DNA vaccine encoding nucleocapsid and surface proteins of wild type canine distemper virus protects its natural host against distemper.

Canine distemper virus (CDV), a member of the genus Morbillivirus induces a highly infectious, frequently lethal disease in dogs and other carnivores. Current vaccines against canine distemper consisting of attenuated viruses have been in use for many years and have greatly reduced the incidence of distemper in the dog population. However, certain strains may not guarantee adequate protection and others can induce post vaccinal encephalitis. We tested a DNA vaccine for its ability to protect dogs, the natural host of CDV, against distemper. We constructed plasmids containing the nucleocapsid, the fusion, and the attachment protein genes of a virulent canine distemper virus strain. Mice inoculated with these plasmids developed humoral and cellular immune responses against CDV antigens. Dogs immunized with the expression plasmids developed virus-neutralizing antibodies. Significantly, vaccinated dogs were protected against challenge with virulent CDV, whereas unvaccinated animals succumbed to distemper.

Modelling hydrodynamics in the Rio Parana, Argentina : an evaluation and inter-comparison of reduced-complexity and physics based models applied to a large sand-bed river

Depth-averaged velocities and unit discharges within a 30 km reach of one of the world's largest rivers, the Rio Parana, Argentina, were simulated using three hydrodynamic models with different process representations: a reduced complexity (RC) model that neglects most of the physics governing fluid flow, a two-dimensional model based on the shallow water equations, and a three-dimensional model based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Row characteristics simulated using all three models were compared with data obtained by acoustic Doppler current profiler surveys at four cross sections within the study reach. This analysis demonstrates that, surprisingly, the performance of the RC model is generally equal to, and in some instances better than, that of the physics based models in terms of the statistical agreement between simulated and measured flow properties. In addition, in contrast to previous applications of RC models, the present study demonstrates that the RC model can successfully predict measured flow velocities. The strong performance of the RC model reflects, in part, the simplicity of the depth-averaged mean flow patterns within the study reach and the dominant role of channel-scale topographic features in controlling the flow dynamics. Moreover, the very low water surface slopes that typify large sand-bed rivers enable flow depths to be estimated reliably in the RC model using a simple fixed-lid planar water surface approximation. This approach overcomes a major problem encountered in the application of RC models in environments characterised by shallow flows and steep bed gradients. The RC model is four orders of magnitude faster than the physics based models when performing steady-state hydrodynamic calculations. However, the iterative nature of the RC model calculations implies a reduction in computational efficiency relative to some other RC models. A further implication of this is that, if used to simulate channel morphodynamics, the present RC model may offer only a marginal advantage in terms of computational efficiency over approaches based on the shallow water equations. These observations illustrate the trade off between model realism and efficiency that is a key consideration in RC modelling. Moreover, this outcome highlights a need to rethink the use of RC morphodynamic models in fluvial geomorphology and to move away from existing grid-based approaches, such as the popular cellular automata (CA) models, that remain essentially reductionist in nature. In the case of the world's largest sand-bed rivers, this might be achieved by implementing the RC model outlined here as one element within a hierarchical modelling framework that would enable computationally efficient simulation of the morphodynamics of large rivers over millennial time scales. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flood of May 19, 1990, Along Perry Creek in Plymouth and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, HR-140, 1996

A water-surface-elevation profile and peak discharges for the flood of May 19, 1990, along Perry Creek in Plymouth and Woodbury Counties, Iowa, are presented in this report. The peak discharge for the May 19, 1990, flood on Perry Creek at 38th Street, Sioux City (06600000) is the second largest flood-peak discharge recorded at the streamflow-gaging station for the period 1939-95. The peak discharge for May 19, 1990, of 8,670 cubic feet per second, is approximately equal to the 35-year recurrence-interval discharge. The report provides information on flood stages and discharges and floodflow frequencies for streamflow- gaging stations in the Perry Creek Basin using flood information collected during 1939-95. Information on temporary bench marks and reference points established in the Perry Creek Basin during 1990-93 is also included in the report. A flood history describes rainfall conditions for the three largest floods that occurred during 1939-95 (July 1944, September 1949, and May 1990).

Floods of 1986 and 1990 in the Raccoon River Basin, West-Central Iowa, HR-140, 1992

Water-surface-elevation profiles and peak discharges for the floods of 1973 and 1979 are compared to those of 1986 and 1990 in the Raccoon River basin, west-central Iowa. The profiles illustrate the 1979 and 1986 floods on the Raccoon, South Raccoon, and Middle Raccoon Rivers, the 1973 and 1986 floods on Walnut Creek, and the 1986 flood on Willow Creek and Mosquito Creek. The 1986 flood is the largest on record at U.S. Geological Survey streamflowgaging stations on the Middle Raccoon River tributary at Carroll, Middle Raccoon River near Bayard, Middle Raccoon River at Panora, and Walnut Creek at Des Moines. The 1990 flood discharge is the largest on record at U.S. Geological Survey crest-stage gaging stations on Hardin Creek near Farlin and on East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan. The flood history given in this report describes rainfall conditions for floods that occurred during 1986 and 1990. Discharge for the 1990 flood on East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan was 1.01 times larger than the 100-year recurrence-interval discharge.

Auditory-somatosensory multisensory interactions are spatially modulated by stimulated body surface and acoustic spectra

Previous research has provided inconsistent results regarding the spatial modulation of auditory-somatosensory interactions. The present study reports three experiments designed to investigate the nature of these interactions in the space close to the head. Human participants made speeded detection responses to unimodal auditory, somatosensory, or simultaneous auditory-somatosensory stimuli. In Experiment 1, electrocutaneous stimuli were presented to either earlobe, while auditory stimuli were presented from the same versus opposite sides, and from one of two distances (20 vs. 70cm) from the participant's head. The results demonstrated a spatial modulation of auditory-somatosensory interactions when auditory stimuli were presented from close to the head. In Experiment 2, electrocutaneous stimuli were delivered to the hands, which were placed either close to or far from the head, while the auditory stimuli were again presented at one of two distances. The results revealed that the spatial modulation observed in Experiment 1 was specific to the particular body part stimulated (head) rather than to the region of space (i.e. around the head) where the stimuli were presented. The results of Experiment 3 demonstrate that sounds that contain high-frequency components are particularly effective in eliciting this auditory-somatosensory spatial effect. Taken together, these findings help to resolve inconsistencies in the previous literature and suggest that auditory-somatosensory multisensory integration is modulated by the stimulated body surface and acoustic spectra of the stimuli presented.

Asbestos Fibers in Type B Asphaltic Concrete Surface Course, MLR-67-1, 1968

The Standard Specifications for this project included requirements for placing two 500 foot test sections of Type B asphaltic concrete with 1-1/2 per cent asbestos fibres (mix size 3/8 inch, lift thickness 3/4 inch) as part of the regular construction of the surface course. These requirements were designed to provide asbestos modified mixtures for laboratory analysis and road performance evaluation. This report provides the preliminary results and analysis of test data obtained from tests on the mixtures placed on the roadway. Previous research by G. S. Zuelke (1) and J. H. Kestzman et al (2) indicated that asphaltic concrete mixtures modified with asbestos fibres improved stability, decreased permeability, and allowed the use of higher bitumen contents. This study indicated that the addition of asbestos fibres would permit the use of higher bitumen contents, theoretically improving durability, without adverse results. An indication was also obtained to the effect that asbestos mixtures were more difficult to compact in the field.

Study of Type 'A' Asphaltic Concrete Surface Mix Design, R-232, 1968

In some asphaltic concrete mixes asphalt absorption in field mixes is difficult to predict by the routine mix design tests presently being used. Latent or slow absorption in hot mixes is hard to compensate for in field control due to aggregate gradations being near maximum density. If critical asphalt need could be changed by increasing voids in the mineral aggregate so that more freedom could be exercised in compensating for the absorption, this may aid in design. The voids in the mineral aggregate can be related to composite gradation of total aggregate in a mixture, i.e. if a composite gradation of aggregate is finer than that of maximum density curve, the V.M.A. will be greater than that of a mix of maximum density. The typical gradation of Iowa Type 'A' mixes is finer than a gradation which is near the centerline of the specification at sieves larger than the No. 30 and coarser at the lower sieve sizes. The mixes of the typical gradation will have higher V.M.A. than those of the near centerline mixes. By studying properties of the mixes of the typical gradation and comparing them with those of the mixes of maximum density, it may aid in the modification and simplification of our present testing methods and specification requirements while still maintaining control of quality of the mix by controlling voids, stability, gradation and asphalt content.

Floods of September 15-16, 1992, in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins, South-Central Iowa, HR-140, 1997

Water-surface-elevation profiles and peak discharges for the floods of September 15-16, 1992, in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins, south-central Iowa, are presented in this report. The profiles illustrate the 1992 floods along the Thompson, Weldon, Chariton, and South Fork Chariton Rivers and along Elk Creek in the south-central Iowa counties of Adair, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Ringgold, Union, and Wayne. Water-surface-elevation profiles for the floods of July 4, 1981, along the Chariton River in Lucas County and along the South Fork Chariton River in Wayne County also are included in the report for comparative purposes. The September 15-16, 1992, floods are the largest known peak discharges at gaging stations Thompson River at Davis City (station number 06898000) 57,000 cubic feet per second, Weldon River near Leon (station number 06898400) 76,200 cubic feet per second, Chariton River near Chariton (station number 06903400) 37,700 cubic feet per second, and South Fork Chariton River near Promise City (station number 06903700) 70,600 cubic feet per second. The peak discharges were, respectively, 1.7, 2.6, 1.4, and 2.1 times larger than calculated 100-year recurrence-interval discharges. The report provides information on flood stages and discharges and floodflow frequencies for streamflow-gaging stations in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins using flood information collected through 1995. Information on temporary bench marks and reference points established in the Thompson and Weldon River Basins during 1994-95, and in the Chariton River Basin during 1983-84 and 1994-95, also is included in the report. A flood history summarizes rainfall conditions and damages for floods that occurred during 1947, 1959, 1981, 1992, and 1993.

Comparison of the power spectral changes of the voluntary surface electromyogram and M wave during intermittent maximal voluntary contractions.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the power spectral changes of the voluntary surface electromyogram (sEMG) and of the compound action potential (M wave) in the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles during fatiguing contractions. METHODS: Interference sEMG and force were recorded during 48 intermittent 3-s isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) from 13 young, healthy subjects. M waves and twitches were evoked using supramaximal femoral nerve stimulation between the successive MVCs. Mean frequency (F mean), and median frequency were calculated from the sEMG and M waves. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) was computed by cross-correlation. RESULTS: The power spectral shift to lower frequencies was significantly greater for the voluntary sEMG than for the M waves (P < 0.05). Over the fatiguing protocol, the overall average decrease in MFCV (~25 %) was comparable to that of sEMG F mean (~22 %), but significantly greater than that of M-wave F mean (~9 %) (P < 0.001). The mean decline in MFCV was highly correlated with the mean decreases in both sEMG and M-wave F mean. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicated that, as fatigue progressed, central mechanisms could enhance the relative weight of the low-frequency components of the voluntary sEMG power spectrum, and/or the end-of-fiber (non-propagating) components could reduce the sensitivity of the M-wave spectrum to changes in conduction velocity.

Surface-to-air signals.

Powerful volatile regulators of gene expression, pheromones and other airborne signals are of great interest in biology. Plants are masters of volatile production and release, not just from flowers and fruits, but also from vegetative tissues. The controlled release of bouquets of volatiles from leaves during attack by herbivores helps plants to deter herbivores or attract their predators, but volatiles have other roles in development and in the control of defence gene expression. Some of these roles may include long-distance signalling within and perhaps between plants.

Surface Improvement and Dust Palliation of Unpaved Secondary Roads and Streets, HR-151, 1973

As of December 31, 1970 there were 57,270 miles of Local Secondary roads and 32,958 miles of Farm to Market roads in the Iowa secondary road system. The Local Secondary system carried a traffic load of 2,714,180 daily vehicle miles, accounting for 32% of all traffic in the secondary system. For all Local Secondary roads having some form of surfacing, 98% were surfaced with gravel or crushed stone. During the 1970 construction year 335 miles of surfaced roads were constructed in the Local Secondary system with 78% being surfaced with gravel or crushed stone. The total maintenance expenditure for all secondary roads in Iowa during 1970 amounted to $40,086,091. Of this, 42%, or $17,020,332, was spent for aggregate replacement on existing gravel or crushed stone roads with an additional 31% ($12,604,456) being spent on maintenance other than resurfacing. This amounts to 73% of the total maintenance budget and are the largest two maintenance expenditure items out of a list of 10 ranging from bridges to drainage assessments. The next largest item was 7%, for maintenance of existing flexible bases. Three concurrent phases of study were included in this project: (1) laboratory screenings studies of various additives thought to have potential for long-lasting dust palliation, soil additive strength, durability, and additive retention potential; (2) test road construction using those additives that indicated promise for performance-serviceability usage; and (3) observations and tests of constructed sections for evaluation of the additive's contribution to performance and serviceability as well as the relationship to initial costs.

Surface Improvement and Dust Palliation of Unpaved Secondary Roads and Streets, Progress Report, HR-151, 1971

A combined study of dust control and low-cost surface improvements of soil and aggregate materials for immediate (and intermediate) use as a treated surface course is being conducted in three concurrent phases: (1) laboratory screening of various additives thought to have potential for long-lasting dust palliation, soil-additive strength, durability, and additive retention potential; (2) test road construction, using those additives from the screening studies that indicate promise for performance and serviceability; and (3) observation and tests of constructed sections for evaluation of the additive's contribution to performance and serviceability as well as relationship to initial costs. A brief review is presented of the problem, some methods of measuring it, previously adopted approaches to it, project field tests and a portion of the results thus far, and portions of the laboratory work accomplished in the screening studies.

Phosphorus extractability in surface soil samples as affected by mixing with subsoil

Selostus: Muokkauskerrokseen sekoitetun pohjamaan vaikutus maasta uuttuvan fosforin määrään

Diffusion tensor echo planar imaging using surface coil transceiver with a semiadiabatic RF pulse sequence at 14.1T.

Diffusion magnetic resonance studies of the brain are typically performed using volume coils. Although in human brain this leads to a near optimal filling factor, studies of rodent brain must contend with the fact that only a fraction of the head volume can be ascribed to the brain. The use of surface coil as transceiver increases Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), reduces radiofrequency power requirements and opens the possibility of parallel transmit schemes, likely to allow efficient acquisition schemes, of critical importance for reducing the long scan times implicated in diffusion tensor imaging. This study demonstrates the implementation of a semiadiabatic echo planar imaging sequence (echo time=40 ms, four interleaves) at 14.1T using a quadrature surface coil as transceiver. It resulted in artifact free images with excellent SNR throughout the brain. Diffusion tensor derived parameters obtained within the rat brain were in excellent agreement with reported values.

Fish Glucose Transporter (GLUT)-4 Differs from Rat GLUT4 in Its Traffic Characteristics but Can Translocate to the Cell Surface in Response to Insulin in Skeletal Muscle Cells

In mammals, glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 plays an important role in glucose homeostasis mediating insulin action to increase glucose uptake in insulin-responsive tissues. In the basal state, GLUT4 is located in intracellular compartments and upon insulin stimulation is recruited to the plasma membrane, allowing glucose entry into the cell. Compared with mammals, fish are less efficient restoring plasma glucose after dietary or exogenous glucose administration. Recently our group cloned a GLUT4-homolog in skeletal muscle from brown trout (btGLUT4) that differs in protein motifs believed to be important for endocytosis and sorting of mammalian GLUT4. To study the traffic of btGLUT4, we generated a stable L6 muscle cell line overexpressing myc-tagged btGLUT4 (btGLUT4myc). Insulin stimulated btGLUT4myc recruitment to the cell surface, although to a lesser extent than rat-GLUT4myc, and enhanced glucose uptake. Interestingly, btGLUT4myc showed a higher steady-state level at the cell surface under basal conditions than rat-GLUT4myc due to a higher rate of recycling of btGLUT4myc and not to a slower endocytic rate, compared with rat-GLUT4myc. Furthermore, unlike rat-GLUT4myc, btGLUT4myc had a diffuse distribution throughout the cytoplasm of L6 myoblasts. In primary brown trout skeletal muscle cells, insulin also promoted the translocation of endogenous btGLUT4 to the plasma membrane and enhanced glucose transport. Moreover, btGLUT4 exhibited a diffuse intracellular localization in unstimulated trout myocytes. Our data suggest that btGLUT4 is subjected to a different intracellular traffic from rat-GLUT4 and may explain the relative glucose intolerance observed in fish.