Showing papers by "Kent State University published in 2023"

NAT8L mRNA oxidation is linked to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis

Abstract: RNA oxidation has been implicated in neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanism for such effects is unclear. Extensive RNA oxidation occurs within the neurons in multiple sclerosis (MS) brains. Here, we identified selectively oxidized mRNAs in neuronal cells that pertained to neuropathological pathways. N-acetyl aspartate transferase 8 like (NAT8L) is one such transcript, whose translation product enzymatically synthesizes N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA), a neuronal metabolite important for myelin synthesis. We reasoned that impediment of translation of an oxidized NAT8L mRNA will result in a reduction in its cognate protein, thus lowering the NAA level. This hypothesis is supported by our studies on cells, an animal model, and postmortem human MS brain. Reduced brain NAA level hampers myelin integrity making neuronal axons more susceptible to damage, which contributes to MS neurodegeneration. Overall, this work provides a framework for a mechanistic understanding of the link between RNA oxidation and neurodegeneration.

Frequencies of Multivariate Air Masses Drive Tree Growth

Abstract: Midlatitude surface meteorological conditions are embedded within – and affected by – synoptic-scale systems, including the movement and persistence of air masses (AMs). Changes in AM frequencies (number of daily occurrences) over the past several decades could have large effects on ecosystems: each organism is exposed to the synergistic effects of the entire suite of atmospheric variables acting upon it – an inherently multivariate environment – which is best captured using AMs. Utilizing a global-scale AM classification system and a large network of tree-ring chronologies, we investigate how variation in AM frequency impacts tree growth at over 900 locations. We find that AM frequencies are well-correlated with tree growth, especially in the 12-month period from July in the year prior to growth through June in the year of growth. The most impactful AMs are Dry-Warm and Humid-Cool AMs, which exhibit average correlations of ρ=-0.4 and ρ=+0.4 with tree growth, respectively, for certain tree species, with correlations at some sites exceeding ρ=+/-0.8 in some seasons. Compared to empirical models based solely on temperature and precipitation, modeling using only AM frequencies proved superior at nearly 60% of the sites and for over 80% of the well-sampled (n≥10) species. These results should provide a foundation for using AMs to improve forecasts of tree growth, tree stress and wildfire potential. Long-term reconstructions of AM frequencies back several centuries may also be feasible using tree-ring data, which will help contextualize and temporally extend multivariate perspectives of climate change that utilize such air masses.

Best practice for wound repair and regeneration use of cellular, acellular and matrix-like products (CAMPs)

Abstract: There are currently over 80 biomaterials derived from autologous, allogeneic, synthetic and xenogeneic sources, or a combination of any or all these types of materials, available for soft-tissue coverage to effect wound closure. Often generically referred to as cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs), they are manufactured under various trade names and marketed for a variety of indications.

Superconductivity in Ce-based cage compounds

Abstract: Cerium-based ternary compounds CeNi$_2$Cd$_{20}$ and CePd$_2$Cd$_{20}$ do not exhibit long-range order down to millikelvin temperature range. Given the large separation between cerium ions which significantly reduces the superexchange interactions and vanishingly small RKKY interaction, here we show that nodal superconductivity mediated by the valence fluctuations must be a ground state in these materials. We propose that the critical temperature for the superconducting transition can be significantly increased by applying hydrostatic pressure. We employ an extended periodic Anderson lattice model which includes the long-range Coulomb interactions between the itinerant electrons as well as the local Coulomb interaction between the predominantly localized and itinerant electrons to compute a critical temperature of the superconducting transition. Using the slave-boson approach we show that fluctuations mediated by the repulsive electron-electron interactions lead to the emergence of d-wave superconductivity.

Intraoperative Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential Growth and Maximum Amplitudes in Hearing Preservation Cochlear Implant Recipients

Abstract: Electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs) obtained from cochlear implant (CI) recipients reflect responsiveness of the auditory nerve to electrical stimulation. The recent use of atraumatic electrode arrays and expansion of CI candidacy to listeners with greater residual hearing may lead to increased clinical utility of intraoperative eCAP recordings.To examine the effect of electrode array (slim modiolar versus slim straight) on suprathreshold intraoperative eCAP recordings in hearing preservation CI recipients. A secondary goal was to examine potential clinical applications of intraoperative eCAPs for predicting immediate hearing preservation and speech perception outcomes.Retrospective study of 113 adult hearing preservation CI candidates implanted from 2015 to 2019 with either a slim modiolar or slim straight electrode array. Intraoperative eCAP growth functions and maximum amplitudes were obtained at several intracochlear electrodes and examined as a function of implanted array and hearing preservation status, while controlling for electrode impedance.From basal to apical electrodes, progressively larger eCAP amplitudes and steeper slopes were recorded. Steeper eCAP slopes at apical electrodes were also seen for recipients of the slim modiolar array (versus slim straight). Suprathreshold eCAP responses did not differ as a function of hearing preservation and were not associated with speech recognition.More robust eCAP responses were obtained from apical electrodes, which is consistent with better low-frequency thresholds in hearing preservation recipients. This effect was compounded by type of electrode array. Results also suggest that intraoperative, suprathreshold eCAPs cannot be used to predict the success of hearing preservation surgery or performance with the CI.

Michele Rotunda. <i>A Drunkard’s Defense: Alcohol, Murder, and Medical Jurisprudence in Nineteenth-Century America</i>.

Abstract: Michele Rotunda’s A Drunkard’s Defense explores alcohol-related defenses in nineteenth century homicide trials in the United States. Since the success of such defenses relied on “a blend of legal, medical, and popular perceptions” of the effects of intoxication, Rotunda focuses on medical and legal treatises, journal articles, and judicial decisions, and contextualizes them in reformist and popular culture (91). A Drunkard’s Defense traces the emergence and uneven success of the defense that alcohol use lessened an individual’s responsibility for lethal violence. Until the 1820s, the claim of drunkenness was almost never considered a factor mitigating crime since becoming drunk was considered a voluntary act. The early nineteenth century saw the movement toward recognition that the habitual use of alcohol might be involuntary and that alcohol’s effects were more complex and less predictable than had earlier been thought. The first significant cases in which alcohol-related defenses succeeded, in the 1820s, were actually claims that the perpetrator was in the throes of delirium tremens: a temporary derangement while sober that had been induced by previous heavy drinking. Unlike intoxication, the drinker had not sought and anticipated delirium tremens. While many juries were unconvinced by the increasing consensus among medical authorities that delirium tremens was a legitimate and exculpatory form of insanity, by the 1830s that defense had gained some traction.

‘To study is not to create something but to create oneself’: an ontological turn in translator education and training

Abstract: In academic environments ruled by managerialist philosophies, learning as doing, as outcomes, prevails. This work complicates the equation by taking up learning as becoming. Through the prism of learning metaphors, which apart from construction and transmission have not been fully explored in our discipline, especially the potential of Bildung, we seek to make a case that naming an ontological turn helps us orient our priorities, even if the turn is already with us in translation and interpreting in such attributes and practices as affect, voice, creativity, identity, subjectivity, and self-reflection.

The art and science of reading fluency and fluency instruction

Abstract: Although often neglected and misunderstood, reading fluency has been identified as a critical competency for proficient reading. In this essay we define fluency, present its uneven history, identify and describe effective methods of instruction and assessment, and explore future questions that scholarly inquiry might address as well as future opportunities for fluency to improve literacy outcomes. A fuller understanding of reading fluency and its importance has the potential for making significant improvements in literacy outcomes for students learning to read English and other world languages.

Founders’ Forum Classroom Simulation

Abstract: Classroom simulations are a great way for students to engage subject matter and become more motivated to learn. For this constitution-building simulation, the class will be divided into two equal-membered factions. Each side will be able to discuss their positions on issues as a group pertaining to the government and governance of this new nation within their own group. Once both groups finish building their respective constitutional ideas, they will discuss their concepts with the other group and have meaningful class discussion to find a way to ratify a single constitution. By participating in this simulation, students will be able to: understand and explain the importance of establishing a constitution and government, analyze conflicting perspectives to determine how to make decisions and compromises on issues, communicate effectively in a group setting, develop critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, and practice mindfulness abilities in working with others in finding a common solution.

:<i>Understanding Chipped Stone Tools</i>

Abstract: Previous articleNext article No AccessBook ReviewsUnderstanding Chipped Stone Tools. Brian Hayden. Clinton Corners, NY: Eliot Werner Publications, 2022, 150 pp. $32.95, paper. ISBN 978-1-7342818-6-6.Metin I. ErenMetin I. ErenKent State University Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmailPrint SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Journal of Anthropological Research Volume 79, Number 2Summer 2023 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/724475 Views: 4Total views on this site For permission to reuse, please contact [email protected]PDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

Abstract 6034: Detection of potassium channel (KCN) gene expression, often multiple and pH sensitive, in cancer genomic landscapes, as low to mid level genes of interest, suggests potassium transmembrane flow may enable proton efflux in a Goldilocks manner

Abstract: Abstract A reversed pH gradient across cell membranes underlies multiple malignant features, including invasiveness. Extracellular low pH activates metalloproteases and intracellular high pH activates ATP citrate lyase, inactivates caspases, etc. Hydrogen ions attracted to inner membrane fixed anions are putatively displaced by potassium ion flow through membrane channels. Altered expression of potassium channel (KCN) genes sensitive to pH in invasive brain tumors (Beckner, Proc AACR, A3039, 2022) and 2 mutated KCN genes (1 pH sensitive) in U87 glioblastoma cells (Clark MJ et al, PLOS Genet 2010, e1000832) led to this investigation. Published studies with altered expression or mutations in KCN genes qualifying them as genes of interest (GOI) were compared. Both study types included breast, lung, gastrointestinal, brain, bone marrow, liver, melanocytic malignancies, and 8 others were in either. At least 1 figure (heatmap, Venn diagram, phylogenetic tree, etc.) or table (not Supplemental) had 1 or more KCN genes in a group of GOI. Average numbers of GOI with 95% CI for 23 expression and 14 mutation studies were 38.5 ± 0.4 and 28.4 ± 0.4. No KCN GOI was further examined in the studies. Expression was according to tumor types, inhibitors, siRNAs, regulators of pathways, transcription factors, location, etc. Mutations were single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, deletions, fusions, etc. Tissue from surgery, organoids, xenografts, cell lines, stem cells, etc. were analyzed. Of 27 KCN GOI in expression studies, 2/3 were detected with other KCN GOI. For 12 mutated KCN genes there were no other KCN genes mutated in the same study. In expression studies, 8 (34.8%) had multiple KCN GOI, differing from mutation studies, p=0.015, Fishers Exact. In expression studies, 8 found pH sensitive KCN GOI including KCNK1 (2X), K3, K5, K6, K12, K15 (2X), and KCNJ16. In mutation studies, KCNK9 was the only one found. The most frequently mutated KCN subfamily was KCNJ, KCNJ5 (2X) and KCNJ12 (2X). All expression studies included at least 1 repeat GOI (KCN or other). APOE, RET, and RTN1 were each GOI 3 times. Additionally, 40 expressed GOI (including 6 KCN GOI) were found 2X. A small cell lung cancer study had 6 repeats (30%) in 20 GOI (ASCL1, BCL2, KCNA1, RET, SCN3A, and SOX2). KCN gene multiplicity, often pH sensitive members, among low to mid level GOI consistent with a Goldilocks' level of expression, and repeated association with cancer genes supports a pH related measured/regulated role for potassium channels in malignancy. Mainly inward (and some outward for recirculation) potassium transmembrane flows in tumor cells potentially compete with hydrogen ions attracted to inner membrane anions to promote proton efflux by displacement with subsequent reversed pH gradients that aid invasion, cell survival, etc. Citation Format: Marie E. Beckner. Detection of potassium channel (KCN) gene expression, often multiple and pH sensitive, in cancer genomic landscapes, as low to mid level genes of interest, suggests potassium transmembrane flow may enable proton efflux in a Goldilocks manner [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6034.

Children’s understanding of dying and death: A multinational grounded theory study

Abstract: The ways in which children understand dying and death remain poorly understood; most studies have been carried out with samples other than persons with an illness. The objective of this study was to understand the process by which children directly involved with life-limiting conditions understand dying and death.This qualitative study obtained interview data from N = 44 5-18-year-old children in the USA, Haiti, and Uganda who were pediatric palliative care patients or siblings of patients. Of these, 32 were children with a serious condition and 12 were siblings of a child with a serious condition. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, verified, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.Loss of normalcy and of relationships emerged as central themes described by both ill children and siblings. Resilience, altruism, and spirituality had a bidirectional relationship with loss, being strategies to manage both losses and anticipated death, but also being affected by losses. Resiliency and spirituality, but not altruism, had a bidirectional relationship with anticipating death. Themes were consistent across the 3 samples, although the beliefs and behaviors expressing them varied by country.This study partially fills an identified gap in research knowledge about ways in which children in 3 nations understand dying and death. While children often lack an adult vocabulary to express thoughts about dying and death, results show that they are thinking about these topics. A proactive approach to address issues is warranted, and the data identify themes of concern to children.

Thomas Sankara’s Ideology and Political Leadership

Abstract: The search for Africa’s development through effective political leadership and governance has continued to attract scholarly interests and policy debates on the importance of re-visiting the political ideology and development strategies of past leaders whose ideas for the total liberation of Africa might still be relevant in our contemporary era. Leaders such as Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso and Jerry John Rawlings of Ghana, among others, are some of the transformational leaders whose ideas and achievements have continued to be debated. While the background and leadership styles of these leaders were military and authoritarian in nature, it will be out of place to disregard the achievements of these military leaders in Africa’s development discourse. Thomas Sankara was one of those extraordinary political leaders whose ideology and leadership are still being debated in relation to how his ideas and strategies can be re-visited to help address the challenges of Africa’s development. To explore these issues, the chapter examines Sankara’s political ideology and leadership within the context of his impact as a military officer, nationalist, statesman, and a Pan-Africanist. The chapter argues that Sankara’s ideas and strategies of development are still relevant to the discourse on Africa's development agenda.

Stability of End-to-End Base Stacking Interactions in Highly Concentrated DNA Solutions

Abstract: Positionally ordered bilayer liquid crystalline nanostructures formed by gapped DNA (GDNA) constructs provide a practical window into DNA–DNA interactions at physiologically relevant DNA concentrations; concentrations several orders of magnitude greater than those in commonly used biophysical assays. The bilayer structure of these states of matter is stabilized by end-to-end base stacking interactions; moreover, such interactions also promote in-plane positional ordering of duplexes that are separated from each other by less than twice the duplex diameter. The end-to-end stacked as well as in-plane ordered duplexes exhibit distinct signatures when studied via small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). This enables analysis of the thermal stability of both the end-to-end and side-by-side interactions. We performed synchrotron SAXS experiments over a temperature range of 5–65 °C on GDNA constructs that differ only by the terminal base-pairs at the blunt duplex ends, resulting in identical side-by-side interactions, while end-to-end base stacking interactions are varied. Our key finding is that bilayers formed by constructs with GC termination transition into the monolayer state at temperatures as much as 30 °C higher than for those with AT termination, while mixed (AT/GC) terminations have intermediate stability. By modeling the bilayer melting in terms of a temperature-dependent reduction in the average fraction of end-to-end paired duplexes, we estimate the stacking free energies in DNA solutions of physiologically relevant concentrations. The free-energies thereby determined are generally smaller than those reported in single-molecule studies, which might reflect the elevated DNA concentrations in our studies.

Translation and Validation of the Brief Inventory of Technology Self-Efficacy (BITS): Simplified and Traditional Chinese Versions

Abstract: Computer self-efficacy (CSE) continues to be an important construct in research and application. Two measures of CSE, the Brief Inventory of Technology Self-Efficacy (BITS) and the Brief Inventory of Technology Self-Efficacy – Short Form (BITS-SF) were recently developed to correct for issues in other available measures. The BITS and BITS-SF were originally written in English, and their psychometric properties assessed in samples from the United States. The current two studies translated the BITS and BITS-SF into simplified Chinese (Mainland China) and traditional Chinese (Taiwan) and assessed their psychometric properties. In Study 1, 207 adults in Mainland China completed the simplified Chinese BITS and BITS-SF, as well as measures given to assess convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. In Study 2, 273 adults in Taiwan did the same, except that they completed the traditional Chinese BITS and BITS-SF. In both studies, the translated BITS showed evidence of a three-factor correlated structure, and the translated BITS-SF yielded several underlying classes consistent with theory and scoring interpretation. Additionally, the translated measures’ scores showed solid evidence of convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity. The results replicate the findings using the original BITS and BITS-SF and extend them to simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese translated versions. These versions are recommended for use in research and applied settings to assess CSE and are available for use. Both the original and translated measures are available for download at www.bitssurvey.com .

The Effect of Aging on Auditory Nerve Function: Insights from Intraoperative eCAP Recordings in Cochlear Implant Users

Abstract: Advanced age is associated with poorer speech perception outcomes in cochlear implant (CI) users. In an effort to improve our understanding of the basis for this decline, this study focused on the contributions from peripheral auditory processing, using the electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP).To investigate the effect of aging on intraoperative, suprathreshold eCAP responses (amplitude growth function [AGF] slopes, eCAP maximum amplitudes, and N1 latencies) across the electrode array, in a large cohort of recipients of newer generation devices, who met hearing preservation criteria.Participants of this retrospective study consisted of 113 middle-aged and older CI recipients. Intraoperative eCAP measures consisted of AGF slopes, maximum amplitudes, and N1 latencies at the maximum amplitude. eCAP recordings were obtained at several intracochlear electrodes, which were grouped by electrode location (basal, middle, and apical).There was a moderate to strong association between suprathreshold eCAP measures (eCAP AGF slopes and maximum amplitudes) and age, particularly for basal and middle electrodes. For apical electrodes, correlations between both suprathreshold eCAP measures and age were weak (and for eCAP maximum amplitudes, not statistically significant). N1 latencies at the maximum amplitudes were not associated with age at any electrode location.Results of this study add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that aging may negatively affect suprathreshold eCAP responses, especially in basal and middle cochlear regions. Although it is difficult to separate the effects of aging from those of duration of deafness, both would support recommending early implantation in the clinical setting.

Changes in Physician Recommendations for Early Physical Activity After Pediatric Concussion: A Retrospective Study

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to analyze changes in physical activity (PA) recommendations after pediatric concussions and examine the associations of patient and injury characteristics with physicians' PA recommendations. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Concussion clinics associated with a pediatric hospital. Patients: Patients aged 10 to 18 years with a concussion diagnosis, presenting to the concussion clinic within 14 days of the injury were included. A total of 4727 pediatric concussions and corresponding 4727 discharge instructions were analyzed. Independent Variables: The independent variables for our study were time, injury characteristics (eg, mechanism and symptom scores), and patient characteristics (eg, demographics and comorbidities). Main Outcome Measures: Physician PA recommendations. Results: From 2012 to 2019, the proportion of physicians recommending light activity at an initial visit increased from 11.1% to 52.6% (P < 0.05) within 1-week postinjury and from 16.9% to 64.0% during the second week postinjury (P < 0.05). A significantly increased odds of recommending “light activity” (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-2.40) and “noncontact PA” (OR = 2.21, 95% CI, 1.28-2.05), compared with “no activity” within 1-week postinjury, was observed in each consecutive year. In addition, higher symptom scores at the initial visit were associated with lower likelihood of recommending “light activity” or “noncontact PA.” Conclusions: Physician recommendation of early, symptom-limited PA after a pediatric concussion has increased since 2012, which mirrors a shift in acute concussion management. Further research assessing how these PA recommendations may facilitate pediatric concussion recovery is warranted.

Contemporary Findings on Individual Donations and Fundraising Strategies

Abstract: Abstract The combination of the Great Recession (2007–2009) and the availability of data on fundraising effectiveness led to a surge of research on individual charitable donation behavior. The goal of this chapter is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on individual donations published after the start of the Great Recession with a focus on identifying best practices for arts organizations. The results reveal five primary research streams: antecedents and drivers of individual donation behavior, social influences on individual donation behavior, crosswise dynamics among revenue sources, transparency and accountability, and optimizing fundraising appeals. Current findings in these five streams suggest that individual donation behavior is a complex, global phenomenon that goes far beyond an individual’s response to a specific fundraising request. Rather, it is influenced by the totality of potential donor interactions with the organization, as well as the influence of donors’ social networks and of the organization’s ecological environment. A contextual approach to understanding individual donation behavior is likely to yield rich understandings of both the decision to donate and the potential repercussions of an arts organization’s fundraising strategy decisions.

Unprecedented Times in Journalism: Emotional Stress and Covering the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: This study explored emotional distress and organizational support in the context of covering the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey of 222 local journalists in the US revealed covering the story was both stressful and emotionally difficult. Females and those who were younger and less experienced perceived higher levels of stress and felt the story was more emotionally difficult than their counterparts. Females also felt their supervisors were less emotionally supportive and less supportive of their attempts to balance home and work. Supervisor support of home/work balance was associated with less overall emotional stress from the story. The repetitive nature of the coverage, interacting with victims, and public backlash for their reporting were among the top stressors. Nearly 60% of participants indicated they received no stress management resources from their news organizations. Of those that did, most did not take advantage. Implications for organizational support and journalism and trauma research are discussed.

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Abstract: Q Christopher M. Roman, Christopher M. Roman Kent State University, USASearch for more papers by this author Christopher M. Roman, Christopher M. Roman Kent State University, USASearch for more papers by this author Book Author(s): First published: 19 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119086130.ch17 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Reference Kelly , H. A. 1988 . “ Lawyers' Latin: Loquenda ut Vulgus ? ” Journal of Legal Education 38 : 195 – 207 . Baynham , Elizabeth . 1998 . “ Appendix: The Problem of Curtius' Date and Identity .” In Alexander the Great: The Unique History of Quintus Curtius , 201 – 19 . Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press . Quintus Curtius . 1984 . The History of Alexander . Translated by John Yardley . London : Penguin . Q. Curtius Rufus . 2009 . Historiae . Edited by Carlo M. Lucarini . Berlin and New York : De Gruyter . Stone , Russell . 2017 . “ Chaucer's Alexander the Great and the Monk's Tale : Reconsidering the Fourteenth-Century Reception of a Pagan's Tragedy .” Medievalia et Humanistica n.s. 42 : 23 – 42 . Stoneman , Richard . 2016 . “ The Origins of Quintus Curtius' Concept of Fortuna .” Wiener Studien 38 : 301 – 22 . The Chaucer Encyclopedia ReferencesRelatedInformation