cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-talk between SIM2s and NFkB regulates cyclooxygenase 2 expression in breast cancer

BackgroundBreast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in the United States. Thus, there a need to investigate novel prognostic markers and therapeutic strategies. Inflammation raises challenges to both treating and preventing the spread of breast cancer. Specifically, the nuclear factor kappa b (NFkB) pathway contributes to cancer progression by stimulating proliferation and preventing apoptosis. One target gene of this pathway is PTGS2, the gene that encodes for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), which is upregulated in 40% of human breast carcinomas. COX-2 is an enzyme involved in inflammation. Here we investigate the effect of Singleminded 2s, a transcriptional tumor suppressor that is implicated in inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, in regulating NFkB and COX-2.nnMethodsWe utilized in vitro reporter assays, immunoblot analyses, qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis to dissect the relationship between NF{kappa}B, SIM2s, and COX-2. Furthermore, we utilized COX-2 targeting strategies to determine tumor suppressive activities.nnResultsOur results reveal that SIM2s attenuates the activation of a NF{kappa}B via luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, immunostaining of lysates from breast cancer cells over expressing SIM2s showed reduction in various NF{kappa}B signaling proteins, whereas knockdown of SIM2 revealed increases in the same NF{kappa}B signaling proteins. Additionally, by increasing NF{kappa}B translocation to the nucleus in DCIS.COM cells, we show that NF{kappa}B signaling can act in a reciprocal manner to decrease expression of SIM2s. Likewise, suppressing NF{kappa}B translocation in DCIS.COM cells increases SIM2s expression. We also found that NF{kappa}B/p65 represses SIM2 in via dose-dependent manner and when NF{kappa}B is suppressed the effect on the SIM2 is negated. Additionally, our CHIP analysis confirms that NF{kappa}B/p65 binds directly to SIM2 promoter site and that the NF{kappa}B sites in the SIM2 promoter are required for NFkB-mediated suppression of SIM2s. Finally, over expression of SIM2s decreases PTGS2 in vitro and COX-2 staining in vivo while decreasing PTGS2 and/or Cox-2 activity results in re-expression of SIM2. Our findings identify a novel role for SIM2s in NF{kappa}B signaling and COX-2 expression.nnConclusionsThese findings provide evidence for a mechanism where SIM2s may represses COX-2 expression to provide an overall better prognosis for breast cancer patients.
Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Deuteration on Quantum Delocalization in CH5

Statistical approaches are applied to an investigation of how deuterated forms of CH5+ sample the potential energy surface for this ion. In its ground state, CH5+ has been shown to have amplitude i...
ENZYMATIC FORMATION OF CYCLIC CMP BY MAMMALIAN TISSUES

ABSTRACT Cyclic CMP (cytidine 3′,5′-monophosphate) was identified as a product of an enzymatic reaction involving mammalian tissue, CTP and a divalent cation (Fe 2+ > Mn 2+ > Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ ). Cytidylate cyclase activity was localized primarily to the total sedimentable fraction, and less than 15% of homogenate activity was present in the soluble fraction. The sedimentable fraction lost activity upon repeated washing but regained full activity upon addition of soluble fraction. Cyclic CMP was identified as a reaction product by comparison with authentic compound in several analytical systems: column chromatography on Dowex 1-formate and on PEI cellulose; thin layer chromatography; crystallization to constant specific activity. The reaction was enzymatic in that product formation was pH-, temperature-, time- and substrate-dependent, and was inhibited by proteolytic digestion, acid or alkaline pH, boiling, high ionic strength and organic solvents. Using 0.3 mM Mn 2+ as cation, the K m and V max were 0.19 mM and 0.98 nmole/min, respectively. Cyclic CMP formation was stimulated by homogenates of: mouse liver, spleen, kidney, heart and brain; livers from rat, guinea pig and rabbit; mouse myeloid leukemic tumors. Mouse liver cytidylate cyclase activity was inhibited by certain reductants and stimulated by certain oxidants.
Leveling the core competencies of public health nursing to evaluate senior baccalaureate nursing students

Objectives This study assessed a revised instrument based on the tier one Core Competencies for Public Health Nurses. Following instrument revision, the self-reported competence of prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students was examined. Design and sample In this descriptive study, 102 senior, prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students completed a revised Core Competencies instrument prior to and immediately following completion of public health nursing courses. Parametric statistics were used to determine if there were significant differences in pre- and postcourse domain scores and the impact of selected demographic variables on postcourse domain scores. Results Pilot testing confirmed the reliability and validity of the revised instrument. A paired t test determined postcourse domain scores were significantly higher than precourse domain scores. Overall, students rated themselves as competent in all domains, with the lowest ratings of competence in policy development/program planning. Likelihood of choosing a future career in public health was significantly higher for students in traditional public health clinical settings. Conclusion The revised tier one Core Competency instrument provided information related to students' self-reported competence in public health nursing competencies. These findings provide valuable insight for development and revision of public health nursing courses ensuring a nursing workforce competent in the provision of population health.
On-chip wavefront shaping with dielectric metasurface.

Metasurfaces can be programmed for a spatial transformation of the wavefront, thus allowing parallel optical signal processing on-chip within an ultracompact dimension. On-chip metasurfaces have been implemented with two-dimensional periodic structures, however, their inherent scattering loss limits their large-scale implementation. The scattering can be minimized in single layer high-contrast transmitarray (HCTA) metasurface. Here we demonstrate a one-dimensional HCTA based lens defined on a standard silicon-on-insulator substrate, with its high transmission (<1 dB loss) maintained over a 200 nm bandwidth. Three layers of the HCTAs are cascaded for demonstrating meta-system functionalities of Fourier transformation and differentiation. The meta-system design holds potential for realizing on-chip transformation optics, mathematical operations and spectrometers, with applications in areas of imaging, sensing and quantum information processing. Metasurfaces can be programmed for a spatial transformation of the wavefront, allowing on-chip optical signal processing. Here, the authors demonstrate a one-dimensional high-contrast transmitarray metasurface-based lens on SOI substrate and demonstrate functionalities of Fourier transformation and differentiation.
Experimental investigation of assessment of the contribution of heterogeneous semi-confining shale layers on mixing and trapping of dissolved CO2 in deep geologic formations

Abstract In most conceptual models of dissolution trapping of CO2, it is assumed that mixing of dissolved supercritical CO2 and formation brine occurs through density-driven convection. In our previous modeling study, we showed that the presence of continuous low-permeability shale layers in the formations causes convective shutdown through disruption of fingers, which impacts the effectiveness of mixing and trapping processes. However, these layers are naturally heterogeneous due to variations in compositional and textural properties. In the present study, we investigate the potential effects of heterogeneity present within semi-confining low-permeability layers on the overall mixing and trapping of dissolved CO2. Since accurate field experimentation in deep geologic formations is difficult due to inability to adequately characterize geology and define boundary conditions of the formation, we designed well-controlled experiments using NaBr solution and water under laboratory conditions. We conducted intermediate-scale 3D laboratory experiments under two homogeneous and one heterogeneous multilayered sand packing configurations. The results of these experiments show that connectivity of relatively higher permeability material within the semi-confining low-permeability layers contributes to mixing through (1) brine leakage between upper and lower aquifers (reverse convection), and (2) trapping through diffusion and back diffusion of initially trapped mass due to reversed concentration gradients in the long term. These findings suggest that when estimating the effectiveness of dissolution trapping in CO2 sequestration one needs to consider possible deviations from the traditional convective mixing theory in homogeneous media. Under some conditions of natural formation heterogeneity, diffusion can contribute to trapping; in some others, it may not.
Mixed methods analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life in ambulant individuals affected with RYR1-related myopathies pre-post-N-acetylcysteine therapy.

To characterize Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in ambulant individuals with RYR1-RM and to determine if a qualitative PRO tool (subjective self-assessment) complements PROMIS and Neuro-QoL scales to detect changes in HRQoL in ambulant individuals with RYR1-RM post N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. The study used a mixed methods research (MMR) design applying methodological triangulation. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions. Quantitative data were gathered through PROMIS and Neuro-QoL instruments. Additionally, qualitative data were transformed into quantitative data for subjective self-assessment and frequency analyses. Qualitative results identified five domains and 33 subdomains as areas of interest. The most valuable were the importance of social impacts, the development of several coping strategies, both physical and psychological, and the identification of fatigue and weakness as key symptoms. Data transformation then categorized more than 3100 citations on frequency analyses, globally and by domain, visit, and participant. Regarding quantitative results, there was no clear evidence that any of the three PRO tools captured positive changes as a result of NAC treatment. Qualitative results showed a comprehensive characterization of HRQoL in this population based on a symptom/patient-centered approach. These findings will inform future studies. Furthermore, given the similar findings across our multiple methods and endpoints, the introduction of MMR may be a valuable, complementary approach to clinical trials. MMR may be especially useful to incorporate in order to address and follow the FDA’s guidance and prioritization on the inclusion of affected individuals’ perspectives in clinical trials.
W.E.B. Du Bois and interdisciplinarity: A comprehensive picture of the scholar’s approach to natural science:

Throughout his life, W.E.B. Du Bois actively engaged the scientific racism infecting natural sciences and popular thought. Nevertheless, he also demonstrated a sophisticated and critical engagement...
Ultrahigh energy resolution focusing monochromator for inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometer

A further development of a focusing monochromator concept for X-ray energy resolution of 0.1 meV and below is presented. Theoretical analysis of several optical layouts based on this concept was supported by numerical simulations performed in the “Synchrotron Radiation Workshop” software package using the physical-optics approach and careful modeling of partially-coherent synchrotron (undulator) radiation. Along with the energy resolution, the spectral shape of the energy resolution function was investigated. It was shown that under certain conditions the decay of the resolution function tails can be faster than that of the Gaussian function.
Emerging Evidence for Putative Neural Networks and Antecedents of Pediatric Anxiety in the Fetal, Neonatal, and Infant Periods

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in youth and are associated with profound individual impairment and public health costs. Research shows that clinically significant anxiety symptoms manifest in preschool-aged children, and correlates of anxiety symptoms are observable in infancy. Yet, predicting who is at risk for developing anxiety remains an enduring challenge. Predictive biomarkers of anxiety are needed before school age when anxiety symptoms typically consolidate into diagnostic profiles. Increasing evidence indicates that early neural measures implicated in anxiety and anxious temperament may be incorporated with traditional measures of behavioral risk (i.e., behavioral inhibition) to provide more robust classification of pediatric anxiety problems. This review examines the phenomenology of anxiety disorders in early life, highlighting developmental research that interrogates the putative neurocircuitry of pediatric anxiety. First, we discuss enduring challenges in identifying and predicting risk for pediatric anxiety. Second, we summarize emerging evidence for putative neural antecedents and networks underlying risk for pediatric anxiety in the fetal, neonatal, and infant periods that represent novel potential avenues for risk identification and prediction. We focus on evidence examining the importance of early amygdala and extended amygdala circuitry development to the emergence of anxiety. Finally, we discuss the utility of integrating developmental psychopathology and neuroscience to facilitate future research and clinical work.
Occupational stress, burnout, and organizational readiness for change: A longitudinal study among HIV HCPs in China.

Literature suggests that organizational readiness for change (ORC) could facilitate adaptation and implementation of new projects or practices in clinical settings. Limited data are available regar...
Beauty is in the eye of the machine.

Ansel Adams said, “There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” Is it possible to predict our fickle and subjective appraisal of ‘aesthetically pleasing’ visual art? Iigaya et al. used an artificial intelligence approach to show how human aesthetic preference can be partially explained as an integration of hierarchical constituent image features.
Toward Å–fs–meV resolution in electron microscopy: systematic simulation of the temporal spread of single-electron packets

Though efforts to improve the temporal resolution of transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) have waxed and waned for decades, with relatively recent advances routinely reaching sub-picosecond scales, fundamental and practical challenges have hindered the advance of combined A–fs–meV resolutions, particularly for core-loss spectroscopy and real-space imaging. This is due in no small part to the complexity of the approach required to access timescales upon which electrons, atoms, molecules, and materials first begin to respond and transform – attoseconds to picoseconds. Here we present part of a larger effort devoted to systematically mapping the instrument parameter space of a TEM modified to reach ultrafast timescales. With General Particle Tracer, we studied the statistical temporal distributions of single-electron packets as a function of various fs pulsed-laser parameters and electron-gun configurations and fields for the exact architecture and dimensions of a Thermo Fisher Tecnai Femto ultrafast electron microscope. We focused on easily-adjustable parameters, such as laser pulse duration, laser spot size, photon energy, Wehnelt aperture diameter, and photocathode size. In addition to establishing trends and dispersion behaviors, we identify regimes within which packet duration can be 100s of fs and approach the 300 fs laser limit employed here. Overall, the results provide a detailed picture of the temporal behavior of single-electron packets in the Tecnai Femto gun region, forming the initial contribution of a larger effort.
Direct Marketing By Farmers to Consumers

Some fresh fruit and vegetable growers are able to market their products directly to consumers, bypassing typical marketing channels. The quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables marketed this way, about 3 to 5 percent of total marketings, is small. But for growers of some commodities in some areas and for some consumers it may be very important (Henderson, Lins-trom, 1980; O’Rourke, 1980; Le Veen, Gustafson, 1978). The principal ways that farmers market directly to consumers are through farmers’ retail markets, pick-your-own operations on the farm, and farm roadside markets (Tracy, Dhillon, Varner, 1982). Gift baskets and other items by direct mail, and mobile wagons to campgrounds or apartment complexes are some of the other ways.
Deletion of Efemp1 Is Protective Against the Development of Sub-RPE Deposits in Mouse Eyes.

Purpose EFEMP1 (fibulin-3) is mutated in Malattia Leventinese/Doyne's honeycomb retinal dystrophy (ML/DHRD), an inherited macular dystrophy similar to AMD. Both ML/DHRD and AMD are characterized by the presence of sub-RPE deposits. Efemp1 knockout mice do not develop sub-RPE deposits. This study was to test whether sub-RPE deposits can be induced in Efemp1 knockout mice by experimentally applied stress conditions that cause wild-type mice to develop sub-RPE deposits. Methods Efemp1 knockout and control mice at 6, 18, or 24 months old were fed with a synthetic high-fat diet (HFD). Beginning 1 month after starting the HFD, one group of mice was exposed to cigarette smoke daily for 1 month, and another group of mice was subjected to photochemical injury every other day for 2 weeks from a 488-nm argon laser. After the treatments, histologic analysis was performed to assess whether sub-RPE deposits were induced. Results Basal laminar deposits (BLamDs), a form of sub-RPE deposits, were observed in the 18- and 24-month-old wild-type mice but not in Efemp1 knockout mice in any age groups after exposure to HFD and cigarette smoke or laser injury. Conclusions Mice lacking fibulin-3 do not develop sub-RPE deposits. Environmental oxidative stressors (HFD/cigarette smoke or HFD/laser) known to cause BLamD formation in wild-type mice failed to induce BLamD formation in Efemp1 knockout mice. These results suggest that fibulin-3 is a central player in the development of BLamD, and deletion of fibulin-3 is protective against the development of BLamD.
Individualizing Anatomical Atlases of the Head

This paper presents diffeomorphic transformations of 3D anatomical image data in human brains as imaged via magnetic resonance imagery. These transformations are generated in a hierarchical manner accommodating both global and local anatomical detail. The initial low-dimensional registration is accomplished by constraining the transformation to be in a low-dimensional basis. The basis is defined by the Green's function of the elasticity operator placed at predefined locations in the anatomy and the eigenfunctions of the elasticity operator. The high-dimensional, large-deformation registration is accomplished by minimizing the mismatch between the template (atlas) and target image volumes constrained by solving the Navier Stokes fluid model on a vector field.
Atmospheric‐Pressure Solid Analysis Probe (ASAP)

The atmospheric sample analysis probe (ASAP) is a simple but powerful direct method for the rapid analysis of a wide variety of materials. The method uses standard ion sources provided on commercial mass spectrometers without interfering with the intended operation. In addition to a fundamental description of the ASAP method, material characterization examples, including synthetic compounds, drugs, tissue, polymers, and petroleum, are presented. Keywords: atmospheric pressure ionization; drugs; polymers; pyrolysis; tissue analysis; polymer additives; SPME; ion mobility; mass spectrometry
Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis and Stiffness Increase after Rotator Cuff Tendon Injury and Neuromuscular Compromise in a Rat Model

Rotator cuff tears can cause irreversible changes (e.g., fibrosis) to the structure and function of the injured muscle(s). Fibrosis leads to increased muscle stiffness resulting in increased tension at the rotator cuff repair site. This tension influences repairability and healing potential in the clinical setting. However, the micro- and meso-scale structural and molecular sources of these whole-muscle mechanical changes are poorly understood. Here, single muscle fiber and fiber bundle passive mechanical testing was performed on rat supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles with experimentally induced massive rotator cuff tears (Tenotomy) as well as massive tears with chemical denervation (Tenotomy + BTX) at 8 and 16 weeks post-injury. Titin molecular weight, collagen content, and myosin heavy chain profiles were measured and correlated with mechanical variables. Single fiber stiffness was not different between controls and experimental groups. However, fiber bundle stiffness was significantly increased at 8 weeks in the Tenotomy + BTX group compared to Tenotomy or control groups. Many of the changes were resolved by 16 weeks. Only fiber bundle passive mechanics was weakly correlated with collagen content. These data suggest that tendon injury with concomitant neuromuscular compromise results in extra-cellular matrix production and increases in stiffness of the muscle, potentially complicating subsequent attempts for surgical repair.
Men in Early Childhood Education: Their Emergent Issues

Using a focus group approach, this study explored emergent issues for men in early childhood education. Preservice teachers, classroom teachers, and male professors identified 6 categories of issues including low salaries, family, and other influences on entering the field, teaching beyond the basics, improving preservice education, recruitment of males, and advantages and disadvantages of males in the field. Implications of the study focus on ways to create gender-fair classrooms.
Observations of the 3D distributions of thermal to near-relativistic electrons in the interplanetary medium by the wind spacecraft

Recent electron observations by the 3-D Plasma and Energetic Particles experiment on the WIND spacecraft are reviewed. Impulsive solar electron events observed at 1 AU are found to have power-law spectra often extending down to ≲1 keV, implying a source region at 0.2-1R ⊙ altitude. At solar quiet times, a nonthermal, “super-halo” component extending from ∼2 to ≳102 keV is found to be always present. For impulsive events which produce solar type III radio emission, the full 3-D distribution function of the electrons is obtained. During times of strong Langmuir wave bursts, the reduce, parallel distributions f r (υ ‖) often are plateaued or slightly unstable, with \(\frac{{\partial f_r (v_\parallel )}}{{\partial v_\parallel }} > 10^{ - 27}\), implying growth rates of γ ∼0.03 s−1. Most of the time, however, the reduced distributions are stable, with negative slopes, suggesting that other competing wave processes such as whistler growth may be stabilizing the beam.
Correlation of the "EMIT" Urine Barbiturate Assay with a Spectrophotometric Serum Barbiturate Assay in Suspected Overdose

A rapid method for determining the presence of barbiturate in serum has been needed for some time. Presently used methods are all relatively time-consuming. A rapid immunoassay for the detection of barbiturate in urine, the "Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique" (EMIT), has recently become available. We have compared results of the EMIT urine assay with results of a spectrophotometric assay of serum (203 patients). Our purpose was: ( a ) to determine whether a negative result would be obtained with the EMIT assay in cases in which barbiturate was not a factor in coma, and ( b ) to determine whether a positive EMIT result would be obtained when a significant (3 mg/liter) quantity of barbiturate was in fact present in the serum. We conclude that the EMIT urine assay suffices to indicate clinically if barbiturate may be responsible if a patient is comatose. Results for a specimen (i.e., positive or negative) can be obtained in 5-10 min, so time saved by using the EMIT urine assay as a screening technique is significant.
Re-induction of obese body weight occurs more rapidly and at lower caloric intake in beagles

For the purpose of investigating the mechanism of obesity-induction/re-induction including weight-cycling in beagles, a study was conducted using commercially available dog food combined with human food to mimic at home-snacking and diet-supplementation behaviours. Adult female beagles, which had free access to water and exercise, were used (n = 9). All dogs were initially offered two times their daily calculated number of calories using a dry extruded diet plus blend of canola and soybean oils and allowed to eat ad libitum. After 3 weeks, Pecan shortbread cookies were added to the diet mixture. Obesity was induced during a 19-week period with 1875-2250 kcal/day consumed, on average, during this period. The dogs were then subjected to a weight-loss regimen while consuming 490-730 kcal/day. After weight loss, a similar degree of obesity was re-induced for 17 weeks even though dogs consumed only 1125-1250 kcal/day. Body weight, body condition scores, kcal consumption and food efficiency were recorded. Results indicated that less time and fewer kcal were required to re-induce the same degree of obesity compared with the initial obesity induction. Human snack foods appeared to stimulate appetite and thus contribute to the obese state. Food efficiency was also increased during the obesity-reinduction period compared with the induction period. This information may help pet owners better understand the need to limit table scraps and human-type food snacks in dogs prone to obesity as well as weight maintenance after weight loss.
Geometric evolution of the Chelungpu fault, Taiwan: the mechanics of shallow frontal ramps and fault imbrication

Abstract The September 21, 1999 Mw=7.6 earthquake in Taiwan ruptured along the north–south-trending, east-dipping Chelungpu thrust fault that bounds the western foothills of the Taiwan fold-and-thrust belt. The near-surface (
Knowledge-based system for assessment of potential entrepreneurs

The potential entrepreneurial assessment (PEA) system is a successful application of a knowledge-based approach to the initial screening profile of individuals for possible success in starting a new business. The use of PEA in small business centers permits counselors to provide a much higher percentage of their time and expertise to the small percentage of clients who have the greatest capacity for success. PEA was developed on a personal computer using the Texas Instruments Personal Consultant Plus software development environment. The availability of such tools with built-in user-friendly interface, inference engine, and explanatory and review facilities and the success of this project suggest that a rule-based approach for the capture and processing of knowledge for profile screening may be appropriate for a wide variety of such applications.
Ecology: Engineered food webs

An important new study shows that, in a food web, the strengths and arrangement of the interactions between species are determining factors of stability of the system.
The nonexistence of an oriental phase transition in F.C.C. solid H2

Abstract within the approximation of neglecting fluctuation terms in the pair Hamiltonian, rigorous conditions for the occurence of an orientational phase transition in solid H 2 are obtained. For reasonable values of the parameters no transition is expected for f.c.c. H 2 .
The Bosnian road to NATO enlargement

(2000). The Bosnian road to NATO enlargement. Contemporary Security Policy: Vol. 21, Explaining Nato Enlargement, pp. 39-59.
Basal ganglia dysfunction in Tourette’s syndrome: a new hypothesis

Tourette's syndrome is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with onset in childhood that is characterized by chronic multiple tics. The cause of Tourette's syndrome is unknown, but the pathophysiology most likely involves basal ganglia and frontocortical circuits. A useful scheme of basal ganglia dysfunction should be able to account for the features that make Tourette's syndrome unique, in addition to the features that Tourette's syndrome shares with other disorders. Recent advances in knowledge of basal ganglia functional anatomy and physiology make it possible to hypothesize how specific neural mechanisms relate to specific clinical manifestations of Tourette's syndrome. A model of selection and suppression of competing behaviors by the basal ganglia is presented. The functional anatomy of basal ganglia circuits and new information on dopamine modulation of those circuits provide the basis for hypotheses of basal ganglia dysfunction in Tourette's syndrome.
Corporate Political Speech and Moral Obligation

In the wake of Citizens United v. the Federal Elections Commission, more companies are spending heavily on political speech, but the moral implications of doing so are not clear. Few business ethicists have directly addressed the moral legitimacy of corporate political speech and the conditions under which it may be morally permissible. My goal here is to outline the moral hazards associated with engaging in corporate political speech. I argue that whether one takes a narrow Friedman-style shareholder primacy view of managerial duty, a broader stakeholder view, or an even more wide-ranging political corporate social responsibility view of the moral duties of business, various moral hazards must be taken into account in determining the moral legitimacy of corporate political speech. I discuss a number of moral hazards endemic to corporate political speech and suggest ways in which business practitioners might avoid those moral hazards.
Levinas on suffering and compassion

This paper provides an analysis of suffering and compassion in the work of Emmanuel Levinas. Levinas describes compassion as ‘the nexus of human subjectivity’ and the ‘supreme ethical principle’. In his early texts, suffering discloses the burden of being, the limits of the self, and thus the approach of alterity. Levinas’s later phenomenology of suffering as passive, meaningless, and evil, functions as a refutation of rational explanations of suffering. I argue that Levinasian substitution, the traumatic election to an excessive responsibility, is the compassionate suffering that Levinas terms the nexus of human subjectivity. For Levinas, ethics is the compassionate response to the vulnerable, suffering Other.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen-based imaging.

Abstract Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common noncutaneous malignancy affecting men in North America. Despite significant efforts, conventional imaging of CaP does not contribute to patient management as much as imaging performed for other common cancers. Given the lack of specificity in conventional imaging techniques, one possible solution is to screen for CaP-specific antigenic targets and generate agents able to specifically bind. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed in CaP tissue, with low levels of expression in the small intestine, renal tubular cells, and salivary gland. The first clinical agent for targeting PSMA was 111 In-capromab, involving an antibody recognizing the internal domain of PSMA. The second- and third-generation humanized PSMA binding antibodies have the potential to overcome some of the limitations inherent to capromab penditide (i.e., inability to bind to live CaP cells). One example is the humanized monoclonal antibody J591 (Hu mAb J591) that was developed primarily for therapeutic purposes but also has interesting imaging characteristics, including the identification of bone metastases in CaP. The major disadvantage of use of mAb for imaging is slow target recognition and background clearance in an appropriate time frame for diagnostic imaging. Urea-based compounds, such as small molecule inhibitors may also present promising agents for CaP imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Two such small-molecule inhibitors targeting PSMA, MIP-1072, and MIP-1095 have exhibited high affinity for PSMA. The uptake of 123 I-MIP-1072 and 123 I-MIP-1095 in CaP xenografts have imaged successfully with favorable properties amenable to human trials. While advances in conventional imaging will continue, Ab and small molecule imaging exemplified by PSMA targeting have the greatest potential to improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
Mechanical Properties of Nacre Constituents: An Inverse Method Approach

Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is the iridescent layer found inside some mollusk species such as oyster or abalone. It is made of relatively weak materials, but its hierarchical microstructure is so well optimized that its macroscopic mechanical properties are far superior to those of its constituents. For this reason there is a great interest in nacre as a source of inspiration for novel designs of composites. Despite many years of research on nacre, an accurate characterization of its constituents is lacking. In this work nacre was tested as a layered composite material using low depth indentation and uniaxial compression. The first test was modeled using finite element analysis and the second test was modeled as a Reuss composite in compression. A micromechanical model of the interface was also pursued to gain insight on the relevance of the interface features such as tablet roughness and biopolymer hydrated response. The results of the two experiments were combined to solve an inverse problem that yielded the needed properties for tablets and interfaces. These findings are expected to make possible computational models of nacre with a new degree of accuracy and therefore contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to its remarkable properties.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Dense Layered Nano-Energetic Materials

This paper deals with the reaction of dense Metastable Intermolecular Composite (MIC) materials. The energy density of MIC nanocomposite materials is much higher than that of conventional energetic materials. The reaction of a multilayer thin film of aluminum and copper oxide has been studied by varying the substrate material and thicknesses, to vary the heat loss during the reaction of the MIC material. The in-plane speed of propagation of the reaction was experimentally determined using a time of-flight technique. The experiment shows that the reaction is completely quenched for a silicon substrate having an intervening silica layer of less than 200 nm. The speed of reaction seems to be constant at 40 m/s for silica layers with thickness greater than 1 μm. Different substrate material such as glass was also used. A numerical analysis of the thermal transport from the reacting film shows that the temperature profiles become self similar for substrate thicknesses larger than 1 μm., the maximum temperature stays constant for both silica and composite silica/silicon substrates, showing the effectiveness of the composite substrates to control the heat lost from the reaction, both experimentally and numerically.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Attention problems and parent-rated behavior and stress in young children at risk for developmental delay.

The aim of this article is to characterize the neurobehavior of young children at risk for developmental delay and attention problems. Two hundred and eighty-one children, ages 18 to 70 months, were evaluated. All parents/guardians completed the Child Development Inventory, Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½ to 5, Inventory for Client and Agency Planning, and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. All children had significant delays (developmental ratios 70). A 2-tailed P value of <.05 indicated statistical significance. Children with attention problems were more likely to have withdrawn behavior, sleep problems, and aggressive behavior. All had severe problem behaviors, and their families experienced significant stress. Attention problems and other serious problem behaviors occur frequently in young children at risk for developmental delay. Parental stress warrants prompt intervention for their children and positive supports for them.
One charge for one week: Hype or reality?

For mobile devices, battery energy is the most precious resource. In the last decade, researchers have proposed various energy saving strategies from the system level to the hardware component level. In this paper, we explore how close to one week a smart phone running off of a single battery can last under normal usage. We first developed a battery lifetime prediction model that considers the influence of both user behavior and hardware components. Through experiments we analyzed the assumptions and the accuracy of the prediction model. We discussed the error rate of the estimated applications' power as well as its influence on the battery lifetime prediction. To analyze the impact generated by user behavior, we classify users into six types based on their application usage pattern. The theoretical battery life and potential extended battery time for each user type, with and without hardware improvement, have been illustrated. For example, compared with the original 66h (2.75 days) for users who rarely use their smartphone, we found that the battery life can be extended to 147h (more than 6 days) when we only maintain applications in the top three commonly used categories. Finally, several aspects, such as sleep frequency and background applications, that may affect prediction results are discussed.
A cylindrical wire chamber

Abstract A wire spark chamber has been fabricated in a geometry natural for scattering and production processes and used to study proton- proton scattering. The construction of the chamber was possible as soon as new fabrication principles supplemented the magnetostrictive readout. Also discussed are a simple digitizer requiring only one scaler and a strategy for recognizing straight tracks. Particular care is taken to expose the few assumptions necessary to achieve a logically transparent system.
DNA interstrand crosslink formation by mechlorethamine at a cytosine-cytosine mismatch pair: kinetics and sequence dependence.

Abstract Expansion of the triplet repeat DNA sequence d[CGG] n · d[CCG] n is a characteristic of Fragile X syndrome, a human neurodegenerative disease. Stable intrastrand conformations formed by both d[CGG] n and d[CCG] n , and involving G–G and C–C mismatch pairs, respectively, are believed to be of importance in the development of the disease. We have shown previously that C–C mismatch pairs can be crosslinked covalently by mechlorethamine, a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent, and hence this reaction may be of value as a probe for conformers of d[CCG] n . To characterize the mechlorethamine C–C crosslink reaction further, here we report the kinetics and sequence dependence of formation of the crosslink species, using a series of model duplexes. The rate of reaction depends on the base sequence proximal to the C–C mismatch pair. Hence, in 19mer duplexes containing a central d[M 4 M 3 M 2 M 1 Cn 1 n 2 n 3 n 4 ] · d[N 4 N 3 N 2 N 1 Cm 1 m 2 m 3 m 4 ] sequence, where M–m and N–n are complementary base pairs, the amount of crosslink increased with increasing G–C content of the eight base pairs neighboring the C–C mismatch and with the proximity of the G–C pairs to the C–C mismatch. Molecular dynamics simulations of the solvated duplexes provided an explanation of these data. Hence, for a C–C pair flanked by G–C base pairs the mismatched cytosine bases remain stacked within the duplex, but for a C–C pair flanked by A–T base pairs, the simulations suggested local opening of the duplex around the C–C pair, making it a less effective target for mechlorethamine.
Methanol adsorption and reactivity on clean and hydroxylated anatase(101) surfaces

The adsorption and reactivity of methanol on TiO2 anatase(101) surfaces are studied through first-principles total energy calculations and Car−Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations. The effects of different methanol coverages up to one monolayer and different surface oxidation states are investigated. The most stable monolayer state involves two different molecular adsorption states, with specific vibrational and electronic properties. Molecular adsorption is always favored on the stoichiometric surface, even though dissociation becomes increasingly more favorable with increasing coverage. Oxygen vacancies shift the energy balance in favor of the dissociated state, whereas dissociative and molecular adsorption appear competitive on the hydroxylated surface. On the latter, a specific molecular adsorption mode, not available on the clean surface, turns out to be stable. The vibrational and electronic properties of adsorbed methanol and methoxy are determined and compared to available experimental data.
Tandem mass spectrometry for measuring stable-isotope labeling.

Measuring metabolic rates by 13C-metabolic flux analysis (13C-MFA) is of central importance for metabolic engineers and biomedical investigators. Enhanced knowledge of in vivo fluxes can be applied to reengineer the metabolic, regulatory, and phenotypic characteristics of organisms and help uncover the mechanisms of human ailments such as cancer and diabetes. To determine accurate and precise fluxes by 13C-MFA advanced methods for measuring stable-isotope labeling are needed. The application of tandem mass spectrometry is emerging as a new promising technique that has significant advantages over traditional MS and NMR based methods. With further refinement, tandem MS has the potential to become the new gold standard for measuring isotopic labeling for 13C-flux studies.
Genistein inhibits proliferation similarly in estrogen receptor-positive and negative human breast carcinoma cell lines characterized by P21WAF1/CIP1 induction, G2/M arrest, and apoptosis.

Genistein has been proposed to be responsible for lowering the rate of breast cancer in Asian women but the mechanism for this chemopreventive effect in vivo is unknown. In this study, we present in vitro evidence that genistein inhibits cell proliferation similarly in ER-positive and ER-negative human breast carcinoma cell lines. This inhibition is associated with specific G2/M arrest and induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression. Genistein results in a five- to six-fold increase in p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA levels and a three- to four-fold increase in protein levels, only a 1.5-fold increase in p21WAF1/CIP1 transcription but a three- to six-fold increase in p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA stability. The increase in p21WAF1/CIP1 is followed by increased apoptosis. The similar effects of genistein on a number of breast carcinoma cell lines with different ER and p53 status suggest that the actions of genistein reported here are mediated through ER and p53 independent mechanisms. The chemopreventive effects of genistein in vivo could be mediated along an identical or similar anti-proliferative pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 69:44–54, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Purification and properties of troponin T kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle

Abstract A protein kinase (ATP:protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) which catalyzes the phosphorylation of troponin T, phosvitin and casein has been purified over 2000 fold from rabbit skeletal muscle. The partial purification of this new enzyme, designated troponin T kinase, involves precipitation of contaminating proteins at pH 6.1, fractionation of the supernatant with (NH4)2SO4 and succesive column chromatographies on DEAE-cellulose, hydroxyapatite and Sepharose 6B. The chromatographic patterns on DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite columns show two peaks of troponin T kinase activity. Gel filtration experiments indicate the existence of multiple, possibly aggregated, forms of the enzyme. The purified enzyme does not catalyze the phosphorylation of phosphorylase b, troponin I, troponin C, tropomyosin, protamine, or myosin light chain 2 nor does it catalyze the interconversion of glycogen synthase I into the D form. Troponin T kinase is not affected by the addition of cyclic nucleotides or AMP to the reaction mixture. Divalent cations (other than Mg2+, required for the reaction) do not stimulate the enzyme, and several are inhibitory. Other characteristics of the reaction catalyzed by troponin T kinase, such as Km values for ATP and substrate proteins, pH optima, effect of the concentration of Mg2+, substitution of ATP for GTP have also been studied.
Improving Comprehension Through Discourse Processing

Deep coherent explanations organize shallow knowledge and fortify learners for generating inferences, solving problems, reasoning, and applying their knowledge to practical situations.
Efficacy of conventional and implant-supported mandibular resection prostheses: study overview and treatment outcomes.

Statement of problem While surgical restoration of mandibular resections has advanced dramatically with free-flap techniques, oral function and patient perceptions of function, as well as treatment outcomes, often indicate significant impairment. Purpose This longitudinal prospective study was designed to determine whether conventional prostheses (CP) or implant-supported prostheses (IP) and current surgical reconstructive procedures restore patients' oral functions and quality of life to their status prior to segmental mandibulectomy with immediate fibula free-flap reconstruction. Study design and implementation, characteristics of the study sample, treatment completion rates, and selected presurgical and postsurgical functional and perceptual outcomes are presented. Material and methods Forty-six subjects were enrolled. Longitudinal evaluations of medical and dental histories, oromaxillofacial examinations, questionnaires, and sensory and functional tests were planned before and after surgery and after CP and IP treatment. Sample characteristics are described with descriptive statistics and comparisons of subject responses to questionnaire items at entry and postsurgical intervals were made with Fisher exact tests (α=.05). Results Conventional prostheses were completed in 33 of 46 subjects, and 16 of 33 CP subjects were treated with IP. Reasons for noncompletion of IP were recurrent/metastatic disease (16), refusal of implant therapy (7), lost to follow-up (4), treatment with a reconstruction plate (1), excessive radiation at implant sites (1), and death (1). All 16 recurrences/metastases occurred within 13 months of surgery. Only 3 of the 58 implants placed in 17 participants were considered failures. One failed due to lack of integration 31 weeks following placement, and 2 were buried due to unacceptable positioning for prosthetic restoration during denture fabrication. The remaining 55 implants were successful at final evaluation, ranging from 58 to 123 weeks following implant placement (mean duration=78.9 ± 16.0 weeks). Conclusions While 72% (33/46) of the subjects enrolled were able and willing to complete treatment with CP, only 35% (16/46) completed IP treatment. Careful consideration must be given to selection of the type of prosthetic rehabilitation and the timing of implant placement if an IP is planned.