Improved in vitro wound healing in response to a superoxidised solution.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed wound healing in response to a superoxidised solution using an in vitro wound healing model. METHOD: Prewounded reconstructed full-thickness human skin models were treated with 10µl of either superoxidised solution (Hydrocyn aqua, Bactiguard South East Asia Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia) or Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and incubated at 37°C for up to seven days, with additional treatments added every 48 hours. On days 0, 1, 2, 5 and 7, triplicate samples were taken for specific immunostaining against cytokeratin 14 and vimentin. At each timepoint, horizontal and vertical wound diameters were measured to demonstrate wound closure. Maintenance media was taken at the same timepoints for the measurement of secreted proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-ɑ. RESULTS: At day 1, the superoxidised solution induced significantly lower diameter measurements compared with baseline data at day 0. Both treatment groups demonstrated significantly lower diameter measurements by day 2 when compared with the baseline; however, the average wound size of samples treated with the superoxidised solution was significantly lower when compared to the DPBS-treated group (p<0.05). No significant difference in expression of any proinflammatory was identified at any timepoint. CONCLUSION: Application of the superoxidised solution resulted in significantly improved wound closure over the first 48 hours in comparison to DPBS-treatment. Furthermore, application of the superoxidised solution did not induce significant proinflammatory effects, despite the significantly reduced wound diameter.

Intra-operative ultrasound assessment of the biliary tree during robotic cholecystectomy.

Image-guided assessment of bile ducts and associated anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be achieved with intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) or laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). Rates of robotically assisted cholecystectomy (RC) are increasing and herein we describe the technique of intra-corporeal biliary ultrasound during RC using the Da Vinci system. For intraoperative evaluation of the biliary tree during RC, in cases of suspected choledocholithiasis, the L51K Ultrasound Probe (Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan) is used. The extrahepatic biliary tree is scanned along its length, capitalising on the benefits of the full range of motion offered by the articulated robotic instruments and integrated ultrasonic image display using TileProTM software. Additionally, this technique avoids the additional time and efforts required to undock and re-dock the robot that would otherwise be required for selective IOC or LUS. The average time taken to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the biliary tree, from the hepatic ducts to the ampulla of Vater, is 164.1 s. This assessment is supplemented by Doppler ultrasound, which is used to fully delineate anatomy of the porta hepatis, and accurate measurements of the biliary tree and any ductal stones can be taken, allowing for contemporaneous decision making and management of ductal pathologies. Biliary tract ultrasound has been shown to be equal to IOC in its ability to diagnose choledocholithiasis, but with the additional benefits of being quicker and having higher completion rates. We have described our practice of using biliary ultrasound during robotically assisted cholecystectomy, which is ergonomically superior to LUS, accurate and reproducible.

Evaluation of protection and immunity induced by infectious bronchitis vaccines administered by oculonasal, spray or gel routes in commercial broiler chicks.

Broiler chicks' responses following combined IBV live attenuated Massachusetts and 793B strains through gel, spray or oculonasal (ON) vaccination routes were cross-compared. Subsequently, the responses following IBV M41 challenge of the unvaccinated and vaccinated groups were also assessed. Post-vaccination humoral and mucosal immune responses, alongside viral load kinetics in swabs and tissues, were determined using commercial ELISA assays, monoclonal antibody-based IgG and IgA ELISA assays and qRT-PCR respectively. After challenged with IBV-M41 strain, humoral and mucosal immune responses, ciliary protection, viral load kinetics, and immune gene mRNA transcriptions between the three vaccination methods were examined and compared. Findings showed that post-vaccinal humoral and mucosal immune responses were similar in all three vaccination methods. Post vaccinal viral load kinetics is influenced by method of administration. The viral load peaked in the ON group within the tissues and the OP/CL swabs in the first and third weeks respectively. Following M41 challenge, ciliary protection and mucosal immune responses were not influenced by vaccination methods as all three methods offered equal ciliary protection. Immune gene mRNA transcriptions varied by vaccination methods. Significant up-regulation of MDA5, TLR3, IL-6, IFN-α and IFN-ß genes were recorded for ON method. For both spray and gel methods, significant up-regulation of only MDA5 and IL-6 genes were noted. The spray and gel-based vaccination methods gave equivalent levels of ciliary protection and mucosal immunity to M41 virulent challenge comparable to those provided by the ON vaccination. Analysis of viral load and patterns of immune gene transcription of the vaccinated-challenged groups revealed high similarity between turbinate and choanal cleft tissues compared to HG and trachea. With regards to immune gene mRNA transcription, for all the vaccinated-challenged groups, similar results were found except for IFN-α, IFN-ß and TLR3, which were up-regulated only in ON compared to gel and spray vaccination methods.

The Effects of Nature-Based Travel in Virtual Reality: The Role of Spatial Presence and Narrative Engagement.

The benefits of nature tourism, or nature-based travel, are plentiful. For example, participation in nature tours has positively impacted environmental attitudes and behaviors. Unfortunately, while psychologically beneficial, nature-based tourism can hurt the environment through a myriad of factors. Therefore, we must continue to explore ways to make the benefits of nature-based travel more sustainable and impactful. Research suggests that nature-based travel in virtual reality (VR) may impart numerous travel benefits, such as improving conservational behavior and interconnectedness with nature. While these early findings are promising, questions remain regarding the theoretical mechanisms underlying the effects of nature-based VR travel. Therefore, this study explores how VR may provide an avenue to make nature tourism more environmentally friendly while simultaneously making people more environmentally connected and conscious. Furthermore, a theoretical framework is posited that combines concepts from the spatial presence and narrative persuasion literature to help explain the effects. To accomplish these goals, an experiment was conducted using a two-condition (VR travel vs. TV control) between-subjects factorial design with random assignment. The participants were 66 college students from a large Midwestern University in the United States. Results indicated that there wasn't a statistically significant difference between the VR travel condition and the television (TV) control condition regarding the environmental outcome variables. However, while the nature-based VR travel experience did not appear to influence the environmental outcome variables directly, it did indirectly affect them through the mediating roles of spatial presence and narrative engagement.

Role extension in advanced ultrasound practice: A framework approach and case study.

Introduction: Role extension into novel areas of ultrasound practice can be challenging for health care professionals. Expansion into existing areas of advanced practice typically occurs using established processes and accredited training; however, in areas where there is no formal training, there can be a lack of support for how to develop new and progressive clinical roles. Topic Description: This article presents how the use of a framework approach for establishing areas of advanced practice can support individuals and departments with safely and successfully developing new roles in ultrasound. The authors illustrate this via the example of a gastrointestinal ultrasound role, developed in an NHS department. Discussion: The framework approach comprises three elements, each interdependent upon and inform each other: (A) Scope of practice, (B) Education and competency and (C) Governance. (A) Defines (and communicates) the role extension and area(s) of subsequent ultrasound imaging, interpretation and reporting. By identifying the why, how and what is required this informs (B) the education and assessment of competency for those taking on new roles or areas of expertise. (C) Is informed by (A) and is an ongoing process of quality assurance to safeguard high standards in clinical care. In supporting role extension, this approach can facilitate new workforce configurations, skill expansion and enable increasing service demands to be met. Summary: By defining and aligning the components of scope of practice, education/competency and governance, role development in ultrasound can be initiated and sustained. Role extension utilising this approach brings benefits for patients, clinicians and departments.

Post mortem computed tomography is highly sensitive for pyelonephritis. A radiologic-pathologic correlation series.

Pyelonephritis is a potentially lethal disease occasionally encountered in the forensic setting. Post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is an important investigative tool for the forensic pathologist. In particular, it may be used to document and screen disease prior to traditional autopsy methods. While the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography for pyelonephritis is well studied in the antemortem clinical setting, the test characteristics of PMCT are not yet described in the forensic pathology literature. A series of all cases of fatal pyelonephritis identified at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, over the course of 1 year was studied. Radiologic, clinical and pathologic findings were reviewed. A fulsome autopsy, including histopathologic examination, was considered the gold standard for sensitivity and specificity calculations. A control group consisting of 16 cases without pyelonephritis (ex: opiate toxicity) in which both PMCT and histologic data were available by way of comparison. Sixteen cases of pyelonephritis were identified. Post mortem computed tomographical signs of pyelonephritis included asymmetric renal enlargement, perinephric fat stranding, and ectopic renal air. The most (57%) individually sensitive of these findings was perinephric fat stranding but sensitivity increased to 100% if any of the three signs were present. The control group analysis revealed the specificity of air asymmetry (81%), asymmetric renal enlargement (81%), and fat stranding (69%). PMCT findings may rule in a diagnosis of pyelonephritis, and should prompt the pathologist to grossly and microscopically examine the kidneys.

Changing patterns of multidisciplinary team treatment, early mortality, and survival in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study reports early mortality and survival from colorectal cancer in relation to the pattern of treatments delivered by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting at a high-volume institution in England over 14 years. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and discussed during MDT meetings from 2003 to 2016 at a single institution were reviewed. Three time intervals (2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2016) were compared regarding initial surgical management (resection, local excision, non-resection surgery, and no surgery), initial oncological therapy, 90-day mortality, and crude 2-year survival for the whole cohort. Sub-analyses were performed according to age greater or less than 80 years. RESULTS: The MDT managed 4617 patients over 14 years (1496 in the first interval and 1389 in the last). Over this time, there was a reduction in emergency resections from 15.5 per cent to 9.0 per cent (P < 0.0001); use of oncological therapies increased from 34.6 per cent to 41.6 per cent (P < 0.0001). The 90-day mortality after diagnosis of colorectal cancer dropped from 14.8 per cent to 10.7 per cent (P < 0.001) and 2-year survival improved from 58.6 per cent to 65 per cent (P < 0.001). Among patients aged 80 years or older (425 and 446, in the first and last intervals respectively) there was, in addition, a progressive increase in 'no surgery' rate from 33.6 per cent to 50.2 per cent (P < 0.0001) and a reduction in elective resections from 42.4 per cent to 33.9 per cent (P = 0.010). The 90-day mortality after elective resection fell from 10.0 per cent (18 of 180) to 3.3 per cent (5 of 151; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Survival from colorectal cancer improved significantly over 14 years. Among patients aged ≥80 years, major changes in the type of treatment delivered were associated with a decrease in postoperative mortality.

A novel handheld FT-NIR spectroscopic approach for real-time screening of major cannabinoids content in hemp.

A novel approach for rapid (15s) detection and quantification of predominant cannabinoids in hemp was developed using Fourier-transformed near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), enabling real-time and field-based applications. Hemp samples (n = 91) were obtained from certified online vendors, the OARDC Weed Lab, and a local Ohio farm. Reference data of major cannabinoids content were determined by uHPLC-MS/MS. Spectral data were collected by a miniaturized, battery-operated FT-NIR instrument, and combined with the reference data to generate partial least squares regression (PLSR) models. uHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed two samples had over 0.36% of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and 64% (32 out of 50) of online-bought hemp samples were not in compliance with their total cannabidiol (CBD) content declaration. PLSR prediction models showed excellent correlation (Rpre = 0.91-0.95) and a low standard error of prediction (SEP = 0.02-0.61%). This method could be used as an alternative to traditional methods for in-situ assessment of hemp quality.

Human Cytomegalovirus IE2 Both Activates and Represses Initiation and Modulates Elongation in a Context-Dependent Manner.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein is a multifunctional transcription factor that is essential for lytic HCMV infection. IE2 functions as an activator of viral early genes, negatively regulates its own promoter, and is required for viral replication. The mechanisms by which IE2 executes these distinct functions are incompletely understood. Using PRO-Seq, which profiles nascent transcripts, and a recently developed DFF-chromatin immunoprecipitation (DFF-ChIP; employs chromatin digestion by the endonuclease DNA fragmentation factor prior to IP) approach that resolves occupancy and local chromatin environment, we show that IE2 controls viral gene transcription in three distinct capacities during late HCMV infection and reveal mechanisms that involve direct binding of IE2 to viral DNA. IE2 represses a subset of viral promoters by binding within their core promoter regions and blocking the assembly of preinitiation complexes (PICs). Remarkably, IE2 forms a repressive complex at the major immediate-early promoter region involving direct association of IE2 with nucleosomes and TBP. IE2 stimulates transcription by binding nearby, but not within, core promoter regions. In addition, IE2 functions as a direct roadblock to transcription elongation. At one locus, this function of IE2 appears to be important for the synthesis of a spliced viral RNA. Consistent with the minimal observed effects of IE2 depletion on host gene transcription, IE2 does not functionally engage the host genome. Our results reveal mechanisms of transcriptional control by IE2, uncover a previously unknown function of IE2 as a Pol II elongation modulator, and demonstrate that DFF-ChIP is a useful tool for probing transcription factor occupancy and interactions between transcription factors and nucleosomes at high resolution. IMPORTANCE HCMV infects more than half of the world population and persists lifelong in its hosts. Although generally asymptomatic, HCMV infection can lead to life-threating disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Moreover, HCMV is the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the United States. As there are no vaccines effective against HCMV and antiviral drugs exhibit toxicity and are undermined by resistant HCMV variants, other vulnerabilities in HCMV must be explored. Here, we characterize the mechanism by which IE2 controls transcription during late HCMV infection. We demonstrate that IE2 engages numerous consensus sites across the HCMV genome and functions as an activator, repressor, or elongation modulator depending on the context of IE2 binding sites in relation to Pol II initiation and elongation complexes. Our findings have important implications for the ongoing exploration of IE2 as an antiviral drug target.

Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Elicits Global Changes in Host Transcription by RNA Polymerases I, II, and III.

How human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection impacts the transcription of the host genome remains incompletely understood. Here, we examine the global consequences of infection of primary human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) on transcription by RNA polymerase I, II, and III over the course of a lytic infection using PRO-Seq. The expected rapid induction of innate immune response genes is observed with specific subsets of genes exhibiting dissimilar expression kinetics. We find minimal effects on Pol II initiation, but increased rates of the release of paused Pol II into productive elongation are detected by 24 h postinfection and pronounced at late times postinfection. Pol I transcription increases during infection and we provide evidence for a potential Pol I elongation control mechanism. Pol III transcription of tRNA genes is dramatically altered, with many induced and some repressed. All effects are partially dependent on viral genome replication, suggesting a link to viral mRNA levels and/or a viral early-late or late gene product. Changes in tRNA transcription are connected to distinct alterations in the chromatin state around tRNA genes, which were probed with high-resolution DFF-ChIP. Additionally, evidence is provided that the Pol III PIC stably contacts an upstream -1 nucleosome. Finally, we compared and contrasted our HCMV data with results from published experiments with HSV-1, EBV, KSHV, and MHV68. We report disparate effects on Pol II transcription and potentially similar effects on Pol III transcription.

Differences in RNA polymerase II complexes and their interactions with surrounding chromatin on human and cytomegalovirus genomes.

Interactions of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) preinitiation complex (PIC) and paused early elongation complexes with the first downstream (+1) nucleosome are thought to be functionally important. However, current methods are limited for investigating these relationships, both for cellular chromatin and the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome. Digestion with human DNA fragmentation factor (DFF) before immunoprecipitation (DFF-ChIP) precisely revealed both similarities and major differences in PICs driven by TBP on the host genome in comparison with PICs driven by TBP or the viral-specific, late initiation factor UL87 on the viral genome. Host PICs and paused Pol II complexes are frequently found in contact with the +1 nucleosome and paused Pol II can also be found in a complex involved in the initial invasion of the +1 nucleosome. In contrast, viral transcription complexes have very limited nucleosomal interactions, reflecting a relative lack of chromatinization of transcriptionally active regions of HCMV genomes.

Brain on fire: an imaging-based review of autoimmune encephalitis.

Autoimmune encephalitis represents an increasingly recognized group of immune-mediated disorders the affect the central nervous system. The purpose of this article is to highlight the characteristic MR imaging findings associated with autoimmune encephalitis, describe the pathophysiology, review antibodies that have been identified and their patterns of CNS involvement, and discuss approaches to management. Familiarity with the imaging and clinical features of autoimmune encephalitis will prompt the radiologist to suggest the diagnosis which can facilitate appropriate management.

Nuclear export restricts Gdown1 to a mitotic function.

Approximately half of purified mammalian RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is associated with a tightly interacting sub-stoichiometric subunit, Gdown1. Previous studies have established that Gdown1 inhibits transcription initiation through competitive interactions with general transcription factors and blocks the Pol II termination activity of transcription termination factor 2 (TTF2). However, the biological functions of Gdown1 remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized genetic, microscopic, and multi-omics approaches to functionally characterize Gdown1 in three human cell lines. Acute depletion of Gdown1 caused minimal direct effects on transcription. We show that Gdown1 resides predominantly in the cytoplasm of interphase cells, shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus, and is regulated by nuclear export. Gdown1 enters the nucleus at the onset of mitosis. Consistently, genetic ablation of Gdown1 is associated with partial de-repression of mitotic transcription, and Gdown1 KO cells present with evidence of aberrant mitoses coupled to p53 pathway activation. Evidence is presented demonstrating that Gdown1 modulates the combined functions of purified productive elongation factors PAF1C, RTF1, SPT6, DSIF and P-TEFb in vitro. Collectively, our findings support a model wherein the Pol II-regulatory function of Gdown1 occurs during mitosis and is required for genome integrity.

Avian metapneumovirus subtype B vaccination in commercial broiler chicks: heterologous protection and selected host transcription responses to subtype A or B challenge.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) causes respiratory disease and drops in egg production in chickens, and is routinely controlled by vaccination. However, the host's immune response to virulent challenge in vaccinated or unvaccinated broiler chickens is poorly characterized. We show that subtype B vaccination offers heterologous (subtype A challenge) and homologous (subtype B challenge) protection. Subtype B challenge caused significantly greater humoral antibody titres in vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens. In turbinate and lung tissues of unvaccinated-challenged chickens, IgA and IgY mRNA transcription was significantly up-regulated after subtype B challenge compared to subtype A. Cellular immunity (CD8-α and CD8-ß) gene transcripts were significantly up-regulated during early and later stages of infection from subtype B or subtype A, respectively. Immune gene transcriptional responses (IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-18) were significantly up-regulated after challenge. Gene transcription results showed that mRNA expression levels of CD8-α, CD8-ß, TLR3 and IL-6, particularly in turbinate and trachea tissues, are useful parameters to include in future aMPV vaccination-challenge studies.

Virtual reality adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic: A uses and gratifications perspective.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all aspects of people's lives, including how we work, play, learn, exercise, and socialize. Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential to mitigate many of the challenges brought about by the pandemic, which has spurred increased adoption. However, relatively low adoption overall and limited software still restrict the power of VR to address COVID-19 difficulties effectively. This study examines how the perceived impacts of COVID-19 might lead to different VR uses and gratifications and device ownership / variability. Furthermore, we investigate the importance of social interactivity within VR for increasing adoption intentions. We surveyed 298 Amazon Mechanical Turk users during the Fall of 2020. Results indicate that the pandemic's perceived impacts influenced the likelihood of acquiring VR for education, tourism, and work. For VR ownership and variability, those who purchased VR during the pandemic were more likely to report buying it for work. Those with access to high-end VR hardware were more likely to report a broader range of uses, including socializing, health, and telemedicine. Validating the importance of various applications during the pandemic, we found that the desire for social interactivity mediates the impacts of COVID-19 on future adoption intentions. Theoretically, we propose several gratifications sought via the use of VR during the pandemic. Practically, we discuss recommendations for future VR research, marketing, and software design.

Evaluation of the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Test Ag Card for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by a local public health district with a rural population.

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, the gold standard for diagnostic testing, may not be readily available or logistically applicable for routine COVID-19 testing in many rural communities in the United States. In this validation study, we compared the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Test Ag Card with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in 214 participants who sought COVID-19 testing from a local public health district in Idaho, USA. The median age of participants was 35 and 82.7% were symptomatic. Thirty-seven participants (17.3%) had positive RT-PCR results. Results between the two tests were 94.4% concordant. The sensitivity of the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Test Ag Card was 67.6% (95% CI: 50.2-81.9%), and the specificity was 100.0% (95% CI: 97.9-100.0%). The positive predictive value (PPV) for the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Test Ag Card was 100.0% (95% CI: 86.2-100.0%), and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 93.6% (95% CI: 89.1-96.6%). Although the sensitivity of BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Test Ag Card was lower than RT-PCR, rapid results and high specificity support its use for early detection of COVID-19, especially in settings where SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing is not readily available. Rapid antigen tests, such as the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Test Ag Card, may be a more convenient tool in quickly identifying and preventing COVID-19 transmission, especially in rural settings.

Route of infectious bronchitis virus vaccination determines the type and magnitude of immune responses in table egg laying hens.

Chicken immune responses to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccination can depend on route of administration, vaccine strain and bird age. Typically for layer chickens, IBV vaccinations are administered by spray in the hatchery at day-old and boosted at intervals with live vaccines via drinking water (DW). Knowledge of live attenuated IBV vaccine virus kinetics and the immune response in egg-laying hens is exceptionally limited. Here, we demonstrated dissemination of vaccine viruses and differences in hen innate, mucosal, cellular and humoral immune responses following vaccination with Massachusetts or 793B strains, administered by DW or oculonasal (ON) routes. Detection of IBV in the Mass-vaccinated groups was greater during early time-points, however, 793B was detected more frequently at later timepoints. Viral RNA loads in the Harderian gland and turbinate tissues were significantly higher for ON-Mass compared to all other vaccinated groups. Lachrymal fluid IgY levels were significantly greater than the control at 14 days post-vaccination (dpv) for both vaccine serotypes, and IgA mRNA levels were significantly greater in ON-vaccinated groups compared to DW-vaccinated groups, demonstrating robust mucosal immune responses. Cell mediated immune gene transcripts (CD8-α and CD8-ß) were up-regulated in turbinate and trachea tissues. For both vaccines, dissemination and vaccine virus clearance was slower when given by DW compared to the ON route. For ON administration, both vaccines induced comparable levels of mucosal immunity. The Mass vaccine induced cellular immunity to similar levels regardless of vaccination method. When given either by ON or DW, 793B vaccination induced significantly higher levels of humoral immunity.

Cytomegalovirus late transcription factor target sequence diversity orchestrates viral early to late transcription.

Beta- and gammaherpesviruses late transcription factors (LTFs) target viral promoters containing a TATT sequence to drive transcription after viral DNA replication has begun. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a betaherpesvirus, uses the UL87 LTF to bind both TATT and host RNA polymerase II (Pol II), whereas the UL79 LTF has been suggested to drive productive elongation. Here we apply integrated functional genomics (dTag system, PRO-Seq, ChIP-Seq, and promoter function assays) to uncover the contribution of diversity in LTF target sequences in determining degree and scope to which LTFs drive viral transcription. We characterize the DNA sequence patterns in LTF-responsive and -unresponsive promoter populations, determine where and when Pol II initiates transcription, identify sites of LTF binding genome-wide, and quantify change in nascent transcripts from individual promoters in relation to core promoter sequences, LTF loss, stage of infection, and viral DNA replication. We find that HCMV UL79 and UL87 LTFs function concordantly to initiate transcription from over half of all active viral promoters in late infection, while not appreciably affecting host transcription. Both LTFs act on and bind to viral early-late and late kinetic-class promoters. Over one-third of these core promoters lack the TATT and instead have a TATAT, TGTT, or YRYT. The TATT and non-TATT motifs are part of a sequence block with a sequence code that correlates with promoter transcription level. LTF occupancy of a TATATA palindrome shared by back-to-back promoters is linked to bidirectional transcription. We conclude that diversity in LTF target sequences shapes the LTF-transformative program that drives the viral early-to-late transcription switch.

A time-resolved, in-chamber x-ray pinhole imager for Z.

We have commissioned a new time-resolved, x-ray imaging diagnostic for the Z facility. The primary intended application is for diagnosing the stagnation behavior of Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) and similar targets. We have a variety of imaging systems at Z, both time-integrated and time-resolved, that provide valuable x-ray imaging information, but no system at Z up to this time provides a combined high-resolution imaging with multi-frame time resolution; this new diagnostic, called TRICXI for Time Resolved In-Chamber X-ray Imager, is meant to provide time-resolved spatial imaging with high resolution. The multi-frame camera consists of a microchannel plate camera. A key component to achieving the design goals is to place the instrument inside the Z vacuum chamber within 2 m of the load, which necessitates a considerable amount of x-ray shielding as well as a specially designed, independent vacuum system. A demonstration of the imaging capability for a series of MagLIF shots is presented. Predictions are given for resolution and relative image irradiance to guide experimenters in choosing the desired configuration for their experiments.