cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compressables: A Haptic Prototyping Toolkit for Wearable Compression-based Interfaces

Compression-based haptic feedback has been used in wearables to issue notifications, provide therapeutic effects, and create immersive storytelling environments. Such worn devices are well studied on the wrists, arms, and head, however, many unconventional yet context-rich areas of the body remain underexplored. Current haptic prototyping techniques have large instrumentation costs, requiring the design of bespoke embedded devices that do not have the flexibility to be applied to other body sites. In this work, we introduce an open-source prototyping toolkit for designing, fabricating, and programming wearable compression-based interfaces, or compressables. Our approach uses a lost-PVA technique for making custom inflatable silicone bladders, an off-the-shelf pneumatics controller, and a mobile app to explore and tune haptic interactions through sketch gestures. We validate the toolkit’s open-endedness through a user study and heuristic evaluation. We use exemplar artifacts to annotate the design space of compressables and discuss opportunities to further expand haptic expression on the body.
Maternal Oxycodone Treatment Results in Neurobehavioral Disruptions in Mice Offspring.

Opioid drugs are increasingly being prescribed to pregnant women. Such compounds can also bind and activate opioid receptors in the fetal brain, which could lead to long term brain and behavioral disruptions. We hypothesized that maternal treatment with oxycodone (OXY), the primary opioid at the center of the current crisis, leads to later neurobehavioral disorders and gene expression changes in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of resulting offspring. Female mice were treated daily with 5 mg OXY/kg or saline solution (Control, CTL) for two weeks prior to breeding and then throughout gestation. Male and female offspring from both groups were tested with a battery of behavioral and metabolic tests to measure cognition, exploratory-, anxiety-like, voluntary physical activity, and socio-communication behaviors. qPCR analyses were performed for candidate gene expression patterns in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of OXY and CTL derived offspring. Developmental exposure to OXY caused socio-communication changes that persisted from weaning through adulthood. Such offspring also showed cognitive impairments, reduced voluntary physical activity, and weighed more than CTL counterparts. In the hippocampus, prenatal exposure to OXY caused sex-dependent differences in expression of genes encoding opioid receptors and those involved in 5-HT signaling. OXY exposure induced changes in neuropeptide hormone expression and the epigenetic modulator, Dnmt3a, in the hypothalamus, which could result in epigenetic changes in this brain region. The findings suggest cause for concern that consumption of OXY by pregnant mothers may result in permanent neurobehavioral changes in their offspring. Further work is needed to determine the potential underpinning epigenetic mechanisms. Significance Statement Opioids continue to be one of the most commonly prescribed analgesics, but they are highly addictive. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a problem in women of child-bearing age. This study used a mouse model to examine whether maternal treatment with oxycodone during pregnancy would lead to long-term neurobehavioral alterations in her offspring. Results from this study indicate that developmental exposure to oxycodone results in longstanding behavioral impairments and gene expression changes in the brain of mice offspring. Findings from this study thus suggest potential cause for concern that similar impairments may occur in babies born to mothers with OUD.
Examining the differential effects of latent impulsivity factors on substance use outcomes in African American men

Abstract African Americans have elevated substance use-related problems during adulthood despite initiating use later than individuals of other racial/ethnic backgrounds. The present study first validated the structure of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale and then examined impulsivity as a prospective risk factor for future alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use, as well as generalized substance problems, in African American men. Data were drawn from the African-American Men’s Project, which recruited participants (NWAVE-1 = 504; Mean ageWAVE-1 = 20.7; NWAVE-3 = 379; Mean ageWAVE-3 = 23.6) from rural counties of Georgia. Participants responded to an adapted version of the UPPS-P at Wave 1. Confirmatory factor analyses determined that a 5-factor model of impulsivity and a 3-factor hierarchical model of impulsivity described the data equally well, in comparison to 1-factor, 4-factor, or bifactor models. This supports that the structure of the abbreviated UPPS-P in African Americans is likely consistent with observations in White, Hispanic/Latino, and admixed samples. Notably, all second-order factors of the UPPS-P are not alike in predicting substance use outcomes when examined jointly in African American men. Only Deficits in Conscientiousness, which is a second-order factor comprised of Lack of Premeditation and Lack of Perseverance, affected whether individuals met any criteria for future substance use problems. Our findings provide novel insight into the relationship between impulsivity and substance involvement during emerging adulthood in African American men.
Three-Dimensional Equivalent Parameterized Beam Element for Nail Connections in Wood Residential Buildings

AbstractNail connections, serving as critical nodes in the loading path of wood residential buildings, could play a crucial role in structural analysis and damage prediction when the structures are...
Syntactics of First-order Languages

In this chapter we give the basic definitions and results concerning the syntax of first-order languages: terms, formulas, proofs, etc. As we proceed we shall also check the effectiveness of many of the notions, although at a later stage we shall just appeal to the weak Church’s thesis (see the comments preceding 3.3). This long section contains only very elementary facts, which will be used later mainly without citation. The basic definitions of syntactical notions occupy 10.1-10.18. The remainder of the chapter is concerned with elements of proof theory; this plays an important role in our discussion of decidable and undecidable theories in Part III, but will not be used in the discussion of model theory (Part IV).
More Guidelines Than Rules: CSRF Vulnerabilities from Noncompliant OAuth 2.0 Implementations

OAuth 2.0 provides an open framework for the authorization of users across the web. While the standard enumerates mandatory security protections for a variety of attacks, many embodiments of this standard allow these protections to be optionally implemented. In this paper, we analyze the extent to which one particularly dangerous vulnerability, Cross Site Request Forgery, exists in real-world deployments. We crawl the Alexa Top 10,000 domains, and conservatively identify that 25i?ź% of websites using OAuth appear vulnerable to CSRF attacks. We then perform an in-depth analysis of four high-profile case studies, which reveal not only weaknesses in sample code provided in SDKs, but also inconsistent implementation of protections among services provided by the same company. From these data points, we argue that protection against known and sometimes subtle security vulnerabilities can not simply be thrust upon developers as an option, but instead must be strongly enforced by Identity Providers before allowing web applications to connect.
Activation of a cytosolic ADP-ribosyltransferase by nitric oxide-generating agents.

Sodium nitroprusside is a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet activation. It is thought that these effects are mediated by the spontaneous release of nitric oxide and stimulation of cytosolic guanylate cyclase. We have found that sodium nitroprusside (5-200 μM) greatly increased a cytosolic ADP-ribosyltransferase that ADP-ribosylates a soluble 39-kDa protein. This activity causes the mono-ADP-ribosylation of the 39-kDa protein, since digestion with snake venom phosphodiesterase releases 5′-AMP. This enzyme is present in platelets, brain, heart, intestine, liver, and lung. The effect of sodium nitroprusside is not related to stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase and the production of cyclic GMP because cyclic GMP, dibutyryl cyclic GMP, and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP are ineffective. 3-Morpholinosydnonimine (commonly known as SIN-1) (20-1000 μg/ml), another compound that acts through the spontaneous formation of nitric oxide as does sodium nitroprusside, also stimulates ADP-ribosylation of the 39-kDa protein. Hemoglobin, which binds nitric oxide, inhibits sodium nitroprusside's activation of the cytosolic ADP-ribosyltransferase. These studies demonstrate a novel action of nitric oxide related to the activation of an endogenous ADP-ribosyltransferase. The physiological role of this ADP-ribosylation needs further exploration.
River and Cooling Water Temperature Fluctuations

Cooling water discharged from a power plant changes the fluctuating water temperature characteristics of a receiving river in a clearly detectable way. Daily and hourly water temperature data from two power plant sites on the Upper Mississippi River were used to compute for illustration the magnitude of such differences. Extreme value analysis, autocovariance and spectral analysis, and nonlinear curve fitting methods were applied alternatively. Amplitudes of seasonal periodicities, of diurnal periodicities, and of random components were determined. The results indicate that time series analysis of water temperatures measured downstream from an existing cooling water outfall may provide equally or even more realistic and useful information on the size of a cooling water plume than quasi-instantaneous surveys of spatial water temperature distributions.
Effect of experimentally induced cervical cancer upon the nucleic acid and carbohydrate metabolism in various organs of mice.

Abstract Squamous cell cancer was induced in the uterine cervix of S-3H strain of mice within 8 to 12 weeks after implantation. The experiments compared the metabolism of carbohydrates and nucleic acids in the cervical cancer with normal cervical tissue. It determined the effect of cancer growth upon the carbohydrate and nucleic acid metabolism of other essential organs by measuring the following enzymes and metabolites. Lactic acid content, glycogen, glycogen synthetase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and TPN-dependent isocitric dehydrogenase. These substances were significantly altered in the spleen, kidney, and cervical cancer of the cancer animals. The relative rate of mitosis in all structures was evaluated by assaying the tritiated thymidine at various time intervals after intraperitoneal injection. The DNA and RNA content was estimated in all by the quantitative extraction of the nucleic acid fraction. Marked changes in the metabolic rate and nucleic acid metabolism was noted in the spleen, kidney, lymph nodes, and cervical cancer.
Chaperone Activity of α B-Crystallin Is Responsible for Its Incorrect Assignment as an Autoantigen in Multiple Sclerosis

For 15 y, α B-crystallin (heat shock protein [Hsp] B5) has been labeled an autoantigen in multiple sclerosis (MS) based on humoral and cellular responses found in humans and animal models. However, there have been several scientific inconsistencies with this assignment, ranging from studies demonstrating small differences in anticrystallin responses between patients and healthy individuals to the inability of crystallin-specific T cells to induce symptoms of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in animal models. Experiments in this article demonstrate that the putative anti-HspB5 Abs from 23 MS patients cross-react with 7 other members of the human small Hsp family and were equally present in normal plasma. Biolayer interferometry demonstrates that the binding was temperature dependent, and that the calculated K(a) increased as the concentration of the sHsp decreased. These two patterns are characteristic of multiple binding sites with varying affinities, the composition of which changes with temperature, supporting the hypothesis that HspB5 bound the Ab and not the reverse. HspB5 also precipitated Ig heavy and L chains from sera from patients with MS. These results establish that small Hsps bind Igs with high affinity and refute much of the serological data used to assign α B-crystallin as an autoantigen.
Cross-modal similarity learning via pairs, preferences, and active supervision

We present a probabilistic framework for learning pair-wise similarities between objects belonging to different modalities, such as drugs and proteins, or text and images. Our framework is based on learning a binary code based representation for objects in each modality, and has the following key properties: (i) it can leverage both pairwise as well as easy-to-obtain relative preference based cross-modal constraints, (ii) the probabilistic framework naturally allows querying for the most useful/informative constraints, facilitating an active learning setting (existing methods for cross-modal similarity learning do not have such a mechanism), and (iii) the binary code length is learned from the data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach on two problems that require computing pairwise similarities between cross-modal object pairs: cross-modal link prediction in bipartite graphs, and hashing based cross-modal similarity search.
Role of intragenic binding of cAMP responsive protein (CRP) in regulation of the succinate dehydrogenase genes Rv0249c-Rv0247c in TB complex mycobacteria

Bacterial pathogens adapt to changing environments within their hosts, and the signaling molecule adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) facilitates this process. In this study, we characterized in vivo DNA binding and gene regulation by the cAMP-responsive protein CRP in M. bovis BCG as a model for tuberculosis (TB)-complex bacteria. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep-sequencing (ChIP-seq) showed that CRP associates with ∼900 DNA binding regions, most of which occur within genes. The most highly enriched binding region was upstream of a putative copper transporter gene (ctpB), and crp-deleted bacteria showed increased sensitivity to copper toxicity. Detailed mutational analysis of four CRP binding sites upstream of the virulence-associated Rv0249c-Rv0247c succinate dehydrogenase genes demonstrated that CRP directly regulates Rv0249c-Rv0247c expression from two promoters, one of which requires sequences intragenic to Rv0250c for maximum expression. The high percentage of intragenic CRP binding sites and our demonstration that these intragenic DNA sequences significantly contribute to biologically relevant gene expression greatly expand the genome space that must be considered for gene regulatory analyses in mycobacteria. These findings also have practical implications for an important bacterial pathogen in which identification of mutations that affect expression of drug target-related genes is widely used for rapid drug resistance screening.
Long-Term Variability in the Winds of λ Eridani and 66 Ophiuchi

Variations in the winds of the Be stars λ Eri and 66 Oph during the lifetime of the IUE spacecraft and the response of the H α -emitting disk to these changes are briefly discussed. Common behavior is identified and evidence for cyclical variability on a time scale of ∼1 yr is presented.
Kinetics of the Cholesterol-Sulfuric Acid Reaction: A Fast Kinetic Method for Serum Cholesterol

We studied the kinetics of the reaction between cholesterol and sulfuric acid in acetic acid-acetic anhydride medium. Results have been used to establish near-optimal conditions for the fast kinetic determination of cholesterol in serum. The reaction rate measured during the first 20 s of the reaction is proportional to cholesterol concentration. There is good agreement (<2% deviation) between pseudo-first-order rate constants for cholesterol standards and sera. Recoveries of standard cholesterol added to sera range from 99% to 104% (average, 100.7%). Values for serum cholesterol by this kinetic determination tend to be somewhat lower than equilibrium values reported by local hospital laboratories. Whether bilirubin interferes depends on reaction conditions; under optimal conditions, each milligram of bilirubin is kinetically equivalent to about 1 mg of apparent cholesterol. Kinetic data are included to show how results are degraded by operating under nonoptimal conditions, and considerations involved in changing experimental conditions are discussed.
From Cultural Markers to Global Mobile: Using Interaction Design for Composing Mobile Designs in Global Contexts

Abstract Globalization raises important questions regarding the study of digital composing practices in international environments. While traditional intercultural communication theories help explain large-scale preferences in relation to technology use, they have limitations related to understanding how cultural groups use emerging technologies to interact. This article advocates interaction design as an approach for better understanding cultural and cognitive factors affecting online composition processes. In essence, an interaction design perspective can help unpack global contexts for mobile design in terms of cognition or learning. As such learning mediates between users, interfaces, and interactive contexts, interaction design can help model designs and users, develop interface prototypes and evaluate interaction that addresses global uses for mobile design. These interaction design approaches can provide students with a better idea of how to develop more effective techniques for composing and addressing mobile design in global settings.
Hardy's legacy to number theory

This is an expanded version of two lectures given at the conference held at Sydney University in December 1997 on the 50th anniversary of the death of G. H. Hardy.
Defuzzification under Constraints and Forbidden Zones

Examines the problem of fuzzification in situations in which in addition to the usual fuzzy output of the controller there exists some ancillary restriction on the allowable defuzzified values. Provides two basic approaches to address this problem. In the first approach, enforces the restriction by selecting the defuzzified value through a random experiment in which the values which have non‐zero probabilities are in the allowable region; this method is based on the RAGE defuzzification procedure and makes use of a non‐monotonic conjunction operator. The second approach, which, in the spirit of the commonly used methods, is a kind of expected value, converts the problem to a constraint optimization problem.
The Role of Veterinary Medical Librarians in Teaching Information Literacy

This qualitative study seeks to determine the nature of the instruction librarians provide to veterinary medical students at all 28 United States veterinary colleges. A secondary goal of the study was to determine in what ways and to what extent librarians participated in other instructional activities at their colleges. Over half of the librarians formally taught in one or more courses, predominantly in the first two years of the veterinary curriculum. One presentation per course was most common. Over half of the librarians interviewed stated that evidence-based veterinary medicine was taught at their colleges, and about half of these librarians collaborated with veterinary faculty in this instruction. Many librarians participated in orientation for first-year veterinary students. The librarians also taught instructional sessions for residents, interns, faculty, graduate students, and practicing veterinarians. This study found that librarians teach information literacy skills both formally and informally, but, in general, instruction by librarians was not well integrated into the curriculum. This study advances several recommendations to help veterinary students develop information literacy skills. These include: encourage veterinary faculty and administrators to collaborate more closely with librarians, incorporate a broader array of information literacy skills into assignments, and add a literature evaluation course to the curriculum.
Mexico: stabilization, debt and growth

Mexico Rudiger Dornbusch Mexico today is at a crossroads. As the de la Madrid presidency, which has been dominated by the debt crisis, comes to an end, a number of major policy difficulties remain: inflation is still a problem and the continuation of stagnation in a country where the population grows by 3% a year is clearly unsustainable. The outlook for inflation is dependent on the government's ability to keep its budget under control. The stabilization programme has been quite successful in this respect, but the cost in terms of foregone growth is staggering. The issue here is how to collect the disinflation benefits of policy restraint. Analysing the peculiar process of rapid inflation, both in Mexico and elsewhere, the author calls for an incomes policy. As for growth, it is closely linked to the external situation. Mexico, which triggered the debt crisis in 1982, has made remarkable progress in achieving a non-interest current account surplus. Yet its external debt remains huge and requires a continuation of net transfers abroad. The experience though, is that debt service comes at the expense of productive investment and growth. The author proposes to escape from the unacceptable choice between debt service and growth by adopting what he calls ‘interest rescheduling’, a debt-equity swap applied to interest payments rather than to the principal.
Production of random DNA oligomers for scalable DNA computing

While remarkably complex networks of connected DNA molecules can form from a relatively small number of distinct oligomer strands, a large computational space created by DNA reactions would ultimately require the use of many distinct DNA strands. The automatic synthesis of this many distinct strands is economically prohibitive. We present here a new approach to producing distinct DNA oligomers based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a few random template sequences. As an example, we designed a DNA template sequence consisting of a 50-mer random DNA segment flanked by two 20-mer invariant primer sequences. Amplification of a dilute sample containing about 30 different template molecules allows us to obtain around 1011 copies of these molecules and their complements. We demonstrate the use of these amplicons to implement some of the vector operations that will be required in a DNA implementation of an analog neural network.
Evaluation of screening effectiveness

A methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of a screening program in terms of early detection of disease is presented. Formulas for predicting the effect of different screening intervals are developed. A case study using patient data from the Johns Hopkins Lung Project exemplifies how the method might be applied to cancer screening.
The relationships of customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and profitability: an empirical study

Presents the findings of a study performed on data from a large bank’s retail‐banking operations. Illustrates the relationship of customer satisfaction to customer loyalty, and customer loyalty to profitability, using multiple measures of satisfaction, loyalty, and profitability. An estimate of the effects of increased customer satisfaction on profitability (assuming hypothesized causality) suggests that attainable increases in satisfaction could dramatically improve profitability.
Experimental procedures for sensitive and reproducible in situ EPR tooth dosimetry

In vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tooth dosimetry provides a means for non-invasive retrospective assessment of personal radiation exposure. While there is a clear need for such capabilities following radiation accidents, the most pressing need for the development of this technology is the heightened likelihood of terrorist events or nuclear conflicts. This technique will enable such measurements to be made at the site of an incident, while the subject is present, to assist emergency personnel as they perform triage for the affected population. At Dartmouth Medical School this development is currently being tested with normal volunteers with irradiated teeth placed in their mouths and with patients who have undergone radiation therapy. Here we describe progress in the development of practical procedures to provide accurate and reproducible in vivo dose estimates.
Photosynthetic Performance of MSMA-Resistant and -Susceptible Mississippi Biotypes of Common Cocklebur

Abstract Common cocklebur biotypes resistant to monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) have been reported in South Carolina, Mississippi, and other locations. The resistance at the whole plant level in Mississippi biotypes was found to be low under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. The CO 2 exchange rate (CER), as measured by infrared gas analysis of both biotypes, was lowered by MSMA application at 0.5 kg ai ha −1 ; however, inhibition of carbon assimilation was more rapid and of greater magnitude in the susceptible (S) biotype than the resistant (R) biotype. MSMA affected C i / C a (the ratio of intercellular CO 2 concentration to the external CO 2 level) of the S biotype more than the R biotype and increased stomatal conductance to water vapor at 48 hr after treatment. There were no rapid effects of MSMA on variable chlorophyll fluorescence in either biotype, indicating that MSMA had no direct effect on photosynthetic electron transport. Furthermore, later reductions in variable fluorescence were not pronounced in either biotype. These data indicate that, at an early stage during the development of herbicide injury, MSMA affects photosynthetic carbon fixation in the S biotype more than in the R biotype.
The Palaeobiogeography of the Blastoidea (Echinodermata)

Abstract The 100 blastoid genera are known from some 1500 localities on every continent except Antarctica. Although fissiculates were more geographically widespread than spiraculates, the spiraculates tended to dominate most faunas numerically. The typical blastoid genus is monospecific, relatively short lived (range limited to some part of a single stage), relatively rare in terms of abundance, and geographically restricted to one depositional basin. Throughout their evolutionary history, blastoids were a component (sometimes minor, sometimes important) of echinoderm communities dominated by crinoids. The palaeobiogeographic history of blastoids can be viewed in three phases. Phase one consisted of the initial radiation from eastern North America in the Late Ordovician, followed by an increase in diversity and geographic range in the Silurian and Devonian and culminating in a Late Devonian extinction. Phase two began with a Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous) radiation, primarily in North America and Europe and ended in the sudden decline in blastoid diversity and abundance in the Upper Carboniferous. In phase three the biogeographic centre of the blastoids shifted eastward as the re-radiation of Upper Palaeozoic blastoids was concentrated in the Tethyan seaway not in North America and Europe. Upper Carboniferous-Permian blastoids were widespread but the most diversed faunas are found in southeast Asia and Australia.
A dynamic compact thermal model for data center analysis and control using the zonal method and artificial neural networks

Abstract Full-scale data center thermal modeling and optimization using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is generally an extremely time-consuming process. This paper presents the development of a velocity propagation method (VPM) based dynamic compact zonal model to efficiently describe the airflow and temperature patterns in a data center with a contained cold aisle. Results from the zonal model are compared to those from full CFD simulations of the same configuration. A primary objective of developing the compact model is real-time predictive capability for control and optimization of operating conditions for energy utilization. A scheme is proposed that integrates zonal model results for temperature and air flow rates with a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller to predict and control rack inlet temperature more precisely. The approach also uses an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in combination with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization procedure. The results show that the combined approach, built on the VPM based zonal model, can yield an effective real-time design and control tool for energy efficient thermal management in data centers.
Near-monodispersed polyaniline particles through template synthesis and simultaneous doping with diblock copolymers of PMA and PAAMPSA

Well-defined block copolymers of poly(methyl acrylate) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid), PMA/PAAMPSA, were successfully synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. These amphiphilic block copolymers spontaneously form micelles with a hydrophobic PMA core and a hydrophilic PAAMPSA corona in aqueous solutions. These micelles were used to template synthesize polyaniline. Because the polymerization of aniline is restricted to the PAAMPSA corona, which also serves as the dopant, the size of the conductive particles can be controlled by tuning the molecular characteristics of the block copolymer while maintaining a narrow size distribution. When cast as films, their conductivities are influenced by the weight fraction of polyaniline present, with higher polyaniline loading resulting in higher conductivities.
Eosinophil cationic protein(ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EXP) concentrations in serum and bronchial lavage fluid in asthma. effect of prednisolone treatment.

Summary Background Eoswinophil granule proteins may contribute to hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Objective To measure eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) in sereum and bronchial lavage fluid from 20 asthmatics and 16 control subjects. To asses the effect on these eosinophil proteins of corticosteroid treatment of asthma. To determine ehether serum ECP and EPX measured weekly in a longitudina study for 10 weeks reflected changes in lung function. Methods Eosinophil granule proteins were measured by radiommunoassy of bronchial wash (BW), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) serum. Results Eosinophils were elevated in BAL(P<0.01), BW (P<0.01) and blood (P<0.01) from asthmatic compared with control subjects. Eosinophil cationic protein concentration was significantly elevated in BAL (P<0.05) and BW from asthmatics (P<0.01) and EPX was increased in BAL (P<0.05)and BW (P<0.01). These changes were also reflected in elevated serum ECP(P<0.01) and EPX (P<0.01)concentrations is asthmatic subjects. There was no significant difference between sujects receiving prednisolone and the placebo group, but there was a fall in ECP in BW (P<0.05) and serum (P<0.01) and in EPX in BW (P<0.01) and serum (P<0.01) within the group receiving prednisolone. In the longitudinal study there was only significant difference between ECP values associated with highest and lowest peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (P<0.05). Conclusion These data confirm a role for cosinophil activation in the airway in asthma pathogenesis, and add some support to the hypothesis that corticosteroids may inhibit cosinophil activation in asthma.
Chaotic mixing in microchannels via low frequency switching transverse electroosmotic flow generated on integrated microelectrodes

In this paper we present a numerical and experimental investigation of a chaotic mixer in a microchannel via low frequency switching transverse electroosmotic flow. By applying a low frequency, square-wave electric field to a pair of parallel electrodes placed at the bottom of the channel, a complex 3D spatial and time-dependence flow was generated to stretch and fold the fluid. This significantly enhanced the mixing effect. The mixing mechanism was first investigated by numerical and experimental analysis. The effects of operational parameters such as flow rate, frequency, and amplitude of the applied voltage have also been investigated. It is found that the best mixing performance is achieved when the frequency is around 1 Hz, and the required mixing length is about 1.5 mm for the case of applied electric potential 5 V peak-to-peak and flow rate 75 µL h−1. The mixing performance was significantly enhanced when the applied electric potential increased or the flow rate of fluids decreased.
Effect of subgrid-scale mixing on the evolution of forced submesoscale instabilities

Abstract We study the effect of subgrid-scale (SGS) mixing on the evolution of a density front initially in thermal-wind balance with a meridional density gradient and forced by downfront surface winds. The horizontal size of the model domain (O(100 km)) is large enough to contain mesoscale eddies while the horizontal grid resolution (500 m) is fine enough to resolve submesoscale eddies. The twin goals of this study are: (i) to determine what is a realistic level of SGS dissipation; and (ii) to explore the sensitivity of the resolved-scale dynamics to the SGS dissipation. To this end, we effect different levels of SGS dissipation using two SGS models: (i) constant lateral SGS viscosities (1 m2 s−1 and 5 m2 s−1) and an analytically prescribed vertical SGS viscosity; and (ii) an existing anisotropic Smagorinsky model (ASM) developed for anisotropic grids with large aspect ratios between the horizontal and the vertical directions. An analysis of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) budgets shows the surface stress boundary condition constrains all simulations to yield realistic values of SGS dissipation in a near-surface layer that is shear-driven and similar to the traditional Monin–Obukhov layer. Deeper down within the mixed layer, the EKE budget is buoyancy-driven with a more complicated balance that varies considerably among the different simulations. The simulations with constant K x predict the buoyant generation of EKE is balanced almost solely by pressure transport with negligible local destruction, which gives rise to waves near the front. Recent observations near fronts show enhanced levels of irreversible destruction. The simulations with the ASM predict EKE budgets where both local destruction—through SGS dissipation—and pressure transport are part of the EKE balance. The results obtained using the constant- K x simulations suggest both horizontal and vertical SGS parameterizations have important effects on the resolved-scale dynamics. The simulations with K x = 5 m2 s−1 yield the most unrealistic results partly because the lateral viscosity is high enough to directly influence the instability scale. Yet the observed differences among the constant- K x simulations are sometimes subtle and cannot be explained trivially by comparing K x alone. For fixed K x , we find simulations can exhibit higher spectral levels and stronger cascades (forward and inverse) upon increasing the vertical SGS viscosity. This suggests the sensitivity of submesoscale-resolving simulations to the vertical SGS parameterization needs to be better explored.
Shortened Ca2+ Signaling Refractoriness Underlies Cellular Arrhythmogenesis in a Postinfarction Model of Sudden Cardiac Death

Rationale: Diastolic spontaneous Ca 2+ waves (DCWs) are recognized as important contributors to triggered arrhythmias. DCWs are thought to arise when [Ca 2+ ] in sarcoplasmic reticulum ([Ca 2+ ] SR ) reaches a certain threshold level, which might be reduced in cardiac disease as a consequence of sensitization of ryanodine receptors (RyR2s) to luminal Ca 2+ . Objective: We investigated the mechanisms of DCW generation in myocytes from normal and diseased hearts, using a canine model of post–myocardial infarction ventricular fibrillation (VF). Methods and Results: The frequency of DCWs, recorded during periodic pacing in the presence of a β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol, was significantly higher in VF myocytes than in normal controls. Rather than occurring immediately on reaching a final [Ca 2+ ] SR , DCWs arose with a distinct time delay after attaining steady [Ca 2+ ] SR in both experimental groups. Although the rate of [Ca 2+ ] SR recovery after the SR Ca 2+ release was similar between the groups, in VF myocytes the latency to DCWs was shorter, and the [Ca 2+ ] SR at DCW initiation was lower. The restitution of depolarization-induced Ca 2+ transients, assessed by a 2-pulse protocol, was significantly faster in VF myocytes than in controls. The VF-related alterations in myocyte Ca 2+ cycling were mimicked by the RyR2 agonist, caffeine. The reducing agent, mercaptopropionylglycine, or the CaMKII inhibitor, KN93, decreased DCW frequency and normalized restitution of Ca 2+ release in VF myocytes. Conclusions: The attainment of a certain threshold [Ca 2+ ] SR is not sufficient for the generation of DCWs. Postrelease Ca 2+ signaling refractoriness critically influences the occurrence of DCWs. Shortened Ca 2+ signaling refractoriness due to RyR2 phosphorylation and oxidation is responsible for the increased rate of DCWs observed in VF myocytes and could provide a substrate for synchronization of arrhythmogenic events at the tissue level in hearts prone to VF.
L-Arginine supplementation increases mesangial cell injury and subsequent tissue fibrosis in experimental glomerulonephritis.

l-Arginine supplementation increases mesangial cell injury and subsequent tissue fibrosis in experimental glomerulonephritis. Background Mesangial cell lysis in the antithymocyte serum (ATS)-induced model of glomerulonephritis is dependent on the generation of cytotoxic nitric oxide (NO) through transient induction of NO synthase (iNOS). We hypothesized that increased availability of l-arginine (L-Arg) during mesangial cell lysis might provide iNOS with increased substrate leading to increased lysis, and that this increased lysis would be reflected in more severe fibrotic disease at day 6. Methods mRNA and placed in culture to study the dependence of NO production on L-Arg concentration. In rats sacrificed at six days, L-Arg supplementation was stopped 16hours after ATS injection. Fibrotic disease was evaluated by urinary protein excretion, histological assessment of glomerular cell number, matrix accumulation, and production of transforming growth factor-β1 and matrix components fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) by isolated glomeruli in culture. Results At six hours, the glomerular cell number was significantly reduced by ATS injection ( P P P P P P P P P Conclusions The results indicate that if given during disease induction, L-Arg supplementation can enhance iNOS-dependent tissue injury by providing increased substrate. Although the increase in injury with L-Arg supplementation was small, it led to increased fibrosis at day 6. These data predict that in diseases with repeated iNOS-dependent tissue injury, L-Arg supplementation may produce cumulative increases in tissue fibrosis.
Low/high-profile TRAPATT structure

The letter investigates methods of reducing the threshold current density for long pulse operation, while maintaining high power and efficiency.
Intracellular regulation of nucleic acids of mouse kidney by androgens.

Abstract The RNA's of the respective intracellular parts of the mouse kidney decreased in direct proportion to the decrease in kidney weight after castration, but the microsomal RNA decreased at a faster rate. The DNA also decreased but to a lesser degree than the RNA's. The administration of testosterone propionate or androstan-17β-o1,3-one for intervals up to 6 weeks increased the kidney weight above normal and produced a much greater percentage increase in the microsomal RNA than the weight. The soluble, nuclear and mitochondrial RNA increased essentially in proportion to the increase in weight of the kidney.
Increased oxidation of p-nitrophenol and aniline by intact hepatocytes isolated from pyrazole-treated rats

Induction of cytochrome P-450 IIE1 by pyrazole has been shown in a variety of studies with isolated microsomes or reconstituted systems containing the purified P-450 isozyme. Experiments were conducted to document induction by pyrazole in intact hepatocytes by studying the oxidation of p-nitrophenol to 4-nitrocatechol or of aniline to p-aminophenol. Hepatocytes prepared from rats treated with pyrazole for 2 days oxidized p-nitrophenol or aniline at rates which were 3- to 4-fold higher than saline controls. To observe maximal induction in hepatocytes, it was necessary to add metabolic substrates such as pyruvate, sorbitol or xylitol, which suggests that availability of the NADPH cofactor may be rate-limiting in the hepatocytes from the pyrazole-treated rats. Carbon monoxide inhibited the oxidation of p-nitrophenol and aniline by hepatocytes from the pyrazole-treated rats and controls, demonstrating the requirement for cytochrome P-450. The oxidation of both substrates by the hepatocyte preparations was inhibited by a variety of agents that interact with and are effective substrates for oxidation by P-450 IIE1 such as ethanol, dimethylnitrosamine, pyrazole and 4-methylpyrazole. Microsomes isolated from pyrazole-treated rats oxidized aniline and p-nitrophenol at elevated rats compared to saline controls. These results indicate that induction by pyrazole of the oxidation of drugs which are effective substrates for P-450 IIE1 can be observed in intact hepatocytes. The extent of induction and many of the characteristics of aniline or p-nitrophenol oxidation observed with isolated microsomes from pyrazole-treated rats can also be found in the intact hepatocytes.
Neural tube defects in dup(11 q)

We describe clinically and cytogenetically a fetus with multiple congenital anomalies and partial dup(11 q) born to a phenotypically normal mother with a 3:1 translocation. Fetal anomalies included complete cleft of lip and palate, small penis, myelomenigocele, and abnormal palmar creases. We think chromosome analysis should be performed when neural tube defects are observed in otherwise dysmorphic neonates, stillbirths, and abortuses.
Chloride cotransporter NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide protects against white matter injury in a rodent model of periventricular leukomalacia.

Chloride cotransporter NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide protects against white matter injury in a rodent model of periventricular leukomalacia
Adverse reactions during drug challenges: a single US institution's experience.

Abstract Background Drug challenge is a useful tool when diagnostic testing lacks predictive value for a questionable history of drug allergy. Placebo-controlled drug challenge studies demonstrate that a significant number of patients report purely subjective symptoms to placebo. Objective To evaluate the safety and rate of adverse effects when performing drug challenges and to identify predictive factors for occurrences of subjective symptoms during drug challenges. Methods We performed a 6-year, retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent drug challenges by members of the Allergy and Immunology Division after consultation deemed drug challenges to be appropriate. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the proportion of patients with subjective symptoms based on certain factors, including sex, age, number of listed drug allergies, interval from historical drug reaction to the drug challenge, and types of historical reaction. Results A total of 114 patients underwent 123 drug challenges. Only 1 patient was deemed to have a true positive drug challenge result. Twenty patients reported subjective symptoms during graded challenge, all of which were not deemed a positive challenge. There was a significantly higher proportion of patients who reported subjective symptoms in females, those with a higher number of listed drug allergies, and those whose historical reactions were primarily subjective in nature. Conclusion Drug challenges are safe procedures in appropriately selected patients. A number of patients report subjective symptoms during drug challenges. Identifying patients at high risk for subjective symptoms may assist in determining whether placebo-controlled drug challenges should be performed.
MaizeGDB , maize genetics cooperation and the ~2500MB B73 genome generated tsunami

Advances in sequencing technology have made it possible to sequence the 2500 MB B73 maize genome, both cheaply and in a relatively short time. Nearly simultaneously, other sequencing-based data are on the leading edge of a data tsunami: sequenced differences (currently >300,000 SNP for >1000 inbred lines and related species) and gene expression data. The MaizeGDB team integrates access to these datasets after considerable cooperation among both data users and suppliers, and typically while the data are being generated. In this way, data suppliers have resources in place to format data ready for integration with MaizeGDB. And, we learn what details, including links to other resources, are needed to support our user community and what interface development is required. An interesting result is that we inadvertently serve as outreach for the data suppliers, explaining the caveats and expected availabilities of data not yet at MaizeGDB. Contact with users is at conferences, by online tutorials, personal visits, or by surveys from the Maize Executive Genetics Committee addressed to all persons listed in MaizeGDB as a Cooperator.
Adaptive regulation of neutral amino acid transport system A in rat H4 hepatoma cells

Substrate regulation of System A transport activity in rat H4 hepatoma cells is described. The uptake of several amino acids was tested in the presence of system-specific inhibitors. System A activity was increased in a RNA- and protein synthesis-dependent manner by amino acid deprivation of the cells (adaptive regulation), whereas transport by Systems ASC, N, y+, and L was unaffected. Unlike human fibroblasts, the H4 cells did not require serum to exhibit the depression of System A. At cell densities between 88 X 10(3) and 180 X 10(3) cells/cm2, the degree of adaptive regulation was inversely related to cell density. Both transport of AIB and adaptive regulation of System A were nearly abolished if either K+ or Li+ was substituted for Na+ in the medium. The presence of cycloheximide or tunicamycin blocked further increases in starvation-induced activity within 1 hr of addition, suggesting the involvement of a plasma membrane glycoprotein. In contrast, if the medium was supplemented with actinomycin after the stimulation of System A had begun, the activity continued to increase for an additional 2 hr before being slowed by the inhibitor. The contributions of trans-inhibition and repression to the amino acid-induced decay of System A activity were estimated for several representative amino acids. In general, the System A activity in normal rat hepatocytes was much less sensitive to trans-inhibition than the corresponding activity in H4 hepatoma cells. The half-life values for the amino acid-dependent decay of System A ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 hr.
Optical Tricks to Image Habitable Planets Around Nearby Stars

Thanks to newly developed optical techniques (coronagraphy, wavefront control) optimized for high contrast imaging, the next generation of space-based and ground-based telescopes will be able to image potentially life-bearing Earth-like planets around nearby stars.
Ultrafast reaction between Li3N and LiNH2 to prepare the effective hydrogen storage material Li2NH

Li2NH is a promising candidate for hydrogen storage. However, its performance for hydrogen absorption is strongly dependent on its preparation method. In this paper, we report that an ultrafast solid reaction between Li3N and LiNH2 provides a new synthesis approach to an effective Li2NH material, which can reversibly store 6.8 wt % hydrogen with fast kinetics and excellent stability. In contrast, Li2NH prepared via the conventional LiNH2 decomposition method absorbs less than 2 wt % hydrogen in 500 min. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET measurements demonstrated that the poor performance of Li2NH prepared via the conventional decomposition method is caused by sintering. In addition, the hydrogen capacity of Li2NH, which was prepared via the reaction between LiH and LiNH2, reached a value of only about 4 wt % after 500 min.