cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokines as Mediators of Chronic Asthma

There is increasing recognition that large peptide mediators, such as cytokines and growth factors, orchestrate and perpetuate the chronic inflammation of asthma (1-3). Cytokines are extracellular signalling proteins, usually less than 80 kD in weight, and many are glycosylated. Cytokines usually have an effect on closely adjacent cells and therefore function in a predominantly paracrine manner, although they may also act at a distance (endocrine) and may have effects on the cell of origin (autocrine). Cytokines may be regarded as a mechanism for cell-to-cell communication that are involved in normal growth and development and in the normal integration of organ activity. Over 50 distinct cytokines have now been identified and each cytokine may have complex cellular effects. An individual cytokine may stimulate the release of different cytokines from adjacent cells and may also influence the expression of its own receptors or receptors for different cytokines. Furthermore, there may be interactions between different cytokines, so that one cytokine in the presence of another may have a different cellular effect. Cytokines may have overlapping effects with other cytokines and may have differing effects, depending on the maturity or previous history of the target cell. These complexities have made it difficult to unravel the effects of particular cytokines, particularly in the absence of specific antagonists for most cytokines. Cytokines may have synergistic or antagonistic effects with other cytokines, with each as part of a complex interacting network. Cytokines may act as pro-inflammatory mediators, but also have the capacity to downregulate inflammation. Each cytokine therefore has multiple effects, and these may depend on the presence of other cytokines. This has made it difficult to ascribe particular functions to individual cytokines. Each cytokine should be regarded as part of a complex network. Many cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma (2, 3). Cytokines are important in producing IgE, the eosinophilic inflammation of asthma, and the structural changes that are a consequence of chronic inflammation. Cytokine interactions. The effect of an individual cytokine may be difficult to predict because it may be influenced by the presence of other cytokines released from the same cell or from target cells after activation by the cytokine (Figure 1).Cytokines may induce the .expression of receptors that may change the responsiveness of both source cell and target cells. For example, interferon-gamma (IFN-y) decreases the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) receptors on murine macrophages (4), whereas interleukin (IL)-1 B increases expression of the same receptors in rat macrophages (5). Some cytokines may stimulate their own production in an autocrine manner, whereas others stimulate the synthesis of different cytokines that have a feedback stimulatory effect on the first cytokine, augmenting its effects.
Ramapithecus and hominoid evolution

The phylogenetic affinites of Ramapithecus have been debated since its initial description in the 1930s. The concensus view that Ramapithecus represents the earliest hominid has been challenged by new evidence from molecular studies and the discovery of fossils which include formerly unknown parts of the facial skeleton. These suggest that the “ramamorphs” may be more closely related to Pongo than to the African apes and hominids. The implications of this interpretation of the Miocene hominoids requires re-evaluation of certain previous assumptions about pongid and hominid evolution.
Thermal decomposition of BAMO/AMMO with and without TiO2

Abstract An experimental study of 3,3′-bis(azidomethyl) oxetane/3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane (BAMO/AMMO) and BAMO/AMMO/TiO 2 was performed to investigate thermal decomposition of the copolymer and the effect of TiO 2 on its decomposition. Experiments were conducted at 0.1 MPa with heat fluxes of 100 and 400 W/cm 2 , delivered by a CO 2 laser. Gaseous samples were extracted by quartz microprobes and analyzed in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TQMS). Gas-phase temperature profiles and surface temperatures were measured using the micro-thermocouple technique to investigate gas-phase reaction zones identified by the species measurement. Species measurements revealed that decomposition products of BAMO/AMMO were quite similar to those reported for BAMO and that the addition of TiO 2 caused no significant changes in mole fractions of the products, except for an increase in NH 3 . Product species were indicative of simultaneous decomposition of the backbone structure and side chains. No evidence of gas-phase reaction was found in gas-phase species or temperature profiles, indicating that the reactions are occurring in the condensed-phase or in a near-surface reaction zone. The regression rate was substantially reduced by the addition of TiO 2 at a heat flux of 400 W/cm 2 . Based upon the species and temperature measurements, it is argued that this reduction is primarily a result of physical, rather than chemical, effects of the TiO 2 .
Air Effects on Body Currents and Charging Voltage of an Irradiated Isolated Body

We have conducted an experiment to measure the effects of air on the currents and charging voltage of an isolated body exposed to X-rays. We found the currents peaked at 10 mtorr while the charging voltage monotonically decreased with pressure. The measurements indicate that the body charges to the average electron energy in a vacuum but to a considerably lower value as the pressure is increased to 1 torr. At 10 mtorr, the body current was measured to be almost 30 times that measured in vacuum and about six times higher than at 1 torr.
Characterization of diatom–cyanobacteria symbioses on the basis of nifH, hetR and 16S rRNA sequences

Summary Richelia intracellularis is a symbiotic heterocystous cyanobacterium that is capable of forming associations with several genera of diatoms. nifH, 16S rRNA and hetR sequences were amplified and cloned from field populations of Richelia associated with Hemiaulus hauckii (N. Atlantic), with Rhizosolenia clevei (N. Pacific), and from a cultivated isolate of Calothrix associated with Chaetoceros from station ALOHA (N. Pacific). Sequence identity was highest (98.2%) among the 16S rRNA sequences, and more divergent for the hetR (83.8%) and nifH (91.1%) sequences. The hetR and nifH DNA and amino acid sequences obtained from the symbionts associated with the three different diatom genera diverged into three separate lineages supported by high bootstrap values. The data indicate that symbionts in the different hosts are distinct species or strains. Furthermore, three previously unidentified heterocystous-like nifH sequence groups recently reported from station ALOHA in the subtropical Pacific, het-1, het-2 and het-3, were linked to Richelia associated with R. clevei, H. hauckii and the Calothrix symbiont of Chaetoceros sp. respectively.
Isolation of substrates of epidermal transglutaminase from bovine epidermis.

Abstract Substrates of the transglutaminase specific to epidermis were identified by fluorescent labeling of bovine epidermal homogenates with dansyl cadaverine. This lysine analog was preferentially incorporated into a soluble protein of 150,000 MW. A highly insoluble protein was also labeled; this protein was solubilized and extracted following chemical cleavage with cyanogen bromide. The soluble and insoluble substrates of epidermal transglutaminase were immunochemically related, as shown by precipitation in agar or by chromatography on antibody affinity columns. They were distinguished from the fibrous, α-helical and sulfur-rich matrix proteins of skin as well as from fibrinogen and cold insoluble globulin of plasma.
The underdetermination argument for brain-in-the-vat scepticism

In his recent book, Epistemic Luck, Duncan Pritchard writes: 'all parties to the dispute agree that the evidence we have in favour of our everyday beliefs does not prefer those beliefs over their sceptical alternatives.' And again: 'Everyone agrees that we lack internalist justification for believing even everyday propositions' (2005: 206, 211). The basis for this agree ment is the compatibility of all our sensory evidence with sceptical alter natives such as the hypothesis that we are all brains in vats. Compatibility appears to equate with lack of favour. Pritchard does allow an externalist kind of knowledge that we are not brains in vats. This kind of knowledge requires only true belief that meets a safety condition: belief that remains true in most or nearly all nearby possible worlds. Assuming that the world in which we are brains in vats is distant, our belief that we are not such remains true in nearby possible worlds (Pritchard 2005: 75). But Pritchard holds that we lack the more satisfying and satisfactory internalist knowl edge of the denial of radical sceptical hypotheses, and he claims that all epistemologists agree. They agree that we lack accessible evidential sup port for our belief that we are not brains in vats. Lacking evidence, we cannot claim such knowledge or argue for it (2005: 77). In short, we lack justification for this belief (2005: 104, 112, 117, 119). Does agreement among all in the present tight circle of epistemologists really indicate that we have no evidential reason to prefer belief in our physical world to the brain-in-the-vat hypothesis? Consider the following. Imagine the context of a murder trial, in which everyone agrees that the standards for knowledge of guilt are set very high. The prosecution's evidence consists of five witnesses, none with a personal interest in the outcome, who testify that they saw at close range the butler stab his employer with a kitchen knife repeatedly after a heated argument about his salary and duties, the bloody knife having been found shortly after ward among the butler's belongings with his fingerprints on it. The defence attorney points out that all this evidence is perfectly compatible with the employer's wife having hired a close look-alike to the butler, perhaps an unknown twin, to impersonate him, commit the murder, find a kitchen knife with his fingerprints on it, smear it with the victim's blood, and plant it in the butler's room so as to implicate him in the crime. He argues that since the jurors cannot rule out this possibility, since they cannot cite any
Messenger RNA Stability and Polarity in the lac Operon of Escherichia coli

The functional stability of E. coli lac operon messenger RNA is independent of polar effects in the operon.
In situ transmission electron microscopy of electron-beam induced damage process in nuclear grade graphite

Atomic level processes involved in the swelling and crack-closing in nuclear grade graphite under electron irradiation have been observed in real-time using transmission electron microscopy. Noise-filtered lattice images show the formation of vacancy loops, interstitial loops and resulting dislocations with unprecedented clarity. The dislocation dipoles formed via vacancy loops were found to undergo climb resulting in extra basal planes. Concurrent EELS studies showed a reduction in the atomic density because of the breakage of hexagonal carbon rings. The formation of new basal planes via dislocation climb in addition to the bending/breaking of basal planes leads to swelling and closing of micro-cracks.
Equilibration of Isoagglutinins of Human Group O Serum

Cross-reactive antibodies are shown to be responsibile for the difference in final levels of agglutination reached after dissociation of a centrifuged group O serum-erythrocyte mixture as compared with duplicate mixtures allowed toaggregate freely. This difference is seen only with certain group O sera, it is independent of complement, and it may be eliminated by absorption of the serum with A or B erythrocytes. The phenomenon is most likely the result of steric inhibition of smaller, cross-reactive antibodies in the aggregative system.
Clinical experience with sonographic contrast agents

Early generations of sonographic contrast agents are beginning to reach the attention of the clinician. Research and development of ultrasound contrast agents is progressing at a rapid pace with several new agents approaching US Food and Drug Administration approval. Cardiac imaging has been affected by even the limited availability of contrast agents on the market today both with regard to diagnosis of shunts and chamber opacification, and most recently actual enhancement of the myocardium. Later generations of contrast are capable of providing consistent opacification of both peripheral veins and arteries, and should prove useful in a variety clinical applications. Thus far, it appears that longer vessel segments may be seen with contrast rather than without contrast, and that flow may be demonstrated in vessels which were not seen or thought to be occluded with conventional color imaging. Improved detection of arterial and venous collaterals and enhanced identification of run-off vessels is demonstrated with sonographic contrast agents. An improved ability to evaluate renal artery stenosis and subtotal occlusion of the carotid artery are specific advantages of using contrast as well. Several compounds are currently being tested that may allow routine parenchymal opacification. Ultrasound is the most commonly performed diagnostic imaging procedure; therefore, contrast agents have the potential to dramatically alter the practice of clinical medicine. This article reviews the current status of ultrasound contrast agents and speculates regarding the future applications of these agents.
Conducting electron-beam resists based on polyaniline

Conducting resists have a number of potential applications in microlithography (1). For example, during electron beam (e-beam) exposure of insulating materials, pat tern distortions and displacements are observed due to charging ofthe surface. In addition, charging results in alignment errors from one level oflithography to another. Charging is also a problem in SEM metrology ofmasks or resists. Conducting polymers have been shown to function as effective discharge layers when applied as coatings either above or below the imaging resist or on the surface ofa mask (1-3). Resists have also been developed based on conducting polymers (1,3-5). However, the overall lithographic perform ance ofthese systems has not been competitive with conventional resists. Polyaniline has been one ofthe preferred conducting polymers for these applications because it combines high solubility, ease of synthesis, and a great deal of chemical versatility. Previously, we reported on a new family ofwater based polyaniline denvatives which form excellent dissipative coatings. We also reported on conducting resists based on these systems (3). In this paper, we report on a new negative tone resist, PAM WM. This is based on functionalization of a hydroxysubstituted polyaniline with methacrylate side groups.
A minor concern? underage casino gambling and the law

Abstract This article compared rates of underage casino gambling by students in two different regions of the country. Questionnaires were completed by 420 students at the University of Memphis and 415 students at the University of Nevada, Reno. Although Reno has long had casinos, Memphis residents have had access to casinos only since 1992 with the legalization of casino gambling in nearby Mississippi. The results indicate that 24.2% of underage Memphis respondents and 52.7% of underage Reno respondents had illegally gambled in casinos. We concluded that routine activity theory may help explain the different rates of underage gambling and question whether the security precautions against underage gambling are adequate.
Constancy of the cell wall mannan structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The oligosaccharides, obtained by acetolysis of the cell wall mannans of a diploid strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its two haploid mating types, have been separated by gel filtration and the ratios compared. Although the haploid forms gave less of the longer fragments than the diploid form, no dramatic difference was observed that might be related to a process of recognition between the two mating types.
Determining thermodynamic quantities of micellar solubilization of chiral pharmaceutical compounds in aqueous solutions of N‐dodecoxycarbonylvaline using micellar electrokinetic chromatography

Using the van't Hoff relationship, the enthalpy and entropy of transfer from the aqueous to a chiral micellar phase was measured for 12 pairs of enantiomeric pharmaceutical compounds, including p-agonists, p-blockers, and other p-amino alcohols. Selectivities, distribution coefficients, and Gibbs free energies were also determined. Whereas the transfer of solute from aqueous phase to the chiral micellar phase was always favorable from an enthalpic viewpoint (- 19 < AH" < -4 kJ/mol), it was not always so from an entropic perspective (-12.1 < AS" < 56.9 J mol-' K-'). Dramatic differences in AH" and AS" were often observed between enantiomers. The enthalpy and entropy changes for the solutes follow a linear free-energy relationship, indicating a similar enantiomeric mechanism of separation. Relationships between analyte structure and thermody- namic parameters were investigated to better understand the interactions of enantiomers with N-dodecoxycarbonylvaline micelles. o 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AvrBsT Acetylates Arabidopsis ACIP1, a Protein that Associates with Microtubules and Is Required for Immunity

Bacterial pathogens of plant and animals share a homologous group of virulence factors, referred to as the YopJ effector family, which are translocated by the type III secretion (T3S) system into host cells during infection. Recent work indicates that some of these effectors encode acetyltransferases that suppress host immunity. The YopJ-like protein AvrBsT is known to activate effector-triggered immunity (ETI) in Arabidopsis thaliana Pi-0 plants; however, the nature of its enzymatic activity and host target(s) has remained elusive. Here we report that AvrBsT possesses acetyltransferase activity and acetylates ACIP1 (for ACETYLATED INTERACTING PROTEIN1), an unknown protein from Arabidopsis. Genetic studies revealed that Arabidopsis ACIP family members are required for both pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity and AvrBsT-triggered ETI during Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) infection. Microscopy studies revealed that ACIP1 is associated with punctae on the cell cortex and some of these punctae co-localize with microtubules. These structures were dramatically altered during infection. Pst DC3000 or Pst DC3000 AvrRpt2 infection triggered the formation of numerous, small ACIP1 punctae and rods. By contrast, Pst DC3000 AvrBsT infection primarily triggered the formation of large GFP-ACIP1 aggregates, in an acetyltransferase-dependent manner. Our data reveal that members of the ACIP family are new components of the defense machinery required for anti-bacterial immunity. They also suggest that AvrBsT-dependent acetylation in planta alters ACIP1's defense function, which is linked to the activation of ETI.
Effect of intracranial aneurysm characteristics on complications from endovascular treatment with flow-diverting stents

I have read, with great interest, a recently published article in the British Journal of Neurosurgery by Toma et al. titled ‘ Early single centre experience of fl ow diverting stents for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms ’ 1 Th e study is a retrospective analysis of a prospective clinical database comprising patients harboring intracranial aneurysms which were treated with a fl ow-diverting stent (FDS). Th e mean age of the 80 patients in the study was 54 years and 66% were female. Th e most common clinical presentations were headache or incidental fi nding in 23 patients (29%), recurrent lesions after prior treatment in 20 patients (25%), aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in 10 patients (13%), and symptomatic mass eff ect in 10 patients (13%). Four patients underwent two FDS procedures for a total of 84 cases. Th e procedure was technically successful in 83 cases (99%). Th e specifi c FDS used was the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED; ev3, Irvine, California, USA) in 53 cases (64%), the Silk stent (Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France) in 28 cases (34%), and both FDSs in two cases (2%). Th e mean number of stents deployed per patient was 1.8 (range 1 – 9).
Ventral tegmental microinjections of quinpirole decrease ethanol and sucrose-reinforced responding

The effects of microinjections in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the dopamine D2/D3 agonist quinpirole on ethanol- and sucrose-reinforced responding were tested. Two groups of Long-Evans rats were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio 4 schedule with 10% ethanol (v/v) (n = 8) and 75% sucrose (w/v) (n = 10) presented as the reinforcer. Weekly bilateral injections of quinpirole were tested in the ethanol group (0.0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 micrograms/microliters) and sucrose group (0.0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 micrograms/microliters). Quinpirole dose dependently decreased ethanol- and sucrose-reinforced responding, but the dose-effect curve for sucrose was shifted two orders of magnitude to the right of the ethanol curve. Temporal response patterns during control sessions for both reinforcers were characterized by initial high rates that terminated after approximately 10 min. VTA injections of quinpirole dose dependently delayed the onset of the first response and the initial high rate period, and resulted in an early termination of responding following onset. These data support the hypothesis that dopamine activity in the VTA is involved in the regulation of ethanol-reinforced responding in a manner similar to that of other reinforcers.
959 ABNORMAL LYMPHOCYTE ACTIVATION IN CARTILAGE HAIR HYPOPLASIA

Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive form of short-limbed dwarfism which occurs in increased frequency in the Amish. In previous studies of Amish CHH patients we found markedly decreased lymphocyte proliferative responses to phytohem-agglutinin, concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen and allogeneic cells. The present study was undertaken to determine if these abnormalities were due to imbalances in lymphocyte subpopulations or defective lymphocyte activation. Studies on 9 CHH patients with specific monoclonal antibodies revealed a decrease in the absolute number of T- and B-lymphocytes but a normal helper to suppressor cell ratio (OKT4+/OKT8+). The number of monocytes assayed by non-specific esterase, latex ingestion and anti-OKM1 were normal; CHH monocytes functioned normally as helper cells and did not demonstrate suppressor activity when cocultured with CHH or normal T-lymphocytes. CHH lymphocyte membranes bound Con A and the mitogenic monoclonal anti-OKT3 normally, however CHH T-lymphocytes showed markedly reduced proliferative responses to Con A, OKT3, phorbol my-ristate acetate and Ca++ ionophore A23187. CHH B-lymphocytes proliferated poorly after stimulation with S. aureus. These data suggest that CHH lymphocytes have a defect in activation at a post-membrane, post-calcium influx step. CHH lymphocytes may be a useful model for the study of defects in cell proliferation which may also exist in other cells of CHH patients (e.g. chondrocytes).
The Effect of Producers' Risk Attitudes on Sizing the Harvest and On‐farm Drying System

A simulation model of an on-farm grain harvest and drying system was used to determine net returns associated with alternative sized systems. The physical processes of corn and soybean planting, growth, harvest and drying were simulated under historical weather conditions for 33 years. Weather data determined the number of field days, physiological maturity date, harvest grain moisture, yield losses and dryer energy costs. Guidelines developed by agricultural engineers and agricultural economists were used to initially size the combine and dryer for three sizes of farms. Capacities of the combine and dryer were increased and decreased by 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%, independently. Net returns to labor and management, reflecting yield and price correlations, were determined for each of the equipment combinations. Stochastic dominance was used to evaluate the distributions of net revenue and determine the risk efficient combine and dryer sets. It was found that there were small differences in net returns for systems that completed harvest and drying in the 27B32 day range for all three farm sizes. For a given size of farm, risk averse producers were found to prefer smaller capacity combines and dryers. Les auteurs se sont servis d'un modele simulant la recolte et le sechage du grain a la ferme pour calculer le revenu net de systemes de production de taille variable. Les aspects physiques de la plantation, de la croissance, de la recolte et du sechage du mais et du soja ont ete reproduits en fonction des donnees meteorologiques relevees pendant 33 ans. Ces donnees ont permis d'etablir le nombre de jours de croissance, la date de la maturite physiologique, la teneur en eau du grain, les pertes de rendement et le cout de l'energie necessaire au sechage. Ensuite, les auteurs ont suivi les recommandations des agronomes et des economistes agricoles pour determiner les dimensions initiales de la moissonneuse et du sechoir pour trois exploitations de taille differente. La capacite de la moissonneuse et celle du sechoir ont ete augmentees ou reduites independamment de 10, de 20, de 30, de 40 et de 50 pour cent, puis on a calcule le revenu net venant du travail et de la gestion du producteur en tenant compte de la correlation entre le rendement et les prix pour chaque combinaison. La dominance stochastique a permis d'estimer la distribution du revenu net et d'identifier les ensembles moissonneuse/sechoir rentables en fonction du risque. Les systemes ou la recolte et le sechage sont termines au bout de 27 a 32 jours entrainent de legeres variations du revenu net, pour les trois types d'exploitation. Peu importe la taille de la ferme, l'aversion pour le risque incite le producteur a choisir une moissonneuse et un sechoir de dimensions plus modestes.
The development of independence in bison: pre-weaning spatial relations between mothers and calves

Abstract Contact-maintanance interactions between bison, Bison bison, mothers and calves during the first 7 months were observed to examine spatial aspects of the development of independence. During the first week, dyad members maintained close contact; however, by week 2 distances increased abruptly as calves followed their grazing mothers less often. Dyadic interaction changed little after week 2; subsequent changes in calf behaviour appeared to be related more to calf maturation because they were not accompanied by changes in mother-calf distance or frequencies of approaching and leaving, and were in a direction opposite that expected with increasing independence. Around month 3 many changes occurred: calves suckled and rested less, vocalized more, and increasingly grazed with and followed or led mothers. Consorting bulls caused temporary increases in dyadic distance and filial independence during month 4. Developmental changes occurred in the synchrony between mother and calf movements and activity patterns, and in vocalization frequencies. In contrast, mother-calf distance and approaching/leaving frequencies showed little change; thus these measures appear less appropriate for studies of ungulates than for those of primates. Dyadic interaction was characterized by greater independence than might be expected in follower species, where maternal proximity may be the primary means of protecting young from predators. For example, mothers were least often nearby when calves appeared most vulnerable. Bison are clearly followers in that mothers and calves often rest close together and maintain close contact during the first week. Contact maintenance also resulted primarily from filial behaviour. The presence of the herd appears to modify the follower pattern, incorporating elements of hiding behaviour and accelerating filial independence.
Learning Sparse Image Codes using a Wavelet Pyramid Architecture

We show how a wavelet basis may be adapted to best represent natural images in terms of sparse coefficients. The wavelet basis, which may be either complete or overcomplete, is specified by a small number of spatial functions which are repeated across space and combined in a recursive fashion so as to be self-similar across scale. These functions are adapted to minimize the estimated code length under a model that assumes images are composed of a linear superposition of sparse, independent components. When adapted to natural images, the wavelet bases take on different orientations and they evenly tile the orientation domain, in stark contrast to the standard, non-oriented wavelet bases used in image compression. When the basis set is allowed to be overcomplete, it also yields higher coding efficiency than standard wavelet bases.
Dynamics of Consolidation and Crack Growth in Nanocluster‐Assembled Amorphous Silicon Nitride

Consolidation and fracture dynamics in nanophase amorphous Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} are investigated using 10{sup 6}-atom molecular-dynamics simulations. At a pressure of 15 GPa and 2,000 K, the nanophase system is almost fully consolidated within a fraction of a nanosecond. The consolidation process is well-described by the classical theory of sintering. Under an applied strain the consolidation system develops several cracks which propagate parallel to each other, causing failure at multiple sites. The critical strain at which the nanophase system fractures is much larger than that for crystalline Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}.
Effect of Porosity on Compressibility of Glass

An expression derived for the compressibility of glass foams is the same as Mackenzie's expression for a body containing a low concentration of spherical pores, when carried to the limit of very high porosity. Simple analysis shows that Mackenzie's expression is also valid for slightly nonspherical pores but should underestimate the actual compressibility for porosities which are neither high nor low. Compressibility measured on a series of porous glass samples to 70% porosity agree closely with the theoretical relation, except at intermediate porosities, where the departure shows the predicted effect of pore interaction.
Latanoprost-induced side effects and potential mechanisms

(2000). Latanoprost-Induced Side Effects and Potential Mechanisms. Journal of Toxicology: Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 177-197.
An infrared-light responsive graphene-oxide incorporated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel nanocomposite

We demonstrate a new light-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel nanocomposite incorporating glycidyl methacrylate functionalized graphene oxide (GO–GMA) instead of metallic nanoparticle fillers. GO–GMA is synthesized by esterification with glycidyl methacrylate. GO–GMA incorporated hydrogels are synthesized by photopolymerization of NIPAAm including 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) in GO–GMA dispersed dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. Results show that such a nanocomposite hydrogel can undergo a large volumetric change in response to infrared (IR) light illumination, due to the highly efficient photothermal conversion of GO–GMA. It also exhibits significantly larger water uptake compared to conventional PNIPAAm hydrogel by 3 times. Based on the developed IR-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel, we have also realised a microvalve that controls the fluidic flow within a microfluidic channel through remote IR light actuation.
The development of a web-based resident sign-out training program

Patient sign-out is a mechanism for transferring information, responsibility, and/or authority from one set of caregivers to another. Little research has addressed what information should be communicated during sign-out and how sign-out should be conducted and evaluated. As hospital residents conduct many sign-outs and have limited time in general, targeted web-based training and evaluation have the potential to enhance Graduate Medical Education. However there are no web-based training systems for this very important skill. This paper presents the operational concept and system requirements for a web-based sign-out training system. It discusses an initial functional prototype. Results of a heuristic evaluation and an assessment of areas for improvement are presented.
Building a multisite Web architecture

Any large organizations that first came online in the late 1990s are now facing the decision whether to upgrade their Web systems or to start anew. Given the speed with which new technologies are introduced in the Web environment, system deployment life cycles have shrunk significantly-but so have system life spans. After only a few years, an organization's Internet infrastructure is likely to need a major overhaul. In late 2001, the systems architecture team to which I belong took on these issues for an organization that wanted to rebuild its Web infrastructure. The existing infrastructure contained multiple single points of failure, could not scale to expected usage patterns, was built on proprietary systems, and had a high management overhead. The legacy infrastructure had grown organically over the previous five years as administrators added unplanned features and functionality, and usage had grown 100-fold since the specifications were initially developed. Because of the age and condition of the legacy systems, we decided to redesign the solution from scratch to overcome the inherent limitations. This case study describes the process our systems architecture team followed for designing and deploying the new architecture. I detail the component selection rationale, with implementation details where allowed. Ours is just one successful approach to deploying a. multisite, fully redundant Web-based system for a large organization; other reasonable and viable ways to build such a system also exist.
Audit Quality and the Accrual Anomaly

Prior research has demonstrated an association between the magnitude of accrual anomaly-related trading returns and accrual reliability. This study first demonstrates an association between audit quality and accrual reliability. It then links this result and the prior literature to demonstrate an association between audit quality and the accrual anomaly. We find that the magnitude of accrual-related trading returns are negatively associated with audit quality; lower audit quality leads to greater accrual anomaly-related trading returns. We then demonstrate that the link between audit quality and the accrual anomaly has been attenuated by Sarbanes-Oxley-related reforms.
Sofosbuvir plus simeprevir treatment of recurrent genotype 1 hepatitis C after liver transplant

Background Patients with recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) infection post-liver transplant can be difficult to treat safely and effectively. A prior (COSMOS) study in patients with non-transplant HCV, using sofosbuvir plus simeprevir, had high efficacy and tolerability in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, even prior non-responders to interferon therapy and those with cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in patients with genotype 1 HCV post-liver transplant. Methods In this prospective, observational study, patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg plus simeprevir 150 mg daily for 12 wk without ribavirin. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response 12 wk after the end of therapy. Results Forty-two patients completed the treatment. Twenty-six percent started the treatment ≤6 months post-liver transplant. Nineteen percent of the included patients had cirrhosis, 14% with decompensation. At week 4 on the treatment, 21% of patients had detectable virus but at the end of the treatment, 100% were undetectable. Twelve weeks after the end of the treatment, 95% of the patients had undetectable hepatitis C. The regimen was generally well tolerated. Conclusion The oral regimen of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir without ribavirin is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C post-liver transplant.
c-Abl interacts with the WAVE2 signaling complex to induce membrane ruffling and cell spreading.

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome-related protein WAVE2 promotes Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization downstream of Rho-GTPase activation. The Abelson-interacting protein-1 (Abi-1) forms the core of the WAVE2 complex and is necessary for proper stimulation of WAVE2 activity. Here we have shown that the Abl-tyrosine kinase interacts with the WAVE2 complex and that Abl kinase activity facilitates interaction between Abl and WAVE2 complex members. We have characterized various interactions between Abl and members of the WAVE2 complex and revealed that Abi-1 promotes interaction between Abl and WAVE2 members. We have demonstrated that Abl-dependent phosphorylation of WAVE2 is necessary for its activation in vivo, which is highlighted by the findings that RNA interference of WAVE2 expression in Abl/Arg–/– cells has no additive effect on the amount of membrane ruffling. Furthermore, Abl phosphorylates WAVE2 on tyrosine 150, and WAVE2-deficient cells rescued with a Y150F mutant fail to regain their ability to ruffle and form microspikes, unlike cells rescued with wild-type WAVE2. Together, these data show that c-Abl activates WAVE2 via tyrosine phosphorylation to promote actin remodeling in vivo and that Abi-1 forms the crucial link between these two factors.
Photodetector based on GaN double-barrier resonant tunneling diode coupled with colloidal quantum dots

A novel design of photodetector device based on GaN double barrier resonant tunneling diode (DBRTD) coupled with a layer of colloidal quantum dots embedded in conductive polymer is proposed. The current-voltage characteristic of this new photon detector is calculated using the double-barrier quantum well (DBQW) model for different temperatures and widths of the well of the RTD. Possible effect of traps and defects at the polymer-semiconductor interface on the tunneling current is discussed.
Static fracture resistance of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene using the single specimen normalization method.

Abstract Fracture of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) components used in total joint replacements is a clinical concern. UHMWPE materials exhibits stable crack growth under static loading, therefore, their fracture resistance is generally characterized using the J–R curve. The multiple specimen method recommended by ASTM for evaluation of the J–R curve for polymers is time and material intensive. In this study, the applicability of a single specimen method based on load normalization to predict J–R curves of UHMWPE materials is evaluated. The normalization method involves determination of a deformation function. In this study, the J–R curves obtained using a power law based deformation function and the LMN curve based deformation function were compared. The results support the use of the power law based deformation function when using the single specimen approach to predict J–R curves for UHMWPE materials.
Directed evolution of 2G12-targeted nonamannose glycoclusters by SELMA.

Optimizing multivalency: Clusters of Man9 glycans which are recognized by broadly-neutralizing anti-HIV antibody 2G12 have potential as HIV vaccines. However, optimal recognition by 2G12 requires optimal clustering of glycans. Using our recently described SELMA technique (SELection with Modified Aptamers), we have developed Man9 clusters in which glycans are supported by DNA sequences selected from among 2 × 1013 variants.
A Wide Range Current Comparator System for Calibrating Current Transformers

This paper describes a new measurement system for the calibration of current transformers at 60 Hz for all ratios up to 10000/5 and higher and at four times rated current. For ratios up to 1200/5, no reference transformer is needed and the system is accurate to five parts per million (ppm). Most higher ratios can be measured using only one reference transformer. Included is an example of how a laboratory could use such a system to measure all ratios up to 8000/5, requiring a calibration of only one reference transformer on one ratio (4000/5).
China’s Search for a ‘Strategic Air Force’

ABSTRACTOnce dismissed by many outside observers, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has undergone an impressive transformation over the past two decades, emerging as one of the world’s premier air forces. As it continues to modernize, it is focused on becoming a ‘strategic air force.’ PLAAF strategists suggest this means it should play a decisive role in protecting Chinese national interests, field modern capabilities commensurate with China’s standing as a major power, and enjoy the institutional status befitting its role as a ‘strategic service,’ an important consideration given the historical dominance of the ground force in China’s military.
The Function of a Heteromorph Antennule in a Spiny Lobster, Panulirus Argus

1. The effects of electrical and mechanical stimulation upon a ‘naturally occurring’ heteromorph appendage growing in place of one eyestalk in Panulirus argus were examined. The heteromorph resembled the outer flagellum of the antennule in form. 2. Heteromorph stimulation elicited both a generalized withdrawal response, and a specific depression of the third segment and flagellum of the ipsilateral antennule. Such a depression response was also elicited upon stimulation of the ipsilateral outer flagellum of the normal antennule and by no other input investigated. 3. The basic similarity of the two responses was confirmed by electromyography and by intracellular recordings from motor neurons and interneurons within the lobster brain. 4. It was concluded that at least one afferent fibre component from the heteromorph and normal flagellum terminated upon the same interneuron pools, while avoiding others, and that consequently these observations provide evidence for the formation of functional inter-neuronal connexions according to type specificity. Contribution number 364 from the Bermuda Biological Station, St George's West, Bermuda
Effects of amine oxidase inhibition on E. coli endotoxin mortality in mice.

SummaryM.A.O. inhibitors P.I.H., Nialamide and S.K.F. 556 were shown to have a small but significant effect in reducing mortality to intraperitoneal injection of E. coli endotoxin. Inhibition of M.A.O. alone appeared to have an effect distinct from inhibition of both M.A.O. and D.A.O. though the 3 drugs were not of significantly different potency.
Rates of Landsliding as Impacted by Timber Management Activities in Northwestern California

The impacts on the rates of landsliding by forest management activities (road construction and timber harvesting) in northwestern California are evaluated. The effects of these land disturbing activities were studied for various geomorphic zones of a watershed, valley inner gorges, land with slopes greater than 80 percent, and “other” watershed lands. Analysis of historical aerial photography and computer generated digital terrain slope maps was used to determine changes over time in the distribution of active landslides in third order watersheds, where the present watershed conditions vary from pristine to highly disturbed. In all of the disturbed watersheds, forest management activities increased the landslide rates (landslides per square mile) of each geomorphic zone. The valley inner gorges and land with slopes greater than 80 percent had the greatest landslide rate increases. Managed valley inner gorges and managed slopes greater than 80 percent had 11 to 26 and 3 to 26 times more landslides per square mile than managed “other lands,” respectively. These data suggest that the valley inner gorges and land with slopes greater than 80 percent are the most landslide prone geomorphic zones in a watershed and the most sensitive to forest management activities.
Amino acid incorporation into protein of diabetic rat liver slices after acute insulin deprivation.

SummaryIncorporation of leucine-1-C14 into protein of liver slices decreased progressively up to 48 hours after insulin withdrawal from alloxan-diabetic rats. Insulin and glucose added together to the medium stimulated this incorporation at 24 hours after insulin withdrawal from the liver donors; smaller but statistically non-significant stimulation was obtained at 12 and 48 hours. Neither insulin nor glucose alone gave a significant stimulation in any diabetic group.
Study of antibody level against epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis among children in Fuyang

Objective To survey the antibody level of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis among children,so as to provide scientific evidence for cerebrospinal meningitis control.Methods The cluster,stratified,and random sampling was used to select children aged 1-15 years old from three districts of Fuyang.We used ELISA to measure the type A serum antibody.Results A total of 970 subjects were investigated and the positive rate was 88.04%.There were significant difference in the positive rate in different areas(χ2=47.12,P0.01),and between 1-3-year group and the other groups(P0.01).No significant difference between city and countryside was found.Conclusions The positive rate of antibody level against epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis among children was relatively high.However,the immune level was low for children aged 1-3 years old,who were the high risk population for epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis,and it is necessary to intensify the vaccination.
Design and Implementation of the Data Acquisition System in Synchronous Control System

The design principle of data acquisition system of synchronous control system based on VC++ environment was introduced.The processes of adding and calling the dynamic-link library of the data acquisition card SDC-5,designing of data collecting interface,and disposing of ODBC data source were described.Data acquisition was achieved.This system is quite satisfactory on data correctly reading and rapidly storing.
Changes in gene expression profiles in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with scleroderma treated with tadalafil.

Abstract Objective Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most devastating complications in scleroderma (SSc) patients and has a poorer outcome than other PAH subgroups. Tadalafil (Adcirca ® ) is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5-I) approved by the FDA for treatment of PAH; however, its effectiveness specifically in SSc-PAH patients is unclear. We investigated whether there were differences in gene expression associated with 16 weeks of treatment with tadalafil and, if so, whether these changes differed with respect to treatment outcome. Methods We enrolled 10 SSc-PAH subjects who were naive to PDE5-I treatment, profiled gene expression in whole blood prior to and following treatment with tadalafil, measured changes in genomic profiles before and after treatment with tadalafil, and correlated them with changes in clinical outcomes, such as cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, six-min walk distance (6MWD), Borg Dyspnea Index (BDI), NYHA/WHO functional class (FC), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). Results Genes associated with IL-12 signaling and extracellular matrix maintenance were coordinately up- or down-regulated with treatment, respectively, across all subjects. Interestingly, we found that genes encoding voltage-gated potassium channels and genes related to innate immunity were coordinately up-regulated in subjects who improved with tadalafil treatment compared to those patients who did not. In contrast, up-regulation of Golgi-related gene sets was associated with clinical worsening during the treatment period. Conclusion The results of this pilot study suggest that outcomes of SSc-PAH patients treated with tadalafil are associated with specific changes in gene expression and biological pathways.