A cotton-strip assay was used to measure decomposition rate and nutrient uptake by decomposing microbes (i.e., immobilization) within 19 streams across the Chattahoochee and Ocmulgee River Basins in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia (USA). Decomposition rates were strongly correlated to phosphorus immobilization rates suggesting that nutrient supply influenced carbon cycling. Using GIS and satellite imagery, we analyzed land-use patterns to identify potential sources of phosphorus. The overall impervious cover was positively correlated with decomposition and phosphorus immobilization, but much stronger relationships were observed with low-intensity residential land areas. This suggests that increased rates of decomposition and immobilization could be due to lawn fertilizer application or an aging water infrastructure. Our study shows strong linkages between nutrient and
carbon cycles in urban streams.

This research compared lifetime trauma exposure reported during the COVID-19 pandemic with an age-and gender-matched comparison group in terms of lifetime trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and physical and mental health. Participants (N= 70) were undergraduates (81% female; 94% White; Mage: 20.64) who completed online surveys. Results indicated more than 80% in both groups reported at least one lifetime trauma. Contrary to expectations, no participants in the pandemic group reported anything associated with the pandemic as their most distressing life event. In addition, there were no between-group differences on PTSD symptoms, physical health, or mental health. Taken together, these findings suggest that clinicians should consider the notion that although living through a pandemic may be stressful, most individuals are managing the pandemic.

Replication Protein A (RPA) is the most abundant single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding protein in eukaryotes. RPA is involved in key DNA metabolic processes, including replication and repair, which makes understanding its binding kinetics essential. RPA has six DNA binding domains, each with different affinities for binding to ssDNA. Individual binding domains may disassociate while others are bound, creating a dynamic binding process. Using a single-molecule fluorescence-based assay, we observed a systematic shift in the binding conformation of RPA as a function of salt concentration. The distributions of conformations at all salt concentrations were heterogeneous but were
dominated by two states. This suggests certain binding domains dissociate from DNA earlier than others as the salt concentration is increased, highlighting the complicated nature of the RPA-ssDNA interactions.

Racism, depression, and everyday stressors negatively affect the mental health of African American men, an understudied demographic. To study this underrepresented group, we made a web-based survey asking male-identifying African Americans a series of questions about experiences of racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, masculinity, racial identity, and demographic. The goal of this study is to see how all these previously mentioned factors affect the willingness of the demographic to seek mental health services on campus. A vast majority of the participants reported never having used mental health services on campus or otherwise. Although this study does not directly benefit the participants, we hope that the data that is collected will help improve access and destigmatize mental health services for African American men on college campuses.

The purpose of this study was to examine Generation Z’s perception of face coverings as fashion, exploring the new cultural norm and how the norm interacted with fashion. Specifically, the study investigated Generation Z’s relationship with face coverings, and if that relationship is influenced by fashion involvement. Overall, data from 200+ participants indicated at least a subtle positive correlation between high fashion individuals and perception of face coverings as fashion. This created an opportunity for the fashion industry to adopt face coverings as a trend, and for companies to begin offering fashionable face coverings for high fashion involvement individuals. This study added to our knowledge of how cultural shifts are adopted into fashion, and how social trends are reflected in the fashions of a time.

As society continues to evolve, African American culture is on a move to be more socially influential in the interests and habits of Generation Z African Americans. This case study was developed to address the need in the fashion marketplace for cultural and social representation that focuses on Black women and femme consumers. Months of research resulted in The Unbought Collection, a line of 8 looks designed for African American women inspired by the essence of the 1970’s Black Power movement and its muse Shirley Chisolm. The project captured the essence of Black womanhood and conjured a fashionably social dialogue. As a result, this project was selected as one of 20 winners of the 2021 Virgil Abloh-Post Modern Scholarship, supported by the Fashion Scholarship Fund.

RNA-editing enzymes ADARs and APOBECs are overexpressed in response to viral infection and have been shown to play a role in antiviral immune response through viral genome editing, including in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, a fundamental challenge in elucidating RNA editing patterns is linking levels of enzyme expression to editing pattern changes in the host genome. This is important to understand due to the significant physiological effects changes in RNA editing as a result of viral infection (such as by SARS-CoV-2) could have. Here, we use publicly available RNA-seq data to examine RNA editing in Calu-3 lung cells infected with SARS-CoV-1/2. Our results show increased editing in infection, including higher levels in SARS-CoV-2, as well as a nuanced relationship between editing and expression.

Coping strategies play a significant role in childhood development and require investigation. We sought to add to the validity of the Negative Emotion Regulation Inventory (NERI), a questionnaire that assesses coping in specific emotional situations. 105 preadolescents completed an altered version of the NERI and measures of anxiety and parent-child attachment. We tested if the scenarios were related to children’s emotions and coping strategies. We replicated findings that coping varied by emotional situation. As expected, we found significant correlations between coping and anxiety as well as secure parent-child attachment.
These replications provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the adapted NERI and suggest the measure can capture coping strategies. Future studies could use the NERI to identify coping strategies that promote positive mental health.