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Educating students who are deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) is complex; compounding this complexity is the situation in rural areas, where the incidence levels are lower, students are more spread out, and the availability of specialty staff is more limited. The purpose of this mixed-methods action research study was to examine the impact of a collaborative consultation (CC) service delivery model on the knowledge and self-efficacy of school professionals who serve students who are D/HH in rural areas. A case study research design was used on a team of 3 school professionals from a rural school in the Upper Midwest. Findings indicated that CC increased the knowledge and self-efficacy of school professionals serving rural D/HH students. Implications for social change pertain to education administrators, inservice educators, and D/HH students.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease related to the nose and the paranasal sinus as defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) criteria. The criteria include subjective symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, and objective findings by endoscopy. Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is an objective method to determine nasal cavity geometry. The technique is based on a sound pulse reflection analysis in the nasal cavity and determines cross-sectional areas as a function of distance as well as volume. AR measurements in persons recruited from the general population, with and without CRS based on the clinical EPOS criteria, were investigated. As part of a trans-European study, 362 persons, comprising 91 persons with CRS and 271 persons without CRS, were examined by an otolaryngologist including rhinoscopy. Minimum cross-sectional area, distance to minimum cross-sectional area, and volume in the nasal cavity were measured by acoustic rhinometry and all participants underwent Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) and allergy test. A difference in AR was found before and after decongestion, but no difference was seen between CRS patients and controls. Positive correlation between AR and PNIF was found and AR was capable of identifying mucosal oedema and septum deviation visualised by rhinoscopy. In conclusion, AR, as a single instrument, was not capable of discriminating persons with CRS from persons without CRS in the general population. However, AR correlates well with PNIF and was capable of identifying septum deviation and mucosal oedema.

Accurate interpretation of paleoproductivity proxies in the Southern Ocean requires “ground truthing” these proxies. Here the concentrations of total Ba, organic carbon (C org ), and biogenic silica (Si bio ), along with other redox-sensitive trace metals (Cd, Re, and Mo), are compared with the distribution of silver (Ag) in core top sediments from the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. Conventional thinking holds that enrichment of trace metals should be muted or absent in Southern Ocean sediments despite high export of C org from surface waters because deposition under well-oxygenated bottom waters inhibits accumulation of reduced metal phases. While our data support this prediction, detectable preserved vertical fluxes of Ag, Cd, and Re exist beneath the opal belt and faithfully record surface productivity patterns. Therefore we suggest Ag fluxes into Southern Ocean sediments occur via biodetritus associated with high export production rather than accumulation by redox-driven diagenetic processes. Sedimentary Ag concentrations are likely altered at the seafloor by biogenic particle remineralization due to high bottom water O 2 . Nevertheless, zonal Ag fluxes are similar to surface productivity patterns, highlighting the potential of Ag to serve as a proxy for diatom export production.

Cultivated sorghum [ (L.) Moench subsp. ] can interbreed with a feral weedy relative shattercane [ nothosubsp. (Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse]. Traits introduced from cultivated sorghum could contribute to the invasiveness of a shattercane population. An experiment was conducted to determine the potential for pollen-mediated gene flow from grain sorghum to shattercane. Shattercane with juicy midrib () was planted in soybean [ (L.) Merr.] fields during 2 yr in concentric arcs at varying distances from a 0.39 ha sorghum pollen source with dry midrib (). The arcs were placed so that prevailing winds would carry sorghum pollen to the shattercane. Seven hundred twenty seeds from each of over 300 shattercane panicles in anthesis during sorghum pollen shed each year were collected. Progeny were evaluated by phenotype to determine rate of hybridization. Hybridization averaged 3.6% within the source in 2008 and 16.0% in 2009 and declined as distance increased. Hybridization as high as 2.6% for an individual panicle was measured at the farthest distance evaluated (200 m). Wind direction and speed were also measured and their product affected hybridization rate for all pollination periods. Results indicate that genes from cultivated sorghum will likely be introduced into shattercane populations at distances of at least 200 m and that rate of hybridization is dependent on weather factors such as wind. Source size is also important in determining hybridization rate but was not studied here.

Leaves and stalks of many sorghum genotypes accumulate dark red or purple pigments upon wounding while some plants, called ‘tan,’ do not. Grains with unpigmented ‘white’ pericarps grown on tan plants are more desirable for food. The hypothesis tested was that pigments in plants protected grain against the panicle diseases grain mould and head smut. Near-isogenic tan or purple plant colour genotypes with white grain were planted at Lincoln and Ithaca, NE and Corpus Christi, TX. The field grown grain was plated onto semi-selective media to detect the presence of grain colonisation by mould genera Alternaria, Fusarium and Curvularia .M oreFusarium and Curvularia spp. were recovered from grain grown at Corpus Christi than the Nebraska locations; however, there was no indication that the grain from purple plants was more resistant to the three fungal genera. Most fungi were identified morphologically as Alternaria alternata. Molecular identification of Fusarium species, using translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequences, showed that Fusarium thapsinum and Fusarium proliferatum infected grain at all three locations. Head smut disease of panicles, caused by the fungus Sporisorium reilianum, was assessed at Corpus Christi; surprisingly, purple plants had significantly greater disease incidence than tan plants. We propose that the tan plant colour lines with white grain are promising for development of foodgrade sorghums not more susceptible than pigmented lines to grain mould and head smut.

Over the last 15 years it has become increasingly clear that dysregulated expression, splicing, and/or function of ion channels and transporters (ICT) occur in all cancers. Being linked to the widely accepted hallmarks of cancer, ICTs represent novel therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic targets. To discuss the current status of the field, a colloquium on “Ion Transport and Cancer” was held, covering the roles of ICTs in cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and invasion, and in both the generation of and the interaction of the cancer cells with the tumor environment. Additional sessions dealt with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and transport protein–based therapeutic and diagnostic concepts. There was overall consensus that essential contributions of ICT dysregulation to the cancer process have been demonstrated. Future research should be directed toward further elucidating the mechanisms and developing therapeutic applications. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1658–61. ©2012 AACR.

Four shattercane [ subsp. (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse] genetic stocks—N614 (Reg. No. GS-652, PI 665684), AN615 (Reg. No. GS-651, PI 665683), N616 (Reg. No. GS-653, PI 665685), and N617 (Reg. No. GS-654, PI 665686)—with A cytoplasmic male sterility or the nuclear male sterility gene containing either juicy () or dry () culms were developed jointly by the USDA-ARS; the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University; and the Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska. The stocks were released in July 2011. The source material for these genetic stocks was isolated from an archetypical shattercane population found near Lincoln, NE. Release of these genetic stocks makes available shattercane lines with both A cytoplasmic male sterility, and genetic (nuclear) male sterility to facilitate crossing. These genetic stocks also contain juicy () or dry () culms, a visible genetic marker to facilitate screening progeny resulting from crosses. The genetic stocks have immediate application for basic research involving gene flow from cultivated sorghum [ (L.) Moench] to shattercane and on the fitness of offspring resulting from such crosses.

An energy-system model incorporating generation, transmission and integrated management of hydroelectric reservoirs in British Columbia (BC) is used to explore approaches to meeting load projections to 2040. The model includes electricity trade between BC, Alberta and the US, the influence of a carbon emissions tax, contributions from the aging gas-fired Burrard Thermal plant and production from a proposed dam called “Site C” on the Peace River in northern BC. Model results suggest: If load increases as anticipated at 1.4%/year, BC will need to import significant amounts of electricity within two decades. Operating the Burrard plant at full capacity to 2025 and bringing Site C on line in 2020 delays the need to import by only 6 years, while realizing net electricity export sales of $5.9 billion by 2040. Bringing Site C on line but imposing a tax of $30/t of CO2 emitted on gas-fired generation causes immediate closure of the Burrard plant on economic grounds and reduces net export revenue to $0.63 billion by 2040. BC has options, however, including demand side management and development of additional generation capacity. In the absence of these measures, imported power may be more significant in BC's electricity future.

Comparison of channel characteristics at many frequency bands is necessary to study the frequency-de-pendency which is important for consistent multi-frequency spatial-temporal channel model. Path loss (PL) and power spectrum characteristics of the channel measured in a typical classroom line-of-sight (LOS) were presented at three different bands: 3, 10 and 28 GHz. The results showed that diffuse scattering was more significant in lower bands, whereas specular reflection was more significant in higher bands. Moreover, PL of 3 and 10 GHz were higher than their free space PL (FSPL) counterparts. For 28 GHz band, the PL was roughly the same as FSPL.

Background and aims The utilization of phosphorus (P) in cattle slurry as a starter fertilizer in maize cropping is poor. To improve this and to obviate the use of additional mineral starter-P fertilization, we examined if slurry acidification, placement strategy and application time could increase maize yield and phosphorus uptake (PU) in the early growth stages. Methods In a climate-controlled pot experiment, untreated (pH 6.5) and acidified (pH 5.5 or pH 3.8) cattle slurry was injected in narrow or broad bands two or 30 days before sowing of maize on a coarse sandy and a sandy loam soil and compared with mineral P fertilizer. Results After broad band slurry injection, the P concentration in maize tissues at the five-leaf stage and the dry matter yield at the seven-leaf stage were equal to or higher than the mineral P fertilizer treatment. Treatments with strongly acidified slurry (pH 3.8) had 49% higher PU at the seven-leaf stage compared to untreated slurry, but only on the sandy soil, suggesting an indirect pH effect on PU. Application time had no effect. Conclusion Broad band slurry injection or strong acidification can improve early-stage growth of maize and potentially obviate the use of mineral P.

Sorghum is used as bioenergy feedstock, an- imal feed, and food. Economical methods for disease prevention and control are valuable for producers. Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from sor- ghumrootsandsurroundingsoilwiththegoaloffinding isolates that significantly inhibited sorghum fungal pathogens. Fluorescent pseudomonads were collected from seedlings of sorghum cultivars RTx433 and Redlan and wheat cultivar Lewjain, grown in two soils. Lewjain is known to support growth of producers of the antibiotic, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG). Isolatesfrom all three plantswere assessedfor hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and extracellular protease production, and for a 2,4-DAPG gene, phlD .B oth soil type and plant type affected HCN- and protease-production, but phlD was not affected. Subsets of phlD + isolates were chosen to determine phlD genotypes and to conduct in vitro inhibitionassaysagainst sorghumpathogens.Most isolates from sorghum and wheat were genotype D, previously associated with superior root colonization. phlD + sorghum isolates were co-cultured with five sor- ghum pathogens. One isolate from each sorghum line exhibited inhibition to all five pathogens but more Redlan isolates were inhibitory to the virulent pathogen, Fusarium thapsinum, than RTx433 isolates. Nearly all inhibitory isolates from either sorghum cultivar were from one soil type. This is consistent with what had been previously observed in field studies: that soil type played a significant role in determining characteristics of fluo- rescent Pseudomonas spp. isolated from roots or soil, but sorghum genotype also had a considerable effect.

Moorings with sequential sediment traps to study downward sediment flux in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean were maintained in 3350 m of water year-round between September 1990 and July 1994. Sediment was collected nominally at 600-m depth and instruments measuring current, temperature, salinity and pressure were placed at several levels between 45 and 1515 m. Total dry weight particle fluxes were low (4.2, 2.1, and 8.2 g m −2 a −1 ) compared to those found in other world ocean basins. Particle flux varied greatly intra-annually. There were peaks during each summer, with differing seasonal timing and particle composition suggesting a correlation with inter-annual differences in summertime ice clearance. In winter, the particle flux was higher if the ice of the preceding summer was light. Enhanced primary production in summers with wider ice-free seas is a possible explanation, but inconsistent with the high lithogenic (LITH) content of most samples: A significant fraction of the particulate organic carbon (POC) content is refractory carbon. Another possibility is that the south-easterly wind pushing ice to the north-west in summers of reduced ice drives the Mackenzie River plume, laden with lithogenic sediment, behind it and out to the mooring site. There is also another factor in play: Peaks in particle flux frequently coincided with eddies, mesoscale circulation features with strongest current well below the surface. The highest measured flux occurred in the winter of 1994, synchronous with a baroclinic eddy which enveloped the mooring for 60 days while rotating cyclonically and moving slowly north-westward. Particles trapped at this time had high LITH and low POC contents, a relatively high molar ratio of biogenic silica to POC and appreciable chlorophyll a and phaeophytin pigments. Subsequent trap intervals coincided with the passage of a deeper anti-cyclonic eddy, also on a north-westward trajectory, which deposited material of different composition. These observations demonstrate that an understanding of the lateral transport of sediment by energetic physical phenomena is critical to the insightful interpretation of the particle flux measured with sediment traps at sites remote from the coast in the southern Canada Basin.

Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide self-interference suppression for a transceiver of a wireless communication system. To minimize interference from a transmit signal appearing on a receive path of the system, a cross-correlation is minimized between the transmit signal and a desired receive signal.

To study the effect of red blood cell (RBC) storage duration on long-term mortality in patients undergoing cardiac intervention.RBCs undergo numerous structural and functional changes during storage. Observational studies have assessed the association between RBC storage duration and patient outcomes with conflicting results.Between January 2006 and December 2014, 82 408 patients underwent coronary angiography. Of these, 1856 patients received one to four RBC units within 30 days after this procedure. Patients were allocated according to length of RBC storage duration: short-term (≤11 days), intermediate (IM)-term (12-23 days) and long-term (≥24 days). The study endpoints were 30-day and long-term all-cause mortality.A total of 4168 RBC units were given to 1856 patients. The mean RBC storage duration was 8.5 ± 2.1, 17.7 ± 3.4 and 29.9 ± 3.4 days in the short-term, IM-term and long-term storage groups, respectively. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. The long-term storage group received significantly more units (2.4 ± 1.0 units) as compared to the short-term (2.0 ± 1.0 units; P 0.001) and IM-term storage group (2.2 ± 1.0 units; P 0.01). In the survival analysis, there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the groups (log-rank: 0.509 for 30-days mortality; 0.493 for 5-year mortality). Additional stratified analysis demonstrated no association between RBC storage duration and long-term mortality.This study did not find an association between RBC storage duration and 30-days or long-term mortality in patients undergoing cardiac intervention.

In this paper, the feasibility of an antenna isolation technique based on null-steer beamforming, polarization diversity and spatial diversity is investigated. The proposed system consists of six patch antennas which are fed by a feeding network to obtain a null-steer beamformer. To achieve spatial diversity, antenna elements are located on two layers, facing in a different direction. Moreover, the antenna elements in two layers use different polarization. The measured results of the antenna system present a high TX-RX isolation in the order of 70 dB which shows the feasibility of such a system for Full-duplex transmission.

In this paper, a Full-duplex (FD) antenna system is presented with a high isolation between the TX and RX antennas. The isolation method is based on utilizing balanced antennas to localize the current on the ground plane and single mode excitation of the ground plane with capacitive coupling elements. The simulation results show a promising isolation level of 75 dB. User impact investigation on the antenna isolation, antenna matching and efficiency is presented. The isolation level varies from 60 dB to 30 dB in the worst user scenarios. The proposed antenna system can be used in a MISO/SIMO FD system.

We previously reported that the human HER2 gene encodes the intronic microRNA mir-4728, which is overexpressed together with its oncogenic host gene and may act independently of the HER2 receptor. More recently, we also reported that the oncogenic miR-21-5p is regulated by 3′ tailing and trimming by the non-canonical poly(A) polymerase PAPD5 and the ribonuclease PARN. Here we demonstrate a dual function for the HER2 locus in upregulation of miR-21-5p; while HER2 signalling activates transcription of mir-21, miR-4728-3p specifically stabilises miR-21-5p through inhibition of PAPD5. Our results establish a new and unexpected oncogenic role for the HER2 locus that is not currently being targeted by any anti-HER2 therapy.

Antenna systems that can include first and second radiators and an electromagnetic coupler disposed adjacent to the first and the second radiators. The radiators can be tunable to one or more frequencies. The electromagnetic coupler can be, for example, an inductive coupler or a capacitive coupler. One or more of the antenna systems can be configured to use carrier aggregation by tuning the first and/or the second radiators. For example, one or more of the antenna systems can be configured to use inter-band aggregation, intra-band contiguous aggregation, and intra-band non-contiguous aggregation.

An apparatus and method to provide isolation between a first antenna and a second antenna, each of which is located on a ground plane. A slot that is tunable by a variable reactance is located on the ground plane, the slot not being appreciably resonant at the operating frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna. The antennas operate in an orthogonal mode. Varying the slot reactance varies the electrical distance over which the coupling current between the two antennas flows. Increased RF isolation to a desired magnitude results by maintaining the orthogonality at desired bands. The RF isolation can be measured and a departure from the desired magnitude of isolation causes the reactance to be varied to increase the RF isolation back to the desired magnitude. The antennas and the slot are placed at locations on the ground plane of high current density.

In this paper, we describe the current status of the LISA Pathfinder mission, a precursor mission aimed at demonstrating key technologies for future space-based gravitational wave detectors, like LISA. Since much of the flight hardware has already been constructed and tested, we will show that performance measurements and analysis of these flight components lead to an expected performance of the LISA Pathfinder which is a significant improvement over the mission requirements, and which actually reaches the LISA requirements over the entire LISA Pathfinder measurement band. © 2012 IOP Publishing Ltd.

1. Under conditions of both euoxia and hypoxia, it is generally accepted that the ventilatory response to CO2 has both rapid (peripheral chemoreflex) and slow (central chemoreflex) components. However, under conditions of hyperoxia, it is unclear in humans whether the fast component is completely abolished or merely attenuated in magnitude. 2. The present study develops a technique to determine whether or not a two-compartment model fits the ventilatory response to CO2 significantly better than a one-compartment model. Data were collected under both hypoxic (end-tidal PO2 = 50 Torr) conditions, when two components would be expected, and under hyperoxic (end-tidal PO2 = 200 Torr) conditions, when the presence of the fast compartment is under question. 3. Ten subjects were recruited, of whom nine completed the study. The end-tidal PCO2 of each subject was varied according to a multi-frequency binary sequence that involved 13 steps into and 13 steps out of hypercapnia lasting altogether 1408 s. 4. In four out of nine subjects in hypoxia, and six out of nine subjects in hyperoxia, the two-compartment model fitted the data significantly better than the one-compartment model (F ratio test on residuals). This improvement in fit was significant for the pooled data in both hypoxia (P < 0.05) and hyperoxia (P < 0.005). Mean ventilatory sensitivities for the central chemoreflex were (mean +/- s.e.m.) 1. 69 +/- 0.39 l min-1 Torr-1 in hypoxia and 2.00 +/- 0.32 l min-1 Torr-1 in hyperoxia. Mean ventilatory sensitivities for the peripheral chemoreflex were 2.42 +/- 0.36 l min-1 Torr-1 in hypoxia and 0.75 +/- 0.16 l min-1 Torr-1 in hyperoxia. 5. It is concluded that the rapid and slow components of the ventilatory response to CO2 can be separately identified, and that a rapid component persists under conditions of hyperoxia.

Pedersen, Michala E. F., Keith L. Dorrington, and Peter A. Robbins. Effects of haloperidol on ventilation during isocapnic hypoxia in humans. J. Appl. Physiol.83(4): 1110–1115, 1997.—Exposure to isocapnic hypoxia produces an abrupt increase in ventilation [acute hypoxic ventilatory response (AHVR)], which is followed by a subsequent decline [hypoxic ventilatory depression or decline (HVD)]. In cats, both anesthetized and awake, haloperidol has been reported to increase AHVR and almost entirely abolish HVD. To investigate whether this occurs in humans, the ventilatory responses of 15 healthy young volunteers to 20 min of isocapnic hypoxia (end-tidal [Formula: see text] = 50 Torr) were assessed at 1, 2, and 4.5 h after placebo (control) and after oral haloperidol (Seranace, 0.05 mg/kg) on different days. Three subjects were unable to complete the study because of akathisia. AHVR was significantly greater with haloperidol compared with control ( P < 0.01, analysis of variance). However, no significant change in HVD was found [control HVD = 9.3 ± 1.6 (SD) l/min, haloperidol HVD = 9.9 ± 2.1 l/min; P = not significant, analysis of variance]. We conclude that combined central and peripheral dopamine-receptor antagonism in humans with haloperidol produces a similar pattern of change to that reported previously with the peripheral antagonist domperidone. We have been unable to show in humans a decrease in HVD by the centrally acting drug as observed in cats.

The main goal of the TopicalWorking Group on MIMO OTAis to gather all therelevant research across theWorking Groups in the IC1004Action for backingupchoices to be made in standardisation on technologies for OTA testing ofmulti-antenna devices.As no standards are conceived in European cooperationin science and technology (COST) IC1004, discussions are generally held inan easier atmosphere than in standardisation bodies. Contributions to a broaderunderstanding of OTAtesting of multi-antenna systems and its implications arewelcomed as much as investigations of particular technologies or concepts.Such contributions come from industry and academia. Compared to earlierwork in, for instance in COST Action 2100, the focus has shifted from RFperformance (the present OTA standard) to overall device performance as seenby the user, without regarding any specific hardware/subsystem performance.This also means not primarily finding out why a certain terminal in a particularradio environment behaves the way it does, the focus is on how it performsw.r.t. to exchanging information (data, speech, images). The impetus comesfrom, among others, mobile service providers that want to rank UE for theirportfolio. The targeted application of MIMO OTA in standardisation is theconformance testing cycle, currently targeting RF performance only and notproduction testing. In this Chapter, contributions over the project duration aredocumented and resumed in a coherent way.

This study reports on the safety of early removal of pericardial drains after cardiac tamponade complicating atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) procedures, the need for repeat pericardiocentesis, major adverse outcomes, as well as length of stay, and the need for opiate analgesia.Tamponade from AFCA is traditionally managed by pericardiocentesis with delayed removal of the drain (typically 12 to 24 h later) in case of re-bleeding. A drain in situ often causes severe pain but ongoing blood loss is rare. Our institution adopted the practice of early removal of drains before leaving the laboratory if bleeding has stopped.The authors performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of 43 cases of tamponade complicating AFCA from 2006 to 2015, comparing patients in whom the drain was removed early (group early removal [ER]; n = 25) versus traditional delayed removal (group delayed removal [DR]; n = 18).The groups were similar with respect to clinical/demographic characteristics, proportions of first-time versus re-do and pulmonary vein isolation versus pulmonary vein isolation + additional ablation. There were no deaths. No ER patients required drain re-insertion before discharge. The length of stay was shorter in the ER group (3 days; range 1 to 9 days) than in the DR group (4 days; range 2 to 60 days). The requirement for opiate analgesia was less in the ER group (8%) than in the DR group (72%).Early removal of pericardial drains after tamponade complicating AFCA procedures appears to be safe and effective, with re-insertion not required in this cohort. The traditional practice of leaving drains in situ for 12 to 24 h may result in more patient discomfort and longer hospitalization.

As a part of the work carried out on a project supported by the Danish council for technology and innovation, we have investigated the option of smoothing standard CNC machined surfaces. In the process of constructing optical prototypes, involving custom-designed optics, the development cost and time consumption can become relatively large numbers in a research budget. Machining the optical surfaces directly is expensive and time consuming. Alternatively, a more standardized and cheaper machining method can be used, but then the object needs to be manually polished. During the polishing process the operator needs information about the RMS-value of the surface roughness and the current direction of the scratches introduces by the polishing process. The RMS-value indicates to the operator how far he is from the final finish, and the scratch orientation is often specified by the customer in order to avoid complications during the casting process. In this work we present a method for measuring the RMS-values of the surface roughness while simultaneously determining the polishing direction. We are mainly interested in the RMS-values in the range from 0 – 100 nm, which corresponds to the finish categories of A1, A2 and A3. Based on simple intensity measurements we estimates the RMS-value of the surface roughness, and by using a sectioned annual photo-detector to collect the scattered light we can determine the direction of polishing and distinguish light scattered from random structures and light scattered from scratches.

3-Hydroxycyclopent-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid (HOCPCA (1)) is a potent ligand for high-affinity γ-hydroxybutyric acid binding sites in the central nervous system. Various approaches to the introduction of a hydrogen label onto the HOCPCA skeleton are reported. The outcomes of the feasible C─H activation of olefin carbon (C-2) by iridium catalyst are compared with the reduction of the carbonyl group (C-3) by freshly prepared borodeuterides. The most efficient iridium catalysts proved to be Kerr bulky phosphine N-heterocyclic species providing outstanding deuterium enrichment (up to 91%) in a short period of time. The highest deuterium enrichment (99%) was achieved through the reduction of ketone precursor 2 by lithium trimethoxyborodeuteride. Hence, analogical conditions were used for the tritiation experiment. [

The present subject matter relates to antenna systems, devices, and methods that provide efficient coverage of low frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz-bands and 600 MHz-bands) for the new generations of mobile communication. For example, a dual-resonant radiating system can include a ground plane, a radiating coupler spaced apart from but in communication with the ground plane, and a ground plane extension in communication with the ground plane. In this arrangement, one or both of the radiating coupler and the ground plane extension are tunable to tune a dual-resonance frequency response.

Background Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) is an S/T kinase with more than 200 known substrates, and with critical roles in regulation of cell growth and differentiation and currently no membrane proteins have been linked to ERK2 scaffolding. Methods and results Here, we identify the human Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (hNHE1) as a membrane scaffold protein for ERK2 and show direct hNHE1-ERK1/2 interaction in cellular contexts. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and immunofluorescence analysis we demonstrate that ERK2 scaffolding by hNHE1 occurs by one of three D-domains and by two non-canonical F-sites located in the disordered intracellular tail of hNHE1, mutation of which reduced cellular hNHE1-ERK1/2 co-localization, as well as reduced cellular ERK1/2 activation. Time-resolved NMR spectroscopy revealed that ERK2 phosphorylated the disordered tail of hNHE1 at six sites in vitro, in a distinct temporal order, with the phosphorylation rates at the individual sites being modulated by the docking sites in a distant dependent manner. Conclusions This work characterizes a new type of scaffolding complex, which we term a “shuffle complex”, between the disordered hNHE1-tail and ERK2, and provides a molecular mechanism for the important ERK2 scaffolding function of the membrane protein hNHE1, which regulates the phosphorylation of both hNHE1 and ERK2. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0252-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Knowledge of the genetic bases of grain quality traits will complement plant breeding efforts to improve the end-use value of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Candidate gene association mapping was used on a diverse panel of 300 sorghum accessions to assess marker–trait associations for 10 grain quality traits measured using the single kernel characterization system (SKCS) and near-infrared refl ectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The analysis of the accessions through 1290 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) separated the panel into fi ve subpopulations that corresponded to three major sorghum races (durra, kafi r, and caudatum), one intermediate race (guinea-caudatum), and one working group (zerazera-caudatum). These subpopulations differed in kernel hardness, acid detergent fi ber, and total digestible nutrients. After model testing, association analysis between 333 SNPs in candidate genes and/or loci and grain quality traits resulted in eight signifi cant marker–trait associations. A SNP in starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) gene was associated with kernel hardness (KH) with a likelihood ratio-based R 2 (R LR 2 ) value of 0.08, a SNP in starch synthase (SSIIb) gene was associated with starch content with an R LR 2 value of 0.10, and a SNP in loci pSB1120 was associated with starch content with an RLR 2 value of 0.09.

Ca+ signaling plays a crucial role in control of cell cycle progression, but the understanding of the dynamics of Ca2+ influx and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores during the cell cycle is far from complete. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the free extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) in cell proliferation, the pattern of changes in the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during cell cycle progression, and the role of the transient receptor potential (TRP)C1 in these changes as well as in cell cycle progression and cell volume regulation. In Ehrlich Lettré Ascites (ELA) cells, [Ca2+]i decreased significantly, and the thapsigargin-releasable Ca2+ pool in the intracellular stores increased in G1 as compared with G0. Store-depletion-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and TRPC1 protein expression level were both higher in G1 than in G0 and S phase, in parallel with a more effective volume regulation after swelling [regulatory volume decrease (RVD)] in G1 as compared with S phase. Furthermore, reduction of [Ca2+]o, as well as two unspecific SOCE inhibitors, 2-APB (2-aminoethyldiphenyl borinate) and SKF96365 (1-(β-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)propoxyl-4-methoxyphenethyl)1H-imidazole-hydrochloride), inhibited ELA cell proliferation. Finally, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells in which TRPC1 was stably silenced [TRPC1 knockdown (TRPC1-KD) MDCK] exhibited reduced SOCE, slower RVD, and reduced cell proliferation compared with mock controls. In conclusion, in ELA cells, SOCE and TRPC1 both seem to be upregulated in G1 as compared with S phase, concomitant with an increased rate of RVD. Furthermore, TRPC1-KD MDCK cells exhibit decreased SOCE, decreased RVD, and decreased proliferation, suggesting that, at least in certain cell types, TRPC1 is regulated during cell cycle progression and is involved in SOCE, RVD, and cell proliferation.

Genome-wide association studies recently linked the locus for Na(+),HCO(3)(-)-cotransporter NBCn1 (SLC4A7) to breast cancer susceptibility, yet functional insights have been lacking. To determine whether NBCn1, by transporting HCO(3)(-) into cells, may dispose of acid produced during high metabolic activity, we studied the expression of NBCn1 and the functional impact of Na(+),HCO(3)(-)-cotransport in human breast cancer. We found that the plasmalemmal density of NBCn1 was 20-30% higher in primary breast carcinomas and metastases compared to matched normal breast tissue. The increase in NBCn1 density was similar in magnitude to that observed for Na(+)/H(+)-exchanger NHE1 (SLC9A1), a transporter previously implicated in cell migration, proliferation and malignancy. In primary breast carcinomas, the apparent molecular weight for NBCn1 was increased compared to normal tissue. Using pH-sensitive fluorophores, we showed that Na(+),HCO(3)(-)-cotransport is the predominant mechanism of acid extrusion and is inhibited 34 ± 9% by 200 μM 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid in human primary breast carcinomas. At intracellular pH (pH(i) ) levels6.6, CO(2)/HCO(3)(-)-dependent mechanisms accounted for90% of total net acid extrusion. Na(+)/H(+)-exchange activity was prominent only at lower pH(i) -values. Furthermore, steady-state pH(i) was 0.35 ± 0.06 units lower in the absence than in the presence of CO(2)/HCO(3)(-). In conclusion, expression of NBCn1 is upregulated in human primary breast carcinomas and metastases compared to normal breast tissue. Na(+),HCO(3)(-)-cotransport is a major determinant of pH(i) in breast cancer and the modest DIDS-sensitivity is consistent with NBCn1 being predominantly responsible. Hence, our results suggest a major pathophysiological role for NBCn1 that may be clinically relevant.

A fundamental need for commercialization of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] as a bioenergy crop is an adequate seed supply, which will require development of hybrid varieties using dwarf seed-parent lines. A set of six public sweet sorghum A-lines (Dwarf Kansas Sourless, KS9, N36, N38, N39, and N4692) were crossed with a set of six public sweet sorghum cultivars (Brawley, Kansas Collier, Dale, Sugar Drip, Waconia, and Wray). Grain, fiber, and sugar yields were determined, and conversion formulas were applied to estimate ethanol yields. Hybrids were grown in fields at Ithaca, NE, USA, in 1983–1984 fertilized with 112 kg ha−1 N. In terms of yield components and overall ethanol yields, one A-line, N38, was inferior. Average total ethanol yields from hybrids made on the other A-lines were not significantly different, suggesting that any of those five A-lines could be useful seed-parents. With the exception of grain yield, cultivars used as pollen parents were among the highest-performing entries for all traits. For all traits directly contributing to total ethanol yield (grain yield, juice yield, % soluble solids, sugar yield, fiber yield), hybrids were also among the highest-performing entries. Results of this study demonstrate that hybrid sweet sorghum with performance criteria equivalent to existing sweet sorghum cultivars can be produced on the sweet sorghum seed-parent lines A-Dwarf Kansas Sourless, A-KS9, A-N36, A-N39, and A-N4692. Identification of specific seed-parent × pollen parent lines with characteristics best suited for particular growing regions and end-user needs will be critical for commercial hybrid development.

Modifying lignin content and composition are targets to improve bioenergy crops for cellulosic conversion to biofuels. In sorghum and other C4 grasses, the brown midrib mutants have been shown to reduce lignin content and alter its composition. Bmr12 encodes the sorghum caffeic O-methyltransferase, which catalyzes the penultimate step in monolignol biosynthesis. From an EMS-mutagenized TILLING population, four bmr12 mutants were isolated. DNA sequencing identified the four missense mutations in the Bmr12 coding region, which changed evolutionarily conserved amino acids Ala71Val, Pro150Leu, Gly225Asp, and Gly325Ser. The previously characterized bmr12 mutants all contain premature stop codons. These newly identified mutants, along with the previously characterized bmr12-ref, represent the first allelic series of bmr12 mutants available in the same genetic background. The impacts of these newly identified mutations on protein accumulation, enzyme activity, Klason lignin content, lignin subunit composition, and saccharification yield were determined. Gly225Asp mutant greatly reduced protein accumulation, and Pro150Leu and Gly325Ser greatly impaired enzyme activity compared to wild type (WT). All four mutants significantly reduced Klason lignin content and altered lignin composition resulting in a significantly reduced S/G ratio relative to WT, but the overall impact of these mutations was less severe than bmr12-ref. Except for Gly325Ser, which is a hypomorphic mutant, all mutants increased the saccharification yield relative to WT. These mutants represent new tools to decrease lignin content and S/G ratio, possibly leading toward the ability to tailor lignin content and composition in the bioenergy grass sorghum.

We and others have shown central roles of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE1 in cell motility. The aim of this study was to determine the roles of NHE1 and of the Na(+), HCO(3)(-) cotransporter NBCn1 in motility of serum-starved MCF-7 breast cancer cells expressing constitutively active ErbB2 (ΔNErbB2). ΔNErbB2 expression elicited NBCn1 upregulation, Ser(703)-phosphorylation of NHE1, and NHE1-inhibitor (EIPA)-sensitive pericellular acidification, in conjunction with increased expression of β1 integrin and ERM proteins. Active ERM proteins and NHE1 colocalized strongly to invadopodial rosettes, the diameter of which was increased by ΔNErbB2. Adhesion and migration on collagen-I were augmented by ΔNErbB2, unaffected by the NBC inhibitor S0859, and further stimulated by EIPA in a manner potentiated by PI3K-Akt-inhibition. These findings demonstrate that NHE1 inhibition can enhance cancer cell motility, adding an important facet to the understanding of NHE1 in cancer.

The objective of this research was to investigate the fermentation performance of waxy grain sorghum for ethanol production. Twenty-five waxy grain sorghum varieties were evaluated with a laboratory dry-grind procedure. Total starch and amylose contents were measured following colorimetric procedures. Total starch and amylose contents ranged from 65.4 to 76.3% and from 5.5 to 7.3%, respectively. Fermentation efficiencies were in the range of 86.0–92.2%, corresponding to ethanol yields of 2.61–3.03 gallons/bushel. The advantages of using waxy sorghums for ethanol production include easier gelatinization and low viscosity during liquefaction, higher starch and protein digestibility, higher free amino nitrogen (FAN) content, and shorter fermentation times. The results showed a strong linear relationship between FAN content and fermentation rate. Fermentation rate increased as FAN content increased, especially during the first 30 hr of fermentation (R2 = 0.90). Total starch content in distillers drie...

Expiratory flow limitation occurs when flow ceases to increase with increasing expiratory effort. The equal pressure point concept has been largely successful in providing intuitive understanding of the phenomenon, wherein maximal flows are determined by lung recoil and resistance upstream of the site where bronchial transmural pressure is zero (the EPP). Subsequent work on the fluid dynamical foundations led to the wave-speed theory of flow limitation, where flow is limited at a site when the local gas velocity is equal to speed of propagation of pressure waves. Each is a local theory; full predictions require knowledge of both density-dependent Bernoulli pressure drops and viscosity-dependent pressure losses due to dissipation. The former is dominant at mid to high lung volumes, whereas the latter is more important at low lung volumes as the flow-limiting site moves peripherally. The observation of relative effort independence of the maximal flow versus volume curves is important clinically insofar as such maneuvers, when carefully performed, offer a unique window into the mechanics of the lung itself, with little confounding effects. In particular, the important contributions of lung recoil and airways resistance can often be assessed, with implications and applications to diagnosis and management of pulmonary disease.

Concurrent engineering (CE) has been in use within the space industry since the mid-1990s for the development of robust, effective design solutions within a reduced period of time; to date, however, such applications have focussed on Phase 0/A feasibility studies, with the potential for application in later phases not yet demonstrated. Applications at the DLR Institute of Space Systems have addressed this gap with practical attempts made on three satellite projects. The use of Phase 0/A CE techniques, such as dedicated CE sessions, online trade-offs, and design iterations and consolidation, was taken and augmented with more novel practices such as online requirements engineering. Underlying these practices was a suite of tools coming from both external and internal sources. While it is noted that the traditional time and cost benefits expected from Phase 0/A use are less likely to be achieved for Phase B applications, the resulting solutions demonstrated an increased robustness and performance.

Grain processors would benefi t from informa- tion about the production environment and the infl uences of the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) hybrid on food-grade fl our proper- ties. The objective of this study was to deter- mine the effects of environment and hybrid on rapid-visco-analysis (RVA) fl our properties of commercially available food-grade sorghum. A randomized complete block experiment was planted in 12 environments, which included the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons and irrigated and dryland water regimes in eastern, central, and west central Nebraska, and a dryland, low-N environment in eastern Nebraska. The environment accounted for 71-85% of the total variation in RVA parameters, while the hybrid accounted for 11-23% and the environment- by-hybrid interaction, 1-3%. Unfortunately, the results of this experiment suggest that it is dif- fi cult to predict the effect that environment will have on resulting sorghum-fl our parameters. Although of secondary importance in terms of total variation in sorghum-fl our RVA properties, the choice of hybrid predictably and signifi - cantly contributes to sorghum-starch viscosity properties. Food-grade hybrids were grouped based on viscosity properties into those best suited for dry-mill and alkaline-cooked prod- ucts (Asgrow Orbit; Sorghum Partners NK1486) and those best suited for porridge, consumable alcohol, and ethanol production (Kelly Green Seeds KG6902; NC+ Hybrids 7W92; Asgrow Eclipse; and Fontanelle W-1000). These results were consistent with those previously reported for grain density.

Sorghum grain, valuable for feed, food, and bioenergy, can be colonized by several Fusarium spp.; therefore, it was of interest to identify possible sources of conidia. Analysis of air and soil samples provided evidence for the presence of propagules from Fusarium genotypes that may cause grain infections. Soil population estimates of members of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex, that includes sorghum pathogens and other Fusarium spp., suggested that adequate inoculum for systemic infections was present. Conidia in air samples within two sorghum fields were collected by passive trapping for 2 years. Subsampled Fusarium isolates indicated that numbers of G. fujikuroi increased from anthesis through maturity, which coincides with grain development stages vulnerable to Fusarium spp. Genotyping using translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequences revealed that spore trap isolates included members of G. fujikuroi that are sorghum pathogens: Fusarium thapsinum, F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. andiyazi. Also detected were F. graminearum, F. subglutinans, and several F. incarnatum-F. equiseti species complex haplotypes that colonize sorghum asymptomatically. All commonly found grain colonizers were detected from air samples in this study.

The 19th annual symposium of the International Isotope Society's United Kingdom Group took place at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK on Thursday 14th October 2010. The meeting was attended by around 80 delegates from academia and industry, the life sciences, chemical, radiochemical and scientific instrument suppliers. Delegates were welcomed by Dr. Ken Lawrie (GlaxoSmithKline, UK, chair of the IIS UK group). The subsequent scientific programme consisted of oral and poster presentations on isotopic chemistry and applications of labelled compounds, or of chemistry with potential implications for isotopic synthesis. Both short-lived and long-lived isotopes were represented, as were stable isotopes. The symposium programme was divided into a morning and an afternoon session chaired by Prof. Chris Willis (University of Bristol, UK) and Dr. Nigel Botting (University of St Andrews, UK) respectively. In addition, a short presentation on the formation of Special Interest Groups within the International Isotope Society was given by Dr. George Ellames (Covance, UK), who asked members with particular isotopic interests to contact him (george.ellames@covance.com) if they would like to be involved in forming or participating in these groups. The UK meeting concluded with remarks from Dr. Ken Lawrie (GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK). This year's UK symposium had an excellent level of sponsorship, and the symposium should prove self-financing. The location and facilities of the Hinxton campus again proved very popular and the next IIS UK symposium is provisionally planned for 18th October 2011 at the same venue.

Spirometry testing is the most widely practiced, most common and adaptable of all lung function tests and spirometers are used as a key instrument in the diagnosis of patients with respiratory disease [1]. As a leading cause of death worldwide responsible for some 9.4 million deaths [2], and further increases predicted by 2020, the management of lung disease becomes even more dependent on spirometry testing. Yet evidence of widespread under-diagnosis [3] and, as a consequence, reduced quality of life and premature death [4] present cause for concern. The grim reality evident in the presented studies highlights a real lack of training [5], under-utilisation of spirometers [6] and diagnosis based on inaccurate results [7]. It is reported that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the most prevalent of the lung diseases, is under-diagnosed in 75% of cases [3]. The outcome of delayed diagnosis deters effective management and treatment, which ultimately aims to relieve symptoms, prevent disease progression, improve health status and prevent premature death [4]. While educational modalities were introduced at a national level to train spirometry practice in some European countries, a survey carried out by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2008 confirms that no formal training in, assessment of, or qualification in spirometry takes place in many other countries. Using the HERMES project framework (Harmonised Education of Respiratory Medicine in European Specialties), a new Spirometry initiative aspires to train and qualify healthcare professionals best able to deliver high-quality spirometry. The potential benefits of standardised educational documents and training in the practice of spirometry are real and significant, strengthening patient care and improving quality of life for respiratory disease patients. Begun in 2005, the value of the HERMES initiative is that it …

Background: Ischemic postconditioning (PostC), i.e. brief ischemia-reperfusion cycles before full reperfusion, is protective against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 and delayed intracellular pH-normalization have been proposed to underlie protection by PostC. Methods and Results: We used Langendorff perfused rat hearts exposed to 35 min global ischemia to show that 15 min acidic (pH 6.5) treatment at onset of reperfusion decreased infarct size and functional deterioration at least to the same extent as PostC. In contrast, NHE1 inhibition by EIPA was detrimental. To evaluate HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes as a cellular model for PostC, we exposed the cells to simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) mimicking that in perfused hearts. Necrosis and apoptosis induced by I/R were unaffected by 15 min of pH 6.0 at onset of reperfusion. I/R increased the activity of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and Akt, but not of p38 MAPK, with no further effect of acidic reperfusion or EIPA. Conclusion: In rat hearts, 15 min acidic reperfusion improves myocardial performance at least as much as does PostC, whereas NHE1 inhibition is detrimental. In contrast, in HL-1 cardiomyocytes, acidic reperfusion or NHE1 inhibition affect neither survival nor JNK1/2-, Akt-, and p38 MAPK activity after I/R, pointing to different mechanisms of damage and protection in these systems.

Five vertical profiles of silver (Ag) in the subarctic northeast Pacific are presented. Dissolved (

Caveolae have been implicated in sensing of cell volume perturbations, yet evidence is still limited and findings contradictory. Here, we investigated the possible role of caveolae in cell volume regulation and volume sensitive signaling in an adipocyte system with high (3T3-L1 adipocytes); intermediate (3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes); and low (cholesterol-depleted 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes) caveolae levels. Using large-angle light scattering, we show that compared to pre-adipocytes, differentiated adipocytes exhibit several-fold increased rates of volume restoration following osmotic cell swelling (RVD) and osmotic cell shrinkage (RVI), accompanied by increased swelling-activated taurine efflux. However, caveolin-1 distribution was not detectably altered after osmotic swelling or shrinkage, and caveolae integrity, as studied by cholesterol depletion or expression of dominant negative Cav-1, was not required for either RVD or RVI in pre-adipocytes. The insulin receptor (InsR) localizes to caveolae and its expression dramatically increases upon adipocyte differentiation. In pre-adipocytes, InsR and its effectors focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) localized to focal adhesions and were activated by a 5 min exposure to insulin (100 nM). Osmotic shrinkage transiently inhibited InsR Y(146)-phosphorylation, followed by an increase at t=15 min; a similar pattern was seen for ERK1/2 and FAK, in a manner unaffected by cholesterol depletion. In contrast, cell swelling had no detectable effect on InsR, yet increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes exhibit greatly accelerated RVD and RVI responses and increased swelling-activated taurine efflux compared to pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, in pre-adipocytes, Cav-1/caveolae integrity is not required for volume regulation. Given the relationship between hyperosmotic stress and insulin signaling, the finding that cell volume regulation is dramatically altered upon adipocyte differentiation may be relevant for the understanding of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Limited progress has been made on genetic improvement of the digestibility of sorghum grain because of variability among different varieties. In this study, we applied multiple techniques to assess digestibility of grain from 18 sorghum lines to identify major components responsible for variability. We also identified storage proteins and enzymes as potential targets for genetic modification to improve digestibility. Results from principal component analysis revealed that content of amylose and total starch, together with protein digestibility (PD), accounted for 94% of variation in digestibility. Control of amylose content is understood and manageable. Up-regulation of genes associated with starch accumulation is clearly a future target for improving digestibility. To identify proteins that might be targets for future modification, meal from selected lines was digested in vitro with pancreatin in parallel with pepsin and -amylase. The %PD was influenced by both the nature of the protein matrix and protein body packaging. Owing to its ability to form oligomers, the 20 kDa -kafirin was more resistant to digestion than counterparts lacking this ability, making it a target for down-regulation. Greater understanding of interactions among the three traits identified by principal component analysis is needed for both waxy and non-waxy varieties. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.