LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Diversity in the sialic acids.

It is now more than 50 years since N-acetyl-neuraminic acid was first discovered and subsequently characterized by several groups (reviewed in Roseman, 1970; Gottschalk, 1972; Rosenberg and Schengrund, 1976; Schauer, 1982; Faillard, 1989). Relatively soon after its discovery, it became apparent that this molecule was actually the major member of a family of compounds related to neuraminic acid that were christened the 'sialic acids' (Blix etai, 1957). Early studies paid close attention to the different types of sialic acids and the interrelationships between them. However, interest in these complexities subsequently waned and unpublished 'folk-lore' had it that modified sialic acids were species-specific curiosities found only in a few tissues, such as erythrocytes and submaxillary glands. In fact, many investigators in the 1970s and 80s used the terms W-acetyl-neuraminic acid' and 'sialic acid' synonymously. Thus, for example, when structural or biological changes were noted following treatments with a sialidase (neuraminidase), it was often assumed that the sialic acid released was A^-acetyl-neuraminic acid. It is now clear tjiat the different types of sialic acids are much more widely distributed than previously thought. This review attempts to briefly summarize current knowledge concerning the occurrence, structure, biochemistry and biological significance of this diversity in the sialic acids. Particular attention is given to the two most common and better studied modifications: the addition of 0-acetyl esters to the hydroxyl groups at the 4-, 7-, 8and 9-positions, and the conversion of the 7V-acetyl group to an /V-glycolyl group. Given the breadth of the review, the bibliography is only representative, and tends to emphasize more recent studies.
Early postoperative mortality after surgery for rectal cancer in Sweden, 2000-2011.

AIM
Postoperative mortality has traditionally been defined as death within 30 days of surgery. Such mortality after rectal cancer resection has declined significantly during the last decades. However, it is possible that this decline can be explained merely by a shift towards an increase in 90-day mortality.


METHOD
A nationwide cohort study was based on data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and the Swedish Patient Registry concerning patients who had undergone surgical resection for rectal cancer in 2000-2011. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate ORs with 95% CIs regarding mortality in different calendar periods (2000-2003, 2004-2007 and 2008-2011) in two different postoperative time periods (0-30 days and 31-90 days).


RESULTS
Some 15,437 patients were included in this surgical cohort. Mortality within 30 days of surgery decreased from 2.1% in 2000-2003 to 1.6% in 2008-2011, whilst the corresponding mortality within the 31- to 90-day time window decreased from 2.1% to 1.4%. The adjusted risk of 30-day mortality in 2008-2011 was statistically significantly decreased compared with that in 2000-2003 (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48-0.93) and mortality in the 31- to 90-day time window was also reduced for 2008-2011 compared with 2000-2003 (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51-0.99).


CONCLUSION
This population-based, nationwide Swedish study indicates that postoperative mortality, as measured within 30 days and 31-90 days after surgery, has decreased with time. However, no relevant shift from earlier to later postoperative mortality was discerned.
Measuring social dynamics in a massive multiplayer online game

Quantification of human group-behavior has so far defied an empirical, falsifiable approach. This is due to tremendous difficulties in data acquisition of social systems. Massive multiplayer online games (MMOG) provide a fascinating new way of observing hundreds of thousands of simultaneously socially interacting individuals engaged in virtual economic activities. We have compiled a data set consisting of practically all actions of all players over a period of 3 years from a MMOG played by 300,000 people. This largescale data set of a socio-economic unit contains all social and economic data from a single and coherent source. Players have to generate a virtual income through economic activities to ‘survive’ and are typically engaged in a multitude of social activities offered within the game. Our analysis of high-frequency log files focuses on three types of social networks, and tests a series of social-dynamics hypotheses. In particular we study the structure and dynamics of friend-, enemyand communication networks. We find striking differences in topological structure between positive (friend) and negative (enemy) tie networks. All networks confirm the recently observed phenomenon of network densification. We propose two approximate social laws in communication networks, the first expressing betweenness centrality as the inverse square of the overlap, the second relating communication strength to the cube of the overlap. These empirical laws provide strong quantitative evidence for the Weak ties hypothesis of Granovetter. Further, the analysis of triad significance profiles validates well-established assertions from social balance theory. We find overrepresentation (underrepresentation) of complete (incomplete) triads in networks of positive ties, and vice versa for networks of negative ties. Empirical transition probabilities between triad classes provide evidence for triadic closure with extraordinarily high precision. For the first time we provide empirical results for large-scale networks of negative social ties. Whenever possible we compare our findings with data from non-virtual human groups and provide further evidence that online game communities serve as a valid model for a wide class of human societies. With this setup we demonstrate the feasibility for establishing a ‘socio-economic laboratory’ which allows to operate at levels of precision approaching those of the natural sciences. All data used in this study is fully anonymized; the authors have the written consent to publish from the legal department of the Medical University of Vienna. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
How online social interactions influence customer information contribution behavior in online social shopping communities: A social learning theory perspective

Online social shopping communities are transforming the way customers communicate and exchange product information with others. To date, the issue of customer participation in online social shopping communities has become an important but underexplored research area in the academic literature. In this study, we examined how online social interactions affect customer information contribution behavior. We also explored the moderating role of customer reputation in the relationship between observational learning and reinforcement learning as well as customer information contribution behavior. Analyses of panel data from 6,121 customers in an online social fashion platform revealed that they are significant factors affecting customer information contribution behavior and that reinforcement learning exhibits a stronger effect than observational learning. The results also showed that customer reputation has a significant negative moderating effect on the relationship between observational learning and customer information contribution behavior. This study not only enriched our theoretical understanding of information contribution behavior but also provided guidelines for online social shopping community administrators to better design their community features. Introduction
Hepatoprotective activity of Hepax-a polyherbal formulation.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of Hepax, a polyherbal formulation, against three experimentally induced hepatotoxicity models in rats.


METHODS
Hepatoprotective activity of Hepax was studied against three experimentally induced hepatotoxicity models, namely, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), paracetamol and thiocetamide induced hepatotoxicity in rats.


RESULTS
Administration of hepatotoxins (CCl4, paracetamol and thiocetamide) showed significant morphological, biochemical and histological deteriorations in the liver of experimental animals. Pretreatment with Hepax had significant protection against hepatic damage by maintaining the morphological parameters (liver weight and liver weight to organ weight ratio) within normal range and normalizing the elevated levels of biochemical parameters (SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin), which were evidently showed in histopathological study.


CONCLUSIONS
The Hepax has highly significant hepatoprotective effect at 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. on the liver of all the three experimental animal models.
Effects of brief and sham mindfulness meditation on mood and cardiovascular variables.

OBJECTIVES
Although long-term meditation has been found to reduce negative mood and cardiovascular variables, the effects of a brief mindfulness meditation intervention when compared to a sham mindfulness meditation intervention are relatively unknown. This experiment examined whether a 3-day (1-hour total) mindfulness or sham mindfulness meditation intervention would improve mood and cardiovascular variables when compared to a control group.


METHODS
Eighty-two (82) undergraduate students (34 males, 48 females), with no prior meditation experience, participated in three sessions that involved training in either mindfulness meditation, sham mindfulness meditation, or a control group. Heart rate, blood pressure, and psychologic variables (Profile of Mood States, State Anxiety Inventory) were assessed before and after the intervention.


RESULTS
The meditation intervention was more effective at reducing negative mood, depression, fatigue, confusion, and heart rate, when compared to the sham and control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that brief meditation training has beneficial effects on mood and cardiovascular variables that go beyond the demand characteristics of a sham meditation intervention.
Commutation Control for the Low-Commutation Torque Ripple in the Position Sensorless Drive of the Low-Voltage Brushless DC Motor

This paper discusses a commutation control method aimed at reducing the commutation torque ripple in sensorless drive of brushless direct current motors. These motors are generally used for low-cost applications because of relatively high efficiency and low manufacturing cost. On the other hand, they show a high torque ripple characteristic caused by nonideal commutation currents. This limits their application area, especially for low-voltage applications. In order to minimize torque ripple for the entire speed range, a comprehensive analysis of commutation torque ripple was made according to three commutation control methods whereupon an optimal current vector trajectory for low torque ripple was devised. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified through simulation and experimental results.
Does Specialized Pollination Impede Plant Invasions

Generalized pollination systems and autonomous self fertilization are traits that have been linked with plant invasiveness. However, whether specialized pollination requirements pose a significant barrier to plant invasions is not yet clear. Likewise, the contribution of pollinators to the fecundity of facultatively self pollinating invasive plant species is poorly understood. We addressed these issues using the self compatible and autonomously self pollinating Lilium formosanum, which also has large, showy flowers that are adapted for pollination by hawk moths. We investigated the pollination of this lily which is indigenous to Taiwan in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where it is invasive. The long tongued hawk moth Agrius convolvuli was identified as the primary pollinator on the basis of field observations, pollen load analysis, presence of lepidopteran scales on stigmas, and higher seed production in emasculated flowers exposed at night than in those exposed during the day. Remarkably, this moth is native to much of the Old World, including Taiwan and South Africa. Autonomous self pollination resulted in seed production, but at a reduced level relative to the seed production of open and hand pollinated flowers, which was significant in one out of two populations examined. Thus, pollinators potentially contribute to invasion by increasing seed production and genetic variability through cross pollination, although contributions of pollinators to seed set versus that of auton omous self pollination may vary between populations. We conclude that specialized pollination requirements do not present a barrier to invasions when plants are specialized to pollinators or pollinator functional groups with very wide distributions.
Aspirin insensitive thromboxane generation is associated with oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION
Aspirin (ASA) irreversibly inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) leading to decreased thromboxane-mediated platelet activation. The effect of ASA ingestion on platelet activation, thromboxane generation, oxidative stress and anti-oxidant biomarkers was studied in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Baseline and post-ASA samples (100/325 mg x 7 days) were obtained from 75 DM patients and 86 healthy controls for urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (11 dhTxB2), 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-isoPGF2α) and serum sP-Selectin, nitrite (NO(2)(-)), nitrate (NO(3)(-)) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity.


RESULTS
Compared to baseline controls, baseline DM had higher mean levels of 11 dhTxB2 (3,665 ± 2,465 vs 2,450 ± 1,572 pg/mg creatinine, p=0.002), 8-isoPGF2α (1,457 ± 543 vs 1,009 ± 412 pg/mg creatinine, p<0.0001), NO(2)(-) (11.8 ± 7.3 vs 4.8 ± 5.3 μM, p<0.0001), NO(3)(-) (50.4 ± 39.3 vs 20.9 ± 16.7 μM, p<0.0001) and sP-Selectin (120.8 ± 56.7 vs 93.0 ± 26.1 ng/mL, p=0.02), and the same held for post-ASA levels (p<0.0001). ASA demonstrated no effect on 8-isoPGF2α, NO(2)(-), NO(3)(-), sP-Selectin or PON1 activity in either DM or controls. Post ASA inhibition of urinary 11 dhTxB2 was 71.5% in DM and 75.1% in controls. There were twice as many ASA poor responders in DM than in controls (14.8% and 8.4%) based on systemic thromboxane reduction. Urinary 8-isoPGF2α excretion was greater in DM ASA poor responders than good responders (p<0.009).


CONCLUSIONS
This suggests that oxidative stress may maintain platelet function irrespective of COX-1 pathway inhibition and/or increase systemic generation of thromboxane from non-platelet sources.
Peak Detection based Spread Spectrum Audio Watermarking using Discrete Wavelet Transform

This paper proposes a robust spread spectrum based audio watermarking scheme using Discrete wavelet transform (DWT). Here we use a peak detection algorithm to obtain high robustness. In this watermarking scheme, watermarks are embedded into the peak value of detail coefficients of, transformed audio signal. It is a blind watermarking technique which is used for providing copyright protection and content authentication for digital content. Tests
Curzon and British imperialism in the Middle East, 1916-19

Choice-"A highly accomplished study that interweaves political and mentalite history, meticulously supported by hundreds of endnotes." Contemporary Review-"For many years Cass has had a reputation as a publisher of scholarly books on the Middle East, and this latest volume is no exception... One of the most balanced views of Curzon"s role and one of the best insights into the formation of British policy regarding the Middle East." Contemporary British History "This specialised but readable work on British imperialism stands out for its comprehensive coverage of the relevant British state documents and private papers." International Journal of Middle East Studies "Fisher has suceeded in portraying the chaos, bickering, and lack of co-ordination that characterized aspects of British wartime decision-making on Middle East affairs. His extensive and often discursive endnotes will have to be taken into consideration by any future scholar intending to examine the British perspective on the crucial years in this book." The Historian "Doyle"s book will provide undergraduate students with a clear, concise understanding of Jansenism, its evolution, and its contributions to the emergence of modern Europe
Genome-wide scan demonstrates significant linkage for male sexual orientation.

BACKGROUND
Findings from family and twin studies support a genetic contribution to the development of sexual orientation in men. However, previous studies have yielded conflicting evidence for linkage to chromosome Xq28.


METHOD
We conducted a genome-wide linkage scan on 409 independent pairs of homosexual brothers (908 analyzed individuals in 384 families), by far the largest study of its kind to date.


RESULTS
We identified two regions of linkage: the pericentromeric region on chromosome 8 (maximum two-point LOD = 4.08, maximum multipoint LOD = 2.59), which overlaps with the second strongest region from a previous separate linkage scan of 155 brother pairs; and Xq28 (maximum two-point LOD = 2.99, maximum multipoint LOD = 2.76), which was also implicated in prior research.


CONCLUSIONS
Results, especially in the context of past studies, support the existence of genes on pericentromeric chromosome 8 and chromosome Xq28 influencing development of male sexual orientation.
Modeling the choice continuum: An integrated model of residential location, auto ownership, bicycle ownership, and commute tour mode choice decisions

The integrated modeling of land use and transportation choices involves analyzing a continuum of choices that characterize people’s lifestyles across temporal scales. This includes long-term choices such as residential and work location choices that affect land-use, medium-term choices such as vehicle ownership, and short-term choices such as travel mode choice that affect travel demand. Prior research in this area has been limited by the complexities associated with the development of integrated model systems that combine the long-, mediumand short-term choices into a unified analytical framework. This paper presents an integrated simultaneous multi-dimensional choice model of residential location, auto ownership, bicycle ownership, and commute tour mode choices using a mixed multidimensional choice modeling methodology. Model estimation results using the San Francisco Bay Area highlight a series of interdependencies among the multi-dimensional choice processes. The interdependencies include: (1) self-selection effects due to observed and unobserved factors, where households locate based on lifestyle and mobility preferences, (2) endogeneity effects, where any one choice dimension is not exogenous to another, but is endogenous to the system as a whole, (3) correlated error structures, where common unobserved factors significantly and simultaneously impact multiple choice dimensions, and (4) unobserved heterogeneity, where decision-makers show significant variation in sensitivity to explanatory variables due to unobserved factors. From a policy standpoint, to be able to forecast the “true” causal influence of activity-travel environment changes on residential location, auto/bicycle ownership, and commute mode choices, it is necessary to capture the above-identified interdependencies by jointly modeling the multiple choice dimensions in an integrated framework.
Vulnus: Visual Vulnerability Analysis for Network Security

Vulnerabilities represent one of the main weaknesses of IT systems and the availability of consolidated official data, like CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), allows for using them to compute the paths an attacker is likely to follow. However, even if patches are available, business constraints or lack of resources create obstacles to their straightforward application. As a consequence, the security manager of a network needs to deal with a large number of vulnerabilities, making decisions on how to cope with them. This paper presents VULNUS (VULNerabilities visUal aSsessment), a visual analytics solution for dynamically inspecting the vulnerabilities spread on networks, allowing for a quick understanding of the network status and visually classifying nodes according to their vulnerabilities. Moreover, VULNUS computes the approximated optimal sequence of patches able to eliminate all the attack paths and allows for exploring sub-optimal patching strategies, simulating the effect of removing one or more vulnerabilities. VULNUS has been evaluated by domain experts using a lab-test experiment, investigating the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed solution.
Improving Technological Competency in Nursing Students: The Passport Project.

Integration of informatics competency into a nursing curriculum is important to ensure success throughout the education and career of contemporary nursing students. As enrollment in nursing programs increases, the diverse population of students from many different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds presents a challenge for faculty in addressing unique learning needs. Competency in informatics will allow the beginning nursing student to navigate the on-line teaching software used by colleges. With rigorous expectations in nursing programs, students may feel overwhelmed with assignments, organization, and time management. Frustration may build when students struggle with basic informatics competency, often leaving them unable to navigate instructional websites or work with necessary on-line learning content. The purpose of this project, Passport Project for Nursing Success, was to assess the skills, knowledge, and informatics comfort level of students, while providing computer training and teaching for beginning nursing students in an undergraduate nursing program in Central Illinois. The community college encompassed students from a ten county area, with 20 percent of the student population enrolled in the Applied Science curriculum. Initial implementation occurred prior to the students' first nursing course and emphasized basic skills necessary to navigate on-line learning software, library search engines, and electronic communication. The greatest barrier to successful implementation was faculty resistance and academic support during completion of the initial implementation of the Passport Project. Postproject surveys indicated overwhelming student support for the education received and improved retention rates of first semester nursing students.
Diagnostic terminology is not associated with contact-sport players' expectations of outcome from mild traumatic brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of the diagnostic terms 'concussion' and 'mild traumatic brain injury' (mTBI) on contact-sport players' injury perceptions and expected symptoms from a sport-related mTBI. It was hypothesized that contact-sport players would hold more negative injury perceptions and expect greater symptom disturbance from a sport-related injury that was diagnosed as an 'mTBI' compared to 'concussion' or an undiagnosed injury.


METHODS AND PROCEDURES
One hundred and twenty-two contact-sport players were randomly allocated to one of three conditions in which they read a sport-related mTBI vignette that varied only according to whether the person depicted in the vignette was diagnosed with concussion (n = 40), mTBI (n = 41) or received no diagnosis (control condition; n = 41). After reading the vignette, participants rated their injury perceptions (perceived undesirability, chronicity and consequences) and expectations of post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 6 months post-injury.


MAIN OUTCOMES
There were no significant differences in contact-sport players' injury perceptions or symptom expectations from a sport-related mTBI when it was diagnosed as an mTBI, concussion or when no diagnosis was given.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnostic terminology does not appear to have a potent influence on symptom expectation and injury perceptions in contact-sport players.