Abstract: Phosphorylation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is essential for opening the CFTR chloride channel. A short segment containing many negatively charged amino acids (817-838, NEG2) within the regulatory (R) domain of CFTR is a critical regulator of the chloride channel activity. Deletion of NEG2 from CFTR completely eliminates the PKA dependence of the chloride channel. Exogenous NEG2 peptide interacts with the CFTR molecule and exhibits stimulatory effects on CFTR function. Our data suggest that NEG2 interacts with other cytosolic domains of CFTR to control the opening transitions of the chloride channel.

Abstract: A backlighting system for a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit includes a first number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to produce saturated radiation and a second number of LEDs configured to produce desaturated radiation, wherein the saturated and desaturated radiation is combined to form a resultant desaturated radiation of a target color. In a preferred embodiment, the colors and intensities of the first and second numbers of LEDs are chosen to produce a blue-green color of a typical vacuum fluorescent (VF) display unit, whereby the LCD unit may be used to simulated a typical VF display. By utilizing the concepts of the present invention, known dispersive effects associated with the LCD unit are minimized, and a substantially uniform light output from the LCD unit results regardless of a viewing angle relative to the normal of the viewing side of the LCD unit.

Abstract: This invention discloses a two-wheeled device that can roll over and straddle three sizes of tanks, extend the adjustable feet to a lift position, raise the back end of the tank, connect a chain and hook to the front end of the tank, lift both front and back tank legs off the ground, and roll the tank over the ground or floor. The handle length is adjustable to accommodate three different tank lengths and the chain and hook can also adjust horizontally to accommodate these three lengths. The feet are also retractable to permit rolling the device past the two front legs on the tank.