Oklahoma State University–Stillwater

About: Oklahoma State University–Stillwater is a education organization based out in Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Large Hadron Collider. The organization has 18267 authors who have published 36743 publications receiving 1107500 citations. The organization is also known as: Oklahoma State University & OKState.

Social Science Research Needs: Focus on Vulnerable Populations, Forecasting, and Warnings

Abstract: This paper assesses the state of social science research specific to populations at risk vis-a-vis weather forecasting and warnings. At-risk populations are defined as groups historically disadvantaged by socioeconomic status; patterns of discrimination and exclusion, or both; a lack of political representation; or cultural distancing. These contexts marginalize some groups, leaving them less likely to receive, interpret, and respond appropriately to forecasts and warnings. We give an overview of key concepts from vulnerability research and suggest research topics emanating from the social science literature relevant to forecasting and warnings.

Clip-domain serine proteases as immune factors in insect hemolymph

Abstract: CLIP proteases are non-digestive serine proteases present in hemolymph of insects and other arthropods. They are composed of one or more amino-terminal clip domains followed by a linker sequence and a carboxyl-terminal S1A family serine protease domain. The genes for CLIP proteases have evolved as four clades (CLIPA, CLIPB, CLIPC, CLIPD), each present as multigene families in insect genomes. CLIP proteases in hemolymph function in innate immune responses. These include proteolytic activation of the cytokine Spatzle, to form an active Toll ligand leading to synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, and specific activation of prophenoloxidase, required for the melanization response. CLIP proteases act in cascade pathways. In the immune pathways that have been characterized, microbial surface molecules stimulate activation of an initiating modular serine protease, which then activates a CLIPC, which in turn activates a CLIPB. The active CLIPB then cleaves and activates an effector molecule (proSpatzle or prophenoloxidase). CLIPA proteins are pseudoproteases, lacking proteolytic activity, but some can function as regulators of the activity of other CLIP proteases and form high molecular weight immune complexes. A few three dimensional structures for CLIP proteases are now available for structure-function analysis of these immune factors, revealing structural features that may act in specific activation or in formation of immune complexes. The functions of most CLIP proteases are unknown, even in well studied insect species. It is very likely that additional proteins activated by CLIP proteases and acting in immunity remain to be discovered.

Mechanisms and effects of green tea on cardiovascular health.

Abstract: Green tea, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to reduce surrogate markers of atherosclerosis and lipid peroxidation, particularly LDL oxidation and malondialdehyde concentrations, in several in vitro, animal, and limited clinical studies. Epidemiological observations in Southeast Asian countries indicate an inverse correlation exists between habitual consumption of green tea beverages and the incidence of cardiovascular events. A few short-term clinical studies have reported its effects in attenuating biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation among smokers, and an ability to decrease postprandial lipemia in hypercholesterolemic subjects has also been suggested. However, further investigations are needed to confirm the potential role of green tea beverages and the safety of green tea supplements in reducing body fat, as well as other biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risks.

Evaluation of the Incremental Methodology for Recommending Instream Flows for Fishes

Abstract: Application of the “incremental methodology” is limited in many situations because quantitative information on microhabitat preferences of fishes is scarce, and because few field tests of the validity of the assumptions have been conducted. In this study, two critical assumptions were tested and the incremental methodology was applied in a warmwater stream in southeast Oklahoma. Habitat-suitability curves were developed for the freckled madtom Noturus nocturnus, the central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum, and the orangebelly darter Etheostoma radiosum. The assumption that depth, velocity, and substrate are perceived independently in the selection of microhabitats by these fishes was tested. The relation between standing stock and usable habitat (weighted usable area) was then investigated for these species as well as for adult and juvenile smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui. Fish population estimates were made quarterly over 2 years at four study sites concurrent with estimates of weighted us...