in a mild chromosome segregation defect. Our results show that S. pneumoniae contains a functional chromosome segregation machine that promotes efficient chromosome segregation by recruitment of SMC via ParB. Intriguingly, the data indicate that other, as of yet unknown mechanisms, are at play to ensure proper chromosome segregation in this organism.