cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A compact frequency tunable radio frequency phase shifter with patterned Py enabled transmission line

A well designed frequency tunable phase shifter using patterned Py with different thickness has been demonstrated. Phase shifter is implemented with a slow wave coplanar wave guide (CPW) transmission line, where the signal line has alternate short narrow and wide sections. Py is patterned on the top of narrow section for high inductance density, and inter-digital capacitor is implemented in wide section for high capacitance density. Compared with phase shifter using regular CPW, the dimension of the developed phase shifter has been reduced from 14.86 mm to 4.70 mm at 2 GHz. Phase shifter based on 100 nm and 200 nm thick patterned Py with the same dimensions (14 μm × 10 μm) are implemented and investigated comprehensively. FMR frequency of 3.2 GHz and 3.6 GHz without any external magnetic field has been achieved for 100 nm and 200 nm thick Py film, respectively. Thicker Py has increased inductance density from 1067.2 nH/m to 1193.2 nH/m while the center frequency of the phase shifter has been shifted to 1.80 GHz. Frequency tunability of the phase shifter has been also demonstrated with DC current. The phase shifter can provide 90° phase shift continuously from 2 GHz to 1.80 GHz with DC current from 0 mA to 150 mA. The design concept has great potential in design arbitrary tunable RF components such as filters and couplers.
Effect of resonance production on angular correlation between pions

We have studied, in the $P$ plane, the angular correlations between pions produced in the six-prong interactions of ${K}^{+}p$ at 12.7 GeV/c in order to suppress the influence of peripherally produced resonances. These results are compared with the values previously determined using space angles.
Differential effects of ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids on interleukin-2 production and mRNA expression by EL-4.IL-2 cells

Our studies with lupus-prone (NZBxNZW)F 1 (B/W) female mice have indicated that dietary ω --3 lipids (menhaden oil) significantly extend the life span and delay the onset of autoimmune disease, while ω --6 lipids (corn oil) shorten the life span by accelerating the onset and progression of autoimmune disease, probably by altering the cell and subcellular membrane fatty acid composition. To understand the mechanisms through which ω --6 (linoleic acid, 18:2, and arachidonic acid, 20:4) and ω --3 (eicosapentanoic acid, 20:5, and docosahexanoic acid, 22:6) lipids exert their differential effects, we have studied the effects of these fatty acids in vitro on cell proliferation, peroxidation, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, IL-2 mRNA levels, and surface IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression in an IL-2 producing mouse lymphoma cell line (EL-4.IL-2: EL-4). When EL-4 cells were cultured in the presence of individual ω --6 and ω --3 fatty acids (at a final concentration of 10 μg/mL), the respective fatty acid was found to incorporate into the cells at a significant level, and no adverse effects were noted either on the viability of the cells or on the de novo DNA synthesis. In addition, lipid peroxidation, as measured by the generation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, was significantly higher ( P ω --6 as compared with control cells (to which no fatty acid was added). Also, 20:4 ω --6 significantly inhibited ( P ω --6 was at the gene level, as seen by an inhibition in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate induced IL-2 mRNA levels by 20:4 ω --6. Compared with saturated fatty acids, both ω --6 and ω --3 lipids induced higher IL-2R surface expression, as seen by flow cytometry. These studies suggest that dietary ω --3 lipids lower membrane lipid peroxidation. and thereby may preserve normal immunological functions that may delay the course of autoimmune disease in B/W mice.
Baltic population changes, 1950-1980

The author presents and analyzes a year-by-year tabulation of basic population data for Estonia Latvia and Lithuania for the period 1950 to 1980. Data are included on population size births deaths in-migration urbanization and ethnic composition. The data are derived from a variety of official and unofficial sources. (ANNOTATION)
Tests of selection in pooled case-control data: an empirical study.

For smaller organisms with faster breeding cycles, artificial selection can be used to create sub-populations with different phenotypic traits. Genetic tests can be employed to identify the causal markers for the phenotypes, as a precursor to engineering strains with a combination of traits. Traditional approaches involve analyzing crosses of inbred strains to test for co-segregation with genetic markers. Here we take advantage of cheaper next generation sequencing techniques to identify genetic signatures of adaptation to the selection constraints. Obtaining individual sequencing data is often unrealistic due to cost and sample issues, so we focus on pooled genomic data. In this paper, we explore a series of statistical tests for selection using pooled case (under selection) and control populations. Extensive simulations are used to show that these approaches work well for a wide range of population divergence times and strong selective pressures. We show that pooling does not have a significant impact on statistical power. The tests are also robust to reasonable variations in several different parameters, including window size, base-calling error rate, and sequencing coverage. We then demonstrate the viability (and the challenges) of one of these methods in two independent Drosophila populations (Drosophila melanogaster) bred under selection for hypoxia and accelerated development, respectively. Testing for extreme hypoxia tolerance showed clear signals of selection, pointing to loci that are important for hypoxia adaptation. Overall, we outline a strategy for finding regions under selection using pooled sequences, then devise optimal tests for that strategy. The approaches show promise for detecting selection, even several generations after fixation of the beneficial allele has occurred.
IGFBP-3 Is a Direct Target of Transcriptional Regulation by ΔNp63α in Squamous Epithelium

DeltaNp63alpha is a nuclear transcription factor that maintains epithelial progenitor cell populations, is overexpressed in several epithelial cancers, and can negatively regulate apoptosis. However, the mechanisms by which DeltaNp63alpha promotes cell survival are unclear. DeltaNp63alpha has been reported to act as a transcriptional repressor, but specific target genes directly repressed by DeltaNp63alpha remain unidentified. Here, we present evidence that DeltaNp63alpha functions to negatively regulate the proapoptotic protein IGFBP-3. Disruption of p63 expression in squamous epithelial cells increases IGFBP-3 expression, whereas ectopic expression of DeltaNp63alpha down-regulates IGFBP-3. DeltaNp63alpha binds to sites in the IGFBP-3 gene in vivo and can modulate transcription through these sites. Furthermore, DeltaNp63alpha and IGFBP-3 expression patterns are inversely correlated in normal squamous epithelium and squamous cell carcinomas. These data suggest that IGFBP-3 is a target of transcriptional repression by DeltaNp63alpha and that this repression represents a mechanism by which tumors that overexpress p63 may be protected from apoptosis.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of salt-tolerant wheat germplasm lines using wheat genome arrays

Abstract Salt-tolerant wheat lines W4909 and W4910 were derived from a cross between AJDAj5 (a disomic addition line carrying a pair of E b chromosomes from Thinopyrum junceum ) and Ph I (a line having the Ph I allele from Aegilops speltoides , which promotes homoeologous recombination). Both lines have greater salt tolerance than their parental lines, which are more salt-tolerant than the common wheat background, Chinese Spring (CS). Genomic constitution of W4909 and W4910 wheat has been estimated at 1.9% and 2.4% non-CS, respectively. Affymetrix GeneChip ® Wheat Arrays were used to identify differentially expressed genes in roots and leaves of the above-mentioned five lines under salt stress at electrical conductivity (EC) of 30 dS/m. Based on expression polymorphisms in AJDAj5 and Ph I , differentially expressed genes in W4909 and W4910 were attributed to one or the other parental lines when possible. The Ph I parent contributed nearly twice as many expression polymorphisms as AJDAj5 to both W4909 and W4910. Nine transcripts in W4910 showed transgression gene expression significantly higher or lower than either parent. The majority of expression polymorphisms exhibited very low expression levels compared to the control and mapped to three distinct chromosomal locations, 2S, 4L and 2L. Salt treatment responsive gene expression profiles common to all five tested lines provide a short list of candidate salt-tolerance genes in wheat. A gene for tonoplast aquaporin that was transferred from Ph I and a gene for putative potassium channel protein that was attributable to AJDAj5 are identified as candidate genes for the tissue salt tolerance in W4909 and W4910.
ENDOCRINE PHARMACOLOGY OF ANTIESTROGENS AS ANTITUMOR AGENTS

I. Introduction IN 1958, Lerner and co-workers (1) described the biological properties of the first nonsteroidal antiestrogen MER25 (see Fig. 1). The discovery of this new class of drugs opened up a variety of clinical possibilities (2, 3), but early studies were terminated because of toxic side effects. Another member of this new class of drugs, clomiphene (then known as chloramiphene or MRL41), held the promise of being a potential antifertility agent (4); however, clinical studies demonstrated that ovulation was induced (5). The drug is now available as a profertility agent in subfertile women (6). During the 1960s a range of antiestrogens was synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry for potential applications in gynecology (7, 8). In the main though, these agents were used only to study reproductive endocrinology in the laboratory. However the focus of clinical application slowly changed from the broad market of contraception to the relatively small market of advanced breast cancer therapy.
The optical interference pattern in a polystyrene craze layer

In the interference pattern seen in monochromatic light reflected from a craze layer in polystyrene, the bright fringes are of alternating intensity. The phenomenon is explained in terms of a four-beam interference. Apart from the two reflections from the outer surfaces of the craze layer others arise from a thin layer of approximately constant thickness within the craze layer at its median plane. The phenomenon provides independent evidence to support the electron microscopic observations of the microstructure of crazes in polystyrene.
Algorithm-Based Fault Tolerance for Dense Matrix Factorizations, Multiple Failures and Accuracy

Dense matrix factorizations, such as LU, Cholesky and QR, are widely used for scientific applications that require solving systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and linear least squares problems. Such computations are normally carried out on supercomputers, whose ever-growing scale induces a fast decline of the Mean Time To Failure (MTTF). This article proposes a new hybrid approach, based on Algorithm-Based Fault Tolerance (ABFT), to help matrix factorizations algorithms survive fail-stop failures. We consider extreme conditions, such as the absence of any reliable node and the possibility of losing both data and checksum from a single failure. We will present a generic solution for protecting the right factor, where the updates are applied, of all above mentioned factorizations. For the left factor, where the panel has been applied, we propose a scalable checkpointing algorithm. This algorithm features high degree of checkpointing parallelism and cooperatively utilizes the checksum storage leftover from the right factor protection. The fault-tolerant algorithms derived from this hybrid solution is applicable to a wide range of dense matrix factorizations, with minor modifications. Theoretical analysis shows that the fault tolerance overhead decreases inversely to the scaling in the number of computing units and the problem size. Experimental results of LU and QR factorization on the Kraken (Cray XT5) supercomputer validate the theoretical evaluation and confirm negligible overhead, with- and without-errors. Applicability to tolerate multiple failures and accuracy after multiple recovery is also considered.
Assay of human fibrinopeptides by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Fibrinopeptides A, AP, and B, desarginine fibrinopeptide B, and a previously unknown peptide corresponding to Bβ3–14 were resolved within 10 min by an HPLC technique using an isocratic solvent system (22% acetonitrile in 0.1% trifluoracetic acid) and a 0.46 × 10-cm Spherisorb ODS-2 (3-μm) octadecylsilane column. Fibrinopeptides A and AY eluted in the same peptide peak. The method was used to evaluate a carboxypeptidase which converts fibrinopeptide B into its desarginine form. Fifty percent inhibition of this activity occurred at 1.7 m m ϵ-aminocaproic acid (EACA). At saturating substrate concentrations the rates of total fibrinopeptides A and B release were unaffected by 125 m m EACA, a concentration at which the carboxypeptidase activity is completely inhibited.
The intralaminar distribution of sodium-potassium-activated ATPase activity in discharging cortical lesions induced by freezing

Summary The intralaminar distribution of Na K-ATPase activity has been studied within the layers of rat cortex which had been briefly frozen 4–24 h previously with an ethyl-chloride spray. Such cortical lesions, produced by local freezing, are of interest because they are often the source of focally abnormal ‘epileptogenic’ EEG discharges. Elevations in activity were found in the lesions 4–6 and 8 h after freezing with lesser elevations at 24 h. At 4–6 h, the peak of activity was in the region of the IV–V boundary, while at 8 h, highest values were in layer III with slightly smaller elevations remaining in IV and V. Significant increases above normal were also found in the cortex contralateral to the lesion.
Quantitative trait loci controlling aluminum tolerance in soybean: candidate gene and single nucleotide polymorphism marker discovery

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an important abiotic stress that affects soybean production in acidic soils throughout the world. Development of Al-tolerant cultivars is an efficient and environmentally friendly solution to the problem. A previous report identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Al tolerance inherited from PI 416937, using restriction fragment length polymorphism markers, in a population of Young × PI 416937. The population was genotyped with 162 simple sequence repeats to enhance the power of QTL detection and enable the selection of candidate genes for functional marker development. Two QTL that explained 54 % of the phenotypic variation in root extension under Al stress conditions (HIAL) were refined on chromosomes (chr) Gm08 and Gm16. Three QTL located on chr Gm08, Gm16 and Gm19 explained 59 % of the phenotypic variation in root extension as a percent of control (PC). Two major QTL, designated qAL_HIAL_08 and qAL_PC_08, controlling HIAL and PC, respectively, were mapped to the same genomic region on chr Gm08 and inherited their favorable allele from PI 416937. These QTL explained 45 and 41 % of phenotypic variation in HIAL and PC, respectively. Six homologues for citrate synthase (CS) genes were found in the soybean genome sequence at chr Gm02, Gm08, Gm14, Gm15, and Gm18. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the CS homologue on chr Gm08. A SimpleProbe assay of Glyma08g42400-SNP was developed for the major QTL on chr Gm08. The SNPs identified from this region could be used for marker-assisted selection of Al tolerance.
Integrating the Personal and Social Voices of Latinas in Feminist Therapy

After Debra and I (Oliva) finalized our co-edited special issue of Women & Therapy on Asian and Asian-American women, it became evident to the both of us that we needed to do the same for Latinas a...
Peer influence on event reports among adolescents and young adults.

When two or more people witness an event together, the event report from one person can influence others’ reports. In the current study we examined the role of age and motivational factors on peer influence regarding event reports in adolescents and young adults. Participants (N=249) watched a short video of a robbery then answered questions with no co-witness information or with information believed to be from a co-witness. Public and private response conditions were included to explore motivations for peer influence. Co-witness information influenced participants’ responses, although the effect was equally strong in the private and the public co-witness conditions. Peer influence on event reports was steady across a large age range (11- to 25-year-olds).
The Indexing and Analysis of Drug Indulgence

An index of drug indulgence is constructed by deriving sets of appropriate index weights for each state of use of each drug from the data distribution. A user thus has one weight from each drug scale according to his involvement, and his drug-use index is defined as the average of these weights. The index inherently places more weight on drugs less commonly used than the more commonly used ones. Data from 38 males and 35 female users are analyzed, and it is found that males are 11 points higher than the females and that there are no significant correlations between drug uses.
Direct Electrochemistry of Cytochrome P450 Reductases in Surfactant and Polyion Films

NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) serves as electron donor for cytochrome P450 catalyzed monooxygenase reactions utilizing flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as electron transfer cofactors. Here, stable films of human and rabbit CPRs with didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), dimyristoylphosphatidyl choline (DMPC), and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDDA) were made on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes for comparative structural and electrochemical studies. CD and UV-VIS absorbance spectra suggested that near native CPR conformation is retained in PDDA films, and some conformational changes occur in DMPC or DDAB films. Cyclic voltammetry of these films gave quasireversible pairs of peaks at average formal potential −0.246±0.008 V vs. NHE. In human CPR-DDAB (H-CPR-DDAB), a second pair of peaks at +0.317 V vs. NHE was found that depended strongly on identity of buffer and salt. Excepting H-CPR in DDAB, films showed similar voltammetry, formal potentials, and ks values. While CPR-PDDA films had near native CPR structures, electrochemical parameters did not differ significantly from CPR-DMPC films. The relative independence of film voltammetry from the influence of film materials for CPRs is in contrast with heme iron proteins that, while retaining near native structures, have formal potentials that depend significantly on identity of the film material.
Induction of ovulation in the hypophysectomized proestrous hamster by purified FSH or LH.

Hamsters hypophysectomized at 1300 hr of proestrus were immediately in- jected ip with various doses of highly purified ovine FSH or LH. The FSH preparation was more potent than LH in inducing ovulation. The results cannot be attributed to significant LH contamination in the injected FSH. Despite the ability of FSH to induce ovulation, the resultant corpora lutea did not secrete progesterone on the morning of estrus.
Real-time monitoring of complex sensor data using wavelet-based multiresolution analysis

Advancements made in sensor technology have resulted in complex sensor data that captures multiple process events. Real-time monitoring of complex manufacturing processes, such as nano-scale semiconductor polishing, often requires analysis of such complex sensor data. The multiple events in a process occur at multiple scales or frequencies (also referred to as multiscale) and are localized at different points in time. Recent literature contains several wavelet decomposition based multiscale sensor data analysis techniques including those that are developed for process monitoring applications, such as tool-life monitoring, bearing defect monitoring, and monitoring of ultra-precision processes. However, most of the above mentioned wavelet-based sensor data analysis techniques are designed for offline implementation. In an offline method, one can perform wavelet decomposition of longer data lengths in order to capture information needed for monitoring. However, this is computationally involved and needs longer processing time, which becomes a serious challenge in online (real time) applications. This paper first presents a complete online multiscale process monitoring methodology. The methodology is designed to deal with real-time analysis and testing of very high rate of process data collected by sensors. This is particularly critical and becomes a challenge for high rate of data collection by the sensors which pose additional difficulty of matching data processing rate with the data acquisition rate. The methodology is capable of displaying the analysis results through real time graphs for ease of process supervisory decision making. The methodology is demonstrated via a nano-scale silicon wafer polishing application. Sufficient details of the application are provided to assist readers in implementing this methodology for other processes. The results show that the methodology has the ability to deal with high rate of data collection as well as multiscale event detection.
Articulating the Relationships Between Theory and Practice in Science Teaching: A model for teacher professional development

In-depth analysis of science teachers' idiosyncratic instructional behaviors combined with the notion of deliberated 'teacher reflection' as a means of improving professional teaching practice has become one of the most pervasive concepts to influence science teacher education during the past decade. Sweeney and coworkers have described how the notion of teacher reflection and Lytle and Cochran-Smith's typology of teacher research were utilised to examine the relationships between a beginning high school chemistry teacher's articulated personal practice theories and his actions as demonstrated by his curricular decisions and instructional practices. Using data drawn from the previous study, this report focuses on examining how the methodological approach taken in the investigation (explicit, deliberate articulation and analysis of a teacher's instructional behaviors and rationales within the context of a mentoring relationship) may serve as a useful model for teacher professional development across all ar...
Environmental Toxicogenomics: How Genomic Technologies are Impacting the Science of Toxicology

Abstract Decision-makers in safety assessment of exposures to environmental stressors and health care providers need improved biomarkers of toxic exposures and biomarkers of adverse events that precede the development of overt injury or disease. Two toxicogenomic studies will be presented that demonstrate the utility of genomic approaches for developing potential biomarkers of toxicity for both nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The use of calcineurin inhibitor (CI) immunosuppressants has revolutionized the clinical practice of organ transplantation. However, chronic nephrotoxicity limits their long-term utility. In order to understand the pathophysiology that underlies the development of CI-associated nephrotoxicity and to develop CI-specific biomarkers of toxicity, rats were dosed with cyclosporine A (CsA) or FK506, or rapamycin, and gene expression profiling was performed on RNA isolated from kidneys 24 hours after one, seven, 14 or 28 daily doses. A gene expression signature was identified that was co...
Trauma in the Elderly: Considerations for Anesthetic Management

The volume of geriatric trauma patients is expected to increase significantly in coming years. Recognition of severe injuries may be delayed because they are less likely to mount classic symptoms of hemodynamic instability. Head injuries of any severity may place geriatric patients at increased risk of mortality, but there are currently no geriatric-specific treatment recommendations that differ from usual adult guidelines. Our understanding of best practices in geriatric trauma and anesthesia care continues to expand, as it does in all other areas of medicine.
Generation and [2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Thio‐Substituted Ketenes: trans‐1‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐4‐Phenyl‐3‐(Phenylthio)Azetidin‐2‐One

N-Benzylidene-p-anisidine Trans-1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-3-(phenylthio)azetidin-2-one S-Phenyldiazothioacetate Hexamethyldisilazane Butyllithium 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate Keywords: cycloadditions; thio substituted ketenes; cyclobutanones; cyclobutenones; rhodium acetate catalyst; alpha-thiocyclobutanones; beta-lactams; waste disposal; diazo thiol ethers
Functional capillary rarefaction in mild blood pressure elevation.

Capillary rarefaction is described in patients with moderate-to-severe hypertension. The study objective was to determine if structural and/or functional capillary rarefaction is detectable and associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with mild blood pressure elevation (HBP: Systolic blood pressure 130–160 mm Hg). Capillary density was quantified by direct capillaroscopy in 110 nondiabetic black and non-black subjects. Endothelial function was quantified by plethysmographic measures of flow-mediated vasodilation. Compared to normotensives (NBP: N = 90), functional capillary rarefaction was detected in HBP (N = 20; p < 0.001). Functional capillary density measures correlated with endothelial function (p < 0.001). Functional, but not structural, capillary rarefaction is detectable and associated with endothelial dysfunction in both black and non-black individuals with mild blood pressure elevation.
Semi-isometric registration of line features for flexible fitting of protein structures.

In this paper, we study a registration problem that is motivated by a practical biology problem - fitting protein structures to low-resolution density maps. We consider registration between two sets of lines features (e.g., helices in the proteins) that have undergone not a single, but multiple isometric transformations (e.g., hinge-motions). The problem is further complicated by the presence of symmetry in each set. We formulate the problem as a cliquefinding problem in a product graph, and propose a heuristic solution that includes a fast clique-finding algorithm unique to the structure of this graph. When tested on a suite of real protein structures, the algorithm achieved high accuracy even for very large inputs containing hundreds of helices.
Chloroquine-Mediated Cell Death in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Through Inhibition of Autophagy

Context Cells in the interior of pancreatic tumors are believed to undergo continual autophagy to maintain homeostasis during unregulated growth in hypoxia caused by impaired vascularity. We hypothesize that treating metastatic cells with chloroquine, an inhibitor of autophagy, in hypoxia will decrease cell viability and induce cell death. Design MiaPaCa2 (non-metastatic) and S2VP10 (metastatic) cell lines were treated with 25 and 50 µM chloroquine for 24 and 48 hours in normoxia and hypoxia (5-10% O 2 ). Viability was measured using ATPlite TM . After treatment, the cell stress was analyzed, and protein was lysed and quantified using the Bradford assay. Autophagy-associated protein levels were determined by Western blot. Results S2VP10 cells treated for 48 hours with 50 μM chloroquine in hypoxia had 24% viability compared to normoxia control, with loss of 10% viability caused by low O 2 alone. MiaPaCa2 cells under these conditions had 60% viability compared to normoxia control, with loss of 25% viability caused by low O 2 alone. Analysis of cell stress pathways and dosimetry of Western blot data suggest that chloroquine inhibits the autophagy pathway in the metastatic S2VP10 cells. Conclusion Autophagy blockage with chloroquine or similar-acting drugs may serve as a viable therapy for highly metastatic pancreatic cancers. Image: MiaPaCa2 cells treated with 25 μM chloroquine for 24 hours (Figure 1e)
Search for HIV proviral DNA and amplified sequences in the muscle biopsies of patients with HIV polymyositis

We searched for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in fresh-frozen muscle biopsy specimens from 10 patients with HIV-associated polymyositis (HIV-PM) using (a) 35S-labeled HIV-RNA transcript of the virus and in situ hybridization, and (b) polymerase chain reaction and slot-blot hybridization utilizing primers amplifying sequences from the gag and pol genes of the HIV genome. With in situ hybridization, positive signals were detected in sparse lymphoid cells surrounding the muscle fibers, but not within the muscle fibers, in up to two consecutive sections in 6 of the 10 specimens. By the polymerase chain reaction, amplified HIV-specific sequences were noted in 2 specimens, but in only 2 of 8 consecutive sections, implying infection of lymphoid cells rather than muscle fibers. Muscle cultures from six specimens failed to show integrated HIV sequences within the myotubes. We conclude that HIV sequences or transcriptional products are not present within the muscle fibers or the cultured myotubes of patients with HIV-PM. This indicates that: (a) viral replication does not take place within the muscle; (b) integration of HIV proviral genome does not occur within the myonuclei or satellite cells; and (c) HIV-PM does not seem to be due to a persistent infection of the muscle fiber by the virus. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regulation of Metabolism by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1

The maintenance of oxygen homeostasis is critical for survival, and the master regulator of this process in metazoan species is hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which controls both O(2) delivery and utilization. Under conditions of reduced O(2) availability, HIF-1 activates the transcription of genes, whose protein products mediate a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism. HIF-1 is activated in cancer cells as a result of intratumoral hypoxia and/or genetic alterations. In cancer cells, metabolism is reprogrammed to favor glycolysis even under aerobic conditions. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has been implicated in cancer growth and metabolism, although the mechanism by which it exerts these effects is unclear. Recent studies indicate that PKM2 interacts with HIF-1α physically and functionally to stimulate the binding of HIF-1 at target genes, the recruitment of coactivators, histone acetylation, and gene transcription. Interaction with HIF-1α is facilitated by hydroxylation of PKM2 at proline-403 and -408 by PHD3. Knockdown of PHD3 decreases glucose transporter 1, lactate dehydrogenase A, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 expression; decreases glucose uptake and lactate production; and increases O(2) consumption. The effect of PKM2/PHD3 is not limited to genes encoding metabolic enzymes because VEGF is similarly regulated. These results provide a mechanism by which PKM2 promotes metabolic reprogramming and suggest that it plays a broader role in cancer progression than has previously been appreciated.
Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β on Human Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Cell Adhesion, Motility, and Invasion In Vitro

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a potent growth modulator produced by a variety of tumor cells, as well as by platelets, has pleiotropic effects on cell-extracellular matrix interactions and may influence tumor cell invasion and metastasis. PURPOSE Our purpose was to characterize the effects of TGF-beta 1 on the adhesion, motility, and invasiveness of a metastatic human pulmonary carcinoma (A549 cell line) in vitro. METHODS A549 cells were seeded onto type I collagen gels, and invasion over a 9-day period was measured in the presence or absence of TGF-beta 1 (0.1-10 ng/mL). In addition, cell adhesion to substrata coated with type I collagen (1-100 nM) as well as haptotactic migration through filters coated with type I collagen (100 micrograms/mL) were measured following a 24-hour treatment with TGF-beta 1 (1-10 ng/mL). RESULTS TGF-beta 1 stimulated the invasion of A549 cells into type I collagen gels in a dose-dependent manner. Both the number of cells entering the gel and the depth of invasion into the gel were increased. In addition, the effects of TGF-beta 1 were blocked in a dose-dependent manner by a purified polyclonal IgG against TGF-beta 1 but not by normal rabbit IgG. A549 cell invasion was accompanied by dramatic changes in A549 cell morphology that included the appearance of numerous long pseudopodia, consistent with a change in the motile behavior of these cells. TGF-beta 1 stimulated by approximately fourfold the haptotactic migration of A549 cells on polycarbonate filters coated with type I collagen. The TGF-beta 1-mediated increase in invasion and motility was accompanied by a fourfold increase in A549 cell adhesion to type I collagen. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that TGF-beta 1 can influence cellular recognition of extracellular matrix components and can modulate cellular adhesion and migration on these components, leading to increased invasive potential. IMPLICATIONS Given the wide-spread tissue distribution of TGF-beta 1 and its secretion by a variety of tumor cells as well as by platelets, TGF-beta 1 may be an important autocrineparacrine regulator of the invasive phenotype in vivo.
Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand-replacing fire: Effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity

Objective: Our purpose was to characterize vegetation compositional patterns, tree regeneration, and plant diversity, and their relationships to landscape context, topography, and light availability across the margins of four stand-replacing subalpine burns. Location: Four 1977 to 1978 burns east of the Continental Divide in Colorado: the Ouzel burn, a burn near Kenosha Pass, the Badger Mountain burn, and the Maes Creek burn. Methods: Vegetation and environmental factors were sampled in 200 0.01-ha plots on transects crossing burn edges, and stratified by elevation. We utilized dissimilarity indices, mixed-effects models, and randomization tests to assess relationships between vegetation and environment. Results: Three decades after wildfire, plant communities exhibited pronounced compositional shifts across burn edges. Tree regeneration decreased with increasing elevation and distance into burn interiors; concomitant increases in forbs and graminoids were linked to greater light availability. Richness was roughly doubled in high-severity burn interiors due to the persistence of a suite of native species occurring primarily in this habitat. Richness rose with distance into burns, but declined with increasing elevation. Only three of 188 plant species were non-native; these were widespread, naturalized species that comprised o1% total cover. Conclusions: These subalpine wildfires generated considerable, persistent increases in plant species richness at local and landscape scales, and a diversity of plant communities. The findings suggest that fire suppression in such systems must lead to reduced diversity. Concerns about post-fire invasion by exotic plants appear unwarranted in high-elevation wilderness settings.
Identification and characterization of several new members of the ZIP family of metal ion transporters in Medicago truncatula

To broaden our understanding of micronutrient metal transport in plants, we have identified cDNAs for six new metal transporters in the model legume Medicago truncatula. All of the predicted proteins have high similarity to the ZIP protein family, and have been designated MtZIP1, MtZIP3, MtZIP4, MtZIP5, MtZIP6, and MtZIP7. The six predicted proteins ranged from 350 to 372 amino acids in length; sequence analysis revealed that all proteins contained eight transmembrane domains and the highly conserved ZIP signature motif. Most of the proteins also exhibited a histidine-rich region in the variable sequence between transmembrane domains III and IV. When MtZIPs were transformed into appropriate metal-uptake defective yeast mutants and grown on metal-limited media, MtZIP1, MtZIP5, and MtZIP6 proteins restored yeast growth on Zn-limited media, MtZIP4 and MtZIP7 proteins restored yeast growth on Mn-limited media, and MtZIP3, MtZIP5, and MtZIP6 proteins restored yeast growth on Fe-limited media. Therefore, we conclude that these proteins function as metal transporters in Medicago truncatula. The expression pattern for each gene was studied by semi-quantitative RT-PCR in roots and leaves from plants grown under various metal supplies. MtZIP1 transcripts were only detected in Zn-deficient roots and leaves. MtZIP3 and MtZIP4 expression was down regulated in leaves from Mn- and Fe-deficient plants and appeared to be upregulated under Zn-deficient conditions in both roots and leaves. MtZIP5 was upregulated in leaves under Zn and Mn deficiency. The expression of MtZIP6 and MtZIP7 was unaffected by the metal supply, at least in root and leaf tissues. Characterizing these proteins in a single organism will allow us to understand the interplay between various ZIP genes, and the role they play in the regulation/execution of plant metal homeostasis.
Non-local continuum modeling of carbon nanotubes: physical interpretation of non-local kernels using atomistic simulations

Abstract The longitudinal, transverse and torsional wave dispersion curves in single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are used to estimate the non-local kernel for use in continuum elasticity models of nanotubes. The dispersion data for an armchair (10,10) SWCNT was obtained using lattice dynamics of SWNTs while accounting for the helical symmetry of the tubes. In our approach, the Fourier transformed kernel of non-local linear elastic theory is directly estimated by matching the atomistic data to the dispersion curves predicted from non-local 1D rod theory and axisymmetric shell theory. We found that gradient models incur significant errors in both the phase and group velocity when compared to the atomistic model. Complementing these studies, we have also performed detailed tests on the effect of length of the nanotube on the axial and shear moduli to gain a better physical insight on the nature of the true non-local kernel. We note that unlike the kernel from gradient theory, the numerically fitted kernel becomes negative at larger distances from the reference point. We postulate and confirm that the fitted kernel changes sign close to the inflection point of the interatomic potential. The numerically computed kernels obtained from this study will aid in the development of improved and efficient continuum models for predicting the mechanical response of CNTs.
Role of Peroxyacetic Acid, Octanoic Acid, Malic Acid, and Potassium Lactate on the Microbiological and Instrumental Color Characteristics of Ground Beef

: This study evaluated the effects of peroxyacetic acid (PAA), malic acid (MA), octanoic acid (OA), and potassium lactate (KL) followed by mixing with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and an ultra-chilled CO2 snow shower on microbial counts of Escherichia coli (EC), coliform (CF), aerobic plate count (APC), and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) on inoculated beef trimmings and the instrumental color attributes of the resultant ground beef. Beef trimmings inoculated with EC and ST were treated with either 0.02% PAA; 2% MA; 0.04% OA; or 2% KL, followed by mixing with 10% TSP and rapid chilling with CO2 snow shower. Treated trimmings were then ground, packaged, displayed under simulated retail conditions, and sampled on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 for microbial counts and instrumental color characteristics. PAA, MA, OA, and KL reduced (P < 0.05) the microbial counts of EC, CF, APC, and ST during display. Among treatments, OA was most effective on EC, CF, ST, and APC during retail display. Chilling beef trimmings with CO2 improved instrumental color characteristics of the produced ground beef but made little difference in reducing microbial counts during display. During retail display, ground beef produced from beef trimmings treated with antimicrobials tended to maintain redness, myoglobin redox form stability (630 nm/580 nm), and overall instrumental color characteristics. Practical Application: This research provides a practical and cost-effective decontamination technology for beef processors that can be immediately implemented in the ground beef production chain. Using antimicrobial intervention coupled with rapid chilling could benefit the meat industry by preserving the quality attributes of ground beef during retail display under aerobic packaging environment.
Electrophysiologic evidence for selective retrograde utilization of a specialized conducting system in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

Abstract In 12 patients with atrioventricular (A-V) nodal reentrant tachycardia, the existence and utilization of retrograde ventriculoatrial bypass tracts in the reentrant process were excluded, and the characteristics of the anterograde and retrograde limbs of the reentrant circuits were studied using His bundle electrograms, incremental atrial and ventricular pacing and atrial and ventricular extrastimulus techniques before and after the administration of 0.01 mg/kg of intravenous ouabain. Similar studies were also performed in five control patients without tachycardia. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia could be induced in all 12 patients during atrial pacing-induced A-V nodal Wenckebach periods or premature atrial stimulation, or both. On the basis of conduction time in the retrograde limb during tachycardia and during retrograde studies, two groups were identified. Group I (seven patients) had (1) short (39 ± 10 msec) and constant conduction time in the retrogarde limb measured from the anterograde His bundle deflection to the retrograde atrial echo response (H-Ae interval), (2) no change in ventriculoatrial conduction time up to maximal ventricular pacing rates, (3) H2-A2 intervals during retrograde refractory period studies that were identical to the H-Ae intervals and that did not increase with decreasing V1-V2 intervals, and (4) increased conduction time of the anterograde limb (Ae-H intervals) after the administration of ouabain without any effect on retrograde limb conduction (H-Ae and H2-A2 intervals) and refractoriness. Group II (five patients) had (1) long and variable H-Ae intervals (60 to 180 msec), (2) a progressive increase in ventriculoatrial intervals during incremental ventricular pacing, (3) an increase in H2-A2 intervals in response to decreasing V1-V2 intervals, and (4) increased anterograde (Ae-H interval) and retrograde limb (H-Ae and H2-A2 intervals) conduction and refractoriness after the administration of ouabain. Changes in the H2-A2 interval corresponded to the changes in four of the five control patients. These findings suggest that (1) in group I the anterograde limb was the A-V node, whereas the retrograde limb was an A-V nodal bypass tract or an insulated intranodal tract physiologically unlike the A-V node; and (2) in group II the A-V node comprised both the anterograde and retrograde limbs of the reentrant circuit.
Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects.

OBJECTIVE To review the literature on herbal preparations commonly utilized in the treatment of rheumatic indications. METHODS Search of MEDLINE (PubMed) was performed using both the scientific and the common names of herbs. Relevant articles in English were collected from PubMed and reviewed. RESULTS This review summarizes the efficacy and toxicities of herbal remedies used in complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies for rheumatologic conditions, by elucidating the immune pathways through which these preparations have antiinflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activity and providing a scientific basis for their efficacy. Gammalinolenic acid suppresses inflammation by acting as a competitive inhibitor of prostaglandin E2 and leukotrienes (LTs) and by reducing the auto-induction of interleukin1 (IL-1)-induced pro-IL-1 gene expression. It appears to be efficacious in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but not for Sjogren’s disease. The antiinflammatory actions of Harpagophytum procumbens is due to its action on eicosanoid biosynthesis and it may have a role in treating low back pain. While in vitro experiments with Tanacetum parthenium found inhibition of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-), interferon- ,I B kinase, and a decrease in T-cell adhesion, to date human studies have not proven it useful in the treatment of RA. Current experience with Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, Uncaria tomentosa, finds them to be efficacious in the treatment of RA, while Urtica diocia and willow bark extract are effective for osteoarthritis. T. wilfordii Hook F extract inhibits the production of cytokines and other mediators from mononuclear phagocytes by blocking the up-regulation of a number of proinflammatory genes, including TNF-, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interferon-, IL-2, prostaglandin, and iNOS. Uncaria tomentosa and Urtica diocia both decrease the production of TNF-. At present there are no human studies on Ocimum spp. in rheumatic diseases. The fixed oil appears to have antihistaminic, antiserotonin, and antiprostaglandin activity. Zingiber officinale inhibits TNF-, prostaglandin, and leukotriene synthesis and at present has limited efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS Investigation of the mechanism and potential uses of CAM therapies is still in its infancy and many studies done to date are scientifically flawed. Further systematic and scientific inquiry into this topic is necessary to validate or refute the clinical claims made for CAM therapies. An understanding of the mechanism of action of CAM therapies allows physicians to counsel effectively on their proper and improper use, prevent adverse drug‐drug interactions, and anticipate or appreciate toxicities. RELEVANCE The use of CAM therapies is widespread among patients, including those with rheumatic diseases. Herbal medications are often utilized with little to no physician guidance or knowledge. An appreciation of this information will help physicians to counsel
Effective computations with distributed knowledge: the issue of compositionality and ontologies

We address the problem of collaboration between intelligent software systems with different competences across the Internet, focusing on some problems in the communication of knowledge between such systems. We point out the importance of exploiting the parallelism between knowledge communication amongst intelligent agents and that among people, exemplified by the compositionality principle and its importance in the engineering of knowledge communication languages, and by the computing-with-words paradigm and its importance in fuzzy systems. In this paper, we propose to exploit the parallelism in more detail, by employing the theory of categorial type logics (or more generally, of categorial grammars) in the design and implementation of symbolic knowledge communication languages and their fuzzy semantics for distributed knowledge-based systems.