cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microarray gene expression profiling reveals potential mechanisms of tumor suppression by the class I HDAC-selective benzoylhydrazide inhibitors

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDIs) have therapeutic potentials for treating cancer and other diseases. Modulation of gene expression by HDIs is a major mechanism underlying their therapeutic effects. A novel class of HDIs with a previously undescribed benzoylhydrazide scaffold has been discovered through a high throughput screening campaign. Using microarray profiling of gene expression, we have previously demonstrated that treatment of breast cancer cells with a lead benzoylhydrazide HDI UF010 results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, likely through activation of tumor suppression pathways with concurrent inhibition of oncogenic pathways. In this brief report, we show methodological and analytical details and discuss additional pathways such as immune signaling that are affected by UF010. Raw and processed data from the microarray were deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database under the accession number: GSE56823.
Group sequential large sample T2-like chi2 tests for multivariate observations.

In many studies, a K degree of freedom large sample χ2 test is used to assess the effect of treatment on a multivariate response, such as an omnibus T2-like test of a difference between two treatment groups in any of K repeated measures. Alternately, a K df χ2 test may be used to test the equality of K+1 groups in a single outcome measure. Jennison and Turnbull (Biometrika 1991; 78: 133–141) describe group sequential χ2 and F-tests for normal errors linear models, and Proschan, Follmann and Geller (Statist. Med. 1994; 13: 1441–1452) describe group sequential tests for K+1 group comparisons. These methods apply to sequences of statistics that can be characterized as having an independent increments variance–covariance structure, thus simplifying the computation of the sequential variance–covariance matrix and the resulting sequential test boundaries. However, many commonly used statistics do not share this structure, including a Liang–Zeger (Biometrika 1986; 73: 13–22) GEE longitudinal analysis with an independence working correlation structure and a Wei-Lachin (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 1984; 79: 653–661) multivariate Wilcoxon rank test, among others. For such analyses, this paper describes the computation of group sequential boundaries for the interim analysis of emerging results using K df tests that are expressed as quadratic forms in a statistics vector that is distributed as multivariate normal, at least asymptotically. We derive the elements of the covariance matrix of multiple successive K df χ2 statistics based on established theorems on the distribution of quadratic forms. This covariance matrix is estimated by augmenting the data from the successive interim analyses into a single analysis from which the component sequential tests and their variance–covariance matrix can then be extracted. Boundary values for the sequential statistics can then be computed using the method of Slud and Wei (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 1982; 77: 862–868) or using the α-spending function of Lan and DeMets (Biometrika 1983; 70: 659–663) with a surrogate measure of information. An example is presented using the analysis of repeated cholesterol measurements in a clinical trial. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prosecuting corporations for Genocide under international law

The thrust of the 1948 Genocide Convention makes people accountable for committing genocide or complicity in genocide. They should not be able to hide in corporate form, and the treaty does not provide protection for corporations from prosecution. International law provides the theoretical tools for such prosecutions. However, modern international criminal tribunals do not establish jurisdiction over companies for participating in atrocities. As the authoritative interpretive body for the treaty, the International Court of Justice should issue an advisory opinion declaring that corporations are capable of committing genocide and, as such, should be tried for it. This would be a logical extension of the ICJ's recent landmark opinion declaring that states can commit genocide.
Food Sovereignty for Poor Countries in the Global Trading System

In this Brenden Brown Lecture delivered at Loyola New Orleans Law School in April, 2011, I address how imported foods often produced under heavy subsidization are quickly displacing locally grown subsistence foods in poor countries. As a result, local peoples in many countries have lost their control over what they eat. In addition, countries that were once food sufficient are now food dependent. Food imports have had adverse consequences on the health, culture and identity particularly of poor people in developing countries. In the South Pacific, for example, organically grown foods are being displaced by cheap fatty meat imports that are highly correlated with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes. I propose food sovereignty as a way of both conceptualizing this problem brought on in large part by neo-liberal economic globalization as well as a way of countering it. By food sovereignty I mean, in part, giving autonomy to local communities so that they can leverage their bio-diversity and other resources in sustainable crop farm and ecosystem management. Traditional production systems should not be displaced by the onslought of industrial farming methods associated with export led agriculture. In addition to defending traditional agricultural farming, food sovereignty requires governments to support farmers with practical, accessible and affordable extension services such as farm inputs and appropriate technology transfers. This way, local farming does not become short-changed by the support given to export led agriculture or to cheap agricultural imports. In short, I argue that official development policy must not assume that subsistence farming must be fitted seamlessly into the neo-liberal economic project of export-led agriculture with its related apparatuses of intellectual property rights and genetic resource management which seldom address the problems of poverty, hunger and sustainable ecosystem management.
What Really Connects in Seating Comfort?-Studies of Correlates of Static Seat Comfort

Evaluations of 20 seating environments were conducted using rating scales, subjective probabilities, and adjective chekc lists with a representative driver population to develop reliable indices of physchological seating comfort. Concurrent measurable physiologic variations were also recorded to determine relationship patterns. Primary psychological descriptors were identified for each seating environment. Subjective data was compared with physiological data and SAE seat dimensioning findings. Multivariate canonical correlation analyses of 32 variables are reported, as are subjective profiles for each seating environment. /GMRL/
Overexpression of the Type II Regulatory Subunit of the cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Eliminates the Type I Holoenzyme in Mouse Cells

Mammalian tissues and cell lines express two major types of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, PKA-I and PKA-II, which can be distinguished at the molecular level by the presence of either type I or type II regulatory subunits in the holoenzyme. An expression vector for the mouse type II regulatory subunit (RII alpha) was transfected into ras-transformed NIH3T3 (R3T3) cells, which contain approximately equal amounts of both holoenzymes, PKA-I and PKA-II. In RII alpha-overexpressing R3T3 cells, PKA-II levels were increased, and the level of PKA-I declined. The decrease in PKA-I was dependent on the amount of RII alpha expressed, and at high levels of RII alpha expression, PKA-I was completely eliminated. In contrast, overexpression of the type I regulatory subunit (RI alpha) did not alter PKA isozyme levels. We propose that competition between RII alpha and RI alpha for a limited pool of catalytic subunit results in preferential assembly of PKA-II and that significant amounts of PKA-I are formed only if catalytic subunit is present in excess of the RII alpha subunit. The PKA-I isozyme, which is absent in untransformed 3T3 cells, is not essential for the transformed phenotype of R3T3 cells. RII alpha-overexpressing R3T3 cells that are devoid of PKA-I continued to exhibit a transformed phenotype including anchorage-independent growth. Overexpression of RII alpha provides a genetic approach that may prove useful in demonstrating specific functions for the two PKA isozymes in cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathways.
Studies on the distribution and covalent binding of 1,1-dichloroethylene in the mouse. Effect of various pretreatments on covalent binding in vivo.

Abstract The distribution and covalent binding of a single dose of [1, 2- 14 C]1, 1-dichloroethylene (DCE; 125 mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in male C57B1/6N mice. Total radioactivity was distributed in whole homogenates of all tissues studied, with peak levels occurring within 6 hr. Covalent binding of radioactive material peaked at 6–12 hr in all tissues, and highest levels were found in kidney, liver, and lung with smaller amounts in skeletal muscle, heart, spleen, and gut. Covalent binding in kidney, liver, and lung fell to 50% of peak levels in about 4 days. Between 12 hr and 4 days after DCE administration, 70–100% of total radioactivity present in homogenates of kidney, liver, and lung was covalently bound. The three tissues showed a similar spread in total radioactivity in subcellular fractions 24 hr after exposure to DCE; most of the radioactivity was covalently bound (60–100%) and distributed fairly uniformly with a slight tendency to concentrate in the mitochondrial fraction. Phenobarbital (PB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) pretreatments increased the covalent binding in the liver and lung but had no effect in the kidney. Piperonyl butoxide and SKF-525A decreased the covalent binding in liver and lung, but the latter increased binding in the kidney while the former decreased it. Diethylmaleate administration increased the covalent binding (2- to 3-fold) in all three tissues as well as increasing lethal toxicity. These results are consistent with the view that DCE is metabolized to some reactive intermediate(s) which may be detoxified by conjugation with glutathione
Electrostatic accelerator dielectrics: A workshop on insulators and conductors in electrostatic machines

This contribution summarizes the technical review and discussion topics incorporated in the workshop which concerns high voltage insulation in electrostatic machines. The performance of the SF6 gas gap and the development of different insulation structures including coaxial, bundled conductor, intershield, and Vivitron type super-bundle approaches is reviewed. The emerging role of solid support insulation in the radial gap and the need for careful consideration of actual local electric stresses adjacent the insulator surface is also presented. Finally, there is a review of the topics for discussion which ranged from the gas gap and solid supports to acceleration tube insulation, charging systems, and operational monitoring.
Analysis of the tuning and operation of reflection resonator EPR spectrometers

This paper investigates basic characteristics of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal obtained from spectrometers employing reflection resonators. General equations are presented which reveal the phase and amplitude dependence on instrumental parameters of both components of the continuous wave (CW) EPR signal (absorption and dispersion). New phase vector diagrams derived from these general equations are presented for the analysis of the EPR response. The dependence of the phase and absolute value of the CW EPR signal on the local oscillator (LO) phase and on resonator offset and coupling is presented and analyzed. The EPR spectrometer tuning procedures for both balanced and unbalanced heterodyne receivers are analyzed in detail using the new phase diagrams. Extraneous signals at the RF input of the microwave receiver (resulting from circulator leakage and reflections in the resonator transmission line) have been taken into account and analyzed. It is shown that a final tuning condition that corresponds to an extremum of the receiver output as a function of the resonator frequency is necessary and sufficient for the acquisition of pure absorption signal. This condition is universal: it applies to all spectrometer configurations in all frequency ranges. High Frequency EPR spectrometer (130 GHz) data are used to generate experimental phase diagrams that illustrate the theoretical concepts presented in the paper. Conditions are presented under which the absorption signal can be measured with complete suppression of the dispersion, independent of the mutual frequency offset between the microwave source and the EPR sample resonator. Equations describing the approximate relationship between changes of the resonator properties (Q-factor and frequency) and paramagnetic susceptibility are derived and analyzed.
Abstract 4446: The allelic variants of Dock9 contribute to urethane-induced lung tumor susceptibility

Mouse lung tumors have histological and molecular features similar to human lung adenocarcinomas. Several lung tumor susceptibility loci have been identified through genome-wide association analysis in laboratory inbred mice. In this study, we employed a powerful strategy for association mapping that combines classic inbred strains for mapping resolution and additional recombinant inbred strains for enhanced mapping power. We performed a whole-genome association analysis for urethane-induced lung tumor multiplicity with 211,768 SNPs from 21 laboratory inbred mouse strains and 35 recombinant inbred strains (19 A×B and 16 B×A, derived from susceptible strain A/J and resistant strain C57BL/6J) and identified two genomic regions, each having at least one SNP strongly associated with urethane-induced lung tumor susceptibility (P -5 ). The most significant one (-log(P) = 6.8) co-localized with a major and previously identified locus of mouse Pulmonary Adenoma Susceptibility (Pas1) on the distal region of chromosome 6 and was refined to a region of -6 ). Analysis of the genome sequences of 17 common mouse strains revealed that Dock9 carries a non-synonymous SNP in codon 1610 and this corresponds to a non-synomous change of arginine (CGG) in tumor susceptible strains, to Proline (CCG) in tumor resistant strains. The non-synonymous SNP that is significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer at codon 1610 (encoding a proline) is highly conserved across 20 different species. All tumor resistant mouse strains (such as C57BL/6J and 129S1/SvImJ) take the Dock9-resistance allele, ie. proline at codon 1610, while all the tumor susceptible strains (such as A/J and BALB/cByJ) take the Dock9 susceptible allele, i.e arginine at codon 1610. It suggests that 1610R SNP is a causal genetic variant that confers increased lung cancer risk. Tissue microarrays of 70 lung adenocarcinoma patients were done to examine DOCK9 expression in normal and tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry. Higher expression in tumor tissues than that in their matched normal tissues was identified in 53/58 (91.4%) patients (P=2.4×10-12). DOCK9 was localized mainly to epithelial tumor cells, but not normal epithelial cells. GST-CRIB (Cdc42 binding domain of PAK) pulldown assay showed that Dock9-1610P reduce GEF activity for Cdc42 compared to Dock9-1610R. These data suggest that Dock9 allelic variants may influence urethane-induced lung tumor susceptibility and play a tumorigenic role in lung cancer through activation of Cdc42. Citation Format: Yan Lu, Pengyuan Liu, Haris Vikis. The allelic variants of Dock9 contribute to urethane-induced lung tumor susceptibility. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4446. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4446
Ensemble trajectory analysis of summertime sulfate concentrations in New York State

Abstract The histories of the wind speed and location of sampled air have been computed using a diagnostic trajectory model for the July of 1975 and 1976. These two parameters were compared with the resultant sulfate concentrations measured at three sites in New York State. Results indicate that sulfate concentrations are not correlated with the inverse of wind speed at the sampling time. However, a significant correlation exists between resultant SO4 and the inverse of estimated wind speeds for times at least 24 h prior to sampling. Analysis of the trajectory path indicates that it is less important from which direction the air arrives at the sampler than it is from which area the sampled air originated. The highest concentrations in New York State were associated with winds originating in the upper Ohio River valley.
Reductive Elimination of Chlorinated Ethylenes by Zero-Valent Metals

To date it does not appear to have been demonstrated in the literature that halogenated ethylenes can undergo reductive {beta}-elimination to alkynes under environmental conditions. The purpose of this paper is to provide experimental evidence that such pathways may be involved in the reaction of chloroethylenes with zero-valent metals as well as to speculate on the significance of the products that may result. Calculations indicate that reductive {beta}-elimination reactions of chloroethylenes are in fact comparable energetically to hydrogenolysis at neutral pH. Experiments were therefore initiated to assess whether {beta}-elimination reactions of chlorinated ethylenes could occur in the presence of two zero-valent metals, Fe and Zn. 76 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Studies on the cold insoluble proteins from the lens of the striped mullet (Mugil cephalus).

Abstract 1. 1. The conditions for the formation of a cold precipitating fraction in an aqueous extract of the lens of the striped mullet have been studied. 2. 2. Ionic strengths from 0·0016 to 0·1 were examined at pH values of 7·7, 7·2, 6·7, 6·2, 5·5 and 5·0. 3. 3. Optimal conditions for the formation of the cold insoluble protein are between pH 6·0 and 7·0 at or below ionic strength 0·025 at 5°C. 4. 4. The cold insoluble protein appeared heterogeneous when examined by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. 5. 5. The fastest migrating component was quantitatively precipitated from the extract. 6. 6. Sedimentation analyses indicated that the cold insoluble protein was predominantly the 3S component and resembles the γ-crystallin. 7. 7. The presence of 6·6 × 10 −4 M Na 2 SO 3 enhanced the solubility of cold insoluble protein precipitates and facilitated its purification by reprecipitation.
Uncovering the Connection between Artist and Audience: Viewing Painted Brushstrokes Evokes Corresponding Action Representations in the Observer.

Observed actions are covertly and involuntarily simulated within the observer’s motor system. It has been argued that simulation is involved in processing abstract, gestural paintings, as the artist’s movements can be simulated by observing static brushstrokes. Though this argument is grounded in theory, empirical research has yet to examine the claim. Five experiments are described wherein participants executed arm movements resembling the act of painting horizontal brushstrokes while observing paintings featuring broad, discernable brushstrokes. Participants responded faster when their movement was compatible with the observed brushstrokes, even though the paintings were irrelevant to their task. Additional results suggest that this effect occurs outside of awareness. These results provide evidence that observers can simulate the actions of the painter by simply observing the painting, revealing a connection between artist and audience hitherto undemonstrated by cognitive science.
8.6.1 Project Kookaburra: Educating Systems Engineers Using Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper presents the results of an educational initiative to bring aircraft systems design into the systems engineering curriculum at the United States Air Force Institute of Technology. The project spans preliminary design, mission analysis, aircraft modification, test planning, flight testing and system analyses for a small multi-mission unmanned aerial vehicle system. Educational and mission outcomes are presented.
Injecting the Mite into Ecological Immunology: Measuring the Antibody Response of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) Challenged with Hematophagous Mites

ABSTRACT. Passerine birds, especially during the breeding season and nestling development, are exposed to an array of hematophagous ectoparasites. Although the direct consequences of mite infestation on host fitness and immunological function have been investigated in the Domestic Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), parasite-specific immune responses to ectoparasites in passerine species have not been examined in great detail. We investigated the humoral immune response of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) to hematophagous mite antigens and tested for the presence of mite-specific antibodies in adults, egg yolks, and nestlings in a wild population that was naturally exposed to ectoparasitic mites. Our results showed that adult House Sparrows can mount a specific adaptive immune response against hematophagous mite antigens. Further, we demonstrate that mite-specific antibodies are present in wild House Sparrow populations naturally infested with ectoparasites. The results of this study provide ecological ...
Web based electronic logbook and experiment run database viewer for Alcator C-Mod

Abstract Since 1991, the scientists and engineers at the Alcator C-Mod experiment at MIT have been recording text entries about the experiments being performed in an electronic logbook. In addition, separate documents such as run plans, run summaries and experimental proposals have been created and stored in a variety of formats in computer files. This information has now been organized and made available via any modern web browser. The new web based interface permits the user to browse through all the logbook entries, run information and even view some key data traces of the experiment. Since this information is being catalogued by Internet search engines, these tools can also be used to quickly locate information. The web based logbook and run information interface provides some additional capabilities. Once logged into the web site, users can add, delete or modify logbook entries directly from their browser. The logbook window on their browser also provides dynamic updating when any new logbook entries are made. There is also live C-Mod operation status information with optional audio announcements available. The user can receive the same state change announcements such as “entering init” or “entering pulse” as they would if they were sitting in the C-Mod control room. This paper will describe the functionality of the web based logbook and how it was implemented.
Sirolimus reduces the risk of significant hepatic fibrosis after liver transplantation (LTX) for hepatitis C virus (HCV): A single center experience

METHODS: Retrospective review of HCV infected LTX recipients from 1/2000 to 7/2009 at our center. Patients receiving SRL within three weeks of LTX comprised the SRL group. Retransplants or deaths within 30 days of LTX were excluded. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate time to clinically significant fibrosis ( stage 2) and graft loss, adjusting for MELD at LTX, recipient age and race, donor age, warm (WIT) and cold ischemic time (CIT). Logistic regression was used to examine incidence of significant hepatic fibrosis within 1 year after LTX and graft loss.
What does `inhibition of phagosome–lysosome fusion' really mean?

D.G.R. is supported by PHS grants AI33348, HL55936 and AI37977 and is a recipient of a Burroughs Wellcome Scholar Award in Molecular Parasitology.
Metiamide: more than an H2-receptor antagonist.

The effect of metiamide on acid secretion and calcium uptake by the frog gastric mucosa was tested alone and in combination with histamine, pentagastrin, aminophylline, and dibutyrl cyclic AMP (db cAMP). Metiamide inhibited all stimulants including db cAMP which presumably acts intracellularly beyond the H2 receptor. Metiamide, therefore, actively inhibits at a point within the cell beyond the adenylate cyclase membrane receptor complexes. Metiamide also increases calcium influx into the parietal cell, suggesting yet another possible mechanism of inhibition.
Polar ordering at an interface between a liquid crystal monolayer and a rubbed polyimide

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) was used to study how mechanical rubbing modifies the surface structure of a polyimide (poly[4,4‘-oxydiphenilenepyromellitimide], PMDA-ODA) film and how the...
Comparison of Pond‐Culture Characteristics between Atlantic and Gulf Coast Red Drum Fingerlings

Abstract Fry of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) from Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast brood stocks were cultured in fertilized saltwater ponds during spring and fall 1987 to compare production and growth characteristics. Ponds were fertilized with a combination of cottonseed meal, phosphoric acid, and urea. Fry were stocked at an average rate of 674,000 fry/hectare 2–4 weeks after pond filling. Spring production ranged from 2.11 to 3.19 kg/hectare daily, and survival ranged from 65.9 to 86.4%. Fall production values were 1.00–2.67 kg!hectare daily; survival ranged from 24.5 to 50.4%. Survival and production were similar between the two geographic populations of red drum. For both seasons combined, average standard length of Atlantic red drum fingerlings ranged from 15.6 to 26.2 mm, and weight ranged from 0.10 to 0.34 g; Gulf of Mexico fingerlings ranged from 19.5 to 23.7 mm and 0.16 to 0.26 g. No clear pattern of superior growth, production, or survival was found for either Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic red ...
Computational creativity support: using algorithms and machine learning to help people be more creative

The emergence of computers as a core component of creative processes, coupled with recent advances in machine-learning, signal-processing, and algorithmic techniques for manipulating creative media, offers tremendous potential for building end-user creativity-support tools. However, the scientific community making advances in relevant algorithmic techniques is not, in many cases, the same community that is currently making advances in the design, evaluation, and user-experience aspects of creativity support. The primary objective of this workshop is thus to bring together participants from diverse backgrounds in the HCI, design, art, machine-learning, and algorithms communities to facilitate the advancement of novel creativity support tools.
A novel tableted purgative for colonoscopic preparation: efficacy and safety comparisons with Colyte and Fleet Phospho-Soda.

Abstract Background: Currently available aqueous purgatives used before colonoscopy are poorly tolerated. We designed a tableted sodium phosphate purge that we believe will yield much greater patient acceptance. Methods: A total of 305 outpatients undergoing routine diagnostic colonoscopy were randomized to one of three preparation groups: Colyte (100 patients), Fleet Phospho-Soda (106 patients), or sodium phosphate tablets (99 patients). Endoscopists were blinded to the type of preparation administered and answered a questionnaire regarding preparation quality. Patients answered a questionnaire designed to analyze tolerability. Adverse events were closely followed and recorded. Results: There were no significant differences in quality of preparation across the groups (80% excellent or good, 4% repreparation). Although hypocalcemia (4 of 71), hypokalemia (18 of 68), and hyperphosphatemia (39 of 69) were observed in patients receiving the tablets, no adverse events occurred. Patients preferred taking the tablets over Colyte and Fleet Phospho-Soda. Conclusion: The evaluation of a novel delivery system of a sodium phosphate purge is described. Intended for use before colonoscopy, it circumvents the poor taste and excessive volume of ingestion that are aversive to patients. The tableted purgative is equally effective, safe, and greatly preferred over the existing aqueous preparations. This may improve patient compliance with recommendations for screening colonoscopy. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:346–52.)
Induction of surface glycoprotein expression by cyclic AMP in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Abstract Surface expression of a membrane glycoprotein of 135 000 molecular weight (P135) was inducible by adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate in Chinese hamster ovary cells, CHO-K1 clone. Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of cyclic AMP derivatives, chemicals influencing cytoplasmic cyclic AMP levels, or inhibitors of protein or RNA synthesis. Surface proteins were radiolabeled by a lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination reaction and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Surface expression of P135 increased 3–5-fold in the presence of N6,O2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP or 8-parachlorophenylthio cyclic AMP. Induction was also observed after treatment with prostaglandins E1 and F2α, but not with sodium butyrate. Phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Roche compound Ro20-1724, enhanced the effect of N6,O2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Metabolic incorporation of [35S]methionine into P135 was increased by N6,O2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The induction was sensitive to inhibitors of protein and RNA biosynthesis. These results are consistent with a proposal that cyclic AMP controls the synthesis of this protein. Metabolic incorporation of a radioactive precursor suggested that P135 was a glucosamine-containing glycoprotein. P135 appeared to be strongly associated with cell membrane because it was resistant to extraction of plasma membrane by cold 0.1 N NaOH.
Cytokine synergy: An underappreciated contributor to innate anti-viral immunity

Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor and the members of the interferon family, are potent mediators of the innate anti-viral immune response. The intracellular anti-viral states resulting from treatment of cultured cells with each of these molecules independently has been well studied; but, within complex tissues, the early inflammatory response is likely mediated by simultaneously expressed mixtures of these, and other, protective anti-viral cytokines. Such cytokine mixtures have been shown to induce potently synergistic anti-viral responses in vitro which are more complex than the simple summation of the individual cytokine response profiles. The physiological role of this 'cytokine synergy', however, remains largely unappreciated in vivo. This brief commentary will attempt to summarize the potential effects and mechanisms of anti-viral cytokine synergy as well as present several 'real-world' applications where this phenomenon might play an important role.
Making sense of inflammation, epigenetics, and memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation in the context of infection.

Recent findings suggest a new paradigm that early inflammatory cytokines promote the effector T-cell response while inhibiting the development of CD8+ T-cell memory. Although this opposing effect may appear paradoxical at first, it makes biological sense in the context of an infection, by ensuring a maximal effector response that will clear the pathogen. Once infection is controlled, the withdrawal of inflammatory cytokines allows the differentiation of effectors into long-lived memory cells that provide protective immunity against re-infection. Memory T cells differ from naive T cells in their responsiveness to stimulation, which leads to the rapid expression of effector functions. The molecular basis for enhanced functionality of memory T cells remains largely unknown. Recent results indicate that certain epigenetic changes are imprinted in memory T cells that play an important role in keeping them poised to respond immediately upon antigen re-encounter. These epigenetic modifications occur as naive T cells become activated and are influenced by factors that regulate memory formation. Thus, epigenetic changes are an integral component of memory T-cell differentiation, while inflammation plays an unexpected regulatory role in the process. These advances in our understanding of T-cell memory will undoubtedly help design unconventional vaccine strategies for inducing large populations of long-lived and functional memory CD8+ T cells.
Prostaglandin F2α promotes muscle cell survival and growth through upregulation of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein BRUCE

During skeletal muscle growth and regeneration, the majority of differentiating myoblasts undergoes cell-cell fusion to form multinucleated myofibers, whereas a proportion of myoblasts undergoes apoptosis. The treatment of myoblasts with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) during myogenesis in vitro leads to the formation of large myotubes, but the mechanism by which PGF2alpha promotes myotube growth has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrate that PGF2alpha reduces cell death during myogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we show that PGF2alpha increases expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) BRUCE through a pathway dependent on the nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 transcription factor. Importantly, PGF2alpha-mediated reduction in muscle cell death is dependent on BRUCE, and overexpression of BRUCE is sufficient to promote muscle cell survival and growth. These results establish a previously unrecognized link between NFAT signaling and regulation of IAP expression and are the first to identify a signaling pathway that increases BRUCE expression. In addition, our results provide evidence that increasing the pool of muscle cells available for fusion by inhibiting cell death enhances myotube growth.
Rheological Properties and Conformation of a Side-Chain Liquid Crystal Polysiloxane Dissolved In a Nematic Solvent

We report measurements of the change in electrorheological response of the low molar mass nematic pentylcyanobiphenyl (5CB) on dissolution of small amounts of a side-chain liquid crystal polymer (SCLCP). From the ratio of the intrinsic viscosities with the field on and off, [ηon] and [ηoff], respectively, we deduce a value for the ratio of the rms end-to-end distances of the SCLCP parallel and perpendicular to the nematic director, R∥/R⊥ = 1.17 ± 0.02 via application of the Brochard hydrodynamic model, which indicates that the polymer has a slightly prolate shape. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements reveal a numerically similar value for the corresponding ratio of apparent rms radii of gyration, Rg∥/Rg⊥ = 1.12 ± 0.06, for the SCLCP dissolved in deuterated 5CB. Observations of the shear stress transient response of a homeotropic monodomain indicate that, at a concentration between 0.01 and 0.02 g/mL, the solution exhibits a transition from director-aligning to director-tumbling behavior. This resul...
Simulating IC reliability with emphasis on process-flaw related early failures

A Monte-Carlo reliability simulator for integrated circuits (IC) that incorporates the effects of process flaws, material properties, the mask layout, and use conditions is presented. The mask layout is decomposed into distinct objects, such as contiguous metal runs, vias, contacts, and gate-oxides, for which user-defined distributions are used for determining the failure probability. These distributions are represented by a mixture of defect-related and wearout-related distributions. The failure distributions for nets (sets of interconnected layout objects) are obtained by combining the distributions of their component objects. System reliability is obtained by applying control variate sampling to the logic network which is comprised of all nets. The effects of k-out-of-n substructures within the reliability network are accounted for. The methodology is illustrated by the effect of particulate-induced defects on metal runs and vias in a simple test circuit. The results qualitatively verify the methodology and show that predictions which incorporate failures due to process flaws are appreciably more pessimistic than those obtained from current practice.
13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy detection of changes in serine isotopomers reflects changes in mitochondrial redox status

The glycine cleavage system (GCS), the major pathway of glycine catabolism in liver, is found only in the mitochondria matrix and is regulated by the oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+) )/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) ratio. In conjunction with serine hydroxymethyltransferase, glycine forms the 1 and 2 positions of serine, while the 3 position is formed exclusively by GCS. Therefore, we sought to exploit this pathway to show that quantitative measurements of serine isotopomers in liver can be used to monitor the NAD(+) /NADH ratio using (13) C NMR spectroscopy. Rat hepatocytes were treated with modulators of GCS activity followed by addition of 2-(13) C-glycine, and the changes in the proportions of newly synthesized serine isotopomers were compared to controls. Cysteamine, a competitive inhibitor of GCS, prevented formation of mitochondrial 3-(13) C-serine and 2,3-(13) C-serine isotopomers while reducing 2-(13) C-serine by 55%, demonstrating that ca. 20% of glycine-derived serine is produced in the cytosol. Glucagon, which activates GCS activity, and the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-3-chlorophenylhydrazone both increased serine isotopomers, whereas rotenone, an inhibitor of complex I, had the opposite effect. These results demonstrate that (13) C magnetic resonance spectroscopy monitoring of the formation of serine isotopomers in isolated rat hepatocytes given 2-(13) C-glycine reflects the changes of mitochondrial redox status.
Type Decomposition and the Rectangular AFD Property for W*-TRO’s

We study the type decomposition and the rectangular AFD property for W�-TRO's. Like von Neumann algebras, every W � -TRO can be uniquely decomposed into the direct sum of W � - TRO's of type I, type II, and type III. We may further consider W � -TRO's of type Im,n with cardinal numbers m and n, and consider W � -TRO's of type II�,µ with �,µ = 1 or ∞. It is shown that every separable stable W � -TRO (which includes type I1,1, type II1,1 and type III) is TRO-isomorphic to a von Neumann algebra. We also introduce the rectangular version of the approximately finite dimensional property for W � -TRO's. One of our major results is to show that a separable W � -TRO is injective if and only if it is rectangularly approximately finite dimensional. As a consequence of this result, we show that a dual operator space is injective if and only if its operator predual is a rigid rectangular OL1,1+ space (equivalently, a rectangular OL1,1+ space).
Microwave spectrum, ground state structure and dipole moment of thioformaldehyde.

The microwave spectrum of the reactive species thioformaldehyde (H2CS) has been studied in the ground vibrational state. Rotational transitions in H212C32S, H213C32S, H212C34S, and D212C32S have been measured and assigned. A detailed centrifugal distortion analysis has been carried out on the species H212C32S with a total of 27 transitions up to J = 27 fit to a standard deviation of 26 kHz. Rotational constants obtained from these four isotopic species have been used to obtain the following completely substituted structure: rSC = 1.6108(9)A, rCH = 1.0925(9)A, and <HCH = 116.87(5)°. The dipole moment of H2CS was found to be μ = 1.6474(14) Debye from Stark effect measurements on the J = 101 ← 000 transition. The typical reactive half-life of this new species was found to be about 6 min in a static system.
Cryptanalysis of the blind signatures based on the discrete logarithm problem

Carmenisch et al. proposed a blind signature scheme based on the discrete logarithm during the rump session of Eurocrypt '94. Horster et al. generalised this approach to design the Meta blind signature schemes. The author points out that these schemes cannot provide true blind signatures.
Subchronic racemic gamma vinyl-GABA produces weight loss in Sprague Dawley and Zucker fatty rats.

Given the growing obesity epidemic, pressure to develop an effective pharmacologic treatment is mounting. Following the completion of a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial as well as two small open label trials, gamma vinyl-GABA (GVG) has been shown to be safe and effective for treating cocaine and/or methamphetamine dependence. In an extension of these findings, the present study examined whether GVG could produce weight loss in adolescent as well as genetically obese animals. Specifically, adolescent Sprague Dawley and adolescent and adult Zucker fatty rats received GVG at various doses (75–300 mg/kg, i.p., racemic) for treatment periods lasting no longer than 14 consecutive days. GVG produced significant weight loss in a dose dependent fashion in all groups. These effects were marked, as average decreases of 12–20% of original body weight were observed. These findings suggest that GVG may be useful as a treatment for obesity. Further, that these results occurred in genetically obese animals offers the possibility that GVG may even help manage severe obesity resulting from binge-eating, a disorder involving food consumption in a pattern similar to the compulsive drug-seeking behavior observed in cocaine and methamphetamine dependent subjects. Synapse 62:870–872, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Parenting styles and body mass index trajectories from adolescence to adulthood.

Objective Parenting styles such as authoritarian, disengaged, or permissive are thought to be associated with greater adolescent obesity risk than an authoritative style. This study assessed the relationship between parenting styles and changes in body mass index (BMI) from adolescence to young adulthood.
Actinomyces septicus from human endocarditis.

Abstract 1.1. A branching filamentous organism was obtained on four occasions during February 1944, in cultures of blood from a patient with bacterial endocarditis. 2.2. This organism exhibited the characteristics of a micro-aerophilic actinomyces, irregularly gram-positive and not acid-fast. 3.3. It was susceptible to the action of penicillin but became more resistant to this agent after prolonged cultivation in vitro. 4.4. Bacteria belonging to the Actinomycetaceae have been reported in cultures of the blood during life infrequently. The present microbe is evidently different from these. 5.5. The name Actinomyces septicus. nov. spec., has been tentatively suggested.
A calcimimetic agent acutely suppresses parathyroid hormone levels in patients with chronic renal failure: Rapid Communication

A calcimimetic agent acutely suppresses parathyroid hormone levels in patients with chronic renal failure. The control of hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure continues to be a problem, particularly when parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression becomes refractory to calcitriol activation of parathyroid cell 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptors. To evaluate whether parathyroid cell calcium receptor activation may be useful in suppressing PTH levels, we tested the safety and effectiveness of a novel calcimimetic agent in dialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism. In a prospective, dose finding study, the calcimimetic agent, NPS R-568, was administered orally to seven patients at the start of a hemodialysis session and again 24 hours later. Plasma PTH, calcitonin and ionized calcium levels were measured over a 48 hour period and patients were observed for adverse events. Plasma PTH levels fell abruptly in all patients after a single dose of the compound, with the maximum suppression occurring within one to two hours after its administration. Following the administration of low doses (40 or 80 mg), the suppressed PTH levels rose to baseline values over 48 hours, whereas in patients who received high doses (120 or 200 mg) the mean PTH level remained 51% below baseline. Plasma calcitonin increased after the administration of both low and high doses (peak effect within 4 to 6 hr), with levels always returning to baseline by 48 hours. There were no episodes of hypocalcemia and no adverse effects were reported. We conclude that the activation of parathyroid cell calcium receptors by a novel calcimimetic compound is safe and effective in acutely suppressing PTH secretion in dialysis patients with hyperparathyroidism. Whether concomitant stimulation of calcitonin secretion will provide added beneficial effects on bone remodeling remains to be determined in long-term studies.
High molecular weight fragments of R17 bacteriophage RNA produced by pancreatic ribonuclease.

Abstract Limited digestion of R17 RNA with pancreatic ribonuclease A (0.4mμg RNase/100 μg RNA for 30 min at 0 °C) results in the production of at least ten fragments seen as discrete bands when analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Molecular weights of the fragments were calculated from their mobilities using the mobilities and molecular weights of 16 and 23 s Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA for calibration. Fragments derived from the 3′-end of the parent molecule were identified, (1) by reacting sodium periodate oxidized R17 RNA with [ 14 C]isonicotinic hydrazide, digesting with RNase, and analyzing the distribution of radioactivity after sucrose gradient centrifugation; or (2) by reducing periodated R17 RNA with [ 3 H]NaBH 4 , digesting, and then analyzing the distribution of radioactivity in nucleosides after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Four fragments, all larger than half molecules are derived largely from the 3′-end of the parent molecule. Of the six fragments which are smaller than half molecules, only one (mol. wt = 410,000) appeared to have originated primarily from the 3′-end of the original genome. The molecular weights and the distribution of 3′-termini suggest that six of the fragments are the results of three scissions in the 5′-half of the molecule.
3D imager using dual color-balanced lights

A novel method for grabbing 3D shape of an object is proposed. It uses a pair of color-coded light sources to create a 3D-coordinated illumination space. The intensities of two modulation colors are complementally balanced, which makes the sum of the intensities of the colors a constant. This method demonstrates the abilities of uniquely representing any point in the 3D-coordinated illumination space, reducing the measuring problems in blind area, and compensating the effect caused by changes of surface color and reflection. In addition, this method has the ability of acquiring the 3D shape information in parallel and the algorithm is fairly simple, so the 3D imaging speed is basically restricted by the frame rate of the color CCD camera.