cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FABP7 is a key metabolic regulator in HER2+ breast cancer brain metastasis

Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in breast cancer patients is associated with increased incidence of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM), but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Here, to identify brain-predominant genes critical for the establishment of BCBM, we conducted an in silico screening analysis and identified that increased levels of fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) correlate with a lower survival and higher incidence of brain metastases in breast cancer patients. We validated these findings using HER2+ BCBM cells compared with parental breast cancer cells. Importantly, through knockdown and overexpression assays, we characterized the role of FABP7 in the BCBM process in vitro and in vivo. Our results uncover a key role of FABP7 in metabolic reprogramming of HER2 + breast cancer cells, supporting a glycolytic phenotype and storage of lipid droplets that enable their adaptation and survival in the brain microenvironment. In addition, FABP7 is shown to be required for upregulation of key metastatic genes and pathways, such as integrins-Src and VEGFA, and for the growth of HER2+ breast cancer cells in the brain microenvironment in vivo. Together, our results support FABP7 as a potential target for the treatment of HER2+ BCBM.
Telemedicine for infectious disease care—how do we measure the true value?

Telemedicine technologies are increasingly being used to deliver healthcare services because of their potential to eliminate distance barriers and improve access to care. Additionally, telemedicine has led to the improved clinical outcomes and cost-savings as demonstrated by multiple studies in different disease populations (1-4). Findings from these studies include reduction in hospitalizations and use of other acute healthcare services, as well as improvement in the quality of life, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction particularly in patients with chronic diseases (1-4).
Intraepithelial carcinoma of the vulva.

Abstract Between 1940 and 1971, there have been 114 vulvar carcinomas seen in our oncology service, which included 24 intraepithelial carcinomas, an incidence of 21 per cent. The importance of age, gross appearance of the lesion, and secondary primary malignancies have been discussed. Intraepithelial carcinoma, when present, is more apt to be found in leukoplakic areas of the vulva, and the coexistence of intraepithelial carcinoma of the cervix is relatively common. Histologic differentiation of the various types of intraepithelial carcinoma remains an academic issue since similar therapeutic modalities are applied to all histologic varieties. Although the curative therapeutic modality is somewhat controversial, we feel that simple vulvectomy is the surgical procedure of choice. With the exclusion of unrelated deaths, the survival rate in the present series is 100 per cent. A plea is repeated for early diagnosis and prompt curative therapy.
In situ formed methyl-co-(bis-R) silsesquioxane based polymer networks with solvent controlled pore size distributions and high surface areas

High surface area materials are of considerable interest for gas and analyte storage/capture, molecular sieving, catalyst supports, and slow release delivery systems. This paper set out to gain a fundamental understanding of the influence reaction parameters have on structure–property relationships of fluoride-catalyzed methylsilsesquioxane based porous networks. For this study, twelve solvents of varying polarities were used and were compared for their effect on gelation and final properties related to porosity, hydrophobicity, and solvent uptake. We find that solvent choice and water compatibility plays an extremely important role in gaining specific pore size distributions, surface areas and gel types, with a consistent cross-linker size and length. Reactions conducted in acetonitrile and dichloromethane offer surface areas >1000 m2 g−1, but with acetonitrile being mesopore dominant and having global gel formation versus dichloromethane, which is micropore dominant and gave gel particles. The difference in these reactions comes from their variances in solvation of monomer/oligomer and water. In addition to these findings, swelling studies of gels made from acetonitrile result in >700% by mass solvent reabsorption after drying out. This study enhances the toolbox for continued improvement and development of thermally stable, selective analyte uptake, porous materials.
Rheology in the Shear Jamming Regime

Dense suspensions of hard particles in a Newtonian liquid can be jammed by shear when the applied stress exceeds a certain threshold. However, this jamming transition from a fluid into a solidified state cannot be probed with conventional steady-state rheology because the stress distribution inside the material cannot be controlled with sufficient precision. Here we introduce and validate a method that overcomes this obstacle. Rapidly propagating shear fronts are generated and used to establish well-controlled local stress conditions that sweep across the material. Exploiting such transient flows, we can track how a dense suspension approaches its shear-jammed state dynamically, and quantitatively map out the onset stress for solidification in a state diagram.
Black mothers’ recreational choices for their children: a critical race theory story

Using critical race theory (CRT), this paper examined how race influenced Black mothers’ recreational choices for their children. In presenting the findings, this paper used storytelling inspired b...
Strengthening American War Crimes Accountability

The United States needs to improve accountability for its service members’ war crimes. President Donald J. Trump dangerously intensified a growing national misunderstanding regarding the critical nexus between compliance with the laws of war and the health and efficacy of the U.S. military. This Article pushes back against such confusion by demonstrating why compliance with the laws of war, and accountability for violations of these laws, together constitute vital duties owed to our women and men in uniform. This Article reveals that part of the fog of war surrounding criminal accountability for American war crimes is due to structural defects in American military law. It analyzes such defects, including the military’s failure to prosecute war crimes as war crimes. It carefully highlights the need for symmetry between the disparate American approaches to its enemies’ war crimes and its own service members’ battlefield offenses. To help close the current war crimes accountability deficit, we propose a comprehensive statutory remedial scheme that includes: the enumeration of specific war crimes for military personnel analogous to those applicable to unlawful enemy belligerents as found in the Military Commissions Act; the formal addition of command responsibility liability doctrine to military criminal law; the provision of criminal defenses relevant to war crimes allegations; and the extension of court-martial jurisdiction over all enemy belligerents using the same enumerated war crimes proposed for U.S. service members.
Breast Cancer Risk and Screening in Transgender Individuals

There are over 1.4 million individuals who identify as transgender in the USA, and these individuals are frequently treated with cross-sex hormonal therapy (CSH) to acquire their desired phenotype. Simultaneously, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the USA, and there are mixed data on how CSH may influence breast cancer development in transgender individuals. Here, we review the barriers that exist to health access in this population, the current evidence of breast cancer risk in transgender individuals, and breast cancer screening guidelines for both transgender women and men. A large portion of the transgender population report barriers that exist to accessing appropriate healthcare, some of which are directly related to poor interactions with healthcare providers. From both systemic reviews and large retrospective studies, it appears that while transgender females have a lower rate of breast cancer development compared to cis-gender females, transgender males have a higher rate of breast cancer development compared to cis-gender males. While several organizations have released screening guidelines for transgender persons, there is a lack of consensus on optimal screening regimens. In addition, there are no formal recommendations by the American Cancer Society or the United States Preventative Task Force for breast cancer screening in transgender persons. The risk of breast cancer development in transgender individuals is different compared to that of the cis-gender population. Further prospective data are needed to appropriately quantify these risks and to assess what is the appropriate breast cancer screening recommendations for this population.
Antioxidant Combo Therapy Protects White Matter After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ensuing oxidative stress promotes the secondary brain damage that encompasses both grey matter and white matter. As this contributes to the long-term neurological deficits, decreasing oxidative stress during the acute period of TBI is beneficial. While NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is the major producer of ROS, transcription factor Nrf2 that induces antioxidant enzymes promotes efficient ROS disposal. We recently showed that treatment with an antioxidant drug combo of apocynin (NOX2 inhibitor) and TBHQ (Nrf2 activator) protects the grey matter in adult mice subjected to TBI. We currently show that this antioxidant combo therapy given at 2 h and 24 h after TBI also protects white matter in mouse brain. Thus, the better functional outcomes after TBI in the combo therapy treated mice might be due to a combination of sparing both grey matter and white matter. Hence, the antioxidant combo we tested is a potent therapeutic option for translation in future.
Systematic Review of Nicotine Exposure's Effects on Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells.

While various modalities of chronic nicotine use have been associated with numerous negative consequences to human health, one possible benefit of nicotine exposure has been uncovered. The discovery of an inverse correlation between smoking and Parkinson’s disease, and later Alzheimer’s disease as well, motivated investigation of nicotine as a neuroprotective agent. Some studies have demonstrated that nicotine elicits improvements in cognitive function. The hippocampus, along with the subventricular zone (SVZ), is a distinct brain region that allow for ongoing postnatal neurogenesis throughout adulthood and plays a major role in certain cognitive behaviors like learning and memory. Therefore, one hypothesis underlying nicotine-induced neuroprotection is possible effects on neural stem cells and neural precursor cells. On the other hand, nicotine withdrawal frequently leads to cognitive impairments, particularly in hippocampal-dependent behaviors, possibly suggesting an impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis with nicotine exposure. This review discusses the current body of evidence on nicotine’s effects on neural stem cells and neural progenitors. Changes in neural stem cell proliferation, survival, intracellular dynamics, and differentiation following acute and chronic nicotine exposure are examined.
Neutrality Powers Energy and Forestalls Climate Change

Neutrality Powers Energy and Forestalls Climate Change, 9 Journal of Climate and Energy Law 1 (2018), by Catherine J.K. Sandoval argues that enforceable net neutrality rules are necessary to protect critical infrastructure such as the energy, water, and communications sectors. This Article argues that net neutrality−the principle that users should be able to access and distribute the Internet content of their choice without an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) interference−is essential to electric grid reliability, safety, cost-effectiveness, and the reduction of electric sector Greenhouse Gases and black carbon emissions that drive climate change. This Article contends that the FCC’s failure to address the impact of net neutrality’s repeal on critical infrastructure, the corruption of the FCC’s comment process by those who allegedly used stolen identities to file comments, and the FCC’s baffling tolerance of those allegedly false filings, merit vacatur of the FCC’s Order as arbitrary and capricious decision-making in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act. This article explores the interdependence of the electricity sector and the open and neutral internet, analyzing federal and California state law and policy that infused communications and information technologies into the distributed energy ecosystem. It examines the potential harms of ISP paid priority deals for electric reliability, safety, rates, and the environment. It analyzes the limits of antitrust, unfair competition, consumer protection laws, and disclosure rules which provide no redress for harms to energy safety, reliability, costs, and the environment, in contrast to the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order. This article argues that legally enforceable net neutrality rules are warranted to protect critical infrastructure, energy reliability, the economy, national security, public safety, democracy, and the open Internet.
Design optimization and heat transfer enhancement of energy storage based solar thermal collector

Abstract The application of solar collectors in water heating systems has attracted attentions in recent years, however, due to the inconsistency of solar radiation, performance of such systems will diminish over time. In this study, performance optimization of a heat pipe evacuated tube solar collector integrated with phase change materials (PCMs), is investigated under normal and on-demand operations. In phase-I, the effect of heat pipe position and in phase-II, the effect of various PCMs are investigated. The results from phase-I show phase change process of PCM was expedited by 48 min under on-demand operation compared with conventional system, where in normal operation, thermal storage enhancement is achieved by 24% increase in PCM’s melting fraction. In phase-II, the selected PCMs are tritriacontane paraffin, xylitol, and erythritol. In normal mode, the paraffin tube exhibited total energy storage of 295.39 kJ/kg, however, the fin temperature of xylitol tube was around 10 °C higher compared with the other tubes throughout the day. In on-demand operation, erythritol tube shows energy storage of 413.15 kJ/kg, however, the paraffin tube shows fin temperature difference of 14 °C compared with other tubes. Consequently, utilization of paraffin/xylitol in normal and paraffin/erythritol in on-demand operation is recommended to enhance system’s thermal performance.
Sensor Fusion of Vision, Kinetics, and Kinematics for Forward Prediction During Walking With a Transfemoral Prosthesis

Powered lower limb prostheses utilize activity specific controllers, where predicting desired activity and transitioning in a timely manner is essential for seamless locomotion without trips. Previously research considered EMG and mechanical sensors for these predictions; however, predictability must be improved to ensure safe usage. Previously we showed that combining features from mechanical sensors, EMG and Vision yielded greater repeatability, greater separability and lower variability. Here we compare performance of offline forward prediction systems combining these different sensor modalities. We trained and tested subject-specific classifiers for steady-state and transition steps, with data from 8 able-bodied subjects, 4 able-bodied subjects walking with a powered knee-ankle prosthesis using a bypass socket, and a single transfemoral amputee walking with a knee-ankle prosthesis. Fusing Mechanical, EMG, and Vision features produced the best classification for all subjects, with transition error rates in the range of 1% and steady-state error rates close to 0%. Though generalizability was good across able-bodied subjects, it was poor when training with able-bodied or bypass subjects and testing with our amputee subject, regardless of sensor modality, particularly for transition steps. Therefore, we believe a general classifier will require inclusion of amputee training data. Future work will test more subjects and continue development of a general control system.
Promise and challenge of systemic sclerosis therapies.

The development of treatments for systemic sclerosis has historically been hampered by the clinical heterogeneity of the disease and limited understanding of its pathogenesis. Encouragingly, advances including the identification of important molecular targets and improvements in clinical trial design have now greatly increased the number of investigative therapies.
Evaluation of early post-natal pig mammary gland development and human breast cancer gene expression

Abstract Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women after lung cancer, and only 5% of patients with metastatic breast cancer survive beyond ten years of diagnosis. Considering the heterogeneous subclasses of breast cancer, current cancer models have shortfalls due to copy number variants, and genetic differences of humans and immunocompromised animal models. Preclinical studies indicate stem cell activity in early post-natal mammary development may be reactivated in the human adult as a trigger to initiate cell proliferation leading to breast cancer. The goal of the work reported herein was to compare genetic expression of early development, post-natal pig mammary glands to the literature reported genes implicated in different subclasses of human breast cancer. Differentially expressed genes associated with breast cancer and present in early developing pig samples include NUCB2, ANGPTL4 and ACE. Histological staining confirmed E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and Claudin-1, which are all implicated in malignant cancer. Due to the homology of gene expression patterns in the developing pig mammary gland and reported genes in human breast cancer profiles, this research is worthy of further study to address a potential model using mammary development cues to unravel breast cancer biology.
Web reporting made easy

Much of today's focus on client-server computing is turning towards three-tier web-based applications using either an open source model or the Microsoft model. In either case, creating web-based reports that are not only easy to read from the web but are also in a clean printable 8.5x11 format is a challenge. Typically, in a standard web report data is pulled from a database and then formatted for output using middle-tier code and HTML tables. The report is formatted for screen display and not the printed page.This tutorial will demonstrate a solution to make web reporting easy. The Microsoft model will be used for the three-tier application. The architecture used will be a Windows 2000 server running IIS web-server and SQL Server 2000. The middle-tier used will be ASP (VBScript) along with a custom COM object created during the tutorial that will instantiate MS Access in order to utilize the reporting engine. Each participant will receive a fully documented HOW-TO manual to guide them through the implementation of such a solution within their environment.
Some Basic Concepts on Flow in Branching Conduits

Phenomenological explanations are given of the mechanisms associated with "nondisturbed" and "disturbed" flows in branching conduits, as well as straight ducts. Four categories of flow conditions are defined covering situations ranging from deep in the laminar regime (R less than 10) to high in the complete turbulent regime. Analytical concepts are reviewed and guidelines are presented for the construction of a standardized laboratory test apparatus. Protocols are presented to aid the design engineer in the calculation of energy losses in pipe flow resulting from fittings, with particular reference to the combining and dividing flows for pipe tees, branches, and manifolds. /Author/
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide stimulates secretion in T84 cells

Pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating peptide (PA-CAP) and PACAP-27 are novel hypothalamic peptides that can stimulate adenylate cyclase in cultured anterior pituitary cells. Because these peptides are present in the gut and are homologous with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), itself known to stimulate intestinal ion transport, we examined the effects of these peptides on the T84 colonocyte cell line. Using cells grown on semipermeable supports and mounted in Ussing chambers, we showed that PACAP and PACAP-27 potently activate intestinal secretion. The half-maximal secretory response was produced with 0.5 nmol/L PA-CAP and 0.1 nmol/L PACAP-27. PACAP resembled VIP in that it stimulated a secretory response potentiated by carbachol, inhibited by bumetanide and barium chloride, and not further stimulated by the subsequent addition of VIP. Like VIP, PACAP also stimulated 5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and the phosphorylation of cellular proteins known to be substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In addition, PACAP inhibited 125I-VIP binding to T84 cells, and the secretion it stimulated was reduced by the VIP receptor antagonist, L-8-K. Thus PACAP and PACAP-27 potently stimulate colonocyte ion transport via mechanisms mediated by the VIP receptor and cAMP-dependent signaling.
N,N,N′,N″,N″‐Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine

[3030-47-5] C9H23N3 (MW 173.35) InChI = 1S/C9H23N3/c1-10(2)6-8-12(5)9-7-11(3)4/h6-9H2,1-5H3 InChIKey = UKODFQOELJFMII-UHFFFAOYSA-N (ligand for lithium which enhances the reactivity of organolithium compounds) Alternate Names: PMDTA; PMDETA. Physical Data: mp −20 °C; bp 198 °C; d 0.830 g cm−3; nD 1.4420. Solubility: sl sol H2O; sol ethanol, acetone, ethers, alkanes. Form Supplied in: liquid; widely available. Drying: distilled from CaH2 at 10 mmHg, then stored under N2 or argon in the absence of moisture and oxygen. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: use in a fume hood.
Determining an efficient structure for the US R&D enterprise: the onion model

How should federal sponsors of R&D in the United States select among major performing sectors, including universities, industry, national laboratories, and federal government laboratories? A sequential strategy for assigning roles and missions to the performing sectors is proposed, whereby primary assignments help to explain secondary assignments, and both help to explain further assignments. The highly decentralized choice of R&D performers in the United States is beneficial on balance, though vigilance against extraneous bureaucratic and political interference is necessary. These perspectives are contrasted with arguments behind two recommendations of a committee recently organized by the US National Academy of Sciences. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Modeling Vehicle Operations with Wireless Communication Using Hybrid System

This paper introduces the concept of using a hybrid system to model vehicle's operation with wireless communication. The hybrid system models the logic and differential-difference dynamics of the vehicle operation with the processed communication message as the input event. Examples and simulation results are presented to illustrate the modeling.
Presidential Leadership: Skill in Context

The essay illustrates the value of studying individual presidents consecutively across time in order to compare and assess the relative importance of personal political skill in political and historical contexts. The presidency is the primary source of moral agency in American politics, and policy and agency occur in the leadership of individuals. An analytic framework to compare presidents encompasses the historical context; the skill factor; leadership strategies and tactics; and the assessment of results of skill in contexts. Use of the framework will permit systematic comparison of presidents in relation to the ad hoc ahistorical comparisons that permeate journalism and some scholarship. Narratives of leadership in domestic, economic, and foreign policy are presented for presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. This approach achieves an understanding of presidential leadership that cannot be achieved by work that bemoans the small N and focuses on pieces of the presidential institution, without including the president, because the dynamics of leadership shape the institution more than the reverse. Among the conclusions are that skill and context reinforce each other in policy achievement; skill can be effective at the margins, even in unfavorable contexts; ineptness makes a difference for the worse; and cumulative presidents may resolve policy problems across time as each contributes a step on the way.
Proposed Absolute Temperature Scale for Cerium Magnesium Nitrate below 0.003 K

The absolute temperature scale for single-crystal cerium magnesium nitrate (CMN) has been extended to entropies as low as $\frac{S}{R}=0.002$ by adiabatic demagnetization from values of $\frac{H}{T}$ up to 68 kOe/K. The temperature dependence of the highly anisotropic angular distribution of the 255-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray from oriented $^{137m}\mathrm{Ce}$ in the CMN provided the thermometric parameter. The nuclear-orientation results were interpreted with the spin Hamiltonian $\mathcal{H}={g}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{\beta}{H}_{x}{S}_{x}+B({S}_{x}{I}_{x}+{S}_{y}{I}_{y})$, where ${H}_{x}$ is a calculated dipolar field. The hyperfine-structure constant $B$ was determined by normalizing the higher-temperature nuclear-orientation results to the calorimetric results of Hudson and Kaeser and of Mess et al. at high entropies. A provisional temperature scale, based on both our nuclear-orientation results and the calorimetric work, is proposed. This scale is compared in detail with the results from earlier studies of CMN. The $^{137m}\mathrm{Ce}$ $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray thermometer was also used to investigate the thermal behavior of cerium zinc nitrate (CZN). The preliminary nuclear-orientation results indicate a high degree of similarity between CZN and CMN.
Ultrafast Excited-State Dynamics and Photochemistry of Base-off Adenosylcobalamin and n-Propylcobalamin

UV-visible femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate the photochemistry of base-off cobalamins. The results highlight the influence of the lower axial ligand on the electronic structure and the reactivity of the C-Co bond.
AN EVALUATION OF THE BENTLEY PFF-100 TRANSFUSION FILTER

The effects of a new transfusion filter (Bentley PFF-100) on stored whole blood have been examined. Six filters were preloaded by passage of two units of outdated type-specific bank blood and the effects of filtration on a third unit of 21-day-old blood flowing under 19.95 kPa (150 mm Hg) pressure were measured. Filtration did not significantly alter erythrocyte or leukocyte count, total or plasma haemoglobin, red cell fragility, plasma sodium, potassium, albumin, or globulin. Platelet counts were reduced by 31%. Removal of microaggregates, assessed by Coulter counting, screen filtration pressure, total screen protein, wet and dry weight of material retained and scanning electron microscopy, was shown to be effective over the entire range of particle size. In comparison with other transfusion filters previously examined in this laboratory, the Bentley PFF-100 filter combines the feature of moderately efficient microaggregate removal with rapid blood flow rate. Compared to its predecessor, the Bentley PF-127, this new filter design has improved flow characteristics without loss of efficiency of microaggregate removal.
Regulating translation of maternal messages: multiple repression mechanisms

The dowry of mRNAs and proteins that mothers provide their progeny as part of a common developmental strategy to permit rapid embryogenesis necessitates precise translational regulation of the deposited mRNAs. Recent studies with Drosophila uncovered diverse mechanisms to control translation of the transcripts for genes that control the cell cycle and embryonic patterning. The newly delineated mechanisms include: alternative ways to disrupt eIF4E action and the formation of the preinitiation complex by the eIF4E homologous protein, d4EHP; recruitment of the deadenylase complex by the SMAUG and PUMILIO proteins; both poly(A)-dependent and -independent promotion of translation by the PNG kinase complex; and 5′ cap-independent translational regulation by BRUNO.
Me: A Self-Concept Scale, Revised Norms:

The Me Scale is a measure of self-concept for use with gifted and talented youth. It focuses on perceptions of self as a highly able or talented person. Expanded and updated norms, based upon a sample of 931 gifted students in Grades 3 to 10, were developed for the Me Scale and are presented in this report.
NEW ISSUES IN POLICY ANALYSIS—OR AN OLD AGENDA?

The logic of policy analysis in Grover Starling's critique of my article was but a vehicle for his real concern, which is a scathing attack on the Nicaraguan revolution. His criticism that I didnlt use comparative data confuses levels of analysis since my study does not focus on the national level. His argument about the contras not operating in the cotton region fails because the Sandinistas were active and successful there. tie also is mistaken in equating contra aggression with the activity of the Sandinistas against the people of the Atlantic Coast; Sandinistas have committed little in the way of human rights violations. The contras are not llrebels” but really dominated by followers of Somoza. The need for honest and open dialog about Nicaragua is not served by Starlingls veiling of his political agenda within a methodological analysis.
The role of certification in service relationships: Theory and empirical evidence

Abstract In this paper we draw upon multiple theoretical perspectives and develop a conceptual framework regarding the role of certification signals in service relationships. The central premise of this study is that sellers who use certification display for making promises also institute appropriate mechanisms for controlling service providers. Furthermore we hypothesize that the degree of certification display and agent screening is moderated by the relative costs of certification and screening respectively. We empirically test our model by analyzing data from a mail survey of automotive service managers. Our results support the theoretical notion that building customer relationships involves making and keeping promises in service delivery.
Inside Millennium Development Goal 4

* Abbreviations: MDG — : Millennium Development Goal U5MR — : under-5 mortality rate UN — : United Nations This Pediatrics Perspectives column traces the origins of the promises and commitments made to decrease global under-5 mortality. The disparities that exist worldwide are extraordinarily large, although significant progress has been made since the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Dr Spector traces the origins and challenges of Goal 4 (of 8) that relate specifically to this issue. Although overall survival rates are improving, outcome gaps in under-5 mortality have widened between rich and poor nations. Clearly, the MDGs must be looked at as a large package. There are specific measurements for each goal, but success in 1 area influences the outcomes in the others. Our advocacy efforts should focus on improving the lives of the world's poorest people broadly. World leaders have committed to achieving the MDGs by 2015. We all need to use our influence and personal resources to push the international community to succeed in eliminating extreme poverty and hunger everywhere, ultimately allowing for elimination of the growing health disparities among the affluent and poorest nations . —Jay E. Berkelhamer, MD Editor, Global Health Perspectives The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been dubbed the “world's biggest promise.”1 At the turn of the 21st century, 189 (now 192) United Nations (UN) member states agreed to support the most comprehensive poverty reduction objectives ever established (Table 1).2,3 Child mortality is addressed through Goal 4: reduction of the global under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015, equivalent to an annual drop rate of 4.3% (Table 2).4 In 1990, the U5MR was estimated at 84 of 1000 live births, and 11.9 million largely preventable child deaths took place. If MDG 4 could be achieved, 30 million children would be saved by 2015.2 Since their launch, the MDGs have been … Address correspondence to Jonathan M. Spector, MD, MPH, Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, 4th Floor, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: jspector{at}hsph.harvard.edu
Double K -shell-to- K -shell electron transfer in ion-atom collisions

In this paper we present the first study of the role of double K-shell-to-K-shell electron transfer in heavy-ion--atom collisions. Consistent analysis procedures for obtaining total cross sections for both single and double K-shell-to-K-shell electron transfer are outlined based on the charge-state dependence of the total x-ray-production cross sections for K-shell satellite and hypersatellite x rays, respectively. Theoretical calculations for the single and double electron-transfer cross sections based on the two-state atomic expansion model and the independent-electron approximation are presented and are found to be in excellent agreement with experiment.
Inhibition of immunoglobulin production by parathyroid hormone. Implications in chronic renal failure

Inhibition of immunoglobulin production by parathyroid hormone. Implications in chronic renal failure. Available data indicate that B cell proliferation is inhibited in chronic renal failure and this is due to excess blood levels of PTH. This defect may also affect immunoglobulin production. We examined production of IgG, IgM and IgA by B cells stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I (SAC) or with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) after eight days of culture and evaluated the effect of PTH on this process in 34 hemodialysis patients and 44 normal subjects. IgG, IgM and IgA production by B cells from patients was lower (P
Annealing response of point defects in off-stoichiometric Mo5SiB2 phase

Dislocations and planar faults are found to develop in the Mo5SiB2 phase during elevated temperature annealing. The dislocations formed in Mo5SiB2 of annealed alloys are mostly edge dislocations with the Burgers vectors of 〈100], 1/2〈111], and 〈110]. For the Mo-rich Mo5SiB2 phase that formed in a Mo–10Si–20B alloy, a significant amount of constitutional vacancies is introduced during solidification, and the excess vacancies aggregate and collapse into dislocations. At the same time, these dislocations can act as the heterogeneous nucleation sites for the subsequent Mo precipitation. For the Mo-lean Mo5SiB2 phase that formed in a Mo–13Si–28B alloy, the constitutional defects are not significant for the development of dislocations.
Potent inhibition of protein-tyrosine phosphatase by phosphotyrosine-mimic containing cyclic peptides.

In an effort to derive potent and bioavailable protein-tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, we have previously reported hexameric peptides based on the epidermal growth factor receptor sequence EGFR988–993 (Asp-Ala-Asp-Glu-Xxx-Leu, where Xxx = Tyr), in which the tyrosyl residue has been replaced by the non-hydrolyzable phosphotyrosyl mimics phosphonomethylphenylalanine (Pmp), difluorophosphonomethylphenylalanine (F2Pmp) and O-malonyltyrosine (OMT). Inhibitory potencies (IC50 values) of these peptides against the tyrosine phosphatase PTP 1B were 200, 0.2 and 10 μM, respectively. Since cellular penetration of peptides containing highly charged phosphonate residues is compromised, and good bioreversible protection strategies for the F2Pmp residue have not yet been reported, the OMT residue is of particular interest in that it affords potential new prodrug approaches. In the current study we have prepared cyclized versions of the OMT-containing EGFR988–993 peptide in order to increase its proteolytic stability and restrain conformational flexibility. Three different cyclic analogues were synthesized. Two of these were cyclized through the peptide backbone (‘head to tail’) using in one case a single glycine spacer (heptamer peptide) and in the second instance, two glycines (octamer peptide). In a PTP1-based assay the cyclic heptamer experienced a two-fold loss of potency (Ki= 25.2±3.9 μM) relative to the linear hexamer parent (Ki= 13±0.9 μM), while the cyclic octamer demonstrated a five-fold increase in potency (Ki= 2.60±0.11 μM).The third peptide was cyclized by means of a sulfide bridge between the side chain of a C-terminally added cysteine residue and the β-carbon of a N-terminal acetyl residue. Although the overall size of this ring was identical to that exhibited by the preceding backbone-cyclized octamer, it displayed a three-fold enhancement in potency (Ki= 0.73±0.03 μM). The structural basis for the observed results are discussed. Conformational restrictions induced by cyclization could aid in defining geometries for peptidomimetic design. Finally, it can be speculated that cyclization of other linear PTP-inhibitory peptides, such as the F2Pmp-containing hexamer, may also increase their potency.
Space Flight Middleware: Remote AMS over DTN for Delay- Tolerant Messaging

This paper describes a technique for implementing scalable, reliable, multi-source multipoint data distribution in space flight communicati ons ‐ Delay-Tolerant Reliable Multicast (DTRM) ‐ that is fully supported by the “Remote AMS” (RAMS) protocol of the Asynchronous Message Service (AMS) proposed for standardization within the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS). The DTRM architecture enables applications to easily “publish” messages that will be reliably and efficiently delivered to an arbitrary number of “subscribing” applications residing anywhere in the space network, whether in the same subnet or in a subnet on a remote planet or vehicle separated by many light minutes of interplanetary space. The architecture comprises multiple levels of protocol, each included for a specific purpose and allocated specific responsibilities: “application AMS” traffic performs end-system data introduction and delivery subject to access control; underlying “remote AMS” directs this application traffic to populations of recipients at remote locations in a multicast distribution tree, enabling the architecture to scale up to large networks; further underlying Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) Bundle Protocol (BP) advances RAMS protocol data units through the distribution tree using delay-tolerant storeand-forward methods; and further underlying reliable “convergence-layer” protocols ensure successful data transfer over each segment of the e nd-to-end route. The result is scalable, reliable, delay-tolerant multi-source multicast tha t is largely self-configuring.
Incivility in nursing education: A review of the literature

This literature review defines incivility in nursing, describes different methodologies used to study incivility in nursing, synthesizes perceptions of uncivil behaviors in nursing students and faculty, and discusses gaps in the literature and needs for future research. Nurse educators' awareness of incivility in nursing education and the need for additional research will aid in curtailing the problem of incivility in nursing education.
ASSAY OF THE BLOOD OF PREGNANT WOMEN FOR PROGESTIN1

THE ELABORATION of the intrauterine technic for assaying progesterone, by McGinty, Anderson and McCullough (1) has opened a wide field for those concerned with assaying for the hormone of the corpus luteum. The sensitivity of this method in detecting the presence of progesterone has been found to approach a minimum of 0.067 of the hormone. It was, however, indicated by the data of McGinty, Anderson and McCullough, and of Haskins (2) that although the intrauterine method of assay is very delicate as a qualitative test, it has little practical value as a quantitative assay method. Since progestin had not been demonstrated in the human blood stream, it was proposed to apply the McGinty test for progesterone to extracts of the blood of pregnant women. A progesterone-like substance has been demonstrated in the blood of the non-pregnant rhesus monkey by de Allende (3), and a similar substance demonstrated in pregnant guinea pig blood by Haskins (2). That progestin had not been previously found in human pregnanc...
Occlusion of pores of polymeric membranes with colloidal silica

The concept of surface pore modification using colloidal silica was extended to polymeric membranes. Occlusion of surface pores of commercially available polysulfone, and polyvinylidene fluoride membranes were examined using silica particles suspended in a variety of dispersing media. Impregnation techniques previously proven effective with aluminum oxide membranes did not result in uniform and defect-free impregnation of the pores of the polymeric membranes studied.
Optimizing the design of global supply chains at Dow AgroSciences

The design of the underlying supply chain network can have a tremendous impact on the profitability, manageability, and level of risk of a global supply chain. Taxes, duties, and tariffs vary from country to country as well as trading bloc to trading bloc and can consume as much as 10% of the revenues of certain products. In the highly regulated business environment of agricultural chemicals, the country of origin of an active ingredient can determine where the final product can be marketed and the amount of taxes and duties applied to the product, making it necessary to trace all batches of product through many layers of the supply chain to their sources. This article presents a mixed integer linear programming model in use at Dow AgroSciences LLC that simultaneously optimizes the network design underlying global supply chains and the monthly production and shipping schedules for maximum profitability. This work contributes to the supply chain design literature by demonstrating a novel method of tracing products to their source for inventory valuation, taxation, and duty computation in a production environment where the products change into other products as they pass through nodes in the network. It also demonstrates an iterative scheme for determining unit fixed costs for fixed cost allocation for the same purposes. Finally, it provides a case study of a supply chain design initiative in a global enterprise.
Cardiorespiratory effects produced by blockade of excitatory amino acid receptors in cats

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine the role of excitatory amino acids in controlling cardiorespiratory activity. For this purpose we administered an antagonist of both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors (kynurenic acid), and an antagonist of the NMDA receptor complex (dizocilpine, more commonly known as MK-801) i.v. to chloralose-anesthetized cats while monitoring tracheal air flow, tidal volume, respiratory rate, inspiratory and expiratory durations, end tidal CO2, arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Administration of kynurenic acid in doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg produced respiratory depression as reflected by decreases in respiratory minute volume and increases in end tidal CO2. Inspiratory duration was increased with both doses and apnea (occurring during expiration) was observed with the high dose. Apnea was preceded by an apneustic pattern of breathing. Both doses resulted in an increase in blood pressure and, with the high dose, a later decrease in blood pressure was noted. Dizocilpine in doses ranging from 0.03 to 1 mg/kg produced dose-related decreases in respiratory minute volume, and increases in end tidal CO2. In addition, dizocilpine produced increases in inspiratory duration, an apneustic pattern of breathing and apnea (occurring during inspiration). Effects on blood pressure were similar to those observed with kynurenic acid. It is concluded that blockade of excitatory amino acid receptors results in pronounced effects on cardiorespiratoty activity.
An Eulerian elasto-viscoplastic formulation for steady-state forming processes

Abstract An accurate and efficient isotropic, elasto-viscoplastic formulation is presented for modeling steady-state forming processes of practical significance. The steady-state nature of common processes such as rolling and extrusion is exploited by employing an Eulerian reference frame. Elasticity is incorporated in conjunction with a scalar internal variable constitutive model for the viscoplastic behavior. The development of the finite element formulation from the weak form of the boundary value problem and the algorithms for the integration of the constitutive equations are presented. Rolling and extrusion applications are given in which the focus is on the comparison of computed residual stresses with trends observed in experiments.
Precision in the X-ray fluorescence analysis of sixty-one Augustan quadrantes

Abstract Sixty-one Augustan quadrantes were analysed for calcium, iron, nickel, copper, silver, tin, antimony, and lead by X-ray fluorescence. Most coins contained about 99·7% copper with the other seven elements present as trace impurities. Significant differences in composition were found for the three different issues of quadrantes minted in c. 9 BC indicating that these issues were not minted exactly contemporaneously. Quadrantes minted in c. 4 BC have trace element concentrations in ranges that differ from those of the 9 BC quadrantes. The precision is very good for all trace elements (the precision of calcium was not calculated): average standard deviations are 0·0021% for Fe, 0·0026% for Ni, 0·0038% for Ag, 0·0014% for Sn, 0·0031% for Sb, and 0·015 for Pb.
Luteolin and gefitinib regulation of EGF Signaling Pathway and Cell Cycle Pathway genes in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells

cRNA microarray and real-time PCR (qPCR) studies from our lab identified five Cell Cycle Pathway (CCP) genes (CCNA2, CCNE2, CDC25A, CDKN1B, and PLK-1) as targets for luteolin in PC-3 prostate cancer cells [Shoulars et al., J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 118 (2010) 41-50]. In this paper, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of the microarray data identified 7 luteolin-regulated genes (EGFR, c-Fos, SOS, GRB2, JNK1, MKK4 and RasGAP) in the Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling Pathway (EGFSP) potentially involved in luteolin regulation of CCP genes and cell proliferation. To address these possibilities, we compared the response profiles (RNA and protein) of these EGFSP and CCP genes to luteolin and gefitinib by real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Luteolin and gefitinib are known antagonists of EGFR-associated tyrosine protein kinase. Thus, the response profiles of EGFR regulated EGFSP or CCP genes should be very similar if genes in both pathways are controlled through this common mechanism of action. Treatment of PC-3 cell with luteolin for 24h caused a 4-fold stimulation of c-Fos gene expression, significant inhibition (p<0.001) of the CCP genes and G2/M arrest. Treatment of PC-3 cells with gefitinib also inhibited most of the CCP genes in a fashion similar to that of luteolin, however, the EGFR antagonist inhibited c-Fos gene expression, stimulated CDKN1B (p27) and arrested the cells in G0/G1. Thus, although the response patterns of most of the CCP genes to luteolin or gefitinib were similar, the effects of the two compounds on EGFSP gene expression and cell cycle arrest were clearly different. Combination studies revealed that the response of EGFSP genes to luteolin was not affected by gefitinib, even though the two compounds were additive with respect to their abilities to inhibit CCNA2, CCNE2, CDC25A and PCNA. These findings suggest that luteolin and gefitinib regulate CCP gene expression through a common mechanism involving EGFR-associated tyrosine kinase. Conversely, luteolin regulates PC-3 cell proliferation through an EGFR-tyrosine kinase independent mechanism(s), likely involving the epigenetic control of gene EGFSP gene expression through histone H4 binding interactions resulting in the upregulation of c-Fos and p21 gene expression.