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BKCa (Slo) channel regulates the cardiac function of Drosophila
No full textBKCa (Slo) channel regulates the cardiac function of Drosophila
Castin Schluz, Sarah Seeley and Shubha Gururaja Rao
Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810
The large conductance, calcium, and voltage-active potassium channels (BKCa) were originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster as slowpoke (slo). They are extensively characterized as ion channels for their roles in neurological and muscular function, as well as aging using fly models. BKCa is known to modulate the cardiac rhythm and has been localized to mitochondria. Activation of mitochondrial BKCa causes cardioprotection from ischemia-reperfusion injury possibly via modulating mitochondrial function in adult animal models. However, the role of BKCa in cardiac function is not well-characterized partially due to their localization to the plasma membrane as well as intracellular membranes as well as a wide array of cells present in mammalian hearts. Here we demonstrate for the first time the direct role of BKCa in cardiac function and cardioprotection from IR injury using the Drosophila model system. We have also discovered that the BKCa channel plays a direct role in the functioning of aging hearts. BKCa mutants also show increased size of cardiac fibers. Our study for the first time establishes the presence of BKCa in the fly heart and ascertains its role in aging heart function
Analysis of methanesulfonate by LC-MS
No full textMethanesulfonic acid (MSA) is a key component of the marine sulfur cycle, and represents the last step in mineralization of methylated sulfur. However, MSA has not been measured directly in seawater owing to the high salinity. This project aimed to develop a method to remove background ions and quantify MSA by LC-MS. Chloride and sulfate were removed with Dowex (Ag and Ba forms). The method was then applied to samples from the Gulf of Maine and the Sargasso Sea. Limits of detection were approximately 5 nM with good reproducibility. These results represent the first measurement of MSA in seawater and provide a new avenue for understanding sulfur cycling in the oceans
Priority Encoder-Based Algorithm for High-Precision Integer Multiplication
No full textHigh-precision integer multiplication is critical for applications in physics, mathematics, digital signal processing, and most importantly, encryption. However, existing solutions must process every bit of the multiplier. This paper presents an improved method for shift-and-add multiplication leveraging a novel two-level structure for a priority encoder, decoder, and barrel shifter to optimize speed and hardware complexity, building upon our previous work in integer division. Each component splits a large input length into coarse and fine sections and processes each separately, significantly reducing complexity. The current algorithm takes sign and magnitude inputs, but could be integrated with a forthcoming work in high precision absolute value logic to allow streamlined processing of two\u27s complement values. Furthermore, the FPGA implementation of the proposed algorithm uses multiple clocks to allow both rapid input of high-precision data over a serial connection and optimal multiplication speed. The proposed algorithm processes only the high bits of the multiplier. On average, this doubles performance compared to the traditional shift-and-add algorithm. The proposed algorithm outperforms existing methods in the best case and performs equally well in the worst case
Factors Influencing the Delay of Medical Services due to the Covid-19 Pandemic
No full textThis project will research factors that affect a patient delaying any type of health care (medical care, dental care, or prescriptions) due to COVID-19. A number of independent variables will be considered, including demographic factors, existing health factors, and financial factors. Previous research indicates that age and geography were significant factors in delay of dental care. This project will use data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). MEPS is a nationally-representative set of large-scale surveys with an overlapping panel design. It surveys families and medical providers to collect data on health services that families receive, how often they receive them, their cost, how they are paid for, and health insurance information. Regression analysis in SAS statistical software will be used to reveal the factors that cause patients to delay health care due to COVID-19. Consistent with other national surveys, MEPS identified dental care was the most common health care to delay
Comprehensive Sex Education and the Impacts on STDs
No full textProblem Across the United States the lack of comprehensive sex education is leading to an increase in STI’s among 18-25 year old’s. One method to combat the rise in STI rates is comprehensive sex education which teaches effective, medically accurate, sex information. Literature has shown that those who receive comprehensive sex education are more knowledgeable about protection, abstinence, and safe sexual practices.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare STI rates among young adults who received abstinence-only sex education to those who received comprehensive sex education.
Methods This study will use a descriptive quantitative research design, comparing STI rates of states that require comprehensive sex education to states that do not.
Conclusion It is expected that states who require comprehensive sex education will have lower rates of STIs compared to those who do use abstinence-only sex education. When students are taught at a younger age they are able to make informed choices regarding sexual practices and how to best utilize the information taught in comprehensive sex education. This can lead to reduced population STI rates. Comprehensive sex education should be required in all states as a method to reduce population STI rates
