cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generational differences in selenium status of women.

In this cross-sectional study of three generations of women, daughters (19–26 yr), mothers (40–58 yr) and maternal grandmothers (67–84 yr) from the same 10 families in central Ohio were studied to determine the effect of life-cycle differences, including estrogen status, on selenium status. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were determined and typical dietary selenium intakes were calculated from food-frequency questionnaires. Selenium status was lowest in the oldest generation. Plasma selenium of daughters and grandmothers were significantly lower than those of mothers, and plasma GPx and RBC selenium of grandmothers were also lower than those of the mothers. A positive correlation (r=0.42, p<0.04) was found between plasma estrogen and plasma selenium concentrations. Selenium intakes of all groups were adequate and no differences in selenium intakes were found among groups. The results of this study indicate that selenium status fluctuates during the female life cycle and is related to estrogen status.
XCL1 (lymphotactin) chemokine produced by activated CD8 T cells during the chronic stage of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis negatively affects production of IFN-γ by CD4 T cells and participates in granuloma stability

CD8 T cell immune responses are known not to be essential during the initial stages of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but their presence becomes important as the chronic infection ensues. The basis of this is still not clear. In previous studies, we showed that CD8 T cells have a distinctive positioning in the architecture of the granuloma lesion, with further changes throughout the course of the chronic infection. We have also hypothesized that further movement of lymphocytes once they are within the lung lesions could be associated with the levels of expression of the chemokine XCL1 (lymphotactin). XCL1 is produced mainly by activated CD8 T cells, and its chemotactic activity seems primarily controlling movement of CD4 and CD8 T cells. In this study, using a murine low-dose aerosol infection model coupled with antibody depletion of T cell subsets, we investigated the role of CD8 T cells in the control of the bacterial growth and in the pathogenesis of the disease in mice at early, mid, or late stages of the chronic disease state. Additionally, we also describe for the first time that during Mtb infection, activated CD8 T cells in the lungs produce XCL1 and that this chemokine is capable of controlling IFN-gamma production by CD4 T cells.
Development of WebCT-based nanotechnology courses for on-line delivery: A case study

Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices, and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale and the exploitation of novel properties and phenomena developed at that scale. Nanotechnology holds singular promise to revolutionize science, engineering, and technology. It already has significant impact in countless industries including communications, medicine, environmental cleanup, agriculture, and more. Innovative materials, components, and systems based on nanotechnologies are recognized as promising growth innovators for the years to come. It is expected that eventually nanotechnologies will merge into a nanotechnology cluster offering a complete range of functionalities in formation, energy, construction, environmental, and biomedical domains [1].
Brief Client Self-Report Predictors of Psychological Distress Implications for Counseling Outcome Studies

Despite efforts to identify best counseling approaches, evidence suggests that client variables are a more potent source of outcome. Two separate samples of adult clients were tested using cross-sectional designs. Study 1 used an Internet sample (N = 224) and Study 2 used a university counseling training center sample (N = 159). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that four client constructs (i.e., presenting problem, security needs, life role satisfaction, and support network) accounted for 52% and 63% of the variance in client symptom levels for Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. The pragmatic use of the findings are discussed.
RSS-Ratio for enhancing performance of RSS-based applications

RSS (Received Signal Strength) has been widely utilized in wireless applications. It is, however, susceptible to environmental unknowns from both temporal and spatial domains. As a result, the fluctuation of RSS may degrade performance of RSS based applications. In this work, we propose a novel RSS processing method at the receiver for three antenna based systems. The output of our approach is `RSS-Ratio', which eliminates the environmental unknowns and thus is a more stable variable compared to RSS itself. To validate the efficacy of the proposed method, we conduct a series of experiments in a range of wireless scenarios, including indoor laptop based measurement, indoor software defined radio - WARP based measurement, and outdoor wireless measurement. In addition, we also give an analysis to the relationship between the location of transmitter and the value of RSS-Ratio, and examine the accuracy of the estimated RSS-Ratio value via both simulations and experiments. All the experimental, analytical, and simulated results demonstrate that RSS-Ratio will be a better replacement for RSS to improve the performance of RSS based applications.
Effects of the Ionophore Anticoccidial Semduramicin on Broiler Breeders

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to assess the effects on broiler breeders of contamination of feed with the ionophore anticoccidial semduramicin. In Experiment 1, individually caged females received 0, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg diet for 3 wk from 48 to 50 wk of age. In Experiment 2, males and females in floor pens received 0, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg diet for 3 wk from 63 to 65 wk of age. In Experiment 3, individually caged males and females received 0, 3, 6, or 25 mg/kg diet for 1 wk at 31 wk of age and were mated by artificial insemination. There was a dose-related decrease in cumulative egg production and percentage shell in Experiment 1 after more than 1 wk exposure, but these effects were not observed in the other experiments. There was a decrease in cumulative fertile hatchability and a dose-related decrease after 3 wk exposure due to an increase in early embryonic mortality in Experiment 2, but these changes were not observed during the 1-wk exposure in Experiment 3. The data show that adverse effects of semduramicin require greater than 1 wk of exposure to be evident.
Apoptotic effect of cleaved high molecular weight kininogen is regulated by extracellular matrix proteins

We previously reported that cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) and its domain 5 (D5) inhibit critical steps required for angiogenesis and in vivo neovascularization (Colman et al. 2000: Blood 95:543-550). We have further shown that D5 is able to induce apoptosis of endothelial cells, which may represent a critical part of the anti-angiogenic activity of HKa and D5 (Guo et al. 2001: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 21:1427-1433). In this study, we demonstrate that HKa- and D5-induced apoptosis is closely correlated with their anti-adhesive effect. An important new finding is that the apoptotic activity of HKa and D5 is highly regulated by their interactions with different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. HKa inhibited cell adhesion to vitronectin (Vn, 90%) and gelatin (Gel) (40%), but it had no apparent effect on cell adhesion to fibronectin (Fn). D5 showed a similar pattern on cell adhesion but was less potent than HKa. HKa induced apoptosis of endothelial cells grown on Vn and Gel but not cells grown on Fn which closely parallels with its anti-adhesive potency. Further results revealed that the anti-adhesive effect and the apoptotic effect of HKa are associated with its ability to inhibit phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, two important signal molecules required for cell adhesion and cell viability. We conclude that the anti-adhesive activity of HKa and D5 is responsible for their apoptotic effect and that Vn is likely an ECM component that mediates the effect of HKa and D5.
Differential activity of triazoles in two-drug combinations with the echinocandin caspofungin against Aspergillus fumigatus

OBJECTIVES We investigated the in vitro activity of various triazoles in two-drug combinations with the echinocandin caspofungin against clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus. METHOD Conidial suspensions were prepared from 20 clinical isolates of A. fumigatus highly susceptible to itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole (MIC-0 range 0.125-1 mg/L), and caspofungin (MIC-0 range 32-64 mg/L). The in vitro susceptibility of A. fumigatus to two-drug combinations of itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and ravuconazole with caspofungin was evaluated by the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) method. RESULTS Two-drug combinations of caspofungin with itraconazole (FICI = 0.49 +/- 0.04) or posaconazole (FICI = 0.32 +/- 0.09) provided synergic interaction. On the other hand, ravuconazole (FICI = 0.61 +/- 0.31) and voriconazole (FICI = 1.61 +/- 0.42) in combination with caspofungin showed no interaction against A. fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the in vitro antifungal efficacies of combinations of members from two different classes are not always similar and hence are not predictable.
BENZO[1,2-b:4,5-b′]DITHIOPHENE

(1979). BENZO[1,2-b:4,5-b′]DITHIOPHENE. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 11, No. 5, pp. 247-249.
Self-organized criticality in a dynamic game

We investigate conditions under which self-organized criticality (SOC) arises in a version of a dynamic entry game. In the simplest version of the game, there is a single location—a pool—and one agent is exogenously dropped into the pool every period. Payoffs to entrants are positive as long as the number of agents in the pool is below a critical level. If an agent chooses to exit, he cannot re-enter, resulting in a future payoff of zero. Agents in the pool decide simultaneously each period whether to stay in or not. We characterize the symmetric mixed strategy equilibrium of the resulting dynamic game. We then introduce local interactions between agents that occupy neighboring pools and demonstrate that, under our payoff structure, local interaction effects are necessary and sufficient for SOC and for an associated power law to emerge. Thus, we provide an explicit game-theoretic model of the mechanism through which SOC can arise in a social context with forward looking agents.
Notch4/int-3, a mammary proto-oncogene, is an endothelial cell-specific mammalian Notch gene

The int-3 oncogene was identified as a frequent target in Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus (MMTV)-induced mammary carcinomas and encodes the intracellular domain of a novel mouse Notch gene. To investigate the role of the int-3 proto-oncogene in mouse development and carcinogenesis, we isolated cDNA clones corresponding to the entire coding potential of the int-3 proto-oncogene. We propose to name this gene Notch4 and reserve the int-3 nomenclature for references to the oncogenic form. The deduced amino acid sequence of Notch4 contains conserved motifs found in Notch proteins; however Notch4 has fewer epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats and a shorter intracellular domain than other mouse Notch homologues. Comparison of the coding potential of the int-3 gene to that of Notch4 suggests that loss of the extracellular domain of Notch4 leads to constitutive activation of this murine Notch protein. In situ hybridization revealed that Notch4 transcripts are primarily restricted to endothelial cells in embryonic and adult life. Truncated Notch4 transcripts were detected in post-meiotic male germ cells. The distinct Notch4 protein features and its restricted expression pattern suggests a specific role for Notch4 during development of vertebrate endothelium.
Gram-Scale Preparation of VAPOL Hydrogenphosphate: A Structurally Distinct Chiral Brønsted Acid

A detailed gram-scale synthesis of VAPOL hydrogenphosphate, a structurally distinct chiral Bronsted acid, is presented. The reaction utilizes commercially available starting materials, proceeds with high yields and has been reproduced numerous times at scale.
Role of Tos3, a Snf1 Protein Kinase Kinase, during Growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Nonfermentable Carbon Sources

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Snf1 protein kinase of the Snf1/AMP-activated protein kinase family is required for growth on nonfermentable carbon sources and nonpreferred sugars. Three kinases, Pak1, Elm1, and Tos3, activate Snf1 by phosphorylation of its activation-loop threonine, and the absence of all three causes the Snf− phenotype. No phenotype has previously been reported for the tos3Δ single mutation. We show here that, when cells are grown on glycerol-ethanol, tos3Δ reduces growth rate, Snf1 catalytic activity, and activation of the Snf1-dependent carbon source-responsive element (CSRE) in the promoters of gluconeogenic genes. In contrast, tos3Δ did not significantly affect Snf1 catalytic activity or CSRE function during abrupt glucose depletion, indicating that Tos3 has a more substantial role in activating Snf1 protein kinase during growth on a nonfermentable carbon source than during acute carbon stress. We also report that Tos3 is localized in the cytosol during growth in either glucose or glycerol-ethanol. These findings lend support to the idea that the Snf1 protein kinase kinases make different contributions to cellular regulation under different growth conditions.
Future role of thrombolytic therapy in emergency medicine

Thrombolytic therapy offers the promise of major therapeutic intervention in many areas as well as in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction who present to the emergency department. Infusion of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) during field transport has been proven safe, but optimal methods for reliably diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in the prehospital setting have yet to be delineated. A major advance would be achieved if thrombolysis were proven effective in preventing the progression of unstable angina to actual infarction. However, early studies have yielded contradictory results. The use of tPA in dissolving peripheral arterial clots appears very promising, but long-term limb survival has yet to be demonstrated. Unlike heparin, thrombolytic agents can also lyse clot in peripheral deep veins and possibly lessen the tendency toward postphlebitic syndrome. The proper dosage regimen to minimize hemorrhage has not been determined. Pulmonary emboli can be lysed by tPA. IV infusion is as effective as intrapulmonary. Significant complications can be minimized, particularly if major vessel catheterization can be avoided for diagnosis. Even after catheterization for pulmonary angiography, however, thrombolytic therapy appears quite promising. The use of thrombolytic agents for embolic-thrombotic stroke is less promising; therefore, the risk of hemorrhagic complication may not outweigh the potential benefit. Thrombolytic therapy thus offers the potential for significant impact on the practice of emergency medicine.
Noise Reduction for Driver-To-Pit-Crew Communication in Motor Racing

This work proposes a noise reduction system for use in high noise environments such as motor racing. First, an analysis of the audio data received from the driver reveals that the main noise sources are from the engine, airflow and tyres. These are found to relate to engine speed, road speed and throttle position information that is received in a data stream from the car's on-board computer. A two-stage noise compensation strategy is proposed which first suppresses engine harmonics using adaptive filtering with engine speed reference information taken from the data stream. Second, a maximum a posteriori (MAP) prediction of the tyre and airflow noise is made from data stream values and this is combined with spectral subtraction for noise suppression. Human listening tests reveal that both noise reduction stages lead to good improvements in the intelligibility of the speech with a comparative mean opinion score (CMOS) of + 1.57 being obtained
A Syntactic Pattern Recognition System with Learning Capability

Stochastic syntax analysis of pictorial patterns is investigated in this study. Pictorial image identification is performed through syntax analysis and the maximum likelihood decision rule. A learning algorithm is developed through the joint application of two inference procedures. The first procedure, which relies on a man-machine interactive technique, is used to infer the generative grammar. Next, the statistical information of the images is utilized to infer the production probabilities of the grammar. Chromosome aberrations induced by radiation exposure are identified through the use of the learning algorithm and stochastic syntax analysis.
Detection of adulteration of notoginseng root extract with other panax species by quantitative HPLC coupled with PCA

Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to distinguish the extract of notoginseng root from that of other species in the genus Panax . The content of 12 saponins in notoginseng root extracts from different sources was evaluated. Herbal extracts from different plant parts of notoginseng, Asian ginseng, and American ginseng were also evaluated. With an HPLC assay, however, it is difficult to determine whether notoginseng root extract has been adulterated with other plant parts or other Panax species before extraction. Therefore, PCA was introduced to identify adulteration in notoginseng root extract. PCA was performed on the data set obtained from the HPLC chromatogram. The HPLC-PCA assay distinguished notoginseng root extract not only from the extract of other plant parts of notoginseng but also from the extract of Asian or American ginseng plant parts.
The Egg-Laying Bird: Major Physiological Changes in Calcium Associated With Oestrogen Control

Female birds have a particularly stressful demand for calcium because of egg-laying. Calcium is required both to transport yolk bound liver proteins and for caclification of the egg shell. Oestroge...
Metastability, conformation dynamics, and transition pathways in complex systems

We present a systematic introduction to the basic concepts and techniques for determining transition pathways and transition rates in systems with multiple metastable states. After discussing the classical transition state theory and its limitations, we derive a new set of equations for the optimal dividing surfaces. We then discuss transition path sampling, which is the most general technique currently available for determining transition regions and rates. This is followed by a discussion on minimal energy path for systems with smooth energy landscapes. For systems with rough energy landscapes, our presentation is centered around the notion of reaction coordinates. We discuss the two related notions of free energies associated with a reaction coordinate, and show that at least in the high friction limit, there does exist an optimal reaction coordinate that gives asymptotically the correct prediction for the transition rates. Variational principles associated with the optimal reaction coordinates are exploited under the assumption that the transition paths are restricted to tubes, and this provides a theoretical justification for the finite temperature string method. Blue moon sampling techniques, metadynamics and a new form of accelerated dynamics are also discussed.
Hierarchical Kinematic Design of Foldable Hexapedal Locomotion Platforms

Origami-inspired folding enables integrated design and manufacturing of intricate kinematic mechanisms and structures. Here, we present a hierarchical development process of foldable robotic platforms as combinations of fundamental building blocks to achieve arbitrary levels of complexity and functionality. Rooted in theoretical linkage kinematics, designs for static structures and functional units, respectively, offer rigidity and mobility for robotic systems. The proposed approach is demonstrated on the design, fabrication, and experimental verification of three distinct types of hexapedal locomotion platforms covering a broad range of features and use cases.
Cyclophilin and gag in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis.

The gag gene products perform many functions in the retroviral life cycle. Recent work suggests that specific binding of HIV-1 Gag to the cellular proteins known as the cyclophilins is necessary for viral infectivity and perhaps of importance to the immunopathology associated with HIV infection. Cyclophilins are ubiquitous prolyl isomerases thought to function as chaperones. Members of this family of proteins are required for the immunosuppression induced by cyclosporin A and are suspected regulators of cellular activation pathways. Here we review the functions of the gag proteins, what is known about the Gag-cyclophilin interaction, and the possible relevence of this interaction for HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis.
“Sketches of landscapes”: On philosophical poems

AbstractIs it possible to do philosophy by writing lyric poems—or reading them? How can a poem be genuinely philosophical, and can a philosophical poem do something that straightforward philosophical writing cannot do? Some have suggested that poems and philosophical writings have different aims and are subject to different and conflicting demands, which would render it difficult if not impossible to write a successful philosophical poem. I suggest that while this is true with respect to the aims of the standard academic philosophical journal essay, there is a different way of doing philosophical work—one that pays close attention to actual thought processes and that dramatizes the interplay of ideas—that lyric poetry is quite well suited to take on. Such work may be significant not only in helping us better understand human consciousness, but in letting us grasp insights and aspects of our experience of the world which the philosophical demand for simple, unified theories might otherwise tempt us to mini...
Towards Model Checking of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Ventricular Fibrillation is a disorganized electrical excitation of the heart that results in inadequate blood flow to the body. It usually ends in death within a minute. A common way to treat the symptoms of fibrillation is to implant a medical device, known as an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), in the patient's body. Model-based verification can supply rigorous proofs of safety and efficacy. In this paper, we build a hybrid system model of the human heart+ICD closed loop, and show it to be a STORMED system, a class of o-minimal hybrid systems that admit finite bisimulations. In general, it may not be possible to compute the bisimulation. We show that approximate reachability can yield a finite simulation for STORMED systems, and that certain compositions respect the STORMED property. The results of this paper are theoretical and motivate the creation of concrete model checking procedures for STORMED systems.
Hydroxide Degradation Pathways for Substituted Benzyltrimethyl Ammonium: A DFT Study

The stability of cations used in the alkaline exchange membranes has been a major challenge. In this paper, degradation energy barriers were investigated by density functional theory for substituted benzyltrimethyl ammonium (BTMA+) cations. Findings show that electron-donating substituent groups at meta-position(s) of the benzyl ring could result in increased degradation barriers. However, after investigating more than thirty substituted BTMA+ cations, the largest improvement in degradation barrier found was only 6.7 kJ/mol. This suggests a modest (8×) improvement in stability for this type of approach may be possible, but for anything greater other approaches will need to be pursued.
Middle Aortic Syndrome Treated by Implantation of an Advanta V12 Large Diameter Stent.

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) was coined by Sen et al.1 depicting diffuse hypoplasia or stenosis of the distal thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta. Most often MAS is idiopathic2; however, it may be associated with a variety of underlying diseases.2,3 Systemic hypertension, which is the most common feature of MAS, is usually found incidentally.2 Hypertensive encephalopathy was seen in 42% of patients with abdominal aortic coarctation, 45% of whom died before reaching 34 years of age.4 Thus, early recognition of hypertensive encephalopathy is crucial for patient survival. We report of a 12-year-old girl presenting with hypertensive encephalopathy as a harbinger of idiopathic MAS, which manifested as an isolated long-segment mid-thoracic aortic coarctation, and was successfully treated by endovascular implantation of an Advanta V12 Large Diameter Stent (AVLDS, Atrium, Hudson, NH, USA).
Animal Assisted Therapy and Trauma Survivors

Animal therapy is making strides in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For years, animals have been used with great benefit in the treatment of the aged and the terminally ill. Now animal assisted therapy is benefitting sufferers of PTSD. The results of animal assisted therapy in the treatment of PTSD patients have seen significant results. In one study of the effect of dogs with patients, psychologists noted an 82% reduction in symptoms. One particular case noted that interacting with the dog for as little as one week, enabled a patient to decrease the amount of anxiety and sleep medications by half.
How Would Rural Hospitals Be Affected by Loss of the Affordable Care Act's Medicare Low‐Volume Hospital Adjustment?

Purpose The low-volume hospital (LVH) payment adjustment established in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 is scheduled to sunset on October 1, 2017. The purpose of this analysis was: (1) to estimate the effect of the ACA LVH adjustment on qualifying hospitals’ profitability margins; and (2) to examine hospital and market characteristics of the hospitals that would be most adversely affected by the loss of the ACA LVH adjustment. Methods 2004-2015 data from the Hospital Cost Report Information System, Hospital Market Service Area File and Nielsen-Claritas Pop-Facts file were used to estimate difference-in-difference regression models with hospital-level random effects in order to determine whether the ACA LVH adjustment improved qualifying rural hospitals’ profitability margins. Recycled predictions estimated the effect of losing the ACA LVH adjustment on profitability margins. Bivariate analyses explored associations between the predicted profitability margins and hospital and market characteristics. Findings The ACA LVH adjustment significantly improved Sole Community Hospitals’ Medicare inpatient margins in the year they received the adjustment, and it had a large but statistically insignificant effect on the profitability margins of other rural hospitals. Hospitals that would be the most adversely affected by loss of the ACA LVH adjustment were more likely to be small, located in the South, and in high-poverty markets with higher proportions of black and uninsured individuals. Conclusions Elimination of the ACA LVH adjustment would have differential effects on subgroups of hospitals, and those located in markets serving historically underserved populations would be the most adversely affected.
Non-secretory multiple myeloma: from biology to clinical management

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the US. It is typically characterized by production of large amounts of defective immunoglobulin (Ig). Diagnosing MM and monitoring treatment response, including eventual relapse, are largely based on sequential measurements of Ig. However, a small subset of MM called non-secretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) produces no detectable Ig. This subset of true NSMM has become even smaller over time, as the advent of the serum free light chain assay has resulted in the majority of NSMM patients being recategorized as light-chain MM - that is, MM cells that produce only the light-chain component of Ig. True forms of NSMM, meaning MM that secretes no monoclonal proteins whatsoever, constitute a distinct entity that is reviewed; definition of NSMM using current detection methods, discuss the biology underpinning NSMM development, and share recommendations for how NSMM should be managed clinically with respect to detection, treatment, and monitoring.
Mapping Alice Curriculum to Standards: A BOF for the Alice Community (Abstract Only)

This session is for anyone currently using Alice 2 and/or Alice 3, or those exploring the possibility of using Alice in their curriculum. The discussion leaders and attendees will share teaching strategies, tips, and techniques with each other and those new to Alice. This is an opportunity to share assignments and pointers to web sites to access instructional materials, such as syllabi, student projects, exams, and other resources. There will be a special emphasis on mapping Alice curriculum and instructional materials to CSTA, CSP, code.org and ACM curriculum standards and guidelines for a wide range of age/grade levels. The team will also share feedback from the Beta users of the new textbook and CS Principles Course.
HUMAN RESOURCE ACCOUNTING: AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of numerous treatises on the relative merits of human resource accounting. While the unprecedented pervasiveness of human resource literature suggests that the topic is new to our era, the debate itself is by no means novel. Indeed, the concept of human resource accounting is deeply rooted in the history of economic thought. To provide a desirable perspective of the current debate and thus a basis for an accurate assessment of the probable impact of human resource accounting, a familiarity with the development of the concept is necessary. The intent of this article is to trace the historical evolution of human resource accounting to its present stage of development. Its purpose is to impart the perspective essential to a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of human resource accounting systems.
A novel method to simulate complex networks of apoptosis in adenocarcinoma of the lung

1560 This study proceeded from the hypothesis that cellular automata modeling of the complex network of the Bcl2-family proteins could provide useful information on the p53-initiated apoptosis, elucidating the most influential relationships in the survival/apoptosis balance in fighting cancer. A cellular automata (CA) model was created of the interactions between the Bcl2 family proteins Bcl2, Bax, BclX(L), their homo- and heterodimers, and the apoptosis effector (non-Bcl2 member) Cytochrome C (CytC). The model of the complex system included 18 interaction paths of competition between apoptosis inhibition (survival factor) and apoptosis initiation (apoptotic factor). The model system was initially simulated using cellular automata with variegated cells representing discriminating binding sites. Bax, BclX(L), and CytC included one active site and Bcl2 included two such sites. Simulations were performed averaging the steady-state concentrations obtained in each of 100 runs. The modeling started with equal initial concentrations of the basic ingredients varying only the binding probability of discriminating binding sites. A hierarchy of interaction patterns were determined then verified by using initial concentrations based on the protein expression data of 71 patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the lung and varying the binding probability. The 71 patients were pooled in seven categories based on primary tumor size. A comparison with expression from 16 non-cancer samples was also included. Thresholds were identified for the three most important interactions. The thresholds were based on the convergence of the concentrations of survival and apoptotic factors. Linear and non-linear correlation coefficients were determined for Bcl2, Bax, and BclX(L) compared to the thresholds. The results of the CA modeling have shown the existence of a very delicate balance between the factors influencing the survival/apoptosis ratio, the latter varying strongly after relatively small changes in the initial concentration. The three most influential interactions were found to be the BclX(L) direct inhibiting the release of CytC, the BclX(L) indirect inhibiting the imbedding of Bax to the mitochondria, and the Bcl2-BclX complex direct inhibiting the release of CytC. The non-linear correlation coefficients for Bcl2, Bax and BclX(L) were 0.214, -0.133, and -0.821, respectively. The resulting correlation supports our hypothesis by highlighting the importance of BclX(L) in apoptosis. Historically, focus has been on other members of the Bcl2 family, however our study indicates that shifting the focus to BclX(L) may provide better markers of apoptotic activity and new treatment options.
Native and agricultural forests at risk to a changing climate in the Northern Plains

Native and agricultural forests in the Northern Plains provide ecosystem services that benefit human society—diversified agricultural systems, forest-based products, and rural vitality. The impacts of recent trends in temperature and disturbances are impairing the delivery of these services. Climate change projections identify future stressors of greater impact, placing at risk crops, soils, livestock, biodiversity, and agricultural and forest-based livelihoods. While these native and agricultural forests are also a viable option for providing mitigation and adaptation services to the Northern Plains, they themselves must be managed in terms of climate change risks. Because agricultural forests are planted systems, the primary approaches for reducing risks are through design, plant selection and management. For native forests, management, natural disturbances, and collaboration of multiple ownerships will be needed to address key risks.
10. Laparoscopic Hemostasis: Hemostatic Products and Adjuncts

Laparoscopy demands a bloodless field, as the surgeon does not have direct manual access to the operative field. Furthermore, visualization is easily lost as blood absorbs the light of the laparoscope. Meticulous surgical technique, including precise tissue dissection and proper identification of vascular anatomy, will help avoid bleeding complications. A wide variety of hemostatic tools exist to assist the surgeon should bleeding occur. This chapter focuses on two major hemostatic modalities: mechanical devices and tissue sealants. Thermal hemostatic modalities are discussed elsewhere.
Perceived life stress and anxiety correlate with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in runners.

Numerous causes of exercise-related gastrointestinal (GI) distress exist but scarce research has evaluated potential psychological causes. Runners (74 men, 76 women) prospectively recorded running ...
Hip Avascular Necrosis

Hip avascular necrosis (AVN), also referred to as osteonecrosis, atraumatic necrosis, aseptic necrosis, and ischemic necrosis, is a disease that can lead to mechanical failure of the hip joint if diagnosed late or left untreated. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, and presentation of the disease can be difficult to differentiate from other causes of hip pain. It is most often associated with prolonged corticosteroid or alcohol use but can be caused by a variety of other conditions. Diagnosis should be established with imaging including radiography and MRI. Asymptomatic patients may respond to conservative treatment with medical management and physical therapy, but the vast majority of cases require surgical intervention to maintain the integrity of the hip joint.
Embedding Distributed Temperature and Strain Optical Fiber Sensors in Metal Components Using Additive Manufacturing

This paper demonstrates a fiber-sensor fused additive manufacturing process. Distributed fiber optical sensors were metalized through electroplating process and embedded in metal parts using a laser engineered net shaping process. Temperature and strain profiles were monitored in real-time with 5 mm spatial resolution.
Is there a critical period for L1 but not L2

I am very pleased to comment on this important and thought-provoking keynote article. The evidence reviewed by Mayberry and Kluender (Mayberry & Kluender, 2017) is extremely significant for our understanding of a critical or sensitive period for the acquisition of language, and the hypothesis they suggest regarding a critical period for first but not second language is challenging. The studies of late L1 learning from the Mayberry lab provide very strong evidence for a critical or sensitive period. However, I am less persuaded of their interpretation of L2 learning and the contrast they hypothesize between L1 and L2 learning during adulthood. I will suggest another hypothesis regarding the differences in age effects for first versus second languages, one that is equally compatible with their important data. My focus here is therefore on their interpretation of the L2 literature. I will not comment further on their review of Mayberry's remarkable studies of late L1 acquisition, except to congratulate them on this very important work.
GFPT2-Expressing Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Mediate Metabolic Reprogramming in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma

Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment is recognized as a cancer hallmark. To identify new molecular processes associated with tumor metabolism, we analyzed the transcriptome of bulk and flow-sorted human primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) together with 18FDG-PET scans, which provide a clinical measure of glucose uptake. Tumors with higher glucose uptake were functionally enriched for molecular processes associated with invasion in adenocarcinoma and cell growth in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Next, we identified genes correlated to glucose uptake that were predominately overexpressed in a single cell-type comprising the tumor microenvironment. For SCC, most of these genes were expressed by malignant cells, whereas in adenocarcinoma, they were predominately expressed by stromal cells, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Among these adenocarcinoma genes correlated to glucose uptake, we focused on glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 2 (GFPT2), which codes for the glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase 2 (GFAT2), a rate-limiting enzyme of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), which is responsible for glycosylation. GFPT2 was predictive of glucose uptake independent of GLUT1, the primary glucose transporter, and was prognostically significant at both gene and protein level. We confirmed that normal fibroblasts transformed to CAF-like cells, following TGFβ treatment, upregulated HBP genes, including GFPT2, with less change in genes driving glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and TCA cycle. Our work provides new evidence of histology-specific tumor stromal properties associated with glucose uptake in NSCLC and identifies GFPT2 as a critical regulator of tumor metabolic reprogramming in adenocarcinoma.Significance: These findings implicate the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway as a potential new therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3445-57. ©2018 AACR.
No Benefit of Concomitant 5-Aminosalicylates in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Escalated to Biologic Therapy: Pooled Analysis of Individual Participant Data From Clinical Trials.

5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) are frequently continued in patients with moderate-severe ulcerative colitis (UC), even after escalation to biologic agents, without evaluation of the benefit of this approach. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) pooled analysis of trials of infliximab and golimumab in UC, to evaluate whether concomitant use of 5-ASA modifies clinical outcomes among anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated patients. We included IPD from five trials of infliximab and golimumab in patients with moderate-severe UC (ACT-1 and -2, PURSUIT-SC, PURSUIT-M, NCT00336492). Patients treated with infliximab or golimumab were categorized as receiving concomitant 5-ASA or not at time of trial entry. Primary outcome was clinical remission (Mayo Clinic Score < 3) at last follow-up for each trial; secondary outcomes were clinical response and mucosal healing. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we evaluated association between concomitant 5-ASA and clinical remission, after adjusting for sex, smoking, baseline disease activity, disease extent, biochemical variables (C-reactive protein, albumin, hemoglobin), and concomitant prednisone and immunomodulators. We included 2183 infliximab-treated or golimumab-treated patients (1715 [78.6%] on 5-ASA). Concomitant use of 5-ASA was not associated with odds of achieving clinical remission (adjusted OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.45–1.01], p = 0.06), clinical response (aOR, 0.89 [0.60–1.33], p = 0.58) or mucosal healing (aOR, 1.12 [0.82–1.51], p = 0.48). These results were consistent in trials of induction and maintenance therapy, and in trials of infliximab and golimumab. Based on IPD pooled analysis, in patients with moderate-severe UC who are escalated to anti-TNF therapy, continuing 5-ASA does not improve clinical outcomes.
Effects of initial propagule size and water depth on Butomus umbellatus L. growth and vegetative propagation

Abstract Over the last century, flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus L.: Butomaceae) has escaped its native Eurasian range and has become a problematic species in parts of North America. As an aquatic invasive species, flowering rush has degraded wetlands in introduced areas and has interfered with human water usage. Although experimental work has been published regarding the reproductive biology of the species, we found few manipulative experiments aimed at testing ecological attributes of this species in the literature. The research reported here demonstrates that flowering rush is capable of aggressive clonal growth and propagation, whether from vegetative rhizome buds or from fragments of rhizomes themselves. This species was capable of growth along a depth gradient from zero to 132 cm and showed an ability to adjust biomass allocation along that gradient; however, biomass and asexual propagule production declined at depths beyond approximately 50 cm. The combination of regrowth from relatively small propagules, ability to tolerate depths of greater than one meter, and plasticity of biomass allocation along habitat gradients make this species a potential threat in many aquatic and wetland habitats in its introduced range. However, certain aspects of its biomass allocation strategies may enhance chemical control for plants growing at greater depths or those regenerating from rhizome buds, both of which tend to have greater S:R biomass ratios.
Ionic liquid inspired alkalinochromic salts based on Reichardt’s dyes for the solution phase and vapochromic detection of amines

Chromogenic salts based on the negatively solvatochromic pyridinium N-phenolate betaines 2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenyl-N-pyridino)-phenolate (Reichardt’s dye 30) and 2,6-dichloro-4-(2,4,6-triphenyl-N-pyridino)-phenolate (Reichardt’s dye 33) proved to be promising probes for the colorimetric detection of bases, including hydroxide ion, ammonia, and aliphatic amines. Specifically, the protonated halide forms of these two dyes were ion exchanged to generate lipophilic bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide derivatives, denoted [ET(30)][Tf2N] and [ET(33)][Tf2N], respectively. When dissolved in 95 vol% EtOH, these essentially colorless solutions displayed dramatic “alkalinochromic” color-on switching due to phenolic deprotonation to generate the zwitterionic form of the dyes with their characteristic charge-transfer absorption. The extent of the colorimetric response varied with the base strength for the aliphatic amines tested (i.e., propylamine, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylamine, triethanolamine), being loosely correlated with the pKb of the amine. In addition, we demonstrated proof of concept for the vapochromic detection of ammonia and aliphatic amines by dissolution of the chromogenic probes in the ionic liquid 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. We also showed that the dyed ionic liquid can be successfully immobilized within silica sol-gel ionogels to generate more practical and robust sensory platforms. This strategy represents a useful addition to existing colorimetric sensor arrays targeting amines and other basic species. In particular, the differential response of the two different probes offers a measure of chemical selectivity which will be of interest for detecting biogenic amines in food safety applications, among other areas.
MODEL-BASED CONTROL: A SURVEY

This paper surveys the major active areas in model-based control, namely inferential control, model predictive control (for linear and nonlinear processes) and nonlinear variable transformations. There are a variety of algorithms in each of the above areas, and the relative advantages and disadvantage of these techniques are identified. Representative applications of the methods are also discussed.
Counter-ion induced processibility of conducting polymers: 2. Acid-assisted oxidative polymerization, doping and solubilization

Abstract A new mechanism for the polymerization, doping and solubilization of polypyrrole is presented and experimentally verified. The mechanism is based on acid-assisted oxidative polymerization, immediately followed by the oxidative doping using in both steps hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant and yielding only water as a side-product. The functionalized, deprotonated acid (e.g. camphorsulfonate) serves as a counter-ion providing solubility of the polymeric complex. Electrical conductivities of 0.1 S cm −1 are obtained for pressed pellets. The polypyrrole–camphorsulfonate complexes can be fully dissolved in organic solvents, but are unstable in solution.