cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Live-site UXO classification studies using advanced EMI and statistical models

In this paper we present the inversion and classification performance of the advanced EMI inversion, processing and discrimination schemes developed by our group when applied to the ESTCP Live-Site UXO Discrimination Study carried out at the former Camp Butner in North Carolina. The advanced models combine: 1) the joint diagonalization (JD) algorithm to estimate the number of potential anomalies from the measured data without inversion, 2) the ortho-normalized volume magnetic source (ONVMS) to represent targets' EMI responses and extract their intrinsic "feature vectors," and 3) the Gaussian mixture algorithm to classify buried objects as targets of interest or not starting from the extracted discrimination features. The studies are conducted using cued datasets collected with the next-generation TEMTADS and MetalMapper (MM) sensor systems. For the cued TEMTADS datasets we first estimate the data quality and the number of targets contributing to each signal using the JD technique. Once we know the number of targets we proceed to invert the data using a standard non-linear optimization technique in order to determine intrinsic parameters such as the total ONVMS for each potential target. Finally we classify the targets using a library-matching technique. The MetalMapper data are all inverted as multi-target scenarios, and the resulting intrinsic parameters are grouped using an unsupervised Gaussian mixture approach. The potential targets of interest are a 37-mm projectile, an M48 fuze, and a 105-mm projectile. During the analysis we requested the ground truth for a few selected anomalies to assist in the classification task. Our results were scored independently by the Institute for Defense Analyses, who revealed that our advanced models produce superb classification when starting from either TEMTADS or MM cued datasets.
A study of factors influencing 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine production by Pseudomonas perolens using acid trap and UV spectroscopy

A method employing acid-trapping of air-purged volatiles followed by UV absorption was used to determine factors influencing the production of 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine (MIPP) by Pseudomonas perolens. MIPP in 6 abetm HCl was found to have absorption maxima at 220 nm (A + 9290 cm−1m−1) and 307 nm (A = 9370 cm−1m−1). In liquid media, the amount of recoverable MIPP was dependent on the pH of the buffer system. It varied from 50% recovery at pH 6.0 to 83% recovery at pH 9.0. From solid media, about 54% of the MIPP added was recovered by the air purge and acid trap device. Exogenous addition of valine, glycine, and methionine did not increase MIPP production suggesting that precursors are endogenous to the cell. The amount of MIPP production was influenced by the initial cell density. The highest amount of MIPP was observed at a cell density of 106 cfu/ml or less. Higher cell densities resulted in lower production.
Analysis and Evaluation of Manoeuvrability Characteristics of Polish Ferries m/f „Polonia” and m/f „Gryf”

The paper describes some specific manner of M/F "Polonia" manoeuvring at the Ystad harbour where she is regarded to be "over maximal ship" and also M/F "Gryf" manoeuvring at Trelleborg, taking into consideration the effect of wind pressure into the ship's superstructures and houses.
Epidemic dengue/dengue hemorrhagic fever as a public health, social and economic problem in the 21st century

Dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever is now one of the most important public health problems in tropical developing countries and also has major economic and societal consequences.
Behavioural constraints on animate vision

Abstract The computations involved in vision are so expensive that little thought has been given to integrating visual computations with visual behaviours in realtime. However, recent hardware advances such as pipeline computer architectures are making this integration possible. Preliminary results suggest that the combination is very advantageous. Perhaps unexpectedly, visual computation is less expensive when considered in the larger context of behaviour.
Integration in two-way immersion education: equalising linguistic benefits for all students

Abstract As bilingual enrichment programmes that integrate language majority and language minority students, two-way immersion (TWI) programmes have the potential to overcome the harmful effects of segregation and remedial education that are the frequent byproducts of educational programmes for native speakers of languages other than English. Native/non-native speaker integration is considered essential in these programmes to achieve positive academic, linguistic and cross-cultural outcomes for all students, but these benefits have been largely assumed by educators and programme developers. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the distribution of the linguistic benefits of student integration in TWI classrooms. We argue that, in the absence of a bilingual perspective that takes into consideration issues of differential language status and language acquisition contexts, TWI classrooms may fail to optimise language learning opportunities for all students, particularly for language minority stu...
Abstract 3374: Characterizing a new population of adult mouse submandibular gland stem cells

Xerostomia or dry mouth is a hyposalivation condition that leads to difficulty in speaking, eating, mucosal pain, and enhanced risk of dental and mandibular infection. It can be due to damage of salivary gland nervous system, medications, systematic diseases such as diabetes and Sjogen9s syndrome, and radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Current available treatments are ineffective due to limited residual glandular function. Stem cell transplantation therapy may be a very promising future direction in treating this severe condition. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) method, we have successfully identified a new population of stem cells from adult mouse submandibular gland. Among all the populations of cells evaluated, the c-Kit+/Sca1+/CD24+/lin− cells generated the highest number of salispheres when cultured in vitro, at least 4 folds more than c-Kit+ or Sca1+ only cells. The c-Kit+/Sca1+/CD24+/lin− cells also expressed significantly higher level of embryonic salivary stem cell marker keratin 5 (CK5) and the basolateral secretory duct maker keratin 14 (CK14), when compared to the CD24+/lin− epithelial cell population. MTT assay showed salispheres derived from c-Kit+/Sca1+/CD24+/lin− population exhibited 10 folds higher enzyme activity than control populations. These spheres continued to express stem cell markers c-Kit and Sca1 after Day 21 and proliferate (Ki67 staining) actively after 14 days in vitro. In addition, these salispheres differentiated into functional acinar cells, indicated by a-amylase staining. More importantly, the dissociated 1st generation of salispheres was capable of generating 2nd salispheres in vitro, indicating the self-renewal property of the these cells. In conclusion, we have identified a subpopulation of adult salivary gland cells that exhibit stem cell properties. Future work will focus on (1) gene expression studies to further elucidate the molecular characteristics of these cells and (2) confirming their renewal capacity in vivo via transplantation studies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3374. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3374
Importance of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus as a Component of a Neural Pathway between the Brain and the Testes that Modulates Testosterone Secretion Independently of the Pituitary

We previously reported that in adult male rats, the intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO) significantly inhibited the ability of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate testosterone (T) secretion. The finding that this phenomenon also took place when LH release had been blocked with an LHRH antagonist suggested that icv CRF and ISO did not alter Leydig cell function by influencing the activity of pituitary gonadotrophs. We therefore proposed the existence of a neural pathway connecting the brain to the testes, whose activation by icv CRF or ISO interfered with T secretion. Based on the intratesticular injection of the transganglionic tracer pseudorabies virus, we recently identified the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus as a component of this neural link. The aim of the present work was to investigate the functional role of this brain area in mediating the ability of CRF and ISO to inhibit the ability of hCG to stimulate T secretion. We first demonstrated that local microinfusion of CRF or ISO directly into the PVN mimicked the effect of their icv injection, suggesting that the PVN does indeed represent a site of action of ISO and CRF in altering Leydig cell responsiveness to gonadotropin. In contrast, neither CRF nor ISO microinfusion into the central amygdala or the frontal cortex influenced hCG-stimulated T secretion. To further investigate the role of the PVN in ISO- and CRF-induced blunting of hCG stimulation of T, we determined the effect of icv CRF or ISO on testicular activity of rats with electrolytic lesions of the PVN. These lesions, which did not in themselves influence Leydig cell responsiveness to hCG, blocked the effect of both icv ISO and CRF on hCG-induced T release. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that CRF- and ISO-induced activation of cells in the area of the PVN decreases the ability of gonadotropin to release T and suggests that this nucleus represents an important site of the proposed neural connection between the brain and the testes.
A pathway of nitrogen metabolism in marine decapod crabs

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution of the enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamine synthetase, and glutaminase among tissues of three decapod species supports a catabolic nitrogen pathway involving a glutamine detoxification mechanism. 2. 2. Low levels of enzyme activity in the hepatopancreas suggest a diminished role of this organ in providing excretory nitrogen. 3. 3. Evidence presented suggests that glutamate dehydrogenase controls the flow of nitrogen through the proposed catabolic sequence, and hence the rate of ammonia excretion.
Smile and Laughter Induction and Intraoperative Predictors of Response to Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

We recently treated six patients for OCD utilizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior limb of the internal capsule and the nucleus accumbens region (ALIC-NA). We individually tested leads via a scripted intraoperative protocol designed to determine DBS-induced side effects and mood changes. We previously published qualitative data regarding our observations of induced emotional behaviors in our first five subjects. We have now studied these same behaviors in the full cohort of six patients over 2 years of follow-up and have examined the relationship of these behaviors to intraoperative mood changes and postoperative clinical outcomes. Five patients experienced at least one smile response during testing. At higher voltages of stimulation, some of these smiles progressed to natural laughter. Smiles and laughter were associated with mood elevation. At stimulation locations at which smiles were observed, voltage and mood were significantly correlated (p=0.0004 for right brain and p<0.0001 for left brain). In contrast, at contacts where smiles were not observed, mood was negatively correlated with voltage (p=0.0591 for right brain and p=0.0086 for left). Smile and laughter-inducing sites were located relatively medial, posterior, and deep in the ALIC-NA. The presence of stimulation induced laughter predicted improvement in OCD symptoms at 2 years. The higher the percentage of laugh conditions experienced in an individual patient, the greater the reduction in YBOCS (24 months, p=0.034). Other correlations between clinical outcomes and percent of smile/laugh conditions were not significant. These stimulation-induced behaviors were less frequently observed with 1 and 2-month postoperative test stimulation and were not observed at subsequent test stimulation sessions. Intraoperative stimulation-induced laughter may predict long-term OCD response to DBS. Identifying other potential response predictors for OCD will become increasingly important as more patients are implanted with DBS devices. A larger study is needed to better delineate the relationship between induced intraoperative and postoperative emotional behavior and clinical outcome in patients treated with DBS therapy.
A Wireless Electroceutical Dressing Lowers Cost of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Objective: To test whether the use of a wireless electroceutical dressing (WED) (Procellera®) in conjunction with a 5-day negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce the number of dressing changes required per week with this therapy. Approach: At the Ohio State University Comprehensive Wound Center, chronic wound patients (n=30) undergoing NPWT were randomized into two arms following consent as approved by the institutional review board. The control arm received standard of care NPWT, where the dressing change was performed thrice a week. The test arm received the same care except that the WED was added as an interface layer and dressing change was limited to twice a week. Results: A reduced cost of care was achieved using the WED in conjunction with NPWT. Despite fewer dressing changes in wounds dressed with the WED, closure outcomes were comparable with no overt signs of any wound complication, including infection. The cost of NPWT care during the week was significantly lower (from $2918 to $2346) in the WED-treated group compared with patients in the control arm. Innovation: This work introduces a novel technology platform involving a WED, which may be used in conjunction with NPWT. If used as such, NPWT is effective in decreasing the frequency of dressing change and lowering the cost of care. Conclusion: This work points toward the benefit of using the WED combined with NPWT. A larger clinical trial investigating the cost-effectiveness of WED in wound care is warranted.
Stereoselective synthesis of anti-1,3-diolsvia allylboration

Abstract Allylboration of β-hydroxy aldehydes and ketones with allylboronic acid at room temperature produces the corresponding anti-1,3-diols as the major products.
Performance pay, test scores, and student learning objectives

Austin Independent School District's (AISD) REACH pay for performance program has become a national model for compensation reform. This study analyzes the test scores of students enrolled in schools participating in the REACH program to students enrolled in schools within AISD not participating in the program. We also investigate the relationship between student learning objectives (SLOs), the program's primary measure of individual teacher performance, and teacher performance as measured by value-added student test scores. The AISD REACH program is associated with positive student test score gains in both math and reading during the initial year of implementation. Student test score gains are maintained in the second year, but we do not find any additional growth. We also find that SLOs are not significantly correlated with a teacher's value-added student test scores.
Grid-Based System for Product Design Optimization

This paper describes the progress of developing a Grid-based system for product design optimizations to increase the engineer?s productivity by saving him tedious, manual, and error-prone work of organizing, maintaining, submitting and monitoring computational workflows comprising hundreds of jobs in a heterogeneous distributed environment. The approach is that once the optimization process is interactively defined through a GUI, the process runs asynchronously, automatically, and autonomously. This goal is being achieved through horizontal integration by employing a Service Oriented Architecture. The developed cyberinfrastructure comprises a collection of Grid services that automates creation, submission and monitoring of jobs. In addition, support is provided for accessing information needed to identify the reasons of failures, should any occur, The front end of the system augments a commercial, state-of-the-art user graphical interface (Abacus CAE) for defining a finite element analysis problem with custom GUI components for specifying the optimization problem and providing access to remote resources. The access to remote resources is achieved by embedding clients of Grid services in the Abacus CAE.
Single bead detection with an NMR microcapillary probe.

Abstract We have developed a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microcapillary probe for the detection of single magnetic microbeads. The geometry of the probe has been optimized so that the signal from the background water has a similar magnitude compared to the signal from the dephased water nearby a single magnetic bead within the probe detector coil. In addition, the RF field of the coil must be uniform within the effective range of the magnetic bead. Three different RF probes were tested in a 7 T (300 MHz) pulsed NMR spectrometer with sample volumes ranging from 5 nL down to 1 nL. The 1 nL probe had a single-shot signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for pure water of 27 and a volume resolution that exhibits a 600-fold improvement over a conventional (5 mm tube) NMR probe with a sample volume of 18 μL. This allowed for the detection of a 1 μm magnetite/polystyrene bead (m = 2 × 10−14 A m2) with an estimated experimental SNR of 30. Simulations of the NMR spectra for the different coil geometries and positions of the bead within the coil were developed that include the B0 shift near a single bead, the inhomogeneity of the coils, the local coil sensitivity, the skin effect of the coil conductor, and quantitated estimates of the proximity effect between coil windings.
New guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy: what obstetrician/gynecologists should know

Purpose of reviewTo review the recently issued guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy.Recent findingsThese guidelines were developed to minimize the negative health consequences for both mother and fetus of inadequate or excessive weight gain. They call for categorizing women's prepregnancy BMI
A protocol for analyzing hepatitis C virus replication.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) affects 3% of the world’s population and causes serious liver ailments including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae. Current treatment is not fully effective and causes adverse side effects. There is no HCV vaccine available. Thus, continued effort is required for developing a vaccine and better therapy. An HCV cell culture system is critical for studying various stages of HCV growth including viral entry, genome replication, packaging, and egress. In the current procedure presented, we used a wild-type intragenotype 2a chimeric virus, FNX-HCV, and a recombinant FNX-Rluc virus carrying a Renilla luciferase reporter gene to study the virus replication. A human hepatoma cell line (Huh-7 based) was used for transfection of in vitro transcribed HCV genomic RNAs. Cell-free culture supernatants, protein lysates and total RNA were harvested at various time points post-transfection to assess HCV growth. HCV genome replication status was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR and visualizing the presence of HCV double-stranded RNA. The HCV protein expression was verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence assays using antibodies specific for HCV NS3 and NS5A proteins. HCV RNA transfected cells released infectious particles into culture supernatant and the viral titer was measured. Luciferase assays were utilized to assess the replication level and infectivity of reporter HCV. In conclusion, we present various virological assays for characterizing different stages of the HCV replication cycle.
Developments in High-Yield System Expressed Vaccines and Immunotherapy

Conventional vaccine production techniques are outdated, leaving the world defenseless to viruses and pathogens. Successful protection necessitates the innovation of strategies that can generate an induced defensive humoral and cellular response with: ease of mass production, nominal side-effects, and controlled design specificity, all while being cost effective. Fortunately, technology exists to facilitate such advances in this billion dollar industry and this review is focused on recent publications and patents which hold promise to revolutionize the fight against pathogenic illnesses.
Preparation, characterization, and reactivity of a novel heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of CO and CO2

Abstract A heterogeneous catalyst consisting of Ru 3 (CCO) 12 supported on pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PPAN) has been employed in the reduction of CO and in the methanation of CO 2 . This novel support was chosen because its structural characteristics could provide stronger binding sites for heavy metal clusters than the more typical inorganic oxide supports. Characterization of PPAN is studied and a pyrolysis profile which maximizes the formation of fused pyridine rings is proposed. A comparison between 2% Ru/PPAN and 2% Ru/Al 2 O 3 shows a significantly different product distribution, with the former having improved selectivity for small molecular weight products. The new catalyst also shows pronounced activity in the hydrogenation of CO 2 to CH 4 . A mechanistic study using aldehydes in addition to syngas suggests that both CO dissociation and CO insertion occur in the homologation mechanism.
Compartmentalized acyl-CoA metabolism in skeletal muscle regulates systemic glucose homeostasis

The impaired capacity of skeletal muscle to switch between the oxidation of fatty acid (FA) and glucose is linked to disordered metabolic homeostasis. To understand how muscle FA oxidation affects systemic glucose, we studied mice with a skeletal muscle–specific deficiency of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL)1. ACSL1 deficiency caused a 91% loss of ACSL-specific activity and a 60–85% decrease in muscle FA oxidation. Acsl1M−/− mice were more insulin sensitive, and, during an overnight fast, their respiratory exchange ratio was higher, indicating greater glucose use. During endurance exercise, Acsl1M−/− mice ran only 48% as far as controls. At the time that Acsl1M−/− mice were exhausted but control mice continued to run, liver and muscle glycogen and triacylglycerol stores were similar in both genotypes; however, plasma glucose concentrations in Acsl1M−/− mice were ∼40 mg/dL, whereas glucose concentrations in controls were ∼90 mg/dL. Excess use of glucose and the likely use of amino acids for fuel within muscle depleted glucose reserves and diminished substrate availability for hepatic gluconeogenesis. Surprisingly, the content of muscle acyl-CoA at exhaustion was markedly elevated, indicating that acyl-CoAs synthesized by other ACSL isoforms were not available for β-oxidation. This compartmentalization of acyl-CoAs resulted in both an excessive glucose requirement and severely compromised systemic glucose homeostasis.
CONSTITUTIVE ACTIVATION OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-KINASE BY A NATURALLY OCCURRING MUTANT EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR

The most frequently found alteration of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in human tumors is a deletion of exons 2-7. This receptor, termed EGFRvIII, can transform NIH 3T3 cells, and the frequent expression of this variant implies that it confers a selective advantage upon tumor cells in vivo. Although EGFRvIII is a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase, there is no increase in Ras.GTP levels and low levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in NIH 3T3 cells expressing this variant. We investigated whether phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase was an effector in transformation by the EGFRvIII. High levels of PI 3-kinase activity were constitutively present in EGFRvIII-transformed cells and were dependent upon the kinase activity of the receptor. While mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was quickly down-regulated to basal levels after 12 h of continuous EGFR activation, there was a 3-fold increase in PI 3-kinase activity in cells expressing normal EGFR and an 8-fold increase in cells expressing EGFRvIII after 48 h. This increased activity may reflect enhanced binding to EGFRvIII and the presence of novel PI 3-kinase isoforms. Treatment with the PI 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 blocked both anchorage-independent growth and growth in low serum media and also resulted in morphological reversion of EGFRvIII-transformed cells. These results support an essential role for PI 3-kinase in transformation by this EGFR variant.
A Type-1 Phosphoprotein Phosphatase from a Dinoflagellate as a Possible Component of the Circadian Mechanism

Indicative of the importance of protein phosphorylation in the core circadian clock mechanism, chronically applied inhibitors of both protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases have significant effects on the period, phase, and light-dependent regulation of circadian rhythms in the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum. This study was aimed at identifying the presence of the affected phosphatase(s). Dephosphorylation of a PP1/PP2A-specific substrate by L. polyedrum extracts was inhibited by okadaic acid only at concentrations greater than 100 nM, as in vivo, by mammalian inhibitor-2 (I-2), and by an endogenous inhibitor with properties similar to I-2, indicating that a type-1 protein phosphatase (PP1) was predominant. A cDNA encoding a highly conserved PP1 was isolated, the 1st such signaling molecule identified in dinoflagellates. Antisera specific for this type of phosphatase recognized a 34 kDa protein in L. polyedrum extract, this being the same size as the PP1 encoded by the isolated cDNA. These findings are consistent with the suggestion that the L. polyedrum PP1 may be a part of the clock mechanism in this species.
Cost-Benefit Models for Explaining Consumer Choice and Information Seeking Behavior

While it provides excellent descriptions of behavior, existing consumer research on information seeking and processing largely fails to explain why consumers engage in various types of activities. This paper presents an economic framework for measuring costs/benefits of search behavior which can help to resolve these questions. This work shows how such a framework can lead to testable hypotheses about information seeking, and discusses how operational measures of economic incentives to search can be developed and employed.
A Passive UHF RFID Transponder for EPC Gen 2 with -14dBm Sensitivity in 0.13μm CMOS

A passive RFID transponder conforming to the EPC Gen 2 standard is presented, including an RF and analog front-end, EEPROM, and a digital processing core and features a unique RF sampled analog random number generator to support the required anti-collision protocol. Fabricated in 0.13mum CMOS, the 0.55mm2 IC functions at a sensitivity of -14dBm using an 860-to-960MHz carrier at 40-to-160kb/s RX data rates.
Assays of HbA1c and Amadori products in human biology

Different Amadori products, formed during the early steps of the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, may be assayed in current practice in human biology. The most important marker is HbA1c, resulting from the binding of glucose to the N-terminal extremity of HbA beta chains. HbA1c may be evaluated by various techniques (ion exchange or affinity high performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, immunoassay, enzymatic technique) and is considered the best marker of diabetic patient survey. Due to its irreversible and cumulative formation, it provides a retrospective information on the glycemic balance over the four to eight weeks preceding blood collection. It benefits from an international standardization, based on a reference method using liquid chromatography coupled to capillary electrophoresis or mass spectrometry, maintained by an international network of reference laboratories. When HbA1c assay cannot be used (anemia, hemolysis, hemoglobinopathy) or when a shorter period of glycemic equilibrium must be evaluated (child and adolescent, pregnancy, therapeutic changes), other Amadori products may be assayed, like plasma fructosamine (all plasma glycated proteins) or glycated albumin. Nevertheless, these assays are less used in practice, because their semiological value has been less evidenced. Besides, fructosamine assay lacks specificity, and glycated albumin assay has been described recently. An expanding use of HbA1c assay is expected, especially for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and the evaluation of other risks, especially cardiovascular ones.
Evaluation of a chick mortality model for predicting the consequences of Salmonella enteritidis infections in laying hens.

Abstract The effects of four domestic Salmonella enteritidis (SE) isolates were compared in experimentally infected chicks and laying hens. The pathogenicity of each strain for 1-day-old chicks was determined by recording postinoculation mortality. The effects of the SE strains on adult hens were measured in terms of changes in total egg production, the frequency of production of SE-contaminated eggs, the dissemination of SE to internal organs, and the elicitation of a specific antibody response. Significant differences in the consequences of infection with different SE strains were observed in mortality rates among chicks and in total egg production, the frequency of production of contaminated eggs, and the serum antibody response among laying hens. The usefulness of a chick mortality model for predicting the probable frequency of production of contaminated eggs by laying hens infected with particular SE strains was then further evaluated by infecting chicks and laying hens with four other field isolates of SE. Although significant differences between SE strains were observed in both chick mortality and the frequency of production of contaminated eggs by hens, a strong correlation between these two parameters was not evident.
Statistical Static Timing Analysis Considering Process Variation Model Uncertainty

Increasing variability in modern manufacturing processes makes it important to predict the yields of chip designs at early design stage. In recent years, a number of statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) and statistical circuit optimization techniques have emerged to quickly estimate the design yield and perform robust optimization. These statistical methods often rely on the availability of statistical process variation models whose accuracy, however, is severely hampered by the limitations in test structure design, test time, and various sources of inaccuracy inevitably incurred in process characterization. To consider model characterization inaccuracy, we present an efficient importance sampling based optimization framework that can translate the uncertainty in process models to the uncertainty in circuit performance, thus offering the desired statistical best/worst case circuit analysis capability accounting for the unavoidable complexity in process characterization. Furthermore, our new technique provides valuable guidance to process characterization. Examples are included to demonstrate the application of our general analysis framework under the context of SSTA.
Reducing Content Variance and Improving Student Learning Outcomes: The Value of Standardization in a Multisection Course

This article describes a standardization process for an introductory marketing course with multiple sections. The authors first outline the process used to develop a standardized set of marketing concepts to be used in all introductory marketing classes. They then discuss the benefits to both students and faculty that occur as a result of standardizing a required course that has multiple sections. Finally, they present results from a survey designed to assess student attitudes about the use of standardized marketing concepts within a course and across the curriculum. The results indicate that students value a standardized curriculum and appreciate more repetition of concepts within and between marketing classes. In addition, the survey results show that students who are introduced to the standardized set of concepts in their introductory marketing classes score higher on a knowledge test than students who are not exposed to the standardized set of concepts.
Support Concurrent Queries in Multiuser CBIR Systems

Various techniques have been developed for different query types in content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems such as sampling queries, constrained sampling queries, multiple constrained sampling queries, k-NN queries, constrained k-NN queries, and multiple localized k-NN queries. In this paper, we propose a generalized query model suitable for expressing queries of different types, and investigate efficient processing techniques for this new framework. We develop new storage and query processing techniques to exploit sequential access and leverage inter-query concurrency to share computation. Our experimental results, based on the Corel dataset, indicates that the proposed optimization can significantly reduce average response time in a multiuser environment.
Effects of human respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus 3 and influenza virus on CD4+ T cell activation by dendritic cells.

Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and to a lesser extent human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3), re-infect symptomatically throughout life without antigenic change, suggestive of incomplete immunity. One causative factor is thought to be viral interference with dendritic cell (DC)-mediated stimulation of CD4+ T cells. Methodology, Principal Findings: We infected human monocyte-derived DC with purified HRSV, HMPV, HPIV3, or influenza A virus (IAV) and compared their ability to induce activation and proliferation of autologous CD4+ T cells in vitro. IAV was included because symptomatic re-infection without antigenic change is less frequent, suggesting that immune protection is more complete and durable. We examined virus-specific memory responses and superantigen-induced responses by multiparameter flow cytometry. Live virus was more stimulatory than inactivated virus in inducing DC-mediated proliferation of virus-specific memory CD4+ T cells, suggesting a lack of strong suppression by live virus. There were trends of increasing proliferation in the order: HMPV,HRSV,HPIV3,IAV, and greater production of interferon-c and tumor necrosis factor-a by proliferating cells in response to IAV, but differences were not significant. Exposure of DC to HRSV, HPIV3, or IAV reduced CD4+ T cell proliferation in response to secondary stimulus with superantigen, but the effect was transitory and greatest for IAV. T cell cytokine production was similar, with no evidence of Th2 or Th17 skewing. Conclusions, Significance: Understanding the basis for the ability of HRSV in particular to symptomatically re-infect without significant antigenic change is of considerable interest. The present results show that these common respiratory viruses are similar in their ability to induce DC to activate CD4+ T cells. Thus, the results do not support the common model in which viral suppression of CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation by HRSV, HMPV, and HPIV3 is a major factor in the difference in re-infectability compared to IAV.
Molecular Genetics of Cold Acclimation in Higher Plants

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the molecular genetics of cold acclimation in higher plants. The chapter focuses primarily on the recent molecular genetic studies related to cold-acclimation-associated changes in the gene expression. These studies—although only in their infancy—have yielded significant results and suggest future areas of research. The chapter begins with an overview of the biochemistry of cold acclimation because this information is required for the discussion of potential cor gene function. Perhaps the most dramatic manifestation of cold acclimation or cold hardening is the increased freezing tolerance that occurs in many plant species. A number of biochemical changes are shown to occur in plants during cold acclimation. Common examples include alterations in lipid composition, the appearance of new isozymes, increased sugar and soluble protein content, and increased levels of proline and other organic acids. Some of these changes—such as the alterations in lipid composition—appear to have roles in bringing about the increased frost tolerance of acclimated plants. The biochemical, biophysical, and physiological changes that occur in plant cells during cold acclimation could be brought about by preexisting macromolecules and structure enzymes, structural proteins, lipids, and membranes that undergo changes in their physical properties at low temperatures.
Contingent capital with discrete conversion from debt to equity

We consider the problem of valuing contingent capital in the form of debt that converts to equity when a capital ratio falls below a threshold. With continuous monitoring of the conversion trigger and with asset value modeled as geometric Brownian motion, the value admits a closed-form expression. Here we focus on the case of a discretely monitored trigger and the simulation of three potential mechanisms for conversion in discrete time. We show how to use the continuous-time formulas as control variates through exact joint simulation of the discrete- and continuous-time processes. We then investigate continuity corrections to approximate discrete-time results using continuous-time formulas and compare results across alternative conversion mechanisms.
Input modeling with the Johnson system of distributions

This paper provides an introduction to the Johnson translation system of probability distributions, and it describes methods for using the Johnson system to model input processes in simulation experiments. The fitting methods based on available data are incorporated into the public-domain software package FITTR1. To handle situations in which little or no data is available, we present a visual interactive method for subjective distribution fitting that has been implemented in the public-domain software package VISIFIT. We present several examples illustrating the use of FITTR1 and VISIFIT for simulation input modeling.
LiSP: A lightweight security protocol for wireless sensor networks

Small low-cost sensor devices with limited resources are being used widely to build a self-organizing wireless network for various applications, such as situation monitoring and asset surveillance. Making such a sensor network secure is crucial to their intended applications, yet challenging due to the severe resource constraints in each sensor device. We present a lightweight security protocol (LiSP) that makes a tradeoff between security and resource consumption via efficient rekeying. The heart of the protocol is the novel rekeying mechanism that offers (1) efficient key broadcast without requiring retransmission/ACKs, (2) authentication for each key-disclosure without incurring additional overhead, (3) the ability of detecting/recovering lost keys, (4) seamless key refreshment without disrupting ongoing data encryption/decryption, and (5) robustness to inter-node clock skews. Furthermore, these benefits are preserved in conventional contention-based medium access control protocols that do not support reliable broadcast. Our performance evaluation shows that LiSP reduces resource consumption significantly, while requiring only three hash computations, on average, and a storage space for eight keys.
What Makes Evaluation Hard

Ideally, an evaluation technique should describe an algorithm that an evaluator could use that would result in a score or a vector of scores that depict the level of performance of the natural language system under test. The scores should mirror the subjective evaluation of the system that a qualified judge would make. The evaluation technique should yield consistent scores for multiple tests of one system, and the scores for several systems should serve as a means for comparison among systems. Unfortunately, there is no such evaluation technique for natural language understanding systems. In the following sections, I will attempt to highlight some of the difficulties
Intrinsic immune alterations in renal cell carcinoma and emerging immunotherapeutic approaches.

Introduction: Individuals affected by kidney cancer present a variety of immune abnormalities including cellular immune dysfunction, cytokine alterations and antigen presentation defects. On the other hand, spontaneous remissions are seen in up to 4% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients and they are thought to occur via immune mechanisms. Areas covered: The authors comprehensively review the immune abnormalities in RCC patient and describe the kidney cancer immunotherapy candidates that are most advanced in their clinical development. Most relevant publications were identified through searching the PubMed database; the obtained information was thoroughly analyzed and synthesized. Expert opinion: As cure in advanced RCC cannot be accomplished with the current therapy standards such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, new treatment strategies are being sought. Enhancing the immune system represents an appealing avenue for kidney cancer therapy. Disappointingly, high...
Modeling landscapes and past vegetation patterns of New Mexico's Rio del Oso Valley

Humans have interacted with the landscape and ecosystem of New Mexico's Rio del Oso Valley for thousands of years. Throughout the Holocene, various cultures have dramatically affected and altered the Rio del Oso. An interdisciplinary research approach, incorporating geomorphology, paleobotany, archaeology, and history, provides a broad range of methodologies and data sets of past landscape dynamics. Integrating such data sets in three-dimensional Geographical Information Systems (GIS) models of past vegetation and landscape conditions may enable a view of anthropogenic ecosystem change. Analyses of past land use through landscape models, geoarchaeology, and other methods can provide a greater understanding for current and future ecosystem management. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*
ELECTRIC‐FURNACE ALUMINA CEMENT FOR HIGH‐TEMPERATURE CONCRETE

A comparison was made between a commercial alumina cement and a calcium aluminate cement prepared in an experimental electric furnace on the basis of chemical and physical tests. The experimental product, a relatively pure tricalcium penta-aluminate (3CaO.5Al2O3), showed refractory properties superior to the commercial product; for example, in a sagging test, a refractory mixture made with the experimental cement and grog showed greater resistance to deformation at 1400° and 1450°C. than a mixture made with the commercial cement and a resistance comparable to that representative of a cone 30 firebrick. The experimental product shows promise as an electrical insulating cement for Chromel-wound furnaces. An alumina-type cement was also found to give satisfactory service when used with fire-clay grog to form a monolithic roof over an electric-phosphate reduction furnace.
Mammalian Transforming Growth Factor β1 Activated after Ingestion by Anopheles stephensi Modulates Mosquito Immunity

During the process of bloodfeeding by Anopheles stephensi, mammalian latent transforming growth factor 1 (TGF-1) is ingested and activated rapidly in the mosquito midgut. Activation may involve heme and nitric oxide (NO), agents released in the midgut during blood digestion and catalysis of L-arginine oxidation by A. stephensi NO synthase (AsNOS). Active TGF-1 persists in the mosquito midgut to extended times postingestion and is recognized by mosquito cells as a cytokine. In a manner analogous to the regulation of vertebrate inducible NO synthase and malaria parasite (Plasmodium) infection in mammals by TGF-1, TGF-1 regulates AsNOS expression and Plasmodium development in A. stephensi. Together, these observations indicate that, through conserved immunological cross talk, mammalian and mosquito immune systems interface with each other to influence the cycle of Plasmodium development. In Anopheles, malaria parasite (Plasmodium spp.) development begins with the ingestion of blood containing sexual-stage gametocytes. Parasite fertilization commences within minutes of ingestion. Zygotes penetrate the midgut epithelium 24 to 36 h later and transform into vegetative oocysts under the basal lamina in the hemolymph-filled, open circulatory system of the mosquito. As blood digestion proceeds to completion at 48 h, parasite development continues. Oocysts grow and develop for 10 to 12 days and then release thousands of haploid sporozoites into the hemolymph. Sporozoites invade the salivary glands, where they are released into the saliva during subsequent blood feeding. Anopheles stephensi, a primary vector of human malaria in India and the Middle East, limits malaria parasite development with the inducible synthesis of nitric oxide (NO [34]) catalyzed by A. stephensi NO synthase (AsNOS [33, 34]). Induction of AsNOS is proportional to the intensity of parasite infection and is detectable in the midgut by 6 h postinfection (14). Early induction is critical to inhibition of parasite development: dietary provision of the pan-NOS inhibitor L-N G nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), with a half-life in blood of 3 to 6 h (13), resulted in significantly higher Plasmodium infection intensities than did the inactive enantiomer D-NAME (34). The NO-mediated defense of A. stephensi is analogous to mammalian NO-mediated inactivation of liver-invading sporozoites and blood-stage gametocytes (36, 41) and indicates that mosquitos and vertebrates share a conserved anti-Plasmodium
Implementing the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) sits atop a legal regime that depends heavily on national governments and institutions of criminal justice in two crucial ways. First, the ICC exercises “complementary” jurisdiction, prosecuting only when states cannot or will not do so. National courts should prosecute the lion’s share of ICC crimes. Second, the ICC will depend on the cooperation of national institutions and officials for everything from gaining custody of the accused to gathering evidence and securing witnesses. In order to play their role in the ICC system, states must enact legislation that addresses both aspects of their relationship with the ICC: complementarity and cooperation. Because implementation legislation is costly, states that enact complementarity and cooperation laws display a higher level of commitment to the ICC than those who do not. This paper tests the hypotheses that democracies and states with transitional justice mechanisms underway will be more likely to enact implementing legislation and that states that are most involved in armed conflict abroad – whether through war or United Nations peacekeeping operations – will be less likely to do so. The analysis of data from more than 150 countries employs a Heckman selection model that takes into account whether states have ratified the Rome Statute in the first place. The results strongly confirm the democracy and transitional justice hypotheses, but states involved in international wars are actually more likely to pass ICC implementing legislation.