Increasing Engagement in Kitten Fostering Programs: Lessons Learned From High Kitten Intake Zip Codes in Los Angeles County

The goal of the current study was to identify ways to increase awareness and engagement in kitten fostering programs (KFPs) among residents of areas with a high intake of kittens to animal shelters in Southern California (i.e., Los Angeles County). Specifically, we aimed to understand residents': (1) awareness of KFPs and kitten overpopulation issues, (2) interest in fostering kittens with an animal welfare organization, (3) concerns about fostering, (4) perceived ability to meet common KFP requirements, and (5) perceptions of potential KFP marketing/messaging and communication methods. Participants included 283, predominantly Hispanic/Latinx adults aged 18 years or older who resided in Los Angeles County and who lived in one of 12 zip codes with a high rate of kitten shelter intake. Survey results indicated that more than one quarter of participants had engaged in fostering on their own without an animal shelter or rescue program. One-third of the total sample, and more than two-thirds of participants who had already fostered cats and kittens on their own, were open to fostering kittens in partnership with an animal shelter. A majority of individuals who were interested in fostering had not seen advertising for fostering programs; Spanish-language participants were significantly less likely than expected to have encountered program advertisements. The most prevalent concerns about fostering in our sample were centered on the time (79%), cost (78%), and space (77%) required to engage in fostering. Text, email, social media, and mail were among the most preferred methods for marketing and communication, with some variation between Spanish and English language respondents. Opportunities for increasing engagement included, but were not limited to, improving the promotion of program advertisements using animal-welfare and cost-focused messaging approaches and improving the dissemination and marketing of Spanish-language materials. Providing community members with realistic expectations of the time, resources, and support they will get from animal welfare organizations may improve engagement in KFPs, as well as identifying alternative resources and supports (e.g., transportation, in-home veterinary visits) to assist community members in serving animals in their community.

Tracking of fluorescent antibiotic conjugate in planta utilizing fluorescence lifetime imaging

Excited state lifetime-based separation of fluorophore-tagged antibiotic conjugate emission from the spectrally broad plant autofluorescence enables in planta tracking of the translocation of systemic cargo such as antibiotics via fluorescence lifetime imaging. The efficacy of antibiotic treatments in citrus crops is uncertain due to mixed results from in-field experiments and a lack of study on their systemic movement. As of yet there has been an inability to track treatments using traditional fluorescence microscopy due to treatments having little fluorescence characteristics, and signal convolution due to plant autofluorescence. In this study, we used streptomycin sulfate, a commercially available antibiotic, and conjugated it to a modified tris(bipyridine) ruthenium (II) chloride, a dye with an excited state lifetime magnitudes higher than other commonly used organic fluorescent probes. The resultant is a fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) trackable antibiotic conjugate, covalently attached via an amide linkage that is uniquely distinguishable from plant autofluorescence. Characterization of the fluorescent antibiotic conjugate showed no mitigation of excited state lifetime, and a distinct IR peak not found in any synthetic components. Subsequent tracking using FLIM in citrus tissue was achieved, with identification of movement through citrus plant vasculature via tissue localization in xylem and phloem. Results indicated upwards systemic movement of the conjugate in both xylem and phloem after 48 h of incubation. However, the conjugate failed to move down towards the root system of the plant by 168 h. Mechanistically, it is likely that xylem contributes heavily in the translocation of the conjugate upwards; however, phloem led flow due to growth changes could act as a contributor. This proof-of-concept sets groundwork for subsequent studies regarding antibiotic localization and movement in citrus.

Determining Rate Constants and Mechanisms for Sequential Reactions of Fe+ with Ozone at 500 K

We present rate constants and product branching ratios for the reactions of FeO_x⁺ (x = 0-4) with ozone at 500 K. Fe⁺ is observed to react with ozone at the collision rate to produce FeO⁺ + O₂. The FeO⁺ in turn reacts with ozone at the collision rate to yield both Fe⁺ and FeO₂⁺ product channels. Ions up to FeO₄⁺ display similar reactivity patterns. Three-body clustering reactions with O₂ prevent us from measuring accurate rate constants at 300 K although the data do suggest that the efficiency is also high. Therefore, it is probable that little to no temperature dependence exists over this range. Implications of our measurements to the regulation of atmospheric iron and ozone are discussed. Density functional calculations on the reaction of Fe⁺ with ozone show no substantial kinetic barriers to make the FeO⁺ + O₂ product channel, which is consistent with the reaction's efficiency. While a pathway to make FeO₂⁺ + O is also found to be barrierless, our experiments indicate no primary FeO₂⁺ formation for this reaction.

HATL5: a cell surface serine protease differentially expressed in epithelial cancers

Over the last two decades, cell surface proteases belonging to the type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family have emerged as important enzymes in the mammalian degradome, playing critical roles in epithelial biology, regulation of metabolic homeostasis, and cancer. Human airway trypsin-like protease 5 (HATL5) is one of the few family members that remains uncharacterized. Here we demonstrate that HATL5 is a catalytically active serine protease that is inhibited by the two Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors, hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor (HAI)-1 and 2, as well as by serpinA1. Full-length HATL5 is localized on the cell surface of cultured mammalian cells as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. HATL5 displays a relatively restricted tissue expression profile, with both transcript and protein present in the cervix, esophagus, and oral cavity. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an expression pattern where HATL5 is localized on the cell surface of differentiated epithelial cells in the stratified squamous epithelia of all three of these tissues. Interestingly, HATL5 is significantly decreased in cervical, esophageal, and head and neck carcinomas as compared to normal tissue. Analysis of cervical and esophageal cancer tissue arrays demonstrated that the squamous epithelial cells lose their expression of HATL5 protein upon malignant transformation.

Do Analysts Follow Managers Who Switch Companies? An Analysis of Relationships in the Capital Markets

We examine the importance of professional relationships developed between analysts and managers by investigating analyst coverage decisions in the context of CEO and CFO moves between publicly listed firms. We find that top executive moves from an origin firm to a destination firm trigger analysts following the origin firm to initiate coverage of the destination firm in 10 percent of our sample, which is significantly higher than in a matched sample. Analyst-manager “co-migration” is significantly stronger when both firms are within the same industry. Analysts who move with managers to the destination firm exhibit more intense and accurate coverage of the origin firm than they do in other firms and compared to other analysts covering the origin firm. The advantage no longer holds after the executive's departure, and most of the analysts' advantage does not carry over to the destination firm. However, the analysts do increase the overall market capitalization of firms in their coverage portfolio. Our results hold after Regulation Fair Disclosure, suggesting that these relationships are not based on selective disclosure. Overall, the evidence shows both the importance and limitations of professional relationships in capital markets.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from sources identified in the article.

The Role of Dissemination in Market Liquidity: Evidence from Firms' Use of Twitter™

Firm disclosures often reach only a portion of investors, which results in information asymmetry among investors and, therefore, lower market liquidity. This issue is particularly salient for firms that are not highly visible, as they tend not to receive broad news dissemination via traditional intermediaries, such as the press. This paper examines whether firms can reduce information asymmetry by more broadly disseminating their news. To isolate the impact of dissemination, we focus our analysis on firms' use of Twitter and exploit the 140-character message restriction. Specifically, using a sample of technology firms, we examine the impact of using Twitter to send market participants links to press releases that are provided via traditional disclosure methods. We find this additional dissemination of firm-initiated news via Twitter is associated with lower abnormal bid-ask spreads and greater abnormal depths, consistent with a reduction in information asymmetry. Moreover, this result holds mainly for firms that are not highly visible, consistent with them being in greater need of this additional dissemination channel. We also examine the impact of dissemination on a volume-based measure of liquidity, and find that dissemination is positively associated with liquidity.

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from the sources indicated in the paper.

Comparison of cardiorespiratory responses of moderately trained men and women using two different treadmill protocols

In practice, the Bruce protocol is the most commonly used treadmill protocol to assess maximal oxygen consumption (V(.-)O2max). It has been suggested that a running protocol (e.g., Astrand) may elicit a comparatively higher V(.-)O2max and different cardiorespiratory responses when applied to moderately trained runners. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare V(.-)O2max and other cardiorespiratory responses as elicited by the standard Bruce and a modified Astrand treadmill protocol in moderately trained runners. Fifteen women (age = 21 years, height = 171.5 cm, weight = 63 kg, and body fat = 18%) and 15 men (age = 26 years, height = 177 cm, weight = 72 kg, and body fat = 9%) who were moderately trained runners completed a standard Bruce and modified Astrand protocol (random order), separated by approximately 7 days. Heart rate, Borg ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressure, and pulmonary gas exchange variables were measured during the exercise tests using standard laboratory procedures. This study revealed V(.-)O2max values between the Bruce protocol (51.3 +/- 11.6 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and modified Astrand (51.5 +/- 10.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) were not significantly different in either the men or the women. However, the Bruce protocol elicited significantly higher maximum treadmill time in men and maximum respiratory exchange ratio (RERmax) and maximum minute ventilation (VEmax) values in both genders. Conversely, the modified Astrand elicited a higher HRmax. These data suggest that V(.-)O2max in both moderately trained men and women runners is independent of treadmill protocol despite differences in HRmax, RERmax, and VEmax.

Life span extension and neuronal cell protection by Drosophila nicotinamidase

The life span of model organisms can be modulated by environmental conditions that influence cellular metabolism, oxidation, or DNA integrity. The yeast nicotinamidase gene pnc1 was identified as a key transcriptional target and mediator of calorie restriction and stress-induced life span extension. PNC1 is thought to exert its effect on yeast life span by modulating cellular nicotinamide and NAD levels, resulting in increased activity of Sir2 family class III histone deacetylases. In Caenorhabditis elegans, knockdown of a pnc1 homolog was shown recently to shorten the worm life span, whereas its overexpression increased survival under conditions of oxidative stress. The function and regulation of nicotinamidases in higher organisms has not been determined. Here, we report the identification and biochemical characterization of the Drosophila nicotinamidase, D-NAAM, and demonstrate that its overexpression significantly increases median and maximal fly life span. The life span extension was reversed in Sir2 mutant flies, suggesting Sir2 dependence. Testing for physiological effectors of D-NAAM in Drosophila S2 cells, we identified oxidative stress as a primary regulator, both at the transcription level and protein activity. In contrast to the yeast model, stress factors such as high osmolarity and heat shock, calorie restriction, or inhibitors of TOR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways do not appear to regulate D-NAAM in S2 cells. Interestingly, the expression of D-NAAM in human neuronal cells conferred protection from oxidative stress-induced cell death in a sirtuin-dependent manner. Together, our findings establish a life span extending the ability of nicotinamidase in flies and offer a role for nicotinamide-modulating genes in oxidative stress regulated pathways influencing longevity and neuronal cell survival.

Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of organohalides on the dehalogenating activities of PCB-dechlorinating bacterium o-17

Bacterium o-17, a microorganism capable of the ortho dechlorination of 2,3,5,6-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), is a member of a sediment-free, nonmethanogenic mixed culture. The culture was examined for the ability to dechlorinate 26 PCB congeners, 12 chlorobenzenes (CBZs), and 6 chlorinated ethenes (CEs). Eight of the PCBs and 4 of the CBZs were dechlorinated including single-flanked ortho PCB chlorines, but double-flanked chlorines of PCBs and CBZs were preferentially dechlorinated. The dechlorination of three of the PCBs (2,3,4,5,6-, 2,3,4,6-, and 2,3,5,6-PCB), three of the CBZs (hexa-, penta-, and 1,2,3-CBZ), and PCE could be sustained for three or more sequential transfers of the bacterial community. Two PCBs (2,3,4- and 2,3,5-PCB), two CBZs (1,2,3,5- and 1,2,4,5-CBZ), and trichloroethene were dechlorinated only when a more extensively chlorinated parent compound was present. Aroclor 1260 and 2,4,6-PCB, not dechlorinated by the culture, inhibited the dechlorination of 2,3,5,6-PCB. Within the culture only bacterium o-17 was linked to dechlorination by PCR-DGGE analysis, confirming that this dehalogenating species was the catalyst for the dechlorination of the compounds tested. The microorganism is capable of dechlorinating several different congeners of PCBs, CBZs, and CEs, and it remains a rare example of an ortho-PCB dechlorinator. However, its limited ability to dechlorinate more extensively chlorinated congeners and Aroclor plus the inhibitory effects of some PCB congeners upon the bacterium is consistent with the observed infrequency of this reaction in the environment. An assessment of bioremediation potential of this microorganism in situ will require a greater understanding of the synergistic, cometabolic and competitive interactions of PCB dechlorinating microbial communities.

Reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene to trans-dichloroethene and cis-dichloroethene by PCB-dechlorinating bacterium DF-1

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated ethenes (CEs) are known to pollute sediment, soil, and groundwater. The anaerobic dechlorination of these compounds is an integral part of their biodegradation in polluted environments. We report for the first time the dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) by bacterium DF-1. This PCB and chlorobenzene dechlorinating bacterium dechlorinated PCE to TCE, which was then converted into trans-1,2-dichloroethene (trans-DCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE). The ratio of trans-DCE to cis-DCE produced by the culture had a range of 1.2-1.7. Bacterium DF-1 has been enriched in co-culture with a desulfovibrio-like microorganism. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis of the 16S rRNA genes of the co-culture demonstrated that DF-1 was enriched during the dechlorination of PCE, PCB, and chlorobenzene. DF-1 was not detected in the absence of PCE dechlorination and the desulfovibrio-like organism, isolated in pure culture, did not dechlorinate PCE. This is the first identification of a microorganism capable of producing high amounts of trans-DCE from PCE and indicates that microorganisms such as DF-1 are a possible biological source of trans-DCE in the environment.

Hemodynamic benefit of positive end-expiratory pressure during acute descending aortic occlusion

BACKGROUND

Acute aortic occlusion in vascular surgery patients abruptly increases arterial resistance and blood pressure, which, in turn, makes subsequent volume expansion during cross-clamp application difficult. The use of vasodilatory drugs or volatile anesthetic agents to attenuate this response may have persistent detrimental effects after clamp removal. Another potential therapy that produces rapid effects on myocardial loading conditions is positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). In a porcine model of acute aortic clamping, the hemodynamic consequences of 15 cm H(2)O PEEP with and without plasma volume expansion were studied.(2)

METHODS

Forty anesthetized pigs underwent 30-min occlusion of the abdominal aorta 1 cm above the origin of the celiac artery. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n = 10 each) to receive 15 cm H(2)O PEEP or zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) with or without plasma volume expansion using 6% hetastarch (10 ml/kg) during cross-clamp application. Mean aortic pressure was measured with a transducer-tipped catheter placed in the ascending aorta; stroke volume was calculated using thermodilution cardiac output. End-expiratory pressure was discontinued upon aortic declamping, and animals were studied over the ensuing 30-min period.

RESULTS

Aortic occlusion doubled systemic vascular resistance in all groups. Mean aortic blood pressure increased significantly in both ZEEP groups at 1 and 5 min but not in animals treated with 15 cm H(2)O PEEP. The application of PEEP with aortic cross-clamping reduced cardiac output and stroke volume by nearly 50%. Cardiac output and stroke volume increased after volume expansion regardless of end-expiratory pressure. After aortic declamping, aortic blood pressure decreased in all groups but was significantly greater in the PEEP + volume group than in either ZEEP group. Similarly, 5 min after declamping, stroke volume was greatest in the PEEP + volume animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Fifteen cm H(2)O PEEP reduces the hypertensive response to acute aortic occlusion and allows concomitant volume expansion. Consequently, stroke volume and blood pressure are better maintained after clamp removal in PEEP + volume animals. The use of PEEP during acute aortic occlusion in patients may allow rapid control of loading conditions to attenuate systemic hypertension while permitting simultaneous volume expansion.

The effect of teaching approaches on achievement and satisfaction of field-dependent and field-independent learners in animal science

A senior-level university swine management class of 42 students consisted of three laboratory sections (containing 22, 12, and 8 students). A counterbalanced design was used to evaluate three teaching approaches (field-dependent, field-independent, and combination); each weekly laboratory section received each teaching approach for 3 wk. All students were evaluated and categorized as field-dependent or field-independent learners before the study. All students were evaluated for achievement and satisfaction at the end of each laboratory period. Teaching approach x learning style x laboratory section was not significant for achievement or satisfaction. Teaching approach x laboratory section was significant for achievement (P = .01) and satisfaction (P = .01). Teaching approach x learning style was not significant for achievement (P = . 15) or satisfaction (P = .15). Field-independent learners scored 6% higher on achievement tests when taught with a field-dependent approach rather than a field-independent approach. Field-dependent learners scored 21.9% higher when taught with a combination approach rather than a field-dependent approach and 13.8% higher than when taught with a field-independent approach. Overall student satisfaction was positive (3.50 on a 5-point scale). Field-independent learners were most satisfied with a combination approach; however, field-dependent learners preferred a field-dependent approach. Teaching approach was significant (P = .03) for achievement with the combination approach and resulted in higher scores (8.7 to 9.7%). Teaching approach was not significant for satisfaction (P = .61). Overall, a combination of teaching methods, tailored to both field-dependent and field-independent students, was most effective. Matching instruction to student learning style is not necessary. The study represents an example of using animal science students and faculty in research to improve animal science instruction and heighten awareness of teaching methods.

Post-processing of BLAST results using databases of clustered sequences

MOTIVATION

When evaluating the results of a sequence similarity search, there are many situations where it can be useful to determine whether sequences appearing in the results share some distinguishing characteristic. Such dependencies between database entries are often not readily identifiable, but can yield important new insights into the biological function of a gene or protein.

RESULTS

We have developed a program called CBLAST that sorts the results of a BLAST sequence similarity search according to sequence membership in user-defined 'clusters' of sequences. To demonstrate the utility of this application, we have constructed two cluster databases. The first describes clusters of nucleotide sequences representing the same gene, as documented in the UNIGENE database, and the second describes clusters of protein sequences which are members of the protein families documented in the PROSITE database. Cluster databases and the CBLAST post-processor provide an efficient mechanism for identifying and exploring relationships and dependencies between new sequences and database entries.

Helminth parasites of northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) from Oregon

Helminth parasites are reported for the first time from northern spotted owls. Seventy-one percent of a sample of Strix occidentalis caurina from western Oregon was infected. Nematodes (Porrocaecum depressum, Capillaria falconis, Microtetrameres sp. and Synhimantus hamatus) were the most prevalent parasites although cestodes (Paruterina rauschi) and acanthocephalans (Centrorhynchus conspectus) were also represented. There was an association between components of this helminth fauna and the diet of spotted owls which is dominated by small rodents. The occurrence of P. rauschi rather than P. candelabraria in this geographic region and host-species may provide additional support for recognition of a parapatric distribution in the ranges of Paruterina spp. among strigiforms in the Nearctic.

Histologic identification of mast cells in human dental pulp

Previous investigators who attempted to identify mast cells in the dental pulp have used demineralizing or tooth-splitting procedures to obtain their tissue samples. However, Eda and Langeland15 found that the fluorescence of mast cells is destroyed by acid demineralizing agents. On the other hand, tooth splitting may damage the pulp by crushing it with forceps, or cutting and heating it with burs, stones, or discs. In the present study, we used the extirpated pulps from teeth in which endodontic access openings were made by means of high-speed rotary instruments with water spray. Metachromatic staining methods failed to demonstrate mast cells in any of the non-inflamed pulp specimens. Two of the inflamed pulp specimens revealed numerous mast cells which appeared intact and well preserved with no evidence of degranulation. As to the distribution of the mast cells, there was no correlation with the number and types of other inflammatory cells observed. Although several cells present in the specimens examined were suggestive of mast cells, only those cells that revealed definitive metachromasia were included in this study.

Periapical actinomycosis. An unusual case report

An unusual case of actinomycosis in the oral cavity is reported. The strict anaerobic qualities of Actinomyces israelii make laboratory culturing and growing of this organism difficult. Accordingly, the diagnosis was based on the histopathologic report. Because of the atypical clinical presentation, i.e., lack of any discharging sinus tract on the skin surface, and the histopathologic reports, it was postulated that the actinomycosis was superimposed on an existing granulomatous tissue.

A progressive approach to the problem of foodborne infections

Qualitative and quantitative bacteriological examinations of 100 samples of perishable foods from 39 retail stores were performed to determine the presence of bacterial contaminants and to explore the feasibility of establishing and utilizing microbiological standards in enforcement. Forty-six per cent of the samples had standard plate counts in excess of 100,000 per gram, 17 per cent showed coliform organisms in excess of 100 per gram, 20 per cent revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and 2 per cent Clostridium perfringens. None of the shell fish samples grew Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The bacteriological findings are discussed in relation to pertinent variables and the use of microbiological standards for potentially hazardous foods is explored. All 450 retail food establishments in a selected area of Western Suffolk County (New York) were subjected to comprehensive study, using a scoring system developed by the Food and Drug Administration. Initial inspections revealed 32 per cent as having one or more major violations. Follow-up inspections were performed to insure compliance and most violations were corrected within four weeks. Six months later all establishments were reinspected. The scoring system was found to have limited value. Half the establishments with major violations on initial inspection had major violations six months later as compared to less than a quarter of those with no initial major violation.

[Some problems in the use of holography in medical-biological studies]

Various fields of the holographic methods application in medico-biological investigations are discussed. Special consideration is given to the methods of holographic interferometry, holographic microscopy, ultrasonic holography and to the technique of optic filtration of images. The paper sets forth brief characteristics of diverse holographic methods, technical possibilities of each one of them and a review of some practical work done in this field.