Abstract: Provided herein are polypeptides including an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity with an Isthmin 1 (ISM1) protein or a GRP78-activating fragment thereof, as well as expressible nucleic acids encoding said polypeptides. Uses of such agents, as well as methods for inducing apoptosis in alveolar macrophages and/or for treating, ameliorating, or preventing inflammation or lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, acute lung injury (ALI), lung fibrosis, and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for generation of a beacon identifier (ID) for increased security of a system for a location based service. The system includes a beacon device, such as a BLE device, a mobile device, and a server. The beacon device is configured to generate a beacon ID based on a beacon device identifier, such as a unique device identifier, of a beacon device and a time value. In some implementations, generation of the beacon ID includes a pseudorandom function and a shared key that is established between the beacon device and the server.

Abstract: Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin isolated from a Chinese herb Artemisia annua L. It is used clinically for the treatment of malaria. We investigated potential anti-inflammatory actions of artemisinin derivatives. artemisinin derivatives significantly inhibited OVA-induced signs, symptoms and parameter of airway disorders Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinin derivatives. Artemisinin derivatives can be used to complement or to replace oral steroids during asthma exacerbation treatment. Further artemisinin derivatives can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for controlling airway disorders.

Abstract: Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin isolated from a Chinese herb Artemisia annua L. It is used clinically for the treatment of malaria. We investigated potential anti-inflammatory actions of artemisinin derivatives. artemisinin derivatives significantly inhibited OVA-induced signs, symptoms and parameter of airway disorders Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinin derivatives. Artemisinin derivatives can be used to complement or to replace oral steroids during asthma exacerbation treatment. Further artemisinin derivatives can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for controlling airway disorders.

Abstract: We describe for the first time that andrographolide derivatives such as DDAG effectively reduced OVA-induced inflammatory cell recruitment into BAL fluid, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin production, serum IgE synthesis, pulmonary eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion and AHR in a mouse asthma model potentially via inhibition of NF-?B activity. Moreover, low dose of DDAG and glucocorticoid combination treatment synergistically attenuate inflammation in mouse asthma model. These findings support a therapeutic value for DDAG in the treatment of asthma.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions amenable to treatment through modulation of expression of a gene encoding a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) are provided. Methods for decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness or airway inflammation in an animal are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions amenable to treatment through modulation of expression of a gene encoding a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) are provided. Methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions associated with aberrant expression of one or more p38 MAPKs are also provided.

Abstract: A reaction chamber for a controlled reaction on a reaction surface of a sample provides for controlled distribution of radiant energy over the reaction surface to offset radiant heat loss of the sample, and establishes uniform distribution of reactant flow on the sample. A lamp housing supplies radiant energy over the sample, which absorbs at least a component of the radiant energy. A support member which supports the sample within the reaction chamber is formed of a material which is essentially transparent to the radiant energy so that it does not behave as a susceptor. An array of lamps, is mounted with the reaction chamber so that direct radiant energy is transmitted through a window to the reaction surface of the sample. A reflecting surface on the housing includes a lamp seat for each lamp in the array with an individually specified position, curvature and tilt with respect to the reaction surface.

Abstract: A method for inducing a reaction in a reaction chamber of a reactive carrier having a first specific heat, on a reaction surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of supporting the substrate in the reaction chamber. Next, the substrate is heated to a reaction temperature, so that the reaction surface has an essentially balanced temperature distribution. The reactive carrier is mixed with an inert gas having a second specific heat to form a reaction mixture, wherein the second specific heat is lower than the first specific heat. Finally, the reaction mixture is supplied into the chamber so that it flows over the surface of the substrate. Because the inert gas has a lower specific heat than the carrier, the overall specific heat of the reaction mixture is reduced. With a lower specific heat, less heat is transferred from the wafer into the reaction mixture. This reduces convective heat loss and thermal gradients in the substrate.