cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morning increase in ambulatory ischemia in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Importance of physical activity and increased cardiac demand.

BACKGROUND The morning increase in asymptomatic ambulatory ischemia may be due to heightened coronary tone, increased physical activity, or both. If ambulatory ischemia is primarily due to physical activity, then alterations in the schedule of physical activity should be reflected in a corresponding alteration in the occurrence of ischemia. This study was designed to examine the relation between activity patterns and the frequency of ambulatory ischemic episodes and the effect of nadolol on these relations. METHODS AND RESULTS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of nadolol versus placebo was performed in 20 patients with stable coronary artery disease. At the end of each 2-week treatment phase, patients were hospitalized for 48 hours. In the hospital, there was a regular activity day (awaken and assume normal activities at 8:00 AM) and a delayed activity day (awaken at 8:00 AM, arise at 10:00 AM, and begin normal activity at noon). Ambulatory ECG monitoring was performed throughout the hospitalization. On the regular activity day, there was a morning increase in heart rate and in the number of ischemic episodes during therapy with placebo that began at 8:00 AM. In contrast, on the delayed activity day, there was a 4-hour phase shift of the increases in heart rate and the increase in ischemic episodes (ie, at noon) corresponding to the onset of physical activities. Therapy with nadolol caused a 50% reduction in the total number of ischemic episodes (129 versus 65, placebo versus nadolol; P or = 5 beats per minute. Although nadolol caused a significant reduction in the total number of episodes preceded by a heart rate increase compared with placebo (99 versus 38 episodes, P CONCLUSIONS The morning increase in ambulatory ischemic episodes is due to physical activity patterns. The majority of ischemic episodes are preceded by a heart rate increase, and it is these episodes that are primarily responsible for the morning increase in ischemia. Therapy with nadolol caused a reduction in the total number of ischemic episodes solely by reducing those episodes preceded by a heart rate increase. In contrast, nadolol caused a significant increase in the number of ischemic episodes not associated with a heart rate increase, perhaps in part because it potentiated coronary vasoconstriction.
Effects of Punishing Different Bands of IRTS on DRL Responding

The present study compared the effects of punishing different bands of noncriterion IRTs during a DRL 20-sec. schedule on bursts of responding. Results indicated that punishing relatively short or long noncriterion IRTs was equally effective, as contrasted with a control group, in producing a significant decrease in the percentage of bursts. Findings were discussed in terms of a stimulus feedback interpretation of bursts.
13CNMR Spectra of β-diketones from waxes of the gramineae

Abstract The 13 CNMR spectra of six β-diketones and seven oxygenated β-diketones have been measured. The β-dicarbonyl grouping has the following effects on the chemical shifts of the neighbouring carbons: α-, + 8.72; β-, − 3.98; γ-, −0.42; δ-, −0.33; ϵ-,−0.20; ζ-,−0.09; η-, −0.05; θ-, −0.03 ppm. The effects indicate the position of the grouping up to the 10,12-position. The positions of hydroxyl and oxo groups, up to the eighth carbon from the end of the chain, are also shown by long-range effects. The relative positions of a β-diketone grouping and another oxygen-containing group can be established from the 13 CNMR spectrum with little ambiguity when they are separated by six or fewer methylene groups. For these structures NMR spectroscopy is more reliable than mass spectroscopy, which gives results which are difficult to interpret when groups are close together.Components of mixtures of hydroxy β-diketones, from grass waxes, are identified and proportions indicated by the NMR spectra.
Mechanism of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by Glutathione in the Gas Phase and in Solution. Implications for the Mode of Action of Glutathione S-Transferases

The reaction mechanism of nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene by glutathione (as modeled by a thiomethoxide ion) in the gas phase and in solution was elucidated using ab initio molecular orbital theory in combination with a continuum solvent model at the HF/6-31G*, HF/6-31+G**, and MP2/6-31+G** levels of theory. Two ion−molecule complexes were located in the gas phase at the HF level, but only one exits at the MP2/6-31+G** level, while neither exits in aqueous solution. In aqueous solution, there is a large free energy barrier and C−S bond formation is the rate-determining step, which is in agreement with experimental observation. The calculated free energy barrier (30.2 kcal/mol) at the HF/6-31+G** level of theory seems to be in good agreement with experiment (23.8 kcal/mol), while the MP2/6-31+G** barrier is too low, indicating that the MP2/6-31+G** level of theory probably overestimates the stability of the transition state for C−S bond formation. Implications for the mode...
Langland’s Wrath: Righteous Anger Management in The Vision of Piers Plowman

AbstractThe essay traces the subtle political theology of anger interspersed throughout William Langland’s Piers Plowman. Piers Plowman portrays anger as morally ambiguous: although its narrator paints an unflattering portrait of Wrath in the “Confession of the Seven Deadly Sins,” elsewhere he repeatedly attributes anger to obviously righteous characters, including St Truth, Christ, and Piers Plowman himself. Curiously, an early version of the poem, the A-text, elides Wrath’s confession entirely. The essay contends first that Langland’s omission of Wrath’s confession in the A-text constitutes a rhetorical attempt to elicit righteous sentiment from his audience; and, secondly, that it was taken as such by the insurgents responsible for the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, particularly John Ball, who also conspicuously elides wrath in a conspiratorial “letter” to his cabal; and, finally, that Langland responded to Ball’s catastrophic appropriation by excising the eponymous Plowman’s famously vexed act of tearing S...
Replacing alfalfa or red clover silage with birdsfoot trefoil silage in total mixed rations increases production of lactating dairy cows1

The objective of this study was to compare milk production and nutrient utilization in dairy cattle fed silage made from alfalfa (AL) or red clover (RC) versus birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) selected for low, normal, and high levels of condensed tannins. Condensed tannin contents of the 3 BFT silages were 8, 12, and 16 g/kg of DM by butanol-HCl assay. Twenty-five multiparous Holstein cows (5 fitted with ruminal cannulas) were blocked by days in milk and randomly assigned within blocks to incomplete 5×5 Latin squares. Diets contained [dry matter (DM) basis] about 60% AL, 50% RC, or 60% of 1 of the 3 BFT; the balance of dietary DM was largely from high-moisture corn plus supplemental crude protein from soybean meal. Diets were balanced to approximately 17% crude protein and fed for four 3-wk periods; 2 wk were allowed for adaptation and production data were collected during the last week of each period. No differences existed in DM intake or milk composition due to silage source, except that milk protein content was lowest for RC. Yields of milk, energy-corrected milk, fat, protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat were greater for the 3 BFT diets than for diets containing AL or RC. Feeding BFT with the highest condensed tannin content increased yield of milk, protein, and solids-not-fat compared with BFT containing the lowest amount of condensed tannin. Moreover, milk-N/N-intake was higher, and milk urea nitrogen concentration and urinary urea-N excretion were lower for diets with normal levels of BFT than for AL or RC diets. Feeding RC resulted in the highest apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose and lowest ruminal concentrations of ammonia and free amino acids. Ruminal branched-chain volatile fatty acid levels were lowest for RC diets and diets with high levels of BFT and highest for the AL diet. Overall, diets containing BFT silage supported greater production than diets containing silage from AL or RC. The results indicated that feeding BFT or other legume silages containing condensed tannins can enhance performance and N utilization in lactating dairy cows.
Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) bolster the prevalence and severity of tadpole tail injuries in experimental wetlands

Species introduced outside their native range to serve anthropogenic purposes may have unintended consequences on native organisms. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki) have been introduced throughout the world to control larval mosquito populations in aquatic environments, but they have also been implicated in the decline of native fish, amphibian, and aquatic invertebrate populations. We investigated the roles of introduced western mosquitofish (G. affinis), and two naturally colonizing predators (crayfish and dragonfly naiads) in inflicting tail injuries observed on ranid frog tadpoles in experimental constructed wetlands. We also examined the influence of vegetation in reducing tail injury severity. We found that mosquitofish significantly increased the prevalence and severity of tail injuries, but crayfish and dragonfly naiads contributed much less to increased injury levels. Furthermore, increased vegetation cover did not significantly attenuate tail injuries. However, after chemical removal of Gambusia, injury prevalence and severity was significantly reduced. Although previous investigations have concluded that mosquitofish prey upon the eggs and larvae of some amphibians, our results illustrate that these fish can cause substantial but apparently sub-lethal injuries to large numbers of larval amphibians in a wetland. Further investigations are needed to determine if these injuries impede the fitness of victims and lead to population reductions.
Asymmetric Interface and Interactions for Bimanual Virtual Assembly With Haptics

This paper discusses development of a new bimanual interface configuration for virtual assembly consisting of a haptic device at one hand and a 6DOF tracking device at the other hand. The two devices form a multimodal interaction configuration facilitating unique interactions for virtual assembly. Tasks for virtual assembly can consist of both “one hand one object” and “bimanual single object” interactions. For one hand one object interactions this device configuration offers advantages in terms of increased manipulation workspace and provides a tradeoff between the cost effectiveness and mode of feedback. For bimanual single object manipulation an interaction method developed using this device configuration improves the realism and facilitates variation in precision of task of bimanual single object orientation. Furthermore another interaction method to expand the haptic device workspace using this configuration is introduced. The applicability of both these methods to the field of virtual assembly is discussed.© 2012 ASME
Influence of heat on oxidative stability and on effectiveness of metal‐inactivating agents in vegetable oils

Metal-inactivating agents, such as citric acid, sorbitol, lecithin, and carboxymethylmercapto succinic acid, are not active in unheated vegetable oils. Apparently trace metals present in normal glyceride oils are held within a complex of unknown structure. After heating an oil, the metals can be complexed by metal-inactivating agents, such as citric acid. The release of metals appears to be associated closely with the breakdown of the fatty acid hydroperoxides. Formation of some association or complex between the metal and the hydroperoxide group or between the metal and the unsaturated linkage of the fatty hydroperoxide is suggested. The metals are held very tenaciously within this unknown structure. Although the metal is not available as an uncomplexed metallic ion, it does behave as a very strong pro-oxidant catalyst. The application of heat releases the metal so it can be complexed by added metal inactivators.
Application of thermal desorption technologies to hazardous waste sites

Abstract Thermal desorption is a separation process frequently used to remediate many Superfund sites. Thermal desorption technologies are recommended and used because of (1) the wide range of organic contaminants effectively treated, (2) availability and mobility of commercial systems, and (3) the public acceptance of the treatment approach. Thermal desorption is applicable to many organic wastes and generally not used for treating inorganics and metals. Commercial systems are now in operation remediating Superfund sites, and more are under construction. The public has shown a preference for this technology over incineration because, as a separation process, it seems less likely to create dioxins and other oxidation products. The US EPA SITE program has evaluated the major thermal desorption vendors to answer several questions about the technology; what is the treatment effectiveness, are there products of incomplete combustion, and what are the air emissions?
Hydrothermal Aging of Composite Materials Part 2: Matrix Aspects

Abstract The effects of hydrothermal (100°C in H2O) aging on the epoxy matrix phase of a graphite-epoxy composite is examined in terms of chemical structure and Theological response. Infrared spectra indicate the resin system is a dicyandiamide (DICY) cured diglycyl ether of Bisphenol-A (DGEBA). Hydrothermal aging is shown to modify the resin network structure and increase the magnitude of the low-temperature β transition in short range molecular motion where T β ≃ 45±15°C at frequencies of 3.5 to 110 Hz. In addition to network structure changes the absorbed moisture temporarily lowers the resin glass temperature so that at 100°C in water the resin exhibits a rubbery response state. Evaluation of fracture properties of aged resin shows a loss in fracture toughness and development of internal microcracks in the bulk resin during hydrothermal aging.
Independent effect and population impact of obesity on fatal coronary heart disease in adults.

Abstract Background. It is unclear whether the coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality risk associated with obesity is mediated only through traditional CHD risk factors. This analysis evaluated the independent CHD mortality risk due to obesity and determined its population attributable risk (PAR). Methods. Using the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (1971–1992, n = 10,582), a diabetes-body mass index (BMI) variable was constructed. The hazard ratios (HR) for fatal CHD in the diabetes-BMI categories (adjusting for age, sex, race, exercise, education level, smoking, hypertension, cholesterol, and alcohol use) were determined and the PARs subsequently estimated. Results. Compared to lean non-diabetics, the HR (95% CI) for fatal CHD is 0.8 (0.7, 1.1) in overweight non-diabetics, 1.4 (1.3, 2.0) in obese non-diabetics, 2.2 (1.2, 4.0) in lean diabetics, 2.3 (1.4, 3.9) in overweight diabetics, and 3.3 (1.9, 8.9) in obese diabetics. The PAR% is −6.8 (−15.7, 1.8) in overweight non-diabetics, 6.1 (1.7, 11.1) in obese non-diabetics, 2.0 (0.3, 4.0) in lean diabetics, 2.2 (0.6, 4.3) in overweight diabetics, and 2.2 (0.8, 3.8) in obese diabetics. Conclusions. Obesity is an independent risk factor for CHD mortality even after controlling for traditional CHD risk factors. The PAR for CHD death in obese non-diabetics is significant. Obesity should be aggressively treated in those without traditional CHD risk factors.
Mass transport of O2 and N2 in nanoporous carbon (C168 schwarzite) using a quantum mechanical force field and molecular dynamics simulations.

A hierarchical approach is used to calculate the single-component fluxes of N2 and O2 in nanoporous carbon molecular sieves (represented by C168 schwarzite) over a wide range of pressures and pressure drops. The self- and corrected diffusivities are calculated using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations with force fields for the gas−carbon interactions obtained from quantum mechanical calculations. These results are combined with previously reported adsorption isotherms of N2 and O2 in C168 to obtain transport diffusivities and, by use of the Fick's equation of mass transport, to obtain single-component fluxes across the membrane. The diffusion coefficients and fluxes are also calculated using an empirical potential, which has been obtained by fitting low coverage adsorption data of N2 and O2 on a planar graphite sheet. By analyzing the diffusivities calculated with the ab initio potential in the limit of infinite dilution over the temperature range from 80 to 450 K, it is observed that the N2/O2 sep...
Tyranny of theory? Confronting solidarity

vestment in situations where it might not otherwise take place. Yet actions by various levels of the state (local, national) have for the most part been neglected in mainstream urban ecological and sociological analysis, as well as in some neo-Marxist analyses (e.g., Harvey). Given the significance of capital investment in creating the geographical topography we call cities, it is important for urban ecological analysis to include a concern with the velocity of capital flows, as well as the "how" and the "why" of those flows. Capital can flow into and out of a city quickly. And the flow of real estate capital seems to be highly sensitive to a relatively modest change in the economic image of a city. Harvey suggests that these cycles of speculative investment in the city environment generate a chaotic ferment out of which new spatial configurations can grow. Yet this remains to be demonstra ted empirically. A built environment of new buildings and other construct ion can become a barrier to future investment in a city.
Biomass partitioning and leaf N,P – stoichiometry: comparisons between tree and herbaceous current‐year shoots

We compare the biomass partitioning patterns and the nitrogen/phosphorus (N,P) stoichiometry of the current-year shoots of tree and herbaceous species and ask whether they scale in the same ways. Our analyses indicate that few statistically significant differences exist between the shoot biomass partitioning patterns of the two functional species-groups. In contrast, statistically significant N,P - stoichiometric differences exist between the two functional groups. Across all species, dry leaf mass scales nearly as the square of basal stem diameter and isometrically with respect to dry stem mass. However, total leaf N scales as the 1.37-power and as the 1.09-power of total leaf P across herbaceous and tree shoots, respectively. Therefore, tree shoots can be viewed as populations of herbs elevated by their older, woody herbaceous cohorts. However, tree leaf stoichiometry cannot be modelled in terms of herbaceous N,P - leaf stoichiometry.
Calmodulin Adopts an Extended Conformation when Interacting with L-Selectin in Membranes

Calmodulin, an intracellular calcium-binding protein, is thought to regulate ectodomain shedding of many membrane proteins, but the underlying molecular mechanism has remained unclear. Basing on a solution structure of calcium-loaded calmodulin in complex with a L-selectin fragment that contains a portion of its transmembrane domain, Gifford et al. (University of Calgary) recently suggested that calmodulin regulates L-selectin shedding by binding directly to a portion of the L-selectin transmembrane domain in a compact conformation. Using fluorescently labeled calmodulin, we show however that calmodulin adopts a distinctly different and much more extended conformation when it binds to the CLS peptide (i.e. the entire transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of L-selectin) reconstituted in the phosphatidylcholine liposome with micromolar dissociation constant and in a calcium-independent manner. Calmodulin adopts a similarly extended conformation in a ternary complex with the N-terminal FERM domain of moesin and CLS reconstituted in the phospholipid liposome that mimics the native membrane environment. These results indicate that calmodulin does not bind directly to the transmembrane domain of L-selectin. Understanding the association of calmodulin with L-selectin helps to shed light on the mechanisms underlying regulation of ectodomain shedding.
Destination competitiveness of Middle Eastern countries: an examination of relative positioning.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine the relative positioning of ten Middle Eastern destinations using six competitiveness indices developed by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). A multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis is utilized to generate a positioning map based on the analysis of both attributes and objects in a joint space. The positioning map revealed closely competitive destinations, how competitiveness indicators cluster together and competitive strengths and weaknesses of each destination. This study identified four groups of countries (destinations) that compete with each other. The implications of relative positioning of destination countries based on six specific tourism indices and the limitations of the study are discussed.
Anomie, Authoritarianism, Prejudice, and Socioeconomic Status: An Attempt at Clarification

In an attempt to clarify the relationship among anomie, authoritarianism, and prejudice a replication of the Srole and Rokeach-Roberts studies was conducted. Correlation analysis indicated the likelihood of a general factor accounting for the interrelationship among them. Factor analysis confirmed this hypothesis with one factor accounting for 45 percent of the total variance of items comprising the three scales. IN 1951 Leo Srole presented before the meetings of the American Sociological Society the preliminary results of a study of the relationship among anomie, authoritarianism, and ethnic prejudice conducted in Springfield, Massachusetts.' Following this preliminary study Srole in 1952 applied the concept of anomie to a study of mental health and certain corollaries in New York. He published these results in 1956 in a paper entitled "Social Integration and Certain Corollaries: An Exploratory Study."2 The results presented in that paper were drawn primarily from the Springfield investigation; however, the paper also benefited from the results of the New York research. The hypothesis tested in the study was that anomie in individuals is associated with a rejective orientation toward outgroups in general and toward minority groups in particular.3 Srole postulated five theoretical components of anomie and devised a five-item scale to represent these components. He administered the anomie scale along with a condensed five-item version of the California F scale of authoritarianism and a measure of attitudes toward minority groups to a sample of 401 white, Christian, native-born adults.4 Srole's chief findings are as follows: 1. Anomie and authoritarianism are both significantly related to prejudice in a positive direction; however, anomie is more strongly related to prejudice than is authoritarianism. 2. When authoritarianism is held constant, the relationship between anomie and prejudice remains significantly high; however, when anomie is held constant, the statistically significant relationship between authoritarianism and prejudice disappears. 3. Social status, as measured by respondent's education combined with occupation of head of household, is only slightly related to prejudice, intermediately related to authoritarianism, and most highly related to anomie. * Paper read at the twenty-third annual meeting of the Southern Sociological Society in Atlanta, Georgia, April 8, 1960. 1 Leo Srole, Social Dysfunction, Personality, and Social Distance Attitudes (paper read before the American Sociological Society, Chicago, 1951). 2 Leo Srole, "Social Integration and Certain Corollaries: An Exploratory Study," American Sociological Review, 21 (December 1956), pp. 709-16. 3Ibid., p. 272. 4 Srole's measure of prejudice consisted of two kinds of data in combination: responses to five structured social distance items referring to Jews, Negroes, etc., and spontaneous comments revealing underlying attitudes toward minority groups. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.128 on Tue, 06 Sep 2016 06:06:22 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Paracetamol, Poison, and Polio: Why Boorse's Account of Function Fails to Distinguish Health and Disease

Christopher Boorse’s Bio Statistical Theory (BST) defines health as the absence of disease, and disease as the adverse departure from normal species functioning. This paper presents a two-pronged problem for this account. First I demonstrate that, in order to accurately account for dynamic physiological functions, Boorse’s account of normal function needs to be modified to index functions against situations. I then demonstrate that if functions are indexed against situations, the BST can no longer account for diseases that result from specific environmental factors. The BST is impaled on either horn of this dilemma and therefore must be dismissed.
Advances in fibromyalgia: possible role for central neurochemicals

The neurophysiologic term allodynia has been applied to fibromyalgia because people with that disorder experience pain from pressure stimuli which are not normally painful. The nociceptive neurotransmitters of animal studies are now relevant to this human model of chronic, widespread pain. Evidence is presented to implicate several chemical pain mediators (including serotonin, substance P, nerve growth factor, and dynorphin A) in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. This perception is hopeful because it offers many new options for the development of innovative therapy.
Cognitive Radio Network as Wireless Sensor Network (III): Passive target intrusion detection and experimental demonstration

A Cognitive Radio Network (CRN) based Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), as an extension of CRN, is explored for radio frequency (RF) passive target intrusion detection. Compared to a cheap WSN, the CRN based WSN is expected to deliver better results due to its strong communication functions and powerful computing ability. Issues addressed in this paper include experimental architecture, waveform design, and machine learning algorithm for classification. In particular, passive target intrusion is experimentally demonstrated using multiple WARP platforms that serve as the cognitive/sensor nodes. In contrast to traditional localization methods relying on radio propagation properties, the technique used in this research is based on machine learning with measured data, considering complicated multipath environment and high dimensional sensing data collected by the CRN based WSN. Preliminary experimental results are quite encouraging, suggesting that a large-scale CRN based WSN supported by machine learning techniques has promising potential for passive target intrusion detection in harsh RF environments.
The High Strain Rate Deformation Behavior of High Purity Magnesium and AZ31B Magnesium Alloy

The deformation in compression of pure magnesium and AZ31B magnesium alloy, both with a strong basal pole texture, has been investigated as a function of temperature, strain rate, and specimen orientation. The mechanical response of both metals is highly dependent upon the orientation of loading direction with respect to the basal pole. Specimens compressed along the basal pole direction have a high sensitivity to strain rate and temperature and display a concave down work hardening behavior. Specimens loaded perpendicularly to the basal pole have a yield stress that is relatively insensitive to strain rate and temperature and a work hardening behavior that is parabolic and then linearly upwards. Both specimen orientations display a mechanical response that is sensitive to temperature and strain rate. Post mortem characterization of the pure magnesium was conducted on a subset of specimens to determine the microstructural and textural evolution during deformation and these results are correlated with the observed work hardening behavior and strain rate sensitivities were calculated.
Measurement of baseline shoulder function in subjects receiving workers’ compensation versus noncompensated subjects

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether a measurable difference existed in normative scores for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire between subjects who had an active workers' compensation claim (WC) with no known shoulder injury and subjects without a compensation claim (non-WC). Subjects with non-shoulder-related orthopaedic injuries were recruited from a suburban orthopaedic sports medicine clinic and an urban occupational medicine clinic. They were asked to complete a composite questionnaire that consisted of demographic information and the ASES questionnaire. There were no significant differences in the ASES scores between subject groups. There were significant differences between subject groups with regard to work hours (P = .0001), work demands (P = .0001), and tobacco use (P = .0001). Subject group was also significantly associated with education level (P = .0001), marital status (P = .0001), work demands (P = .0001), gender (P = .0001), and sports participation (P = .0314). The ASES score was significantly affected by marital status (P = .0476), sports participation (P = .0008), and age (P = .0129).
Exposure of neonates to respiratory syncytial virus is critical in determining subsequent airway response in adults.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute bronchiolitis in infants and the elderly. Furthermore, epidemiological data suggest that RSV infection during infancy is a potent trigger of subsequent wheeze and asthma development. However, the mechanism by which RSV contributes to asthma is complex and remains largely unknown. A recent study indicates that the age of initial RSV infection is a key factor in determining airway response to RSV rechallenge. We hypothesized that severe RSV infection during neonatal development significantly alters lung structure and the pulmonary immune micro-environment; and thus, neonatal RSV infection is crucial in the development of or predisposition to allergic inflammatory diseases such as asthma. To investigate this hypothesis the present study was conducted in a neonatal mouse model of RSV-induced pulmonary inflammation and airway dysfunction. Seven-day-old mice were infected with RSV (2 × 105 TCID50/g body weight) and allowed to mature to adulthood. To determine if neonatal RSV infection predisposed adult animals to enhanced pathophysiological responses to allergens, these mice were then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Various endpoints including lung function, histopathology, cytokine production, and cellularity in bronchoalveolar lavage were examined. RSV infection in neonates alone led to inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyperreactivity, peribronchial and perivascular inflammation, and subepithelial fibrosis in adults. If early RSV infection was followed by allergen exposure, this pulmonary phenotype was exacerbated. The initial response to neonatal RSV infection resulted in increased TNF-α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage. Interestingly, increased levels of IL-13 and mucus hyperproduction were observed almost three months after the initial infection with RSV. Neonatal RSV exposure results in long term pulmonary inflammation and exacerbates allergic airways disease. The early increase in TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage implicates this inflammatory cytokine in orchestrating these events. Finally, the data presented emphasize IL-13 and TNF-α as potential therapeutic targets for treating RSV induced-asthma.
Ab initio study of Al-ceramic interfacial adhesion

We present a small database of adhesion energies for Al/ceramic interfaces calculated using density functional methods. In total, 26 distinct interface geometries were examined, in which the ceramic component was varied amongst carbides ~WC, VC!, nitrides ~VN, CrN, TiN!, and oxides (a-Al2O3), while including variations in interfacial stacking sequence and ceramic termination ~polar and nonpolar!. We find that adhesion is smallest ~largest! for those interfaces constructed from non-polar ~polar! surfaces, regardless of ceramic component. Since the interfacial free energies of all interfaces are relatively small, we examine the extent to which adhesion can be described solely by contributions from the surface energies.
Rates of epithelial cell proliferation in the oral mucosa and skin of the tamarin monkey (Saguinus fuscicollis)

Epithelial cell proliferation was determined in skin and various regions of the oral cavity of the tamarin monkey and was expressed by means of two mitotic indices: the number of metaphases per mm of epithelial surface, and the number of metaphases per mm basement membrane. A significant correlation was obtained between the rank ordering of the different regions according to each index. Generally, the non-keratinized tissues of the oral cavity had mitotic rates higher than those of the keratinized oral regions, with the epidermis having the lowest value. The mitotic index also correlated significantly with epithelial thickness, with the thicker regions showing a higher rate of proliferation. These results represent the first comprehensive set of values for a primate and are in general agreement with data obtained from non-primate species; the values support the concept that the oral lining tissue turns over more rapidly than does the masticatory mucosa (Bhaskar, 1980).
Lethal Sitting: Homo Sedentarius Seeks Answers

On the face of it, the notion that sitting can be harmful to health seems absurd. Sitting is the default human body posture–modern office workers are often seated 15 hours per day ([2][1]) and at home are entertained, socialize, learn, and shop all whilst seated. How can a ubiquitous body posture
Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Seismic Retrofit of RC Bridge Bent: Design and In Situ Validation

Analysis and design procedures are presented for a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite seismic retrofit of a reinforced concrete (RC) three-column bridge bent. The CFRP jacket was designed using performance-based criteria to provide a target displacement ductility based on seismic retrofit measures for the columns, bent cap, and bent cap-column joints. In situ quasi-static cyclic tests of a bent in the as-built condition and a bent retrofitted with the CFRP jacket were carried out in 1998. The seismic retrofit was successful, and the bridge bent retrofitted with CFRP composites reached a displacement ductility level in excess of the target ductility and double the hysteretic energy dissipation of the as-built bent. A description of the CFRP composite layout and validation of the design assumptions from the experimental results is presented. Recommendations for improvement of the original CFRP composite seismic retrofit design are offered based on the lessons learned from the in situ tests.
A comparison of hydrocortisone and triamcinolone inhibition of scale and feather development

Hydrocortisone (30-40 micrograms on day 10) and triamcinolone (10-20 ng on day 7-8) both inhibit or alter morphogenesis of scales and feathers. However, there are marked temporal and region-specific differences in the effects induced by these two glucocorticoids. Triamcinolone (TAC) is most teratogenic on day 7 or 8, inhibiting formation of spurs and feathers and inducing club feather formation. Hydrocortisone is most teratogenic later in development, on day 10. Unique hydrocortisone-induced responses are complete inhibition of scutellate scale formation, bent feathers, and apteria around the external auditory meatus. Altered synthesis of keratin polypeptides follows inhibition of scale morphogenesis by hydrocortisone and TAC. These in vivo data suggest that heterogeneity of glucocorticoid binding occurs in embryonic chick metatarsal skin. Survival data indicate that TAC is 2,000 times more embryotoxic than hydrocortisone.
Identifying psychophysiological risk for psychopathology : Examples from substance abuse and schizophrenia research

A problem confronting the search for psychopathology-related genes concerns the difficulty identifying gene carriers. Psychiatric diagnosis provides imperfect identification of affected individuals, and unaffected gene carriers go undetected. Psychophysiological measures may assist molecular genetic investigations by indicating genetic susceptibility for psychopathology, thus increasing the probability of identifying affected and unaffected gene carriers. Research strategies based on these premises are applied to the study of psychoactive substance use disorders and schizophrenia. Data are presented illustrating (1) that individual differences in inhibitory control involving autonomic and antisaccade eye movement measures and the P3 component of the event-related potential may be sensitive to susceptibility for substance use disorders, and (2) that eye tracking variables may identify genetic risk for schizophrenia.
Regiospecific total synthesis of juncusol

Abstract A regiospecific total synthesis of juncusol ( 1 ) based on the use of two consecutive phenol annulations is detailed.
The onset and interannual variability of the Asian summer monsoon in relation to land-sea thermal contrast

Abstract The onset and interannual variability of the Asian summer monsoon in relation to land–sea thermal contrast and its contributing factors are studied using a 14-yr (1979–1992) dataset. The onset of the Asian summer monsoon is concurrent with the reversal of meridional temperature gradient in the upper troposphere south of the Tibetan Plateau. The reversal is the result of large temperature increases in May to June over Eurasia centered on the Plateau with no appreciable temperature change over the Indian Ocean. In spring the Tibetan Plateau is a heat source that is distinctly separate from the heat source associated with the rain belt in the equatorial Indian ocean. The Tibetan heat source is mainly contributed by sensible heat flux from the ground surface, while the oceanic heat source is due to the release of latent heat of condensation. It is the sensible heating over the Plateau region in spring that leads to the reversal of meridional temperature gradient. Despite its intensity the condensatio...
The trends, promises and challenges of urbanisation in the world

Abstract This paper examines the trends of global urbanisation and the magnificent scale and rapid pace of urbanisation in developing countries, and the different characteristics of urbanisation trends in developing and developed countries. It presents the economic powers and opportunities of urbanisation. On the other hands, rapid urbanisation is triggering huge problems and challenges, such as urban sprawl, urban poverty, higher urban unemployment rates, higher urban costs, housing affordability issues, lack of urban investment, weak urban financial and governance capacities, rising inequality and urban crimes, environmental degradation and etc. It argues that policies and strategies should aim to optimise both the urbanisation process and urban functions and infrastructure. Policy responses should link to local conditions, and choose different tools and instruments such as regulatory tools, market-based tools, and spatial tools to achieve sustainable urbanisation and maximise the benefits of agglomeration economies and minimise the negative externalities.
Transient Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a case of transient primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: We present the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings in a patient with an unusual clinical course of primary hyperparathyroidism as well as a review of relevant literature. Results: A 48-year-old man with no family history or past medical history of hypercalcemia and kidney stones was referred by his primary care physician for evaluation of new onset hypercalcemia. Blood work showed a serum calcium level of 11.6 mg/dL, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of 124 pg/mL, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level of 15.2 ng/mL, whereas his calcium level 3 months prior was 10.1 mg/dL. On repeat lab work, his serum calcium level was 11.8 mg/dL, iPTH was 161 pg/mL, 25OHD was 23 ng/mL, and a 24-hour urine calcium was 604 mg. Thyroid sonogram and sestamibi scan were consistent with left parathyroid adenoma. The patient was then referred for minimal invasive parathyroidectomy. A repeat blood test just before surgery showed a calcium level of 9.6 mg/dL, iPTH of 64 pg/mL, and 25OHD of 25 ng/mL. Surgery was cancelled, and his serum calcium level remained normal for 2 years. A repeat thyroid sonogram conducted 1 year later showed a smaller adenoma. Conclusion: This case illustrates that hypercalcemia and elevated iPTH levels in primary hyperparathyroidism can be transient. Repeat calcium and iPTH levels before parathyroidectomy might be required to avoid unnecessary surgery. Abbreviations: 25OHD = 25-hydroxyvitamin D BMD = bone mineral density iPTH = intact parathyroid hormone PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism T4 = thyroxine TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone
Complex Litigation: Primary Jurisdiction

Commentary and analysis of the judicially-created doctrine of “primary jurisdiction” in class action litigation under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. Defense attorneys typically raise the primary jurisdiction doctrine on a motion to dismiss a class action, a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, or a challenge to certification under Rule 23(b)(3), for a lack of superiority. In invoking the primary jurisdiction doctrine, defense attorneys argue that a federal or state administrative agency or regulatory body has superior jurisdiction and competency to resolve the complaints of aggrieved citizens. Many courts have noted that the doctrine of primary jurisdiction is related to the exhaustion of remedies principle. This article surveys the standards by which federal and state courts evaluate the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, noting that these courts evaluate the doctrine under very similar standards. Defendants have invoked the doctrine with mixed success; and courts do not always defer to administrative or agency jurisdiction.
Buckling Formulas for Corrugated Metal Shear Diaphragms

The paper gives a comparative analysis of three different existing sets of shear diaphragm buckling formulas, and develops therefrom a single highly simplified formula for the buckling loads for light-gage corrugated metal shear diaphragms. Buckling experiments on precision small-scale diaphragm specimens are also described, which show, along with the comparative analysis of the different buckling formulas, that the simplified formula accurately predicts shear diaphragm buckling.
Children's Understanding of Using Products Safely:

and product safety are increasingly important in policy decisions made by corporations, public interest groups, and government agencies.2 For example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with setting standards for thousands of products; consumer groups, such as the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, are lobbying for various kinds of product safety legislation at the state level. In industry, various companies have taken steps to eliminate possible hazards to children, such as discontinuing vitamin advertising during TV programming designed for children. Industrial associations have encouraged self-regulation through product safety standards3 and through advertising guidelines.4 The purpose of this study is to explore agerelated differences in children's understanding of safe product use, their general attitudes about
The Complete Solution of Alt–Burmester Synthesis Problems for Four-Bar Linkages

Precision-point synthesis problems for design of four-bar linkages have typically been formulated using two approaches. The exclusive use of path-points is known as “path synthesis”, whereas the use of poses, i.e. path-points with orientation, is called “rigid-body guidance” or the “Burmester problem”. We consider the family of “Alt-Burmester” synthesis problems, in which some combination of path-points and poses are specified, with the extreme cases corresponding to the typical approaches. The Alt-Burmester problems that have, in general, a finite number of solutions include Burmester’s original five-pose problem and also Alt’s problem for nine path-points. The elimination of one path-point increases the dimension of the solution set by one, while the elimination of a pose increases it by two. Using techniques from numerical algebraic geometry, we tabulate the dimension and degree of all problems in this Alt-Burmester family, and provide more details concerning all the zeroand one-dimensional cases.
OCT-based three-dimensional, three vector component imaging of cilia-driven fluid flow for developmental biology(Conference Presentation)

One critical barrier to the robust study of cilia-driven fluid flow in developmental biology is a lack of methods for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) images of three vector component (3C) measurements of flow velocities. A 3D3C map of cilia-driven fluid flow quantifies the flow speed along three axes (e.g. three Cartesian vector components v_x, v_y, v_z) at each point in 3D space. 3D3C quantification is important because cilia-driven fluid flow is not amenable to simplifying assumptions (e.g. parabolic flow profile. Such quantification may enable systematically detailed characterization of performance using shear force and power dissipation metrics derived from 3D3C flow velocity fields. We report our OCT-based results in developing methods for the 3D3C quantification of cilia-driven flow fields. First, we used custom scan protocols and reconstruction algorithms to synthesize 3D3C flow velocity fields from 2D2C fields generated using correlation-based methods (directional dynamic light scattering and digital particle image velocimetry). Xenopus results include flow driven by ciliated embryo skin and flow driven by ciliated ependymal cells in developing brain ventricles. Second, we developed a new approach to particle tracking velocimetry that generates 2D2.5C (2.5C: v_x,|v_y|,v_z) velocity fields from single-plane 2D image acquisitions. We demonstrated this particle streak velocimetry method in calibrated flow phantoms and in flow driven by ciliated Xenopus embryo skin. Additionally, we have preliminary results extending particle streak velocimetry to 3D3C in calibrated flow phantoms with ongoing work in Xenopus embryos.
Effects of cultivation patterns on growth and yield of super hybrid rice and its analysis of grey correlation

Using system of rice intensification(SRI) as basic mode,effect of various cultivation methods on super hybrid rice Liangyou0293 growth characteristic and yield were investigated.A gray correlation analysis between main economic characters and actual yield,dissimilarity cultivation way and ideal way were conducted,in order to select and establish a cultivation technique target method of super hybrid rice to integrate big panicle with many panicles.Result: valid panicle number is a characteristic most close to yield,secondly is the weight of thousand grains,burliness rate.A density of 18×104 caves/hm2 and a specification of an irregular 33.3 cm×(10+23.3) cm in wide-narrow rows with airtight stub.Should be conducted then its comprehensive performance would approximate that of the ideal method.