cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data Quality Monitoring Framework for the ATLAS experiment: Performance achieved with colliding beams at the LHC

This first year of data taking has been of great interest, not only for the physics outcome, but also for operating the system under the environment it was designed for. The online data quality monitoring framework (DQMF) is a highly scalable distributed framework which is used to assess the operational conditions of the detector and the quality of the data. DQMF provides quick feedback to the user about the functioning and performance of the sub-detectors by performing over 75,000 advanced data quality checks, with rates varying depending on histogram update frequency. The DQM display (DQMD) is the visualisation tool with which histograms and their data quality assessments can be accessed. It allows for great flexibility for displaying histograms, their reference when applicable, configurations used for the automatics checks, data quality flags and much more. The DQM configuration is stored in a database that can be easily created and edited with the DQM Configurator tool (DQMC). This paper is describing the design and implementation of the DQMF and its display as well as the data quality performance achieved during this first year of data taking.
Repeated electromagnetic induction surveys for improved soil mapping in an agricultural landscape.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Diff erent EMI meters, dipole orientations, and geometries resulted in diff erent depth-weighted ECa values, which refl ected the variability of diff erent soil properties at diff erent depths. Th e EMI surveys with the deepest measurement depth (e.g., EM31V) yielded the best results for mapping depth to bedrock, while the EMI surveys with moderate measurement depth (e.g., EM31H and EMHCP) gave optimal results for mapping silt content in our study area.Th e characteristics of the study area also infl uenced the ef-fectiveness of EMI in capturing the spatial distributions of cer-tain soil properties. Th e spatial variation in soil depth (depth Fig. 5. Comparison of four refi ned soil maps based on the use of electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey(s), with the second-order soil map superimposed on each: (a) a relatively good soil mapping using a single EMI survey (the EM31 meter in vertical dipole orientation [EM31V] on 24 Jan. 1997), (b) a bad soil mapping using a single EMI survey (the EM38 meter in vertical dipole orientation [EM38V] on 12 Nov. 2008), (c) a reasonable soil mapping using the relative difference in soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) from all 11 EMI surveys, and (d) the best soil mapping using a combination of EM31V, the Dualem-2 meter operated in horizontal co-planar geometry (EMHCP), and depth to bedroc k. In each of these four maps, the 95% confi dence intervals of ECa values for different soil series (Table 1) were used to determine the boundaries of the various soils, while the gaps in the 95% confi dence intervals between two soil series were used to identify transitional zones (named as a variant of the two related soils).
Derivatization of diaminocyclohexanes for determination of cis and trans isomers by gas chromatography

Abstract Derivatives of the cis and trans isomers of 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-diaminocyclohexanes were prepared by the reaction of the amine with benzaldehyde. These compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography on a DB-5, bonded phase, fused-silica capillary column resulting in a baseline separation for the six isomers providing accurate determination of the cis-to-trans ratios in a single gas chromatographic analysis. Derivatives of other amine compounds were prepared to evaluate possible interferences.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in rat uterus: role of progesterone in the regulation of preimplantation differentiation.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) was measured in rat uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle, the first 6 days of pseudopregnancy, and under four experimental conditions: after ovariectomy and during daily replacement with 1 μg estrone, 2 mg progesterone, or both hormones. During the cycle, NAD content varied from 722 (metestrus) to 2957 pmol/endometrium (proestrus), while the NAD concentration remained stable (63.9–69.3 pmol/mg tissue). By contrast, both the content and concentration of NAD increased between days 1 and 4 of progestation. The NAD concentration increased from 36.7 (day 1) to 84.6 pmol/mg (day 4). After ovariectomy on day 0 (estrus), the pattern and magnitude of NAD changes measured during pseudopregnancy were abolished. With daily estrogen replacement, the NAD content increased between days 1 and 5, but the concentration of the nucleotide remained low and stable, like that in ovariectomized controls. However, with progesterone treatment, both the NAD content and concentration i...
Improved Method For the Quantification of Nitrite In Plant Materials

Abstract A technique for stabilizing and decolorizing plant tissue extracts for subsequent automated colorimetric analysis of part per billion levels of nitrite is described. Extraction of plant material with a solution containing 1% KC1, 0.5% sulfanilamide and 0.1% Triton X-100 followed by filtration and decolorization with activated carbon (Norit A) produced clear extracts which, when sealed, were stable for more than 48 hours at room temperature. the detection of nitrite by the Griess reaction in the range of 20-100 PPB was accomplished using a Technicon Auto-Analyzer System II with a 50mm flow cell in the colorimeter. Analytical precision of ±2% with negligible blank determinations was obtained.
Multi‐factor menu analysis using data envelopment analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi‐dimensional, holistic model that: avoids the variable interdependency found in earlier tools; and integrates multiple factors that characterize menu item costs more accurately by considering more than gross profit.Design/methodology/approach – Using data gathered during a three‐month period from three same‐brand units of a full‐service chain restaurant firm, the paper applies data‐envelopment analysis (DEA), a non‐parametric approach that accounts for both controllable (discretionary) and uncontrollable (non‐discretionary) variables, producing a single relative‐to‐best index based on an efficiency rating calculated on a 0 to 1 scale.Findings – The findings suggest that the DEA‐equipped model, which is not constrained by the limitations of traditional matrix approaches, supports a more robust approach by incorporating more cost determinants than traditional menu engineering approaches.Research limitations/implications – The paper consists of only a ...
AlSb/InAs HEMTs with a TiW/Au gate metalization for improved stability

Abstract We report on the fabrication and characteristics of AlSb/InAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with a TiW/Au gate metalization. Using gate leakage and S -parameter measurements as a measure of stability, the HEMTs were found to be thermally stable up to 180 °C when heat treated in a H 2 /N 2 ambient.
SURGICALLY INDUCED IMMUNOLOGIC ALTERATIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Surgery is generally believed to be an immunosuppressant, based primarily on studies of adult compromised patients undergoing major operations. Little information is available regarding the young pediatric surgical patient.
Influence of hydrogen bonding in competition with lattice interactions on carbonyl coordination at phosphorus. Implications for phosphoryl transfer activated states.

A series of phosphorus compounds containing carboxyl groups that serve as mimics for amino acid residues was synthesized. The series was composed of the phosphonium salts 1A, 1B, and 2, the anionic phosphines 3A and 3B, and the anionic phosphine oxide 4. X-ray structural analysis revealed that P−O coordination occurred in the presence of extensive hydrogen bonding and led to pseudo or regular trigonal bipyramidal geometries. 31P chemical shifts indicated retention of the basic coordination geometries in solution. The two forms observed for 1 and 3 revealed the influence of hydrogen bonding on the P−O donor interactions while 2 and 4 showed the influence of molecular packing effects in competition with hydrogen bonding interactions. The results suggest that phosphoryl transfer enzyme mechanisms should benefit by taking into account P−O donor interactions by residues at active sites that can be manipulated by hydrogen bonding and molecular packing effects in enhancing nucleophilic attack at phosphorus centers.
Effects of hydration state on plasma testosterone, cortisol and catecholamine concentrations before and during mild exercise at elevated temperature.

This investigation examined the influence of pre-exercise hydration status, and water intake during low intensity exercise (5.6 km · h−1 at 5% gradient) in the heat (33° C), on plasma testosterone (TEST), cortisol (CORT), adrenaline (A), and noradrenaline (NA) concentrations at baseline (BL), pre-exercise (PRE), and immediately (IP), 24 h (24 P), and 48 h postexercise (48 P). Ten active men participated in four experimental treatments. These treatments differed in preexercise hydration status [euhydrated or hypohydrated (HY, −3.8 (SD 0.7)% body mass)] and water intake during exercise (water ad libitum or no water intake during exercise, NW). There were no significant changes in TEST, CORT, or A concentrations with time (BL, PRE, IP, 24 P, and 48 P), or among treatments. However, significant increases from BL and PRE plasma NA concentrations were observed at IP during all four treatment conditions. In addition, HY + NW resulted in significantly higher plasma NA concentrations at IP compared to all other treatments. These results suggest that moderate levels of hypohydration during prolonged, low intensity exercise in the heat do not influence plasma TEST, CORT, or A concentrations. However, plasma NA appears to respond in a sensitive manner to these hydration and exercise stresses.
Measuring equal opportunity climate in the military environment

Abstract Construction and initial validation of an instrument to assess equal opportunity climate in the military are described. The research was conducted in three phases: survey design and preliminary validation at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI), Patrick Air Force Base, FL; field testing and further validation at operational military units from all Military Services; and subsequent revision and implementation as part of a continuing organizational analysis service for military commanders. Results are interpreted as supporting use of the instrument, the Military Equal Opportunity Climate Survey (MEOCS), for the intended purpose.
N2O emissions from low and moderately disturbed pasture soils—field tests of minimal and maximal N supply

Rates and patterns of nitrogen transformation differ in divergently managed pasture soils. In pastures with low nutrient inputs, N is utilized efficiently and it is assimilated by plants and soil microorganisms for synthesis of biomass. In more intensive pastures, characterized with higher N inputs, significant amounts of N can be lost from the ecosystem in various forms. Two soils of a cattle overwintering area with different levels of cattle disturbance were supplied with a solution of KNO3 in various levels corresponding in range to 0–500 kg N ha−1. Emissions of N2O were measured during 24 h after a NO3−-N application. We hypothesized that under a low disturbance small additions of up to 5 kg NO3−-N are used by plants and soil microbes without an increase in N2O emissions, while a pasture adapted to a moderate disturbance will increase N2O emissions. Results showed that in both soils, the addition of N always increased N2O emissions, while emissions were more pronounced in soil at the location with a higher intensity of cattle traffic. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, NO3––N was not fully metabolized in the soil with low disturbance by the cattle. Probable explanations of such a result were lower intensity of N transformations in this soil and low utilisation of N by grass. Our results suggest that under certain conditions relatively low nitrate-N inputs can also stimulate N2O fluxes from soils.
Awareness of disease states following cerebral infarction, dementia, and head trauma: Standardized assessment

Abstract Awareness of cognitive and motor impairments was evaluated in 100 patients with cerebral infarction, dementia, or head trauma, using a standardized interview which elicited subjects' descriptions of their condition. “Unawareness” was operationally defined as a discrepancy between the subject's description of abilities, and measurement of those abilities with neuropsychological and neurological evaluations. In all three neuropathologic groups, subjects frequently demonstrated unawareness of acquired impairments. Unawareness was associated with unilateral right-hemisphere damage, impaired performance on IQ tests, and temporal disorientation. All subjects with unawareness of hemiparesis also had unawareness of cognitive defects. It is evident that unawareness of cognitive defects is an important and common manifestation of brain disease, and systematic evaluation of this problem may aid in patient management and rehabilitation planning.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and intraoperative chemoradiation

Recent data suggest that multimodality therapy including adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemoradiation may significantly improve the outcome of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. A single randomized study by the Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group showed that adjuvant 5-fluouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiation extends survival in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Since then several other nonrandomized studies have supported this finding. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation also has been evaluated in this setting; this approach may increase the likelihood for margin-negative resection and thereby provide improved local control. However, associated survival benefits over traditional adjuvant therapy remain to be established. As an additional approach, several centers have evaluated intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), in which patients receive radiation delivered to the pancreatic bed after apparently curative resection. A number of studies confirm that TORT can be delivered safely and may contribute to improved local control following surgical resection. Finally, an area of current focus involves the development of novel methods for more adequately assessing response to chemoradiation in pancreatic cancer. Clinicians recognize the inadequacy of computed tomography scans to assess response in this disease and have developed alternative endpoints including measurement of pre- and post-treatment serum CA 19-9 levels and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to better evaluate patient response to therapy. We are currently using these modalities to assess response to paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ)-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with potentially resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Further studies will better define the role of new agents and more sophisticated means to assess tumor response in this disease.
Genetic loci linking improved heat tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to lower leaf and spike temperatures under controlled conditions

Heat stress adversely affects wheat production in many regions of the world and is particularly detrimental during reproductive development. The objective of this study was to identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with improved heat tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and to confirm previous QTL results. To accomplish this, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was subjected to a three-day 38°C daytime heat stress treatment during early grain-filling. At maturity, a heat susceptibility index (HSI) was calculated from the reduction of three main spike yield components; kernel number, total kernel weight, and single kernel weight. The HSI, as well as temperature depression (TD) of the main spike and main flag leaf during heat stress were used as phenotypic measures of heat tolerance. QTL analysis identified 14 QTL for HSI, with individual QTL explaining from 4.5 to 19.3% of the phenotypic variance. Seven of these QTL co-localized for both TD and HSI. At all seven loci, the allele for a cooler flag leaf or spike temperature (up to 0.81°C) was associated with greater heat tolerance, indicated by a lower HSI. In a comparison to previous QTL results in a RIL population utilizing the same source of heat tolerance, seven genome regions for heat tolerance were consistently detected across populations. The genetic effect of combining three of these QTL, located on chromosomes 1B, 5A, and 6D, demonstrate the potential benefit of selecting for multiple heat tolerance alleles simultaneously. The genome regions identified in this study serve as potential target regions for fine-mapping and development of molecular markers for more rapid development of heat tolerant germplasm.
An improved molecularly imprinted polymer film for recognition of amino acids

A highly selective imprinted film was produced from a formic acid solution of nylon. Amino acids were used as template molecules and spin cast films typically of the order of 1 μm, but as thin as 500 nm, were routinely prepared. The films were shown to be specific to the identity and chirality of the template amino acid, and were shown to be effective after as many as five cycles of template extraction and reintroduction. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3611–3615, 2002
New Drugs on the Horizon for IBD

TNF antagonists have revolutionized the treatment of IBD. Nevertheless, between 30 and 45% of patients discontinue infliximab and other TNF antagonists over a 2- to 6-year period due to nonresponse, loss of response, or adverse events. Accordingly, the need for novel therapies grows each year. Recent studies have demonstrated the promise of new drugs with distinct modes of action for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). These include agents targeting leukocyte trafficking, therapies directed against IL-12/23 and Janus kinases (JAK), and antibodies against the classic inflammatory cytokine, IL-6. The anti-α4-integrin antibody, natalizumab, was the first effective antitrafficking agent for CD; however, its use has been greatly limited by the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Therefore, second-generation antitrafficking agents have focused on restricting leukocyte blockade to the intestine through mechanisms interfering with α4β7-integrin and its interaction with mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule 1. IL-23 is a cytokine central to the adaptive immune responses that characterize IBD. Ustekinumab, targeting the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23, and the oral JAK inhibitor tofacitinib have proven to be effective in phase 2 trials in CD and UC, respectively. In addition, antibodies targeting the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 are being studied in CD. Each of the approaches described have promise as well as limitations, so it is likely that the search for novel agents in IBD will continue.
Facile Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of 2‘-Deoxyguanosine O6-Arylsulfonates with Arylboronic Acids

The O6-(2-mesitylenesulfonyl) derivative of 2‘-deoxyguanosine undergoes a facile palladium-mediated C−C cross-coupling with arylboronic acids. Demonstrating the general applicability of this method, the synthesis of a previously undescribed class of 2-amino-6-arylpurine 2‘-deoxynucleosides has been accomplished. The study also describes an evaluation of the O6-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenylsulfonyl) and the O6-(4-toluenesulfonyl) derivatives for the cross-coupling.
Biased calculations: Numeric anchors influence answers to math equations

Does desire for an outcome inflate optimism? Previous experiments have produced mixed results regarding the desirability bias, with the bulk of supportive findings coming from one paradigm—the classic marked-card paradigm in which people make discrete predictions about desirable or undesirable cards being drawn from decks. We introduce a biased-guessing account for the effects from this paradigm, which posits that people are often realistic in their likelihood assessments, but when making a subjectively arbitrary prediction (a guess), they will tend to guess in a desired direction. In order to establish the validity of the biased-guessing account and to distinguish it from other accounts, we conducted five experiments that tested the desirability bias within the paradigm and novel extensions of it. In addition to supporting the biased-guessing account, the findings illustrate the critical role of moderators (e.g., type of outcome, type of forecast) for fully understanding and predicting desirability biases
The Mellin-wavelet transform

Most machine speech analysis and processing is based on a warped spectral representation. The intent of the paper is to present a method by which proper warped representations can be computed efficiently. In the case of log-warping functions, the methods of the paper produce a wavelet-like transform as a linear convolution of a single log-warped wavelet basis element and a log-warped representation of the signal. The resulting doubly warped transform is referred to in the paper as a Mellin-wavelet transform. The majority of the paper is devoted to deriving design parameters for implementation of the transform, with speech as the primary application.
Standards Confusion and Harmonization

Software engineers have long debated the practical benefits of standards. Standards are the collection of their creators' and balloters' best thinking. The quality of their implementation highly impacts both their value and the quality of their product-compliance assessment. A standard is ultimately only as good as its writers and approvers. While harmonization is difficult, it's possible in some cases. However, a quicker alternative to absolute harmonization is blending. While blending might not satisfy hardcore regulations, it can offer an approach to why we use standards to begin with - peace of mind.
Abl Tyrosine Kinase and Its Substrate Ena/VASP Have Functional Interactions with Kinesin-1

Relatively little is known about how microtubule motors are controlled or about how the functions of different cytoskeletal systems are integrated. A yeast two-hybrid screen for proteins that bind to Drosophila Enabled (Ena), an actin polymerization factor that is negatively regulated by Abl tyrosine kinase, identified kinesin heavy chain (Khc), a member of the kinesin-1 subfamily of microtubule motors. Coimmunoprecipitation from Drosophila cytosol confirmed a physical interaction between Khc and Ena. Kinesin-1 motors can carry organelles and other macromolecular cargoes from neuronal cell bodies toward terminals in fast-axonal-transport. Ena distribution in larval axons was not affected by mutations in the Khc gene, suggesting that Ena is not itself a fast transport cargo of Drosophila kinesin-1. Genetic interaction tests showed that in a background sensitized by reduced Khc gene dosage, a reduction in Abl gene dosage caused distal paralysis and axonal swellings. A concomitant reduction in ena dosage rescued those defects. These results suggest that Ena/VASP, when not inhibited by the Abl pathway, can bind Khc and reduce its transport activity in axons.
Psychological Perspectives on Entrepreneurship Cognitive and Social Factors in Entrepreneurs' Success

Why are some entrepreneurs so much more successful than others in starting new companies—ones that create wealth for their societies as well as themselves? Growing evidence suggests that the answer involves the influence of both cognitive and social factors. Successful entrepreneurs appear to think differently than other persons in several respects (e.g., they are less likely to engage in counterfactual thinking but more likely to show overconfidence in their judgments). Similarly, successful entrepreneurs appear to be higher in social competence—the ability to interact effectively with others (e.g., they are better at social perception and adapting to new social situations). These results suggest that the principles and findings of psychology can be invaluable to researchers in the field of entrepreneurship, providing important insights into the factors that influence entrepreneurs' success.
Two-choice and three-choice probability learning in fish'

Employing an apparatus which required a simple swimming response and a spatial discrimination, 10 African mouth-breeders were tested in two-target 80:20 and 30:70 problems, a three-target 20:60:20 problem with guidance procedure, and a 20:60:20 problem with a non-correction procedure. The sequential probability ratio test was employed in the analyses of choice data. Results showed statistically significant matching in both two-target problems, and in the three-target problems both with and without guidance procedure.
Characterization of polVR391: a Y‐family polymerase encoded by rumA′B from the IncJ conjugative transposon, R391

Although best characterized for their ability to traverse a variety of DNA lesions, Y-family DNA polymerases can also give rise to elevated spontaneous mutation rates if they are allowed to replicate undamaged DNA. One such enzyme that promotes high levels of spontaneous mutagenesis in Escherichia coli is polV(R391), a polV-like Y-family polymerase encoded by rumA'B from the IncJ conjugative transposon R391. When expressed in a DeltaumuDC lexA(Def) recA730 strain, polV(R391) promotes higher levels of spontaneous mutagenesis than the related MucA'B (polR1) or UmuD'C (polV) polymerases respectively. Analysis of the spectrum of polV(R391)-dependent mutations in rpoB revealed a unique genetic fingerprint that is typified by an increase in C:G-->A:T and A:T-->T:A transversions at certain mutagenic hot spots. Biochemical characterization of polV(R391) highlights the exceptional ability of the enzyme to misincorporate T opposite C and T in sequence contexts corresponding to mutagenic hot spots. Purified polV(R391) can also bypass a T-T pyrimidine dimer efficiently and displays greater accuracy opposite the 3'T of the dimer than opposite an undamaged T. Our study therefore provides evidence for the molecular basis for the enhanced spontaneous mutator activity of RumA'B, as well as explains its ability to promote efficient and accurate bypass of T-T pyrimidine dimers in vivo.
Design and development of effective siRNA delivery vehicles

As medicines become increasingly complex, their delivery becomes more challenging. To function, medicines must effectively navigate the body and reach their site of action. When the impediments to their delivery become too great, drug delivery vehicles are used. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a complex class of medicine. These duplex nucleic acid structures enter the RNA-interference pathway (RNAi) to alter the expression of a specific protein. The obstacles to siRNA delivery as a therapeutic agent are many. The work presented in PNAS by Dong et al. (1) represents an innovative approach toward the design and development of effective siRNA delivery vehicles.
μ-Opioid Receptor-Stimulated Guanosine-5′-O-(γ-thio)-triphosphate Binding in Rat Thalamus and Cultured Cell Lines: Signal Transduction Mechanisms Underlying Agonist Efficacy

G protein activation by different μ-selective opioid agonists was examined in rat thalamus, SK-N-SH cells, and μ-opioid receptor-transfected mMOR-CHO cells using agonist-stimulated guanosine-5′-O-(γ-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding to membranes in the presence of excess GDP. [d-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly5-ol]Enkephalin (DAMGO) was the most efficacious agonist in rat thalamus and SK-N-SH cells, followed by (in rank order) fentanyl = morphine ≫ buprenorphine. In mMOR-CHO cells expressing a high density of μ receptors, no differences were observed among DAMGO, morphine or fentanyl, but these agonists were more efficacious than buprenorphine, which was more efficacious than levallorphan. In all three systems, efficacy differences were magnified by increasing GDP concentrations, indicating that the activity state of G proteins can affect agonist efficacy. Scatchard analysis of net agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding revealed two major components responsible for agonist efficacy differences. First, differences in theKD values of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding between high efficacy agonists (DAMGO, fentanyl, and morphine) and classic partial agonists (buprenorphine and levallorphan) were observed in all three systems. Second, differences in the Bmax value of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding were observed between DAMGO and morphine or fentanyl in rat thalamus and SK-N-SH cells and between the high efficacy agonists and buprenorphine or levallorphan in all three systems. These results suggest that μ-opioid agonist efficacy is determined by the magnitude of the receptor-mediated affinity shift in the binding of GTP (or [35S]GTPγS) versus GDP to the G protein and by the number of G proteins activated per occupied receptor.
Smallpox antiviral drug development: satisfying the animal efficacy rule

Concerns over the potential use of variola virus as a biological weapon have prompted new interest in the development of small molecule therapeutics to prevent and treat smallpox infection. Since smallpox is no longer endemic, human clinical trials designed to link antiviral efficacy to clinical outcome have been supplanted by antiviral efficacy evaluations in animal models of orthopoxvirus disease. This poses a unique challenge for drug development; how can animal efficacy data with a surrogate virus be used to establish clinical correlates predictive of human disease outcome? This review will examine the properties of selected animal models that are being used to evaluate poxvirus antivrial drug candidates, and discuss how data from these models can be used to link drug efficacy to clinical correlates of human disease.
Frequency of congenital varicella syndrome in a prospective cohort of 347 pregnant women

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of congenital varicella zoster virus syndrome in neonates born to women developing varicella zoster virus infections during pregnancy. METHODS: Pregnant women with clinical varicella zoster virus infection were enrolled at ten perinatal centers. Maternal and fetal immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM by fluorescent antibody confirmed 74.3% of cases. Specialists examined neonates at 0–6 months, 7–18 months, and 19–30 months after delivery to detect abnormalities of their eyes, hearing, and physical and developmental features. A hierarchical set of criteria was used to define congenital varicella syndrome. A jury of four investigators assigned the classification of all findings. RESULTS: In 362 women enrolled from 1993 to 1996, 15 had herpes zoster, and 347 had primary varicella zoster virus infection. Varicella zoster virus affected 140 women (38.7%) in the first trimester, 122 (33.7%) in the second trimester, and 100 (27.6%) in the third trimester. Five twin pairs were included. Only one case (0.4%) of definite congenital varicella syndrome was found, a 3360-g female infant having a left retinal macular lesion with typical skin scars after maternal varicella at 24 weeks. The maternal blood sample at birth was negative for IgG antibodies to toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus. Two cases involved fetal death at 20 weeks and fetal hydrops at 17 weeks after maternal varicella at 11 and 5 weeks, respectively. We found no cases of limb hypoplasia, microcephalus, or cataract. CONCLUSION: The frequency of congenital varicella syndrome is very low (0.4%) in a prospectively studied cohort. Eye examinations of exposed infants had a low yield.
Comparative effects of light during growth on the photosynthetic properties of NADP-ME type C4 grasses from open and shaded habitats. II. Photosynthetic enzyme activities and metabolism *

Abstract The influences of shading during growth upon the activities of several photosynthetic enzymes were examined in NADP-ME type C4 grasses from open (Zea mays L.) and shaded (Paspalum conjugation Berg.) habitats. The substantial species-difference in maximum photosynthetic rate observed under a high light regime was correlated with large differences in both enzyme activities and leaf protein contents. With the exception of RuBP carboxylase activity, other photosynthetic enzyme activities in Z. mays were reduced by shading to a similar extent as maximum photosynthetic rate. In contrast, only PEP carboxylase and pyruvate, Pi dikinase activities were decreased by shading in P. conjugatum. As with maximum photosynthetic rate, other photosynthetic enzyme activities in P. conjugatum were relatively insensitive to irradiance during growth. Under a low photon flux density of photosynthetically active radiation (50 μmol m−2 s−1), the flow of [14C] label through photosynthetic intermediates in intact, shade-grown leaves of P. conjugatum was typical of C4 metabolism. This provides incontrovertible proof for the occurrence of C4 photosynthesis in shaded habitats.
MODELNG THE AODV ROUTING PROTOCOL IN THE ω-CALCULUS

Mobile ad hoc wireless networks (MANETs) are autonomous collections of mobile nodes that communicate over wireless links. Formal verification of routing protocols for MANETs requires concise yet property-preserving modeling to correctly verify the model and at the same time also avoid running into the problem of state-space explosion. The characteristics of MANETs that pose challenge to the task of modeling are node mobility and broadcast. We have developed a new modeling formalism, called the ω-calculus, to naturally and succinctly model MANET protocols. This paper describes the modeling of AODV, a reactive routing protocol for MANETs, in the ω-calculus. We aim to subject the model to formal verification in order to prove properties of the AODV routing protocol.
Extracting Conditional Confidentiality Policies

Programs should keep sensitive information, such as medical records, confidential. We present a static analysis that extracts from a program's source code a sound approximation of the most restrictive conditional confidentiality policy that the program obeys. To formalize conditional confidentiality policies, we present a modified definition of noninterference that accommodates runtime information. We implement our analysis and experiment with the resulting tool on C programs. While we focus on using our analysis for policy extraction, the process can more generally be used for information flow analysis. Unlike traditional information flow analysis that simply states what flows are possible in a program, our tool also states what conditions must be satisfied by an execution for each flow to be enabled. Furthermore, our analysis is the first to handle interactive I/O while being compositional and flow sensitive.
Software engineering and software documentation: a unified long course

The author describes the development of a course at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology that integrates software engineering and software documentation. A brief evaluation is followed by a discussion of future plans. It is pointed out that the most significant benefit of the combined course is the improved software engineering abilities of the students. The students see the importance of presentation and writing skills in the software development process. They apply these skills in ways that improve their ability to develop large software systems. >
Effect of potassium on thallium toxicity in cucumber seedlings: further evidence for potassium-thallium ion antagonism

Abstract Potassium-deficient cucumber seedlings are more sensitive to thallium than are those receiving exogenous potassium. Limiting potassium, short of an overt expression of deficiency, increased the sensitivity of the plants to thallium and further demonstrates a mitigation of thallium toxicity. Relatively high levels of T1-ion (10 mM) precipitate K+-deficiency symptoms. The epicotyl is more sensitive to T1-ion than are preformed hypocotyls, suggesting that developmental processes dependent on cell multiplication may be more sensitive to thallium than those entailing cell enlargement and differentiation.
Major emerging problems with minor meloidogyne species.

Elling, A. A. 2013. Major emerging problems with minor Meloidogyne species. Phytopathology 103:1092-1102. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) represent one of the most polyphagous genera of plant-parasitic nematodes. To date, close to 100 valid species are recognized. In contrast to the size of the genus, the majority of past research focused on a small number of species, i.e., the so-called ‘major’ species M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, and M. javanica. This review highlights recent work aimed at ‘minor’ root-knot nematodes: M. chitwoodi, M. fallax, M. minor, M. enterolobii (=M. mayaguensis), M. exigua, and M. paranaensis. Some of these species have been described only recently. After a brief profile of each species, identification methods and their application in Meloidogyne spp. are summarized. Intraspecific variation and its impact on plant resistance breeding are discussed and interactions between M. enterolobii and Fusarium solani are highlighted as an example of synergistic interactions with other plant pathogens. Future research on Meloidogyne spp. is not only shaped by recent breakthroughs such as completing the genome sequences of M. hapla and M. incognita, but is also influenced by changes in agriculture. Taken together, the aim of this review is to draw attention to previously neglected and newly described Meloidogyne spp. that are developing into major problems for agriculture in tropical and temperate climates. Additional keywords: high-resolution melting curve, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, polymerase chain reaction, quarantine.
Functionally Relevant Histone-DNA Interactions Extend Beyond the Classically Defined Nucleosome Core Region

Abstract We demonstrate that core histones can affect the accessibility of a DNA element positioned outside of the classically defined nucleosome core region. The distance between a well positioned nucleosome and the binding site for the 5 S-specific transcription factor TFIIIA was systematically varied and the relative binding affinity for TFIIIA determined. We found that core histone-DNA interactions attenuate the affinity of TFIIIA for its cognate DNA element by a factor of 50–100-fold even when the critical binding region lies well outside of the classically defined nucleosome core region. These results have implications for the validity of parallels drawn between the accessibility of general nucleases to DNA sequences in chromatin and the activity of actual sequence-specific DNA binding factors.
Acidity Effect on Proton Conductivity of Hydrocarbon-Based Ionomers

A novel efficient sulfonation of aromatic polymer, which involves the iridium catalyzed C-H activation/borylation followed by the Suzuki coupling, was developed. Using this method three sulfonated moieties with different acidities (fluoroalkyl sulfonic, aryl sulfonic, and alkyl sulfonic acids) could be conveniently incorporated to the aromatic rings of polystyrene. The effect of structure of sulfonic acid group acidity on the proton conductivity was studied, and the results showed that ionomers with superacidic fluoroalkyl sulfonic acid outperformed the less acidic ionomers at low relative humidity.
Development: Unique genetic determinants of human kidney development.

Human kidneys have many features in common with those of other species, but also unique properties. A detailed human–mouse comparison of the genetic programme governing early events in nephron formation has revealed interspecies differences that could explain how nephron number in adult kidneys is determined.
Hemodynamic advantages of left atrium catecholamine administration after cardiac surgery in children with complex congenital heart disease

Objective To discuss the feasibility of administrative catecholamines via the left atrial after cardiac surgery in children with complex congenital heart disease Methods Ninteen children with complex congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery,were randomly allocated to be infused with dopamine and dobutamine 6 10μg·kg -1 ·min -1 through the left atrial (left atrial group,n=6) or through the central vein (central venous group,n=13) following the declamping ,respectively The Swan Ganz catheters were inserted via right internal jugular vein before operation and were put into pulmonary artery during operation A 4F deep venous catheter of 30 cm length was inserted via right subclavian vein and were put into the left atrial via FO or ASD during operation Hemodynamic parameters were measured with Swan Ganz catheter technique immediately after weaning from CPB and 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after cardiac surgery Results The average pulmonary arterial pressures(MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR)in the central venous group were higher than those in left atrial group(P0 05) There were not significant differences in other parameters between both groups Conclusions Left atrial catecholamines administration can prevent the increase of MPAP and PVR,induced with the central venous catecholamines, from occurrance after cardiac surgery in children with complex congenital heart disease
Growth and reproduction genomic-polygenic and polygenic parameters and prediction trends as Brahman fraction increases in an Angus-Brahman multibreed population

Abstract The objectives of this research were to estimate genomic-polygenic and polygenic parameters and to evaluate prediction trends as Brahman fraction increased from 0% to 100% in a subtropical multibreed Angus-Brahman (MAB) population for four growth and reproduction traits using single-step genomic-polygenic (GPM) and polygenic models (PM). Traits were 365-d yearling weight (YW), yearling reproductive tract score (RTS), age at first calving (AFC), and first calving interval (FCI). Numbers of phenotypic records were 1758 for YW, 381 for RTS, 1385 for AFC, and 985 for FCI. The pedigree file had 6869 calves, sires, and dams, and genotype file contained 115,711 actual and imputed GGPHD150k SNP markers from 1547 animals. The 4-trait GPM and PM included contemporary group, age of dam (YW only), sex of calf (YW only), direct heterosis, maternal heterosis (YW only) as fixed effects, and animal and residual as random effects. Genetic parameters were estimated using REML procedures and computed using AIREMLF90. Heritabilities were slightly higher for GPM than PM (0.47 vs. 0.45 for YW, 0.31 vs. 0.30 for RTS, 0.14 vs. 0.12 for AFC, and 0.31 vs. 0.29 for FCI). Genetic correlations were positive between YW and RTS (GPM: 0.55; PM: 0.60), negative between RTS and AFC (GPM: −0.22; PM: −0.55) and between AFC and FCI (GPM: −0.68; PM: −0.67), and near zero for all other trait pairs. The similarity between GPM and PM heritabilities and genetic correlations indicated that the 115,711 GGPHD150k SNP markers added little additional information to that contained in the pedigree. Regression coefficients of breed group EBV means on Brahman fraction were negative (P=0.0005) for YW, RTS, and FCI, and positive (P
Gold nanocage coupled single crystal TiO 2 nanostructures for near-infrared water photolysis

Gold (Au) nanocages were deposited on single crystal TiO2 columnar thin films and their effect on the photoelectrochemical performance for water oxidation was studied. The performance was compared to spherical Au nanoparticles of similar size (30 nm) deposited on the columns to investigate the shape effect. The performance of spherical Au nanoparticles with a 5 nm diameter was also measured as an indicator of the size effect. All Au-TiO2 thin films exhibited enhanced photocurrents compared to the pristine TiO2 thin film under visible and near-infrared light irradiation. In particular, the nanocage Au deposited TiO2 thin film exhibited the maximum photocurrent, approximately 8 times higher than that by the pristine TiO2 film. Photocurrent action spectra of the thin films confirmed the role of surface plasmon resonance in the performance enhancement caused by hot electron injection into the TiO2 conduction band. Light absorption was controlled in the 520–810 nm region by change of size and shape of the Au nanoparticles. The absorption range of the nanocages in the NIR region with high photocurrent makes them promising candidates for solar water-splitting.
Storytelling on the Web: Collaborative Authoring and Social Media

Walter Benjamin in The Age of Mechanical Reproduction suggested that changes in technology offered new opportunities for cultural expression by detaching culture from traditional domains (Benjamin 1969). In the evolution of narrative in digital environments the technology permitted both traditional and a non-traditional avenues of expression. Authors could go the route of porting text and image in likeness of print; they could also use digital tools to create distinct new genres. Within Social Media, however, the digital space did not allow easy porting of the familiar print story. Even the serial novel had to, in a blog space, accept comments. The environment itself forced alternative ways to present stories and opened avenues for exploring and redefining ideas of authoring and readership.
Moderately-Fermentable Potato Fiber Attenuates Symptoms During Experimental Colitis

Potato fiber (PF), a co-product of potato starch isolation, is a moderately-fermentable dietary fiber that was evaluated for its efficacy in attenuating the acute inflammatory response in a dextran...
Revision of the Southeast Asian Whirligig Beetle Genus Porrorhynchus Laporte, 1835 (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae: Gyrininae: Dineutini)

Abstract The Southeast Asian whirligig beetle genus Porrorhynchus Laporte, 1835 is revised. The genus is composed of five species, P. depressus Regimbart, 1892, P. indicans (Walker, 1858), P. landaisi Regimbart, 1892, P. marginatus Laporte, 1835, and P. misoolensis (Ochs, 1955), new status, and two subgenera, Porrorhynchus s. str. and Rhomborhynchus Ochs, 1926. The characters uniting the species within the two subgenera are discussed, as is their relation to the genus Dineutus Macleay, 1825. New synonyms are established: Ceylorhynchus Brinck, 1955 is synonymized with the Porrorhynchus s. str.; P. barthelemyi Regimbart, 1907 and P. landaisi latilimbus Ochs, 1926 are synonymized with P. landaisi; P. marginatus mjobergi Ochs, 1926 is synonymized with P. marginatus; Dineutus (Rhomborhynchus) depressus jamurensis Ochs, 1955, Dineutus (Rhomborhynchus) depressus versteegi Ochs, 1955, and Dineutus (Rhomborhynchus) depressus moszkowskii Ochs, 1955, are synonymized with P. (Rhomborhynchus) depressus. Porrorhynchus ...