bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHOTOBLEACHING DIFFERENCE ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF HUMAN CONE PIGMENTS: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON TO OTHER METHODS
Authors: Merbs Shannath L. , Nathans Jeremy
Published: March 2008

Abstract— Four human cone pigment apoproteins were expressed by transfection of human tissue culture cells with the corresponding complementary DNA clones. Following reconstitution of the cone pigments by incubation with 11‐cis retinal, photobleaching difference absorption spectra were obtained for the blue pigment, the green pigment, and two polymorphic variants of the red pigment. These spectra were analyzed to determine the wavelengths of maximal absorbance and the bandwidths. The recombinant cone pigment spectra were compared to human cone spectral sensitivities and cone pigment absorption spectra determined by microspectrophotometry, single‐cell electrophysiology, reflection densitometry, electroretinography, and psychophysical color and brightness matching.
A NOVEL BACTERIORHODOPSIN ANALOGUE WITH CONFORMATIONALLY 6‐s‐cis FIXED RETINALS
Authors: Iwasa Tatsuo , Ito Masayoshi , Tokunaga Fumio
Published: March 2008

Abstract— The artificial pigments of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) were synthesized with retinal analogues which have 6‐s‐cis fixed conformation. In order to study the shape of binding pocket around β‐ionone ring of retinal, we used three different 6‐s‐cis fixed retinals (1–3), which have a gem‐dimethyl group at a different position of the ring structure. These three 6‐s‐cis fixed retinals produced bR analogue pigments with absorption maxima at 574, 594 and 584 nm, respectively. These analogue pigments showed proton pumping activities upon incorporation into vesicles, indicating that 6‐s‐trans structure of retinal is not necessary to pump protons. Although these retinal analogues possess the same conjugated π‐electron systems, the wavelengths of maximum absorbance of the analogue pigments were different from each other, indicating a distinctly steric interaction between retinal ring portion and apoprotein. The analogue pigments were also different from each other in regeneration rate and the number of the final products. These differences resulted from a difference in the position of the dimethyl substituent at the ring structure. Based on the results the molecular structure around β‐ionone ring of retinal‐binding pocket was discussed.
PHOTOSENSITIVITIES OF IODOPSIN AND RHODOPSINS
Authors: Okano Toshiyuki , Fukada Yoshitaka , Shichida Yoshinori , Yoshizawa Tôru
Published: March 2008

Abstract— The relative photosensitivity and the molar extinction coefficient of a highly purified iodopsin (chicken red sensitive cone visual pigment) solubilized in a mixture of 3–[(3‐cholamidopropyI)‐dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate and phosphatidylcholine (CHAPS‐PC) were measured using bovine rhodopsin solubilized in 2% digitonin as a standard and compared with those of chicken and bovine rhodopsins. The photosensitivity obtained (1.08) was close to those of rhodopsins (chicken, 1.04; bovine, 0.99) in CHAPS‐PC. The molar extinction coefficient of iodopsin (47200) was 1.15–1.17 times higher than those of rhodopsins (chicken, 40500; bovine, 41200). The oscillator strength of iodopsin (0.60) calculated from the extinction coefficient was nearly identical to that of chicken rhodopsin (0.61), suggesting that the chromophore of iodopsin is similar in configuration to rhodopsin. In contrast, the difference in quantum yield between iodopsin (0.62) and chicken rhodopsin (0.70) suggests that the chromophore‐opsin interaction after absorption of a photon by the chromophore may be different.
THE TWO CONSECUTIVE M SUBSTATES IN THE PHOTOCYCLE OF BACTERIORHODOPSIN ARE AFFECTED SPECIFICALLY BY THE D85N AND D96N RESIDUE REPLACEMENTS
Authors: Zimányi László , Chang Man , Ni Baofu , Needleman Richard , Lanyi Janos K.
Published: March 2008

Abstract— The photocycle of the proton pump bacteriorhodopsin contains two consecutive intermediates in which the retinal Schiff base is unprotonated; the reaction between these states, termed M1 and M2, was suggested to be the switch in the proton transport which reorients the Schiff base from D85 on the extracellular side to D96 on the cytoplasmic side (Váró and Lanyi, Biochemistry30, 5016–5022, 1991). At pH 10 the absorption maxima of both M1 and M2 could be determined in the recombinant D96N protein. We find that M1 absorbs at 411 nm as do M1 and M2 in wild‐type bacteriorhodopsin, but M2 absorbs at 404 nm. Thus, in M, but not M2 the unprotonated Schiff base is affected by the D96N residue replacement. The connectivity of the Schiff base to D96 in the detected M2 state, but not in M1, is thereby established. On the other hand, the photostationary state which develops during illumination of D85N bacteriorhodopsin contains an M state corresponding to M1 with an absorption maximum shifted to 400 nm, suggesting that this species in turn is affected by D85. These results are consistent with the suggestion that M1 and M2 are pre‐switch and post‐switch states, respectively.
Effects of Flow Augmentations in the Snake River Basin on Farms Profitability1
Authors: Briand Genevieve , Schuck Eric C. , Holland David W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  For over 10 years, several species of salmon have been identified as either threatened or endangered in the Snake River Basin of Idaho. The United States Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, has proposed a variety of plans to increase stream flows in the Snake River Basin to facilitate movement by juvenile salmon smolts to the ocean. This research examines two of the flow augmentation plans proposed by the Bureau of Reclamation as well as two alternative plans, one founded purely on existing priority‐based water rights and another geared toward minimizing the effects of flow augmentations on farms profitability. Results from a basin‐wide model of agricultural production in the Snake River Basin, the Snake River Agricultural Model, present evidence that (1) older water rights are used towards production of less valuable crops, (2) flow augmentation scenarios have unequal effects on farms profitability across agricultural regions within the basin, and (3) irrigation water is valued from US$4 to US$59 an acre‐foot.
IgM paraprotein interference with hemoglobin measurement using the CELL‐DYN 3500
Authors: Corn Stephanie C. , Wellman Maxey L. , Burkhard Mary Jo , Russell James , Radin M. Judith
Published: March 2008

Abstract: A 10‐year‐old male Labrador Retriever was presented for a 6‐week history of polyuria, polydipsia, rear limb weakness, and ocular discharge. The dog had marked hyperproteinemia with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy, as determined by serum protein electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis. Cytologic findings in a lymph node aspirate were suggestive for lymphoma, which was confirmed and identified as B cell lineage by immunophenotyping and PCR antigen receptor rearrangement. In the CBC results, marked discrepancy was observed in the hemoglobin (HGB) concentration and MCHC obtained on a CELL‐DYN 3500 analyzer (HGB 13.3 g/dL, MCHC 61.4 g/dL) as compared with an IDEXX LaserCyte analyzer (HGB 7.0 g/dL, MCHC 39.2 g/dL). To investigate this discrepancy, plasma was removed from an EDTA‐anticoagulated blood sample from the patient, replaced with an equal volume of CELL‐DYN diluent, and analyzed on the CELL‐DYN. The resulting HGB (6.72 g/dL) and MCHC (33.5 g/dL) results were similar to those obtained initially on the LaserCyte. We concluded that precipitation of IgM paraprotein by the CELL‐DYN lyzing reagent, which contains quaternary ammonium salts, falsely increased the spectrophotometric measurement of HGB on the CELL‐DYN. The high MCHC was attributed to the false increase in HGB concentration. No interference with HGB measurement occurred with the LaserCyte, which uses a hypotonic solution to lyse RBCs before HGB determination. Paraprotein interference should be considered in veterinary patients with monoclonal gammopathy and unexpectedly high HGB and MCHC values.
Histiocytic sarcoma of macrophage origin in a cat: case report with a literature review of feline histiocytic malignancies and comparison with canine hemophagocytic histiocytic sarcoma
Authors: Friedrichs Kristen R. , Young Karen M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Mild nonregenerative anemia was detected in a 9‐year‐old neutered male domestic shorthair cat during a routine examination. Bone marrow core biopsy revealed erythroid hyperplasia; however, a specific cause was not identified. Over the next 8 months the anemia progressed, eventually becoming mildly regenerative, and moderate thrombocytopenia developed. On ultrasonographic examination, marked splenomegaly, mild hepatomegaly, and abdominal lymphadenopathy were found. Cytologic evaluation of splenic aspirates revealed increased numbers of mildly to moderately pleomorphic histiocytes that frequently had phagocytosed RBCs, leukocytes, and occasionally platelets. Histopathologic examination of the spleen and liver revealed effacement of splenic architecture by a histiocytic sarcoma (HS), and neoplastic histiocytes in hepatic sinusoids. A second bone marrow aspirate revealed neoplastic infiltration by similar cells. The histiocytes in all tissues were mildly to moderately pleomorphic and markedly erythrophagocytic. The immunophenotype of histiocytes in the spleen was CD1c−/CD11b+/CD18+/MHC‐II+, supporting a macrophage cell lineage. The clinical, pathologic, and immunophenotypic findings in this cat were similar to those in hemophagocytic HSs in dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a HS of purported macrophage phenotype in a cat.
Analysis of mouse, rat, dog, marmoset, and human serum proteins by capillary electrophoresis: comparison with agarose gel electrophoresis
Authors: Crivellente Federica , Bonato Monica , Cristofori Patrizia
Published: March 2008

Background: Serum protein analysis in both humans and experimental animal species has so far been carried out by labor‐intensive techniques, such as agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE).

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate capillary electrophoresis (CE) as an alternative technique to AGE for the analysis of serum proteins from healthy animals.

Methods: Blood samples were collected into tubes without anticoagulant from 6 fasted healthy male mice, rats, dogs, marmosets, and humans. Serum proteins were separated by CE using a technique standardized for the analysis of human proteins, and the results (efficiency, resolution, and precision) were compared with those obtained through AGE.

Results: Compared with AGE, CE resulted in narrower peaks and more peaks. The efficiency of protein separation by CE was significantly higher for all species, and resolution (R) was significantly higher in samples from dogs. Using rat serum, intraday reproducibility was lower for all protein fractions, and interday reproducibility was lower for most peaks, compared with AGE.

Conclusions: We conclude that CE is a viable alternative to AGE for the determination of protein electrophoresis in a routine veterinary clinical pathology laboratory. The minimal sample requirement (2 μL), complete automation, and quantitative results make CE an especially valuable technique for protein analysis in experimental animal models.
Fractional excretion tests: a critical review of methods and applications in domestic animals
Authors: Lefebvre Hervé P. , Dossin Olivier , Trumel Catherine , Braun Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The fractional excretion (FE) of a constituent by the kidney is the fraction of the amount filtered by the glomerulus, which is excreted into urine. It is mostly determined for electrolytes, and is expressed as the ratio of the clearance of a given electrolyte to creatinine clearance. The main physiologic factors affecting FE variation are species, age, and the alimentary supply of electrolytes. The value of FE tests in the diagnosis of kidney disease is limited, except in canine Fanconi's syndrome. FEs of many constituents often are increased in chronic kidney disease, but their diagnostic value is no greater than that of plasma creatinine concentration. FEs also are altered in nonrenal diseases such as diabetes mellitus and rhabdomyolysis, and during treatment with xylazine, rehydration fluids, and diuretics. FEs, especially of calcium, phosphates, and magnesium, are useful in clinical nutrition to assess mineral balance. FE is difficult to measure, so its use should be limited to nutritional investigations and nephrology research.
Hematologic, cytochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular findings of Hepatozoon‐infected flat‐headed cats (Prionailurus planiceps)
Authors: Salakij Chaleow , Salakij Jarernsak , Narkkong Nual‐Anong , Sirinarumitr Theerapol , Pattanarangsan Rattapan
Published: March 2008

Background: The flat‐headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is a small wild cat of Southeast Asia and is considered extremely endangered. Little is known about the hematologic values, blood cell morphology, or hemoparasites of this species in relation to other Felidae.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to report basic hematologic values and describe the light microscopic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in 2 wild‐caught flat‐headed cats. In addition, molecular analysis was done of a Hepatozoon organism found in the neutrophils of both cats.

Methods: Blood samples were collected into EDTA from the cephalic vein. A CBC, manual differential count, manual reticulocyte count, cytochemical stains (Sudan black B [SBB], α‐naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and β‐glucuronidase), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were done using standard methods.

Results: HCT was slightly lower and reticulocyte counts and red cell distribution width were higher than the expected values for other species of cats. Hepatozoon organisms were found in the cytoplasm of neutrophils in both cats, but the number of infected neutrophils was very low (1%–2%). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, but were negative for ANAE and β‐glucuronidase. Hepatozoon‐infected neutrophils were negative for SBB, but focally positive for ANAE and β‐glucuronidase. By transmission electron microscopy, gamonts of Hepatozoon sp were observed in neutrophils, and rarely free in plasma. Infected neutrophils had fewer specific granules and more mitochondria compared with noninfected neutrophils. PCR products of partial 18S rRNA revealed that the isolate of Hepatozoon in the flat‐headed cats was closely related to that of the frog Hepatozoon sp.

Conclusions: These results add to our understanding of hematologic values and blood cell morphology in Hepatozoon‐infected flat‐headed cats as well as the molecular analysis of the Hepatozoon organism, and may be useful for the health management and evaluation of hemoparasitic disease in this species.
Injections of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 inhibitor MLN4760 into nucleus tractus solitarii reduce baroreceptor reflex sensitivity for heart rate control in rats
Authors: Diz Debra I. , Garcia‐Espinosa Maria A. , Gegick Stephen , Tommasi Ellen N. , Ferrario Carlos M. , Ann Tallant E. , Chappell Mark C. , Gallagher Patricia E.
Published: March 2008

Injections of the angiotensin(1–7) [Ang(1–7)] antagonist [d‐Ala7]‐Ang(1–7) into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of Sprague–Dawley rats reduce baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) for control of heart rate by ∼40%, whereas injections of the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan increase BRS by 40% when reflex bradycardia is assessed. The enzyme angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is known to convert Ang II to Ang(1–7). We report that ACE2 activity, as well as ACE and neprilysin activities, are present in plasma membrane fractions of the dorsomedial medulla of Sprague–Dawley rats. Moreover, we show that BRS for reflex bradycardia is attenuated (1.16 ± 0.29 ms mmHg−1 before versus 0.33 ± 0.11 ms mmHg−1 after; P < 0.05; n= 8) 30–60 min following injection of the selective ACE2 inhibitor MLN4760 (12 pmol in 120 nl) into the NTS. These findings support the concept that within the NTS, local synthesis of Ang(1–7) from Ang II is required for normal sensitivity for the baroreflex control of heart rate in response to increases in arterial pressure.
Latent Heat Fluxes Through Soft Materials With Microtruss Architectures
Authors: Traum Matthew J. , Griffith Peter , Thomas Edwin L. , Peters William A.
Published: March 2008

Microscale truss architectures provide high mechanical strength, light weight, and open porosity in polymer sheets. Liquid evaporation and transport of the resulting vapor through truss voids cool nearby surfaces. Thus, microtruss materials can simultaneously prevent mechanical and thermal damage. Assessment of promise requires quantitative understanding of vapor transport through microtruss pores for realistic heat loads and latent heat carriers. Pore size may complicate exegesis owing to vapor rarefaction or surface interactions. This paper quantifies the nonboiling evaporative cooling of a flat surface by water vapor transport through two different hydrophobic polymer membranes, 112–119μm (or 113–123μm) thick, with microtruss-like architectures, i.e., straight-through pores of average diameter of 1.0–1.4μm (or 12.6–14.2μm) and average overall porosity of 7.6% (or 9.9%). The surface, heated at 1350±20Wt∕m2 to mimic human thermal load in a desert (daytime solar plus metabolic), was the bottom of a 3.1cm inside diameter, 24.9cm3 cylindrical aluminum chamber capped by the membrane. Steady-state rates of water vapor transport through the membrane pores to ambient were measured by continuously weighing the evaporation chamber. The water vapor concentration at the membrane exit was maintained near zero by a cross flow of dry nitrogen (velocity=2.8m∕s). Each truss material enabled 13–14°C evaporative cooling of the surface, roughly 40% of the maximum evaporative cooling attainable, i.e., with an uncapped chamber. Intrinsic pore diffusion coefficients for dilute water vapor (<10.4mole%) in air (P total ∼112,000Pa) were deduced from the measured vapor fluxes by mathematically disaggregating the substantial mass transfer resistances of the boundary layers (∼50%) and correcting for radial variations in upstream water vapor concentration. The diffusion coefficients for the 1.0–1.4μm pores (Knudsen number ∼0.1) agree with literature for the water vapor-air mutual diffusion coefficient to within ±20%, but for the nominally 12.6–14.2μm pores (Kn ∼0.01), the diffusion coefficient values were smaller, possibly because considerable pore area resides in noncircular, i.e., narrow, wedge-shaped cross sections that impede diffusion owing to enhanced rarefaction. The present data, parameters, and mathematical models support the design and analysis of microtruss materials for thermal or simultaneous thermal-and-mechanical protection of microelectromechanical systems, nanoscale components, humans, and other macrosystems.
Development of a Novel Algorithm for a Crack Detection, Localization, and Sizing in a Beam Based on Forced Response Measurements
Authors: Karthikeyan M. , Tiwari R. , Talukdar S.
Published: March 2008

The present work aims at the development of a method for the crack detection, localization and sizing in a beam based on the transverse force and response signals. The Timoshenko beam theory is applied for transverse vibrations of the beam model. The finite element method is used for the cracked beam forced vibration analysis. An open transverse surface crack is considered for the crack model, which contains standard five flexibility coefficients. The effect of the proportionate damping is also included. A harmonic force of known amplitude with sine-sweep frequency is used to dynamically excite the beam, up to few flexible modes, which could be provided with the help of an exciter. In practice, linear degrees of freedom (DOFs) can be measured quite accurately; however, rotational DOFs are difficult to measure accurately. All rotational DOFs, except at crack element, are eliminated by a dynamic condensation scheme; for elimination of rotational DOFs at the crack element, a new condensation scheme is implemented. The algorithm is iterative in nature and starts with a presumption that a crack is present in the beam. For an assumed crack location, flexibility coefficients are estimated with the help of forced responses. The Tikhonov regularization technique is applied in the estimation of bounded crack flexibility coefficients. These crack flexibility coefficients are used to obtain the crack size by minimizing an objective function. With the help of the estimated crack size and measured natural frequency, the crack location is updated. The procedure iterates till the crack size and location get stabilized up to the desired level of accuracy. The algorithm has a potential to detect no crack condition also. The crack flexibility and damping coefficients are estimated as a by-product. Numerical examples, with the simply supported and cantilevered beams, are given to justify the applicability and versatility of the algorithm in practice. With the numerically simulated forced responses, which have the noise contamination and the error in the natural frequency measurements, the estimated crack parameters (i.e., the crack location and size) are in good agreement.
Experimental and Computational Models for Simulating Sound Propagation Within the Lungs
Authors: Acikgoz S. , Ozer M. B. , Royston T. J. , Mansy H. A. , Sandler R. H.
Published: March 2008

An acoustic boundary element model is used to simulate sound propagation in the lung parenchyma and surrounding chest wall. It is validated theoretically and numerically and then compared with experimental studies on lung-chest phantom models that simulate the lung pathology of pneumothorax. Studies quantify the effect of the simulated lung pathology on the resulting acoustic field measured at the phantom chest surface. This work is relevant to the development of advanced auscultatory techniques for lung, vascular, and cardiac sounds within the torso that utilize multiple noninvasive sensors to create acoustic images of the sound generation and transmission to identify certain pathologies.
Design Optimization With an Uncertain Vibroacoustic Model
Authors: Capiez-Lernout E. , Soize C.
Published: March 2008

This paper deals with the design optimization problem of a structural-acoustic system in the presence of uncertainties. The uncertain vibroacoustic numerical model is constructed by using a recent nonparametric probabilistic model, which takes into account model uncertainties and data uncertainties. The formulation of the design optimization problem includes the effect of uncertainties and consists in minimizing a cost function with respect to an admissible set of design parameters. The numerical application consists in designing an uncertain master structure in order to minimize the acoustic pressure in a coupled internal cavity, which is assumed to be deterministic and excited by an acoustic source. The results of the design optimization problem, solved with and without the uncertain numerical model, show significant differences.
On the Stress Singularities at Multimaterial Interfaces and Related
Analogies With Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion
Authors: Paggi Marco , Carpinteri Alberto
Published: March 2008

Joining of different materials is a situation frequently observed in mechanical engineering and in materials science. Due to the difference in the elastic properties of the constituent materials, the junction points can be the origin of stress singularities and a possible source of damage. Hence, a full appreciation of these critical situations is of fundamental importance both from the mathematical and the engineering standpoints. In this paper, an overview of interface mechanical problems leading to stress singularities is proposed to show their relevance in engineering. The mathematical methods for the asymptotic analysis of stress singularities in multimaterial junctions and wedges composed of isotropic linear-elastic materials are reviewed and compared, with special attention to in-plane and out-of-plane loadings. This analysis mathematically demonstrates in a historical retrospective the equivalence of the eigenfunction expansion method, of the complex function representation, and of the Mellin transform technique for the determination of the order of the stress singularity in such problems. The analogies between linear elasticity and the Stokes flow of dissimilar immiscible fluids, the steady-state heat transfer across different materials, and the St. Venant torsion of composite bars are also discussed. Finally, advanced issues for the stress singularities due to joining of angularly nonhomogeneous elastic wedges are presented. This review article contains 147 references.
Deformation and Fracture of Functional Ferromagnetics
Authors: Fang Daining , Wan Yongping , Feng Xue , Soh Ai Kah
Published: March 2008

This article presents an overview of recent progress on magnetomechanical deformation and fracture of functional ferromagnetic materials. Following a brief introduction of the classical magnetoelasticity and the magnetomechanical behavior of traditional ferromagnetics, recent development on the deformation and fracture of soft ferromagnetic materials and the mechanics of ferromagnetic composites is critically reviewed. Also included are the authors’ own works both on experimental testing and theoretical modeling of soft ferromagnetics, ferromagnetic composites, and shape memory ferromagnetic alloys. This review article cited 162 references.
PLASMA WAVES IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON SYSTEMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: RYZHII VICTOR , KHMYROVA IRINA , RYZHII MAXIM , SATOU AKIRA , OTSUJI TAIICHI , MITIN VLADIMIR , SHUR MICHAEL S.
Published: March 2008

We overview the plasma properties of a two-dimensional electron gas in semiconductor heterostructures as well as new concepts and proposals of novel terahertz devices (detectors, sources utilizing plasma instabilities, and photomixers) based on these heterostructures.
ULTRA-HIGHLY SENSITIVE TERAHERTZ DETECTION USING CARBON-NANOTUBE QUANTUM DOTS
Authors: KAWANO YUKIO , FUSE TOMOKO , ISHIBASHI KOJI
Published: March 2008

We have observed that Terahertz (THz) irradiation to a carbon nanotube quantum dot (CNT-QD) leads to the generation of an excess current in the Coulomb blockade regime. It was found that this THz detected signal survives even when the incident THz wave is extremely weak (~1 fW). This means that the CNT-QD could works as a highly sensitive THz detector.
Quantum Coding Theorem from Privacy and Distinguishability
Authors: Horodecki Michał , Lloyd Seth , Winter Andreas
Published: March 2008

We prove direct quantum coding theorem for random quantum codes. The problem is separated into two parts: proof of distinguishability of codewords by receiver, and of indistinguishability of codewords by environment (privacy). For a large class of codes, only privacy has to be checked.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids block platelet-activating factor-induced phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt-mediated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Lu Jing , Caplan Michael S. , Li Dan , Jilling Tamas
Published: March 2008

We have shown earlier that platelet-activating factor (PAF) causes apoptosis in enterocytes via a mechanism that involves Bax translocation to mitochondria, followed by caspase activation and DNA fragmentation. Herein we report that, in rat small intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6), these downstream apoptotic effects are mediated by a PAF-induced inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Treatment with PAF results in rapid dephosphorylation of Akt, phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1, and the YXXM p85 binding motif of several proteins and redistribution of Akt-pleckstrin homology domain-green fluorescent protein, i.e., an in vivo phosphatidylinositol ( 3 , 4 , 5 )-trisphosphate sensor, from membrane to cytosol. The proapoptotic effects of PAF were inhibited by both n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids but not by a saturated fatty acid palmitate. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis, did not influence the baseline or PAF-induced apoptosis, but 2-bromopalmitate, an inhibitor of protein palmitoylation, inhibited all of the proapoptotic effects of PAF. Our data strongly suggest that an inhibition of the PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway is the main mechanism of PAF-induced apoptosis in enterocytes and that polyunsaturated fatty acids block this mechanism very early in the signaling cascade independently of any effect on prostaglandin synthesis, and probably directly via an effect on protein palmitoylation.
Colostrinin Decreases Hypersensitivity and Allergic Responses to Common Allergens
Authors: Boldogh Istvan , Aguilera-Aguirre Leopoldo , Bacsi Attila , Choudhury Barun K. , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo , Kruzel Marian
Published: March 2008

Background: Colostrinin™ (CLN), isolated from mothers’ pre-milk fluid (colostrum), is a uniform mixture of low-molecular-weight, proline-rich polypeptides. CLN induces neurite outgrowth of pheochromocytoma cells, extends the lifespan of diploid fibroblast cells, inhibits β-amyloid-induced apoptosis and improves cognitive functions when administered to Alzheimer’s disease patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate potential allergic responses to CLN and its impact on allergic sensitization and inflammation caused by common allergens. Methods: We used a well-characterized mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. Changes in IgE/IgG1 and mucin levels, airway eosinophilia and hyperreactivity to methacholine were determined by ELISA, differential cell counting and whole-body plethysmography, respectively. Results: CLN did not increase IgE/IgG1 levels or induce cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction, airway inflammation and mucin production. Importantly, CLN significantly (p < 0.001) decreased IgE/IgG1 production, airway eosinophilia, mucin production and hypersensitivity induced by allergenic extracts from ragweed pollen grains and house dust mites. Conclusion: CLN itself is non-allergenic; however, it is effective in preventing allergic responses to known indoor and outdoor allergens. These data support the safe application of CLN and its potential use in the prevention of allergic inflammation in humans.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α Transactivates Abcg2 and Promotes Cytoprotection in Cardiac Side Population Cells
Authors: Martin Cindy M. , Ferdous Anwarul , Gallardo Teresa , Humphries Caroline , Sadek Hesham , Caprioli Arianna , Garcia Joseph A. , Szweda Luke I. , Garry Mary G. , Garry Daniel J.
Published: March 2008

Stem and progenitor cell populations occupy a specialized niche and are consequently exposed to hypoxic as well as oxidative stresses. We have previously established that the multidrug resistance protein Abcg2 is the molecular determinant of the side population (SP) progenitor cell population. We observed that the cardiac SP cells increase in number more than 3-fold within 3 days of injury. Transcriptome analysis of the SP cells isolated from the injured adult murine heart reveals increased expression of cytoprotective transcripts. Overexpression of Abcg2 results in an increased ability to consume hydrogen peroxide and is associated with increased levels of α-glutathione reductase protein expression. Importantly, overexpression of Abcg2 also conferred a cell survival benefit following exposure to hydrogen peroxide. To further examine the molecular regulation of the Abcg2 gene, we demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α binds an evolutionary conserved HIF-2α response element in the murine Abcg2 promoter. Transcriptional assays reveal a dose-dependent activation of Abcg2 expression by HIF-2α. These results support the hypothesis that Abcg2 is a direct downstream target of HIF-2α which functions with other factors to initiate a cytoprotective program for this progenitor SP cell population that resides in the adult heart.
Hydrometeorological Short-Range Ensemble Forecasts in Complex Terrain. Part II: Economic Evaluation
Authors: McCollor Doug , Stull Roland
Published: March 2008

Two economic models are employed to perform a value assessment of short-range ensemble forecasts of 24-h precipitation probabilities for hydroelectric reservoir operation.

Using a static cost–loss model, the value of the probability information is compared to the values of a deterministic control high-resolution forecast and of an ensemble-average forecast for forecast days 1 and 2. It is found that the probabilistic ensemble forecast provides value to a much wider range of hydroelectric operators than either the deterministic high-resolution forecast or the ensemble-average forecast, although for a small subset of operators the value of the three forecasts is the same. Forecasts for day-1 precipitation provide measurably higher value than forecasts for day-2 precipitation because of the loss of skill in the longer-range forecasts.

A decision theory model provides a continuous-variable weighting of a user-specific utility function. The utility function weights are supplied by the ensemble prediction system, and the outcome is compared with weights calculated from a deterministic model, from the ensemble average, and from climatology. It is found that the methods employing the full ensemble and the ensemble average outperform the single deterministic model and climatology for the hydroelectric reservoir scenario studied.
Statistical Characteristics of Daily Precipitation: Comparisons of Gridded and Point Datasets
Authors: Ensor Leslie A. , Robeson Scott M.
Published: March 2008

Gridding of daily precipitation data alleviates many of the limitations of data that are derived from point observations, such as problems associated with missing data and the lack of spatial coverage. As a result, gridded precipitation data can be valuable for applied climatological research and monitoring, but they too have limitations. To understand the limitations of gridded data more fully (especially when they are used as surrogates for station data), annual precipitation total, rain-day frequency, and annual maxima are calculated and compared for five Midwestern grid points from the Climate Prediction Center’s Unified Rain Gauge Dataset (URD) and those of its nearest (rain gauge) station. To further examine differences between the two datasets, return periods of daily precipitation were calculated over a region encompassing Illinois and Indiana. These analyses reveal that the gridding process used to create the URD produced nearly the same annual totals as the rain gauge data; however, the gridding significantly increased the frequency of low-precipitation events while greatly reducing the frequency of heavy-precipitation events. Extreme precipitation values also were greatly reduced in the gridded precipitation data. While smoothing nearly always occurs when data are gridded, the gridding of discrete variables such as daily precipitation can produce datasets with statistical characteristics that are very different from those of the original observations.
The GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager and the Continuation of Current Sounder Products
Authors: Schmit Timothy J. , Li Jun , Li Jinlong , Feltz Wayne F. , Gurka James J. , Goldberg Mitchell D. , Schrab Kevin J.
Published: March 2008

The first of the next-generation series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-R) is scheduled for launch in the 2015 time frame. One of the primary instruments on GOES-R, the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), will offer more spectral bands, higher spatial resolution, and faster imaging than does the current GOES Imager. Measurements from the ABI will be used for a wide range of qualitative and quantitative weather, land, ocean, cryosphere, environmental, and climate applications. However, the first and, likely, the second of the new series of GOES will not carry an infrared sounder dedicated to acquiring high-vertical-resolution atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles that are key to mesoscale and regional severe-weather forecasting. The ABI will provide some continuity of the current sounder products to bridge the gap until the advent of the GOES advanced infrared sounder. Both theoretical analysis and retrieval simulations show that data from the ABI can be combined with temperature and moisture information from forecast models to produce derived products that will be adequate substitutes for the legacy products from the current GOES sounders. Products generated from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) measurements also demonstrate the utility of those legacy products for nowcasting applications. However, because of very coarse vertical resolution and limited accuracy in the legacy sounding products, placing a hyperspectral-resolution infrared sounder with high temporal resolution on future GOES is an essential step toward realizing substantial improvements in mesoscale and severe-weather forecasting required by the user communities.
The Accreditation of Colleges and Universities for the Preparation of Teachers and the Building of a Profession
Authors: Peik W.E.
Published: March 2008

In this article the president of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education analyzes one of the most critical problems in American edu cation. As dean of the College of Educa tion of the University of Minnesota, the first chairman (1946-1948) of the National Commission on Teacher Education and Professional Standards, and participant and leader for more than two decades in practically every major organization or movement for the improvement of teacher education in the United States, Dean Peik brings a rich experience and a deep understanding to bear upon the problem.
Selection of Prospective Teachers At Syracuse University
Authors: White Verna
Published: March 2008

One of the most encouraging develop ments in teacher education at the present time is the effort to improve the process of selecting and guiding students in this field. Miss White is chairman of the committee on selection, School of Educa tion, Syracuse University, where some of the most interesting and promising work on selection has been taking place. She is an instructor in the education orientation course mentioned in the article and is a member of the staff in Human Growth and Development in the preservice teacher- education program of the University.
Interstate Reciprocity in Teacher Education-Certification
Authors: Stinnett T.M. , Bowers Harold J. , Robert E.B.
Published: March 2008

Encouraging progress is being made toward the free movement of qualified teachers across state lines, as revealed by the study reported here. Three of the nation's best informed students of the reciprocity problem have collaborated in the preparation of the report. Mr. Stin nett is associate secretary of the National Commission on Teacher Education and Professional Standards. Mr. Bowers, su pervisor of the Division of Teacher Edu cation, Ohio State Department of Educa tion, is president of the National Asso ciation of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. Mr. Robert, dean of the School of Education, Louisi ana State University, is president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Sec ondary Schools.

This is the first of a series of Commis sion Studies in Teacher Education which will have their original publication in regular issues of THE JOURNAL OF TEACHER EDUCATION from time to time. Reprints of this report are available at cost to JOUR NAL subscribers.
The Role of Teacher Education in International Relations
Authors: De Young Chris A.
Published: March 2008

Mr. De Young, former Dean, Illinois State Normal University, is on leave of absence from the University during 1949- 1950, devoting his time and talents to his work as Coordinator, Panels on Public Education and Teacher Education, Com mission on Occupied Areas. He writes of the international function of teacher edu cation from the practical point of view arising from his daily activity as an inter national liaison representative in teacher education, and from his long experience in this field. From 1920-1924 he served as an educational administrator in India, and in 1947 he was consultant for the War Department in Germany.
Fundamental Requirements in the Preparation of the Elementary-School Teacher
Authors: Wheat Harry G.
Published: March 2008

Few people in the United States under stand the learning-teaching process in the elementary school as well as does Mr. Wheat, Professor of Education at West Virginia University. Emphatic in his be liefs and gifted in the stating of them, he outlines a proposed curriculum for the preparation of the elementary-school teacher which will produce much con structive thinking on the part of those who study its full implications.
Emergence of Educational Leadership in Florida
Authors: Mead A.R.
Published: March 2008

Florida ranks high among the states that have made significant progress in education during recent years. Always in the group of leaders at the center of the State's progress has been the author of this article. Recently retired as Profes sor of Education, College of Education, University of Florida, Dr. Mead has look ed back over the teeming years since 1933 and identified main fountainheads of leadership in Florida's educational ad vance. This convincing account reveals teacher education as the mainspring of the forward movement in Florida.
Cooperative Improvement of Off-Campus Student Teaching
Authors: Burnett Lewie W. , Dickson George E.
Published: March 2008

As the importance of clinical experi ence gains increased recognition in teacher education, improvement in the quality of off-campus student teaching looms as a major problem. A cooperative ap proach to this problem is reported here. Mr. Burnett, formerly Director of Off- Campus Student Teaching at Central Washington College of Education is now Director of Student Teaching, School of Education, George Washington University. Mr. Dickson is a supervisor of student teaching, Central Washington College of Education. Others involved in the leader ship of the seminar-workshop at Central were: Max Berger, Curriculum Director of the Ellensburg City Schools; and Anne C. Lembesis, Frances Shuck, and Donovan Swanson, supervisors of student teaching, Central Washington College of Education.
The Teacher of Teachers: a Preface To Appraisal
Authors: Rugg Harold
Published: March 2008

While on sabbatical leave from Teach ers College, Columbia, New York City, in 1950, Dr. Rugg, Chairman of the Com mittee on Social Foundations, National Society of College Teachers of Education, held round-table discussions in 35 uni versities and colleges in some 18 states. Five additional round tables had been held during the previous year, making a total of 40 centers in which he discussed the problems of the Foundations of Edu cation with about 1200 staff members. These conferences varied in personnel from 15 to 75 members. In most instances the groups were drawn from three areas of college faculties-professors of educa tion, of the social, natural, and physical sciences, and of the arts; in a few the membership consisted only of professors of education. The discussions were based on the Committee's printed report, THE EMERGING TASK OF THE FOUNDA TIONS OF EDUCATION, which was dis tributed to all members of the Society in January, 1950. The present brief report is confined to Dr. Rugg's work as Chair man of the Committee since January, 1950.
Diagnostic and Predictive Values of the Johnson Temperament Analysis Used in Student Teaching
Authors: Tyler Fred T. , Michaelis John U.
Published: March 2008

The search for diagnostic and predictive measures of teaching aptitude is one of the most difficult but vital areas of in vestigation in teacher education. Messrs. Tyler and Michaelis report in this article on their appraisal of one instrument. Mr. Michaelis is Director of Supervised Teach ing, College of Education, University of California, Berkeley, and Mr. Tyler is a member of the faculty of the College.
Education: a Personal Matter
Authors: Topp Robert F.
Published: March 2008

Much has been accomplished in our ef forts to identify and carefully describe the desired qualifications for every teacher at every grade level. In our search for objective measures of competency we may easily overlook one of the most potent factors in the entire teaching process. Mr. Topp, former Assistant Director of Teach er Education, College of Education, Uni versity of Illinois, Urbana, now on the staff of Arizona State College, Flagstaff, goes deftly but directly to the very heart of the problem. His thoughtful presen tation is a challenge to a moment of self-evaluation on the part of every teacher and administrator.
Changing Status of Teacher-Education Institutions
Authors: Hughes Rees H.
Published: March 2008

President Hughes, of State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kansas, has long been a close student of teacher education and has contributed much to the thinking which has led to the evolutionary process he so clearly indicates in this article. The institution he serves was in the vanguard of the movement to offer a fifth year of teacher preparation in an institution de voted chiefly to work in this field.
Facts Revealed By the 1951 Study of Teacher Supply and Demand
Authors: Maul Ray C.
Published: March 2008

Here is a brief summary of the 1951 study of teacher supply and demand, an investigation conducted annually under the sponsorship of the National Commis sion on Teacher Education and Profes sional Standards. It provides a background against which trends may be seen, com parisons may be made, progress meas ured, and a sharper view of unsolved problems obtained. Not only professional workers in all aspects of teacher educa tion, but teachers throughout the nation, students in the various stages of prepara tion, and those yet to choose teaching as an occupation need information of the kind revealed by this type of inquiry. Mr. Maul, the director, serves as Research As sociate of the National Commission. He is on leave of absence from his adminis trative duties at State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas, for full-time service at the National Education Association head- quarters.

Copies of the complete 36-page report containing state-by-state figures on supply, demand, preparation of elementary-school teachers, and live births may be obtained froan the office of the Commission, 1201 Sixteenth Street, Northwest, Washington 6, D. C., for $1.00 each.
Retraining Secondary Teachers for Elementary Schools—the Long Beach State College Plan
Authors: Kinsman Kephas Albert
Published: March 2008

How to "convert" the person prepared for secondary-school teaching into a self- reliant, fairly competent elementary-school teacher in a minimum period of time is one of the major tasks facing teacher- education institutions throughout the country. At the invitation of the Califor nia State Department of Education, Mr. Kinsman, Professor of Education at Long Beach State College, Long Beach, Cali fornia, who served as coordinator of an elementary-conversion program, brought together the joint efforts of the college and the nearby elementary schools in a program which achieved significant re sults. His report shows not only careful planning but maximum utilization of a brief summer session.
The Place of Methods Courses On the Secondary Level as Viewed By a Laboratory Supervisor
Authors: Clark Elmer J.
Published: March 2008

To have or not to have a special- methods course in any teacher-education program is a moot point. Certainly the arguments, both pro and con, challenge our constant attention to developments in opposing directions. Here Elmer J. Clark, of Indiana State Teachers College, Terre Haute, sets up a series of definite proposals from his point of view as both a subject-matter and special-methods teacher. Mr. Clark also serves as super visor of student teaching, thus enabling him to view and evaluate an ongoing program from three approaches.