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Emu Today, January 14, 2014, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Today

No abstract provided.

System For Solids Retention Time Uncoupling By Selective Wasting Of Sludge, Peter G. Stroot

USF Patents

Treatment systems are described which uncouple the solids retention time (SRT) of the recycling bacteria from the wasting bacteria. Elevated recycling bacteria SRTs increase concentrations of nitrifying bacteria in the aeration basin and Anammox bacteria in the anoxic basin, improving nitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation. Fluorescence in situ hybridizations were used to identify and determine the abundance of nitrifying bacteria and Anammox bacteria (recycling bacteria) in freshly settled sludge of biological nutrient removal (BNR) secondary clarifiers. An uneven distribution was observed for recycling bacteria in two BNR systems. Settling patterns suggest microcolony formation processes are sensitive to the internal recycle …

The Role Of Piua, An Outer Membrane Iron Receptor, In The Pathogenesis Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Brandon J. Beddingfield

Biology Theses

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in those with compromised immunity. It has been attributed to deaths in the majority of cases of Cystic Fibrosis. Using a strain of P. aeruginosa containing no functional piuA gene, coding for an outer membrane siderophore/iron complex receptor, we show that several virulence determinants are upregulated. These include pyocyanin production, adherence to lung epithelia, and cytotoxicity of lung epithelia. Growth was diminished in iron depleted media, suggesting that even though individual cells may be more virulent in the knockout strains, the overall resulting infection may be less severe. This may have important implications for …

The Current Volume 24: Issue 15, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Ectopic Expression Of The Phosphomimic Mutant Version Of Arabidopsis Response Regulator 1 Promotes A Constitutive Cytokinin Response Phenotype, Jasmina Kurepa, Yan Li, Sharyn E. Perry, Jan A. Smalle

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Cytokinins control numerous plant developmental processes, including meristem formation and activity, nutrient distribution, senescence timing and responses to both the abiotic and biotic environments. Cytokinin signaling leads to the activation of type-B response regulators (RRBs), Myb-like transcription factors that are activated by the phosphorylation of a conserved aspartate residue in their response receiver domain. Consistent with this, overexpression of RRBs does not substantially alter plant development, but instead leads to cytokinin hypersensitivity.

Results

Here we present comparative analysis of plants overexpressing Arabidopsis RRB 1 (ARR1) or a phosphomimic ARR1^D94E mutant in which the conserved aspartate-94 (D94) is replaced …

Then And Now: The Progress In Hepatitis B Treatment Over The Past 20 Years., Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Hie-Won Hann

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

The ultimate goals of treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation. Since the advent of effective antiviral drugs that appeared during the past two decades, considerable advances have been made not only in controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but also in preventing and reducing the incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, several recent studies have suggested the possibility of reducing the incidence of recurrent or new HCC in patients even after they have developed HCC. Currently, six medications are available for HBV treatment including, interferon and five nucleoside/nucleotide analogues. In this …

Development Of A Personalized Decision Aid For Breast Cancer Risk Reduction And Management, Elissa M. Ozanne, Rebecca Howe, Zehra Omer, Laura J. Esserman

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: Breast cancer risk reduction has the potential to decrease the incidence of the disease, yet remains underused. We report on the development a web-based tool that provides automated risk assessment and personalized decision support designed for collaborative use between patients and clinicians. Methods: Under Institutional Review Board approval, we evaluated the decision tool through a patient focus group, usability testing, and provider interviews (including breast specialists, primary care physicians, genetic counselors). This included demonstrations and data collection at two scientific conferences (2009 International Shared Decision Making Conference, 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium). Results: Overall, the evaluations were favorable. …

A Cost Effective Method To Create Accurate Engine Performance Maps & Updating The Nebraska Pumping Plant Performance Criteria, Jacob K. Keller

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of this paper was to develop a simplified process to create engine performance maps using tractor test data and theoretical modeling techniques. Performance maps for industrial engines can greatly simplify the process of matching engines to their various applications in the most economical way. However, a common performance graph supplied by a manufacturer typically only includes a single performance curve across the range of an engine’s operating speed. The single curve is good for some applications but lacks the needed performance detail at operating conditions other than shown on the performance curve. Extensive testing and resources are required …

Carbons Into Bytes: Patented Chemical Compound Protection In The Virtual World, Tom Watson

Duke Law & Technology Review

“Virtual” molecular compounds, created in molecular modeling software, are increasingly useful in the process of rational drug design. When a physical compound is patented, however, virtual use of the compound allows researchers to circumvent the protection granted to the patentee. To acquire protection from unauthorized use of compounds in their virtual form, patentees must directly claim the virtual compound. But Supreme Court decisions such as Bilski v. Kappos and Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. call into question whether virtual compound claims are patentable subject matter under § 101. Using the guidance offered by the Supreme Court and Federal …

Early Hypercytokinemia Is Associated With Interferoninduced Transmembrane Protein-3 Dysfunction And Predictive Of Fatal H7n9 Infection, Zhongfang Wang, Anli Zhang, Yanmin Wan, Xinian Liu, Chao Qiu, Xiuhong Xi, Yanqin Ren, Jing Wang, Yuan Dong, Meijuan Bao, Liangzhu Li, Mingzhe Zhou, Songhua Yuan, Jun Sun, Zhaoqin Zhu, Liang Chen, Qingsheng Li, Zhiyong Zhang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Shuihua Lu, Peter C. Doherty, Katherine Kedzierska, Jianqing Xu

Qingsheng Li Publications

A unique avian-origin A/H7N9 influenza virus has so far caused 134 cases with 44 deaths. Probing the host factors contributing to disease severity, we found that lower levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines on hospital admission correlated with faster recovery in 18 patients with A/H7N9 influenza virus, whereas high concentrations of (in particular) IL-6, IL-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β were predictive of a less favorable or fatal outcome. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage samples showed up to 1,000-fold greater cytokine/chemokine levels relative to plasma. Furthermore, patients with the rs12252-C/C IFN-induced transmembrane protein-3 (IFITM3) genotype had more rapid disease progression and were less …

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Wave Function For Harmonically Confined Electrons In Time-Dependent Electric And Magnetostatic Fields, Hong-Ming Zhu, Jin-Wang Chen, Xiao-Yin Pan, Viraht Sahni

Publications and Research

We derive via the interaction “representation” the many-body wave function for harmonically confined electrons in the presence of a magnetostatic field and perturbed by a spatially homogeneous time-dependent electric field—the Generalized Kohn Theorem (GKT) wave function. In the absence of the harmonic confinement – the uniform electron gas – the GKT wave function reduces to the Kohn Theorem wave function. Without the magnetostatic field, the GKTwave function is the Harmonic Potential Theorem wave function. We further prove the validity of the connection between the GKT wave function derived and the system in an accelerated frame of reference. Finally, we provide …

Reproducibility Of Creatine Kinase: How Useful Is This Measurement Tool?, Bryna Cr Chrismas, Lee Taylor, Sean Carroll, Alexander Smith, Philip Pemberton, Jason C. Siegler, Adrian W. Midgley

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Establishing the reproducibility of a measurement is essential for repeated testing to ensure that any systematic change is a result of an external influence (i.e. intervention), as oppossed to normal random variation. Although some degree of error is inherent in any measure, a measurement tool should yield consistent results that do not fluctuate to an unacceptable degree from one test to another. Creatine kinase (CK) is consistently measured in the blood as a marker of exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, its usefulness as a predictive tool to examine the temporal pattern, and magnitude of muscle damage has been questioned. …

The Relationship Between Percent Change In Salivary Α-Amylase Activity And Fitness Level (Vo2peak And Anaerobic Threshold) Following Maximal Cycling Exercise In Moderately Trained Male Individuals, Nobuo Yasuda

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

PURPOSE: Salivary α-amylase has been proposed as a biomaker for autonomic nervous system activity as well as mucosal immune function given that its realase into saliva is elicited by the stimulation of the salivary glands by sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Clarifying how a individual’s fitness level will influence on the secretion of salivary α-amylase in response to exercise is a critical biological determinant of vulnerability to psychological and physiological stress. Although previous studies have shown the correlation between salivary α-amylase and exercise intensity, the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and fitness level such as peak oxygen uptake (VO_{2 …}

Cortisol Is Related To Acute Leukocytosis In Maximal But Not In Hypertrophic Dynamic Resistance Exercise, Johanna K. Stenholm, Simon Walker, Göran Paulsen, Keijo Häkkinen, William J. Kraemer, Eeva Moilanen, Antti A. Mero

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Introduction. Exercise induces immune changes that are multifactorial and include neuroendocrine factors. Acute resistance exercise is followed by marked increases in adrenaline, cortisol, growth hormone, and other factors that have immunomodulatory effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between leukocytosis and hormone responses to two different resistance exercises, low volume high load (gains in maximal strength, MAX) and high volume medium load (gains in muscle mass, HYP).

Methods. Using a cross-over design twelve healthy men participated in bilateral leg press exercise consisting of 5 sets of 10 RM and 15 sets of 1 RM. The …

Exploring The Mechanisms Behind The Effects Of Chronic Bovine Colostrum Supplementation On Risk Of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Arwel W. Jones, Rhys Thatcher, Luis A J Mur, Simon J S Cameron, Marikka Beecroft, Glen Davison

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Chronic bovine colostrum (COL) supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Fifty seven highly active males (aged 18-62) were randomised to daily supplementation of 20g of COL (N = 28) or an isoenergetic/isomacronutrient placebo (PLA) (N = 29) for 12 weeks under double-blind procedures. Daily illness and weekly activity logs were completed. Resting blood samples collected at baseline and at 12 weeks were analysed for total/differential leukocyte counts and in-vitro stimulated neutrophil oxidative burst. Metabolomic profiling of serum samples at these timepoints was performed using fourier transform …

Regulation Of Immunological Pathways By Micrornas In Health And Disease, Barbara Wessner

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, single stranded RNA molecules (19-24 nucleotides in length) that influence mRNA or protein levels by promoting either mRNA degradation or by preventing protein translation. In silico target prediction has revealed that they might regulate more than two thirds of human genes therefore playing an important role in physiological as well as pathophysiological processes (Ambros 2004; Lim, Lau et al. 2005). As such miRNAs have been identified as mediators of biological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, mitochondrial metabolism, cardiac and skeletal muscle contractile force generation and muscle hypertrophy and are suggested to play a significant role …

Gut Microflora And Health, Ryoichi Nagatomi Prof.

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Human gastrointestinal tract harbors a diverse population of microorganisms, the gut microbiata, the largest microbial community associated with human body, comprised of trillions of bacterial cells of over 1000 species. Although gut lumen is an extension of the external world for our organs and tissues, the interaction between human body and gut microbiata is highly mutual and reciprocal as if it is one of the internal organs.

In animal experiments and human observational studies, gut microflora and its composition have been demonstrated to have significant roles in body fat accumulation, and consequently, insulin resistance and obesity. The metabolic activity of …

Heartfelt Thanks From A Former Cabbage Head And Warm Body - "Here's To Ya, Mr. Brevards!", John Bird, Teaching And Learning Center

The Weekly Reader

No abstract provided.

Lawrence Mourns The Death Of Professor Emeritus Of Chemistry Cliffe Joel, Lawrence University

Press Releases

Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Cliffe Joel died Thursday, Jan. 9 in Williston, Vt. He was 81.

Cliffe joined the Lawrence faculty in 1968 and taught the full array of chemistry courses, including his personal favorite, “Chemistry of Your Brain,” until his retirement in 1997. During his 29-year tenure in the chemistry department, Cliffe played a leading role in creating innovative curriculum for Lawrence’s involvement with the ChemLinks Coalition.

He served as president of the Midwest Collegiate Athletic Conference in the late 1970s and chaired the committee that revised Lawrence’s honor code in the 1980s. He spent 10 years serving as …

Change Point Testing In Logistic Regression Models With Interaction Term, Youyi Fong, Chongzhi Di, Sallie Permar

UW Biostatistics Working Paper Series

The threshold effect takes place in situations where the relationship between an outcome variable and a predictor variable changes as the predictor value crosses a certain threshold/change point. Threshold effects are often plausible in a complex biological system, especially in defining immune responses that are protective against infections such as HIV-1, which motivates the current work. We study two hypothesis testing problems in change point models. We first compare three different approaches to obtaining a p-value for the maximum of scores test in a logistic regression model with change point variable as a main effect. Next, we study the testing …

Validation Of Predicted Mrna Splicing Mutations Using High-Throughput Transcriptome Data, Coby Viner, Stephanie Dorman, Ben Shirley, Peter Rogan

Biochemistry Publications

Interpretation of variants present in complete genomes or exomes reveals numerous sequence changes, only a fraction of which are likely to be pathogenic. Mutations have been traditionally inferred from allele frequencies and inheritance patterns in such data. Variants predicted to alter mRNA splicing can be validated by manual inspection of transcriptome sequencing data, however this approach is intractable for large datasets. These abnormal mRNA splicing patterns are characterized by reads demonstrating either exon skipping, cryptic splice site use, and high levels of intron inclusion, or combinations of these properties. We present, Veridical, an in silico method for the automatic validation …

Phages Of Non-Diary Lactococci: Isolation And Characterization Of Phi L47, A Phage Infecting The Grass Isolate Lactococcus Lactis Ssp Cremoris Dpc6860, Daniel Cavanagh, Caitríona M. Guinane, Horst Neve, Aidan Coffey, R. Paul Ross, Gerald F. Fitzgerald, Olivia Mcauliffe

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Lactococci isolated from non-dairy sources have been found to possess enhanced metabolic activity when compared to dairy strains. These capabilities may be harnessed through the use of these strains as starter or adjunct cultures to produce more diverse flavor profiles in cheese and other dairy products. To understand the interactions between these organisms and the phages that infect them, a number of phages were isolated against lactococcal strains of non-dairy origin. One such phage, ΦL47, was isolated from a sewage sample using the grass isolate L. lactis ssp. cremoris DPC6860 as a host. Visualization of phage virions by transmission electron …

Introduction To Volume 6, Michael Sherr

Journal of Adolescent and Family Health

Introduction to Volume 6

The Collegian (2014-01-13), Cleiri Quezada

UTB/TSC Archives - The Collegian [Newspaper]

Vol. 66, No. 15

The Pan American (2014-01-13), Susan Gonzalez

UTPA Archives - The Pan American Newspaper

Vol. 70, No. 15

No Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals And Hypertension In Children, Sarah Dee Geiger, Jie Xiao, Anoop Shankar

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) used in the manufacture of common consumer products and detected in the blood of the majority of Americans. Emerging biological data suggest that PFC exposure may have a role in the development of hypertension. However, the association between PFCs and hypertension has not yet been explored in humans. Therefore, we examined this association in a representative sample of US children. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,655 children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2000 and …

2013 Secretive Marshbird Survey Of Nebraska’S Eastern Saline Wetlands, Lauren R. Dinan, Joel G. Jorgensen

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Staff Research Publications

Nebraska’s eastern saline wetlands (ESW) harbor a unique community of organisms and are considered critically endangered (LaGrange 2007). The ESW ecological community type is one of the rarest and most imperiled in the state (Clausen et al. 1989). ESW occur in floodplain swales and depressions within the Salt and Rock Creek watersheds in Lancaster and southern Saunders counties. ESW are temporarily and seasonally flooded palustrine wetlands (Gersib and Steinauer 1991, Gilbert et al. 1994). These wetlands are characterized by saline mineral soils and salt-tolerant vegetation (LaGrange et al. 2003). Their salinity originates from groundwater passing through an underlying rock formation …

Emu Today, January 13, 2014, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Today

No abstract provided.

Crow's Nest, January 13, 2014, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The January 13, 2014, issue of the Crow's Nest.