cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Cleaning Products and Drug Resistance

We examined whether household use of antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products is an emerging risk factor for carriage of antimicrobial drug–resistant bacteria on hands of household members. Households (N = 224) were randomized to use of antibacterial or nonantibacterial cleaning and hygiene products for 1 year. Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of antibacterial product use in homes. Antibacterial product use did not lead to a significant increase in antimicrobial drug resistance after 1 year (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.74–2.41), nor did it have an effect on bacterial susceptibility to triclosan. However, more extensive and longer term use of triclosan might provide a suitable environment for emergence of resistant species. Further research on this issue is needed.
Timeliness of Care in Veterans With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Timeliness is an important dimension of quality of care for patients with lung cancer. Methods We reviewed the records of consecutive patients in whom non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had been diagnosed between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2003, at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. We used multivariable statistical methods to identify independent predictors of timely care and examined the effect of timeliness on survival. Results We identified 129 veterans with NSCLC (mean age, 67 years; 98% men; 83% white), most of whom had adenocarcinoma (51%) or squamous cell carcinoma (30%). A minority of patients (18%) presented with a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). The median time from the initial suspicion of cancer to treatment was 84 days (interquartile range, 38 to 153 days). Independent predictors of treatment within 84 days included hospitalization within 7 days (odds ratio [OR], 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9 to 23), tumor size of > 3.0 cm (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.8 to 12.4), the presence of additional chest radiographic abnormalities (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 8.5), and the presence of one or more symptoms suggesting metastasis (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 6.2). More timely care was not associated with better survival time (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.9). However, in patients with SPNs, there was a trend toward better survival time when the time to treatment was Conclusions The time to treatment for patients with NSCLC was often longer than recommended. Patients with larger tumors, symptoms, and other chest radiographic abnormalities receive more timely care. In patients with malignant SPNs, survival may be better when treatment is initiated promptly.
Silicon solar cell efficiency - Practice and promise.

The maximum efficiency of silicon solar cells was calculated and yielded a value near 18%. Additionally, the performance of these high efficiency cells in a synchronous orbit radiation field was calculated and it is suggested that these cells would be superior to present silicon cells. The performance of conventional cells was analyzed and several areas in which performance gains may be achieved are discussed. These areas include improvements in diffused region profile, in reduction of excess forward currents in cells made from low resistivity material, and in the theory for describing complex solar cell structures.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome with Retroperitoneal Teratoma Masquerading as Adrenal Mass: A Very Rare Occurrence in Adults

The association of chromosomal disorders with variousneoplasms is well established. We report a case of 36 yearsold man who was referred for preoperative evaluation offunctional status of “presumed” right adrenal mass. Thepatient was found to have clinical features of hypogonadismand further investigations confirmed the diagnosis ofKlinefelter’s Syndrome. The patient proceeded to surgeryand pathological examination of the removed mass revealeda mature retroperitoneal teratoma abutting the adrenalgland. This case demonstrates that patients with KS are atincreased risk of extragonadal germ cell tumors unusualsites from the mediastinum and brain. Retroperitonealteratoma in the adrenal gland region can be easily confusedwith adrenal related mass. Key words: Klinefelter’s syndrome, Adrenal incidentilomas,Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism, Retroperitonealteratoma.
Paired Electrical Stimulation and the Maximal Contractile Response of the Ventricle

Paired stimulation of the isometrically contracting papillary muscle of the cat caused it to develop 80 to 100% of the tension it develops in a high calcium, low sodium medium. The isovolumic left ventricle of the dog responded to paired stimuli with a significant increase in developed pressure and in maximal rate of rise of pressure (dP/dt max) at all ventricular volumes. During stimulation of the isovolumic left ventricle, there was little or no further potentiation induced by norepinephrine or calcium gluconate infusion. Paired stimulation is thus capable of inducing a maximal or near-maximal contractility of ventricular muscle at any given ventricular volume. Using dP/dt max as an index of left ventricular contractile force which is relatively uninfluenced by aortic afterloading, paired stimulation was found to cause significant potentiation in the ejecting left ventricle (64% increase above control dP/dt max). Unlike the papillary muscle and the isovolumic ventricle, the combination of paired stimulation and norepinephrine infusion caused a further increase in dP/dt max of the ejecting left ventricle. This may be explainable by the increase in ventricular size caused by norepinephrine, but in some instances norepinephrine added to the inotropic effects of paired stimulation.
Growth arrest signaling of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in cancer

The Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway has a pivotal role in facilitating cell proliferation, and its deregulated activation is a central signature of many epithelial cancers. However paradoxically, sustained activity of Raf/MEK/ERK can also result in growth arrest in many different cell types. This anti-proliferative Raf/MEK/ERK signaling also has physiological significance, as exemplified by its potential as a tumor suppressive mechanism. Therefore, significant questions include in which cell types and by what mechanisms this pathway can mediate such an opposing context of signaling. Particularly, our understating of the role of ERK1 and ERK2, the focal points of pathway signaling, in growth arrest signaling is still limited. This review discusses these aspects of Raf/MEK/ ERK-mediated growth arrest signaling.
Relations Among the Home Language and Literacy Environment and Children’s Language Abilities: A Study of Head Start Dual Language Learners and Their Mothers

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: This study explored the relations between Spanish–English dual language learner (DLL) children’s home language and literacy experiences and their expressive vocabulary and oral comprehension abilities in Spanish and in English. Data from Spanish–English mothers of 93 preschool-age Head Start children who resided in central Pennsylvania were analyzed. Children completed the Picture Vocabulary and Oral Comprehension subtests of the Bateria III Woodcock–Munoz and the Woodcock–Johnson III Tests of Achievement. Results revealed that the language spoken by mothers and children and the frequency of mother–child reading at home influenced children’s Spanish language abilities. In addition, the frequency with which children told a story was positively related to children’s performance on English oral language measures. Practice or Policy: The findings suggest that language and literacy experiences at home have a differential impact on DLLs’ language abilities in their 2 languages. Specif...
Thriving on Adversity: Disclosing Corporate Mistreatment of Consumers Caught in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and Exploring the Consumer Movement's Response to Crisis and Catastrophe

Over the last year it has been unexceptional to watch the consumer coverage of problems related to the natural disasters created by the hurricanes. Outside of the Southern states, the national media and leaders of other consumer organizations spent a very large amount of time warning the immediate victims of the storm about construction scammers and con artists; and warning the wider public about flood-damaged cars and charity frauds. But compared to some other real, authentically grave consumer problems connected with the hurricanes, these are neither the only, nor the dominant narratives that leaders of the consumer movement should be focusing on. Many of the institutional leaders of the movement have concentrated on fringe bad actors - at a time when there are problems of greater cumulative significance exploding out of mainstream commercial behavior.By criterion that I think most would consider important - the aggregate impact of the practice in question on general consumer welfare and the aggregate impact on consumers' loss of home, health, employment, purchasing power and leisure time enjoyment - the serious consumer problems connected with natural disasters relate not to charity scams and fly-by-night construction companies, but to the insufficiently compassionate responses of mortgagees, banks, credit card issuers, and utilities. With only a few exceptions, however, the behavior of major commercial actors, especially in the financial sector has not been comprehensively illuminated. This discussion examines the mainstream housing, banking, lending, and selected basic utilities sectors to learn more about the increased costs and burdens that commercial entities have imposed on consumers, in the aftermath of the hurricanes, and more generally to reveal the unique possibilities for public education and reform which arise during times of natural disaster.
Unilateral Eye Findings: A Rare Herald of Acute Leukemia.

Background/Aim: Unilateral choroidal infiltration as the initial manifestation of leukemic relapse in adults is rare, particularly after an extended period of rem
Modern Management Principles Come to the Dental School

The University of Washington School of Dentistry may be the first dental school in the nation to apply lean process management principles as a primary tool to re-engineer its operations and curriculum to produce the dentist of the future. The efficiencies realized through re-engineering will better enable the school to remain competitive and viable as a national leader of dental education. Several task forces conducted rigorous value stream analyses in a highly collaborative environment led by the dean of the school. The four areas undergoing evaluation and re-engineering were organizational infrastructure, organizational processes, curriculum, and clinic operations. The new educational model was derived by thoroughly analyzing the current state of dental education in order to design and achieve the closest possible ideal state. As well, the school's goal was to create a lean, sustainable operational model. This model aims to ensure continued excellence in restorative dental instruction and to serve as a blueprint for other public dental schools seeking financial stability in this era of shrinking state support and rising costs.
Embodied Energy of Construction Materials: Integrating Human and Capital Energy into an IO-Based Hybrid Model

Buildings alone consume approximately 40% of the annual global energy and contribute indirectly to the increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon. The total life cycle energy use of a building is composed of embodied and operating energy. Embodied energy includes all energy required to manufacture and transport building materials, and construct, maintain, and demolish a building. For a systemic energy and carbon assessment of buildings, it is critical to use a whole life cycle approach, which takes into account the embodied as well as operating energy. Whereas the calculation of a building’s operating energy is straightforward, there is a lack of a complete embodied energy calculation method. Although an input–output-based (IO-based) hybrid method could provide a complete and consistent embodied energy calculation, there are unresolved issues, such as an overdependence on price data and exclusion of the energy of human labor and capital inputs. This paper proposes a method for calculating and integrat...
Theoretical Study of the Roles of Na+ and Water on the Adsorption of Formamide on Kaolinite Surfaces

The adsorption of formamide (FA) on kaolinite surfaces and the roles of Na+ and water on the adsorption were investigated theoretically using a density functional theory. The calculations reveal that adsorbed FA is able to form stable complexes with the tetrahedral and octahedral surfaces of kaolinite. The octahedral surface possesses a larger binding affinity toward FA than the tetrahedral site of kaolinite partially due to the presence of the surface hydroxyl groups that are more active in the intermolecular interactions than the basal oxygen atoms of the siloxane or tetrahedral sites. The calculated (basis set superposition error corrected) binding energies of FA on the kaolinite octahedral and tetrahedral surfaces are −14.8 and −13.7 kcal/mol, respectively. FA also forms slightly less stable complexes with the negatively charged kaolinite fragments than with neutral ones. The addition of a sodium cation plays a key role in this adsorption, while addition of one water molecule affects the binding stren...
Measurements of the impact of polarization on filaments and the associated supercontinuum

Polarization and supercontinuum generation are intimately intertwined, as our measurements of polarization evolution in filaments and supercontinuum spectrum demonstrate. Anomalous spectral broadening is observed for particular ellipticities in molecular gases, but not in rare gases.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Campylobacter jejuni Strain Isolated from Retail Chicken Meat Reveals the Presence of a Megaplasmid with Mu-Like Prophage and Multidrug Resistance Genes

ABSTRACT Genome sequencing of Campylobacter jejuni strain T1-21 isolated from retail chicken meat revealed the presence of a chromosome of 1,565,978 bp and a megaplasmid of 82,732 bp that contains Mu-like prophage and multidrug resistance genes. This is the first reported sequence of a Campylobacter megaplasmid >55 kb.
Intrapelvic Wilms tumor : report of 2 cases and review of the literature

AbstractWilms tumor arising from the renal parenchyma usually presents initially as an abdominal mass. A review of the literature revealed fewer than 10 cases manifesting as a renal pelvic mass occupying primarily the collecting system. We have treated 2 patients with this unusual presentation: 1) a 4-month-old male infant whose initial radiological investigation demonstrated a left renal neoplasm measuring 10 × 7 × 5 cm.; bisection of the kidney showed a tumor completely filling the collecting system to the proximal ureter with extreme attenuation of the renal parenchyma, and 2) a 9-year-old boy who was hospitalized due to hematuria; ultrasonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass in the right renal pelvis; gross pathology displayed a 7 × 6 × 5 cm. polypoid mass occupying the renal pelvis without parenchymal involvement. Microscopically, both lesions were typical Wilms tumors. We discuss the characteristic clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment, and review ...
Methods in laboratory investigation : effects of tissue preparation on glomerular volume and capillary structure in the rat

The effect of tissue preparation on glomerular volume in normal rats was assessed. In group 1 rats (N = 8), kidney tissue was obtained by immersion-fixation of needle biopsy cores and excised slices from the left kidney and by perfusion-fixation of the remaining right kidney at close to ambient arterial pressure. In group 2 rats (N = 8), tissue was obtained by kidney perfusion at a supernormal pressure (approximately 165 mm Hg). Studies in group 1 showed that mean glomerular volume (VG) was not different in biopsy cores (1.07 +/- 0.13 x 10(6) mu 3) and in kidney slices fixed by immersion (0.92 +/- 0.09 x 10(6) mu 3). A significantly higher value for VG (1.51 +/- 0.18 x 10(6) mu 3) was obtained in kidneys perfusion-fixed at close to ambient arterial pressure. Morphometric studies showed that reduced VG in immersion-fixed tissue was associated with lowered values for peripheral capillary wall surface area (225 +/- 21 x 10(3) mu 2 versus 159 +/- 27 x 10(3) mu 2, p less than 0.05) and reduced mean capillary radius (4.5 +/- 6 mu versus 2.7 +/- 3 mu, p less than 0.05) compared with perfusion-fixed tissue. The data suggest that glomerular capillaries contract when tissue is immersion-fixed and shows that values for mean peripheral capillary wall surface area/glomerulus and mean glomerular capillary radius obtained in immersion- and perfusion-fixed tissue cannot be directly compared. Studies in group 2 showed that VG was not altered by perfusion at a supernormal pressure (1.40 +/- 0.16 x 10(6) mu 3) as compared with perfusion at ambient pressure (1.51 +/- 0.18 x 10(6) mu 3). Further studies in group 1, however, showed that values for VG obtained in paraffin-embedded tissue were approximately 40% lower than values for VG obtained in methacrylate-embedded tissue from the same kidneys.
Stercoraceous Perforation of the Colon

Three cases of stercoraceous ulceration and perforation of the colon are presented, and another 21 cases found in the literature reviewed. While this condition is rare, the diagnosis should be entertained in any severely and chronically constipated individual who presents with signs of a perforated viscus and fecal impaction.
Total prompt γ-ray emission in fission

The total prompt γ-ray energy distributions were measured for the neutron-induced fission of 235 U, 239,241 Pu at incident neutron energy of 0.025 eV–100 keV, and the spontaneous fission of 252 Cf using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) array in coincidence with the detection of fission fragments by a parallel-plate avalanche counter. Corrections were made to the measured distribution by unfolding the two-dimension spectrum of total prompt γ-ray energy vs multiplicity using a simulated DANCE response matrix. A summary of this work is presented with the emphasis on the comparison of total prompt fission γ-ray energy between our results and previous ones. The mean values of the total prompt γ-ray energy ⟨Eγ,tot⟩, determined from the unfolded distributions, are ∼20% higher than those derived from measurements using single γ-ray detector for all the fissile nuclei studied.
The Sheepherder Project: Systemic Change for Marginalized Workers

This article discusses the various ways in which direct legal services providers can think creatively about how to address systemic problems when the legal rights “on the books” are minimal. Using the exploitation of agricultural workers on the H-2A visas as a case study, it explores how advocates can use multifaceted advocacy, such as public education, collaborative efforts, agency advocacy, and litigation. It concludes that organizations must learn how to reevaluate and adopt new strategies in order to create systemic change strategies for their clients.
Hippopotamus amphibius (Nile hippopotamus)

Metaphases were prepared from kidney cultures of a male at San Diego Zoo. Skin fibroblast cultures gave same results and they also correspond to marrow metaphases from male and female animals at Kruger Park. Fluorescence gave no unusual findings; the pericentromeric constriction of the last pair of autosomes does not accept quinacrine. A female specimen was not available for display.
Simulations and Interpretation of Three-Electrode Cyclic Voltammograms of Pseudocapacitive Electrodes

Abstract This study aims to provide physical interpretation of cyclic voltammograms obtained from pseudocapacitive electrodes using three-electrode systems. It presents numerical simulations based on a recent continuum model able to reproduce experimental CV curves obtained with different Nb2O5-based electrodes and LiClO4 in propylene carbonate as electrolyte. First, the respective contributions of faradaic and electric double layer charge storage mechanisms were clearly identified along with the associated faradaic and capacitive regimes. This was further illustrated by comparing CV curves for pseudocapacitive (Nb2O5) and EDLC (carbon) electrodes. Transition from the faradaic to the capacitive regime was caused by Li+ starvation at the electrode/electrolyte interface and the formation of ClO 4 − electric double layer. Moreover, the effects of electrode crystallinity on CV curves were reproduced and interpreted in terms of enhanced transport properties for lithium intercalation and electrode electrical conductivity. Finally, the electrode thickness featured an optimum corresponding to a compromise between accommodating large amounts of intercalated lithium and minimizing the potential drop across the electrode to drive faradaic reactions.
Point Partitions: A Qualitative Representation for Region-Based Spatial Scenes in $$ {\mathbb{R}}^{2} $$

A complete qualitative scene description should be such that it captures the essential details of a configuration so that a topologically correct depiction can be recreated. This paper models a spatial scene through sequences of point partitions, that is, how embedding space and objects are distributed around the intersections of the boundaries of regions. Twenty-three base patterns are identified, which suffice to capture complex scenes, including configurations with holes. To demonstrate the diagrammatic depiction of a spatial scene from point partition patterns, such a scene is recreated using the developed model. The paper also provides a means of transitioning between these more complex relations and the eight coarse topological relations of the 4-intersection.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Musculoskeletal Metastases: Pain Palliation and Local Tumor Control.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryoablation of musculoskeletal metastases in terms of achieving pain palliation and local tumor control. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of 92 musculoskeletal metastases in 56 patients treated with percutaneous image-guided cryoablation. Mean age of the cohort was 53.9 y ± 15.1, and cohort included 48% (27/56) men. Median tumor volume was 13.0 cm 3 (range, 0.5–577.2 cm 3 ). Indications for treatment included pain palliation (41%; 38/92), local tumor control (15%; 14/92), or both (43%; 40/92). Concurrent cementoplasty was performed after 28% (26/92) of treatments. Results In 78 tumors treated for pain palliation, median pain score before treatment was 8.0. Decreased median pain scores were reported 1 day (6.0; P P P P = .01, n=28) after treatment. The median pain score at 6-month follow-up was 7.5 ( P = .33, n=11). Radiographic local tumor control rates were 90% (37/41) at 3 months, 86% (32/37) at 6 months, and 79% (26/33) at 12 months after treatment. The procedural complication rate was 4.3% (4/92). The 3 major complications included 2 cases of hemothorax and 1 transient foot drop. Conclusions Cryoablation is an effective treatment for palliating painful musculoskeletal metastases and achieving local tumor control.
Validation of highly sensitive simultaneous targeted and untargeted analysis of keto-steroids by Girard P derivatization and stable isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry

A multiplexed quantitative method for the analysis of three major unconjugated steroids in human serum by stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was developed and validated on a Q Exactive Plus hybrid quadrupole/Orbitrap mass spectrometer. This quantification utilized isotope dilution and Girard P derivatization on the keto-groups of testosterone (T), androstenedione (AD) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to improve ionization efficiency using electrospray ionization. Major isomeric compounds to T and DHEA; the inactive epimer of testosterone (epiT), and the metabolite of AD, 5α-androstanedione (5α-AD) were completely resolved on a biphenyl column within an 18min method. Inter- and intra-day method validation using LC-HRMS with qualifying product ions was performed and acceptable analytical performance was achieved. The method was further validated by comparing steroid levels from 100μL of serum from young vs older subjects. Since this approach provides high-dimensional HRMS data, untargeted analysis by age group was performed. DHEA and T were detected among the top analytes most significantly different across the two groups after untargeted LC-HRMS analysis, as well as a number of other still unknown metabolites, indicating the potential for combined targeted/untargeted analysis in steroid analysis.
Abstract IA12: Targeting the cell cycle in pediatric solid tumors

My lab is interested in understanding how proliferation and differentiation are coordinated during development and how those processes become uncoupled in pediatric solid tumors. We are also interested in identifying tumor vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically. We have developed a unique resource for studying the developmental origins of childhood solid tumors and this resource is shared freely with no obligation to collaborate through the Childhood Solid Tumor Network (www.stjude.org/cstn). We have also developed a rigorous and comprehensive preclinical phase I/II/III testing program (Langenau et al. Cancer Research, 2015) that recapitulate many of the features of human clinical trials. In my presentation, I will compare and contrast cell cycle and checkpoint vulnerabilities across 4 pediatric solid tumor types including ongoing efforts to exploit those vulnerabilities in preclinical studies and clinical trials. These examples will provide a foundation for targeting the cell cycle across diverse cancer types. Citation Format: Michael Dyer. Targeting the cell cycle in pediatric solid tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Cancer Cell Cycle - Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Response; Feb 28-Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(11_Suppl):Abstract nr IA12.
OR9 Certain KIR-HLA genotypes show improved progression-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma treated with Isatuximab (SAR650984, Anti-CD38 MAB), lenalidomide and dexamethasone

Aim The functional competency of NK cell is determined by the interactions of germline-encoded killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and their cognate HLA class I ligands, which are substantially variable between individuals. To determine if certain KIR-HLA interactions modulate the efficacy of Isatuximab (Isa), a chimeric anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody used in clinical trials treating multiple myeloma. Methods We characterized KIR and HLA class I types using luminex rSSO methods on a cohort of 57 patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) enrolled on the Isa/Len/Dex trial (NCT01749969). We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) between patients carrying different KIR genotypes, and between patients carrying or missing distinct KIR + HLA pairs. Results Patients with AA KIR genotypes (carrying more inhibitory KIRs and 0–1 activating KIR) have higher median PFS compared to those carrying Bx (AB or BB) genotypes (carrying less inhibitory KIRs and 2–6 activating KIRs) (Fig. A). Moreover, patients carrying KIR2DL3+ and HLA-C1+, KIR3DL1+ and HLA-B Bw4I80+, and/or KIR3DL2+ and HLA-A3/A11+ have higher median PFS compared to those that were missing these receptor-ligand combinations (Fig.D, E, F). In contrast, patients carrying KIR3DL1+ and HLA-B Bw4T80+, KIR2DL1+ and HLA-C2+ and/or KIR2DL2+ and HLA-C1+ showed worst PFS compared to those missing these KIR-HLA pairs (Fig.E, B, C). Carriers of KIR2DS2 and/or KIR2DS3 showed worst PFS compared to those missing these activating KIRs. Presence/absence of KIR2DS1, 2DS4, 2DS5, and/or 3DS1 did not make any difference in PFS. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that certain KIR-HLA interactions are associated with improved progression free survival in patients with RRMM treated with Isa/Len/Dex. The beneficial impact of individual KIR-HLA combinations is likely due to differences in binding strength or specificity, which influence NK licensing and/or inhibition, and effects the ability to induce ADCC.
Accelerated vs. traditional accounting education and CPA exam performance

Abstract Recent trends suggest a decline in the number of individuals attempting the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Our institution has responded to the need for additional professionals by creating accelerated accounting certificate programs. We find no significant difference between alumni from our traditional and accelerated programs in terms of attempting the CPA exam. Limiting comparisons to those who have attempted the exam, we obtain no significant differences between alumni from the programs in terms of passing the exam and the number of attempts required to pass. We further find that the accelerated program alumni take less time after program completion to pass the exam. This study contributes to our understanding of the comparative efficacy of accelerated accounting education. Our results suggest that well-designed accelerated accounting programs can provide a useful means for increasing the supply of well-qualified entry-level accountants and increase opportunities for students seeking a career in accounting.
Workplace Commitment in Entrepreneurial Settings

A substantial body of literature describes workplace commitment in established organizations. However, this literature has not examined the special challenges associated with commitment in entrepreneurial settings. Entrepreneurs often need resources controlled by stakeholders to form and exploit opportunities. Some of these resources can be acquired through simple contracts while other resources can only be acquired when stakeholders become deeply committed to the entrepreneurial endeavor. The purpose of this symposium is to examine stakeholder commitment in entrepreneurial settings. An interdisciplinary panel of three leading scholars, Jay Barney, Peter Cappelli, and Howard Klein, will present their latest research and engage in an interactive discussion centered on this emerging stream of research and its implications for entrepreneurship theory, organizational behavior theory, strategic human resource management, and managerial practice.
Enzymatic Activities Found in Human Tears

Many active proteins including enzymes have been observed in human tears. Some of these proteins, including the enzymes lysozyme and amylase, are secreted by the lacrimal gland. Other enzymes found in tears are lysosomal in origin and the tissue source is not yet known. Desquamating epithelial cells of the cornea and conjunctiva are another source of enzymes found in tears. One of the major functions of tear proteins including the enzyme lysozyme appears to be protection of the eye from microorganisms. Other enzyme activities of the tears are probably important in breaking down the cellular debris of microorganisms and desquamating epithelial cells and assisting in the turnover of tear components.
Antimicrobial Properties of Nitric Oxide

The ability of nitric oxide (NO) to inhibit microbial pathogens has been appreciated for many years by the food processing industry, which routinely adds nitrite to meat during the curing process (Tarr, 1941; Shank et al., 1962; Incze et al., 1974; Pierson and Smoot, 1982; DeGiusti and DeVito, 1992). However, cell-derived NO-related antimicrobial activity generated from the enzymatic oxidation of L-arginine (Chapter 4) has been recognized only recently to be an important component of host defense. In addition to indirect effects resulting from modulation of immune responses (Chapter 10), it is now evident that NO or its congeners can exert direct inhibitory or lethal effects on microbial targets. This chapter will consider present knowledge concerning mechanisms of NO-related antimicrobial activity and relevant microbial defenses against NO-related cytotoxicity.
Comparison of Three Dimensional (3-D) Rat Hepatocyte Cultures in Simulated Microgravity Conditions

Amongst the existing 3-D culture models, the Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS) enables 3-D growth in a unique environment (increased mass transfer and minimal shear forces). We investigated whether these conditions could generate improved hepatocyte 3-D models as potential tools for in vitro toxicological assays. Cells were seeded into three types of culture vessel which rotate on a horizontal axis and differ in their respective chamber dimensions.
Aging in the Drosophila ovary: contrasting changes in the expression of the piRNA machinery and mitochondria but no global release of transposable elements

Evolutionary theory indicates that the dynamics of aging in the soma and reproductive tissues may be distinct. This difference arises from the fact that only the germline lineage establishes future generations. In the soma, changes in the landscape of heterochromatin have been proposed to have an important role in aging. This is because redistribution of heterochromatin during aging has been linked to the derepression of transposable elements and an overall loss of somatic gene regulation. A role for changes in the chromatin landscape in the aging of reproductive tissues is less well established. Whether or not epigenetic factors, such as heterochromatin marks, are perturbed in aging reproductive tissues is of interest because, in special cases, epigenetic variation may be heritable. Using mRNA sequencing data from late-stage egg chambers in Drosophila melanogaster, we characterized the landscape of altered gene and transposable element expression in aged reproductive tissues. This allowed us to test the hypothesis that reproductive tissues may differ from somatic tissues in their response to aging. We show that age-related expression changes in late-stage egg chambers tend to occur in genes residing in heterochromatin, particularly on the largely heterochromatic 4th chromosome. However, these expression differences are seen as both decreases and increases during aging, inconsistent with a general loss of heterochromatic silencing. We also identify an increase in expression of the piRNA machinery, suggesting an age-related increased investment in the maintenance of genome stability. We further identify a strong age-related reduction in the expression of mitochondrial transcripts. However, we find no evidence for global TE derepression in reproductive tissues. Rather, the observed effects of aging on TEs are primarily strain and family specific. These results identify unique responses in somatic versus reproductive tissue with regards to aging. As in somatic tissues, female reproductive tissues show reduced expression of mitochondrial genes. In contrast, the piRNA machinery shows increased expression during aging. Overall, these results also indicate that global loss of TE control observed in other studies may be unique to the soma and sensitive to genetic background and TE family.
Advancing STEM-Based Business Sustainability: Mending the Curricular Gap:

Businesses are increasingly facing economic, social, and environmental sustainability challenges. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are needed to address business sustainability nee...
Antitumor Activity of Dual PI3K and ER Blockade in ER Positive Breast Cancer Models

ABSTRACT Background Activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, either by receptor tyrosine kinase overexpression or PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis dysregulation, has been implicated in endocrine therapy resistance, prompting combination of PI3K inhibitors and antiestrogen therapy in the clinical setting such as in the recent BOLERO-2 study. We hypothesize that dissecting the molecular crosstalk between the PI3K and estrogen receptor (ER) pathways will help define the subset of patients most responsive to combined PI3K/antiestrogen therapy. Methods ER+ cell lines MCF7, MCF7-long term estrogen deprived (LTED), MCF7-fulvestrant resistant clones Fslx64 and Fslx70, T47D, ZR75-1, CAMA1, MDA361, KPL-1, BT474, EFM19, HCC1428, UACC812, were treated with the ER degrader, fulvestrant, and the p110α-specific PI3K inhibitor BYL719 in vitro. Cell viability was measured by CellTiter-Glo and Crystal Violet. MCF7 and ER+ patient-derived xenografts were treated with fulvestrant, BYL719 or the combination in vivo. Protein expression was measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results Fulvestrant or BYL719 treatment resulted in variable inhibition of cell viability in all ER+ cell lines. Combination treatment was significantly superior to monotherapy in MCF7, MCF7-LTED, MCF7-Fslx64 and MCF7-Fslx70. While MCF7 clones Fslx64 and Fslx70 were resistant to >1 µM of fulvestrant, they were exquisitely sensitive to BYL719. Moreover, PI3K inhibition led to ER upregulation in ER+ cell lines, including those most sensitive to combination treatment. Total ER levels also increased in MCF7 xenografts treated with therapeutic doses of BYL719. Conclusions Combined treatment with BYL719 and fulvestrant in vitro was superior to single-agent treatment in 4 of 13 ER+ cell lines. Importantly, dual PI3K/ER blockade was effective in cells resistant to ER deprivation and/or degradation. Induced ER levels following PI3K suppression may represent a feedback mechanism by which ER+ cells escape PI3K inhibition. We are currently studying whether this phenomenon predicts sensitivity to dual PI3K/ER blockade in ER+ breast cancer models. Disclosure J. Baselga: J. Baselga is a consultant/advisory board member for Aragon, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Bayer, Onyx, Chugai, Constellation, Exelixis, Intellikine, Merck, Novartis, and Roche Genentech. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Knowledge is Shared

Human beings have a remarkable penchant for believing things that are not true. This has always been the case. Ancients believed in nature deities, bloodletting was thought to cure disease for many...
Graphene-Based Sensing Skins Manufactured by Scalable and Controllable Assembly

Electronic skins have attracted extensive attention from both academic and industry as they can offer extended functions for human skin by being able to monitor various kinds of stimuli including temperature, stress/strain, humidity, light, etc. Sensors manufactured by controllable, scalable, and ultra-fast assembly of functional materials (e.g., graphene) are reported in this paper. With our innovatively designed controllable manufacturing technique, graphene does not need to be dispersed or blended with non-conductive binders. Instead, the graphene particles are randomly distributed at the surface of the skin-like substrates (i.e., medical tapes) without using any binder within a very short time (less than milliseconds). Strain sensing tests were conducted on those electronic skins, revealing that after relatively long-term tensile tests, the strain sensitivity of the electronic skin kept at a high level with good linearity, stability, and repeatability. As no binder is needed, the skin sensors were found to possess high sensitivity by a demonstration of detecting air follow pressure as low as ~2.5 Pa. Furthermore, the capability of detecting sound has been demonstrated, indicating that they can potentially act as artificial eardrums in the future.
Assessing Macro-Financial Risks of Household Debt in China

High household indebtedness could constrain future consumption growth and increase financial stability risks. This paper uses household survey data to analyze both macroeconomic and finanical stability risks from the rapidly rising household debt in China. We find that rising household indebtedness could boost consumption in the short term, while reducing it in the medium-to-long term. By stress testing households' debt repayment capacity, we find that low-income households are most vulnerable to adverse income shocks which could lead to signficant defaults. Containing these risks would call for a strengthening of systemic risk assessment and macroprudential policies of the household sector. Other policies include improving the credit registry system and establishing a well-functioning personal insolvency framework.
The Effective Use of Limited Information: Do Bid Maximums Reduce Procurement Costs in Asymmetric Auctions

This study empirically investigates the extent of noncompliance with the tax code and examines the determinants of federal income tax evasion in the U.S. Employing a refined version of Feige’s (1986; 1989) General Currency Ratio (GCR) model to estimate a time series of unreported income as our measure of tax evasion, we find that 18-23% of total reportable income may not properly be reported to the IRS. This gives rise to a 2009 “tax gap” in the range of $390-$537 billion. As regards the determinants of tax noncompliance, we find that federal income tax evasion is an increasing function of the average effective federal income tax rate, the unemployment rate, the nominal interest rate, and per capita real GDP, and a decreasing function of the IRS audit rate. Despite important refinements of the traditional currency ratio approach for estimating the aggregate size and growth of unreported economies, we conclude that the sensitivity of the results to different benchmarks, imperfect data sources and alternative specifying assumptions precludes obtaining results of sufficient accuracy and reliability to serve as effective policy guides.
Teaching-Learning Column Introduction.

This article introduces a discussion of faculty practices in journeying with nurse students in the preparation for success on the NCLEX-RN®. While veering from this column’s usual focus on the teac...
Atom Manipulation with the Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Two processes for manipulating atoms and molecules with the scanning tunneling microscope are discussed along with their underlying physical mechanisms. It is shown how the reversible transfer of an atom between the tip and surface can he used to create a bistable switch. Several applications of atomic manipulation as a laboratory tool are presented.
FcγRIIIa polymorphisms in racial disparity and the role of cetuximab mediated antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

2137 Background: Over-expression of EGFR is a common characteristic of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cetuximab, an IgG 1 chimeric monoclonal antibody that recognizes EGFR, is a novel FDA approved treatment for HNSCC patients that demonstrates a significant improvement in locoregional control and overall survival when combined with radiation therapy. Mechanistically, Cetuximab is thought to stimulate natural killer (NK) cell activity through FcγIII receptor and induces antibody-dependent-cellular-cytotoxicity (ADCC). Individuals with different FcγRIIIa polymorphisms (FcγRIIIa FF, FcγRIIIa FV and FcγRIIIa VV) at codon 158 have been shown to exhibit different binding affinities to other monoclonal antibody treatments. The aim of this study is to show that individuals with the FcγRIIIa V allele will respond better to Cetuximab treatment than those with the FcγRIIIa F allele. It is also our aim to compare the frequency of FcγRIIIa polymorphisms in ethnically diverse patients with SCCHN to better target patients benefiting from Cetuximab treatment. In light of well described racial differences in HNSCC treatment outcomes in the African American population compared to the Caucasian population, we are interested in investigating whether differences in FcγRIIIa polymorphisms contribute to treatment outcomes. Methods: Three HNSCC cell lines were used in this study: Tu167, Tu159 and O12SCC. EGFR expression and the binding of Cetuximab to these cell lines were quantified using flow cytometry. NK cells were isolated from PBMC of healthy donors and selected with magnetic beads. FcγRIIIa polymorphisms of the donors were determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Thymidine assay was used to determine cell lines proliferative activity. Antibody-dependent-cellular-cytotoxicty assay was determined using 51 Cr-release assay. Results: In our study, we were able to demonstrate the anti-proliferative activity in all three HNSCC cell lines in the presence of 10 ug/mL Cetuximab. In Cetuximab mediated ADCC, the cumulative percent cytotoxicity for each polymorphism among the cell lines was 58.2% for FcγRIIIa V/V, 50.6% for FcγRIIIa V/F, and 26.1% for FcγRIIIa F/F (p V allele at codon 158 induces enhanced ADCC compared to homozygous F/F . Conclusion: In translational research, these data show both prognostic and therapeutic relevance and support the design of a trial aimed at determining whether FcγRIIIa polymorphisms in ethnically diverse HNSCC patients influence the clinical outcome of anti-EGFR mAb Cetuximab treatment.
A Novel Audio Steganalysis Based on High-Order Statistics of a Distortion Measure with Hausdorff Distance

Steganography can be used to hide information in audio media both for the purposes of digital watermarking and establishing covert communication channels. Digital audio provides a suitable cover for high-throughput steganography as a result of its transient and unpredictable characteristics. Distortion measure plays an important role in audio steganalysis - the analysis and classification method of determining if an audio medium is carrying hidden information. In this paper, we propose a novel distortion metric based on Hausdorff distance. Given an audio object xwhich could potentially be a stego-audio object, we consider its de-noised version xi¾? as an estimate of the cover-object. We then use Hausdorff distance to measure the distortion from xto xi¾?. The distortion measurement is obtained at various wavelet decomposition levels from which we derive high-order statistics as features for a classifier to determine the presence of hidden information in an audio signal. Extensive experimental results for the Least Significant Bit (LSB) substitution based steganography tool show that the proposed algorithm has a strong discriminatory ability and the performance is significantly superior to existing methods. The proposed approach can be easily applied to other steganography tools and algorithms.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and its novel product, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, are present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The metabolism of polyphosphoinositides has been shown to be an important factor in controlling the proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The monophosphate form of phosphatidylinositol has been assumed to be phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI-4-P). Recent evidence from our laboratory has established that a phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase, which phosphorylates the D-3 position of the inositol ring (PI 3-kinase), is associated with many activated protein-tyrosine kinases and may play an important role in the signaling of cell proliferation (Auger, K. R., Serunian, L. A., Soltoff, S. P., Libby, P., and Cantley, L. C. (1989) Cell 57, 167-175). To determine the evolutionary conservation of this enzymatic activity, we investigated its presence in yeast. In vitro PI kinase assays of yeast cell homogenates demonstrated that PI 3-kinase activity was present. Preliminary biochemical characterization of the activity suggested that it was quite different from the mammalian enzyme yet catalyzed the same reaction, i.e. phosphorylating the D-3 hydroxyl position of the inositol ring of phosphatidyl-myo-inositol. [3H]Inositol labeling of intact yeast cells with the subsequent extraction, deacylation, and high performance liquid chromatography analysis of the lipids demonstrated that PI-3-P was as abundant as the PI-4-P isomer. The conservation of the enzymatic activity from yeast to man suggests that it has an important functional role in the cell cycle.