Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fish health indicators in the marine ecosystem in Kitimat, British Columbia

cal Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC series to issue scientific and technical publications. Manuscripts have been peer reviewed and edited. Documents published in this series may be cited in the scientific and technical literature. Figure 14. Relationship between concentrations of ΣLAHs in stomach contents and fluorescent metabolites of ΣLAHs in bile and concentrations of ΣHAHs in stomach contents and fluorescent metabolites of ΣHAHs in bile for juvenile Chinook salmon from sites within Kitimat Arm and from reference sites outside Kitimat Arm. Figure 26. Mean concentrations of HAHs and LAHs in stomach contents of juvenile Chinook salmon from Kitimat Hatchery and sites in the Kitimat region as compared to concentrations of these compounds in stomach contents of juvenile Chinook salmon from sites and hatcheries in Oregon and Figure 27. Mean concentrations of fluorescent metabolites of HAHs and fluorescent metabolites of LAHs in bile of juvenile Chinook salmon from sites and hatcheries from the Kitimat area as compared to concentrations in juvenile Chinook salmon from sites and hatcheries in Oregon and viii Figure A-1. Levels of fluorescent aromatics compounds measured at benzo[a]pyrene wavelengths in bile of English sole exposed to extracts of sediments from Hospital Beach and Kitlope at doses ranging from 0 to 50 g sediment extract/kg body wt . Table 24. Proportions of female yellowfin sole with ovarian lesions and male yellowfin sole with testicular lesions from Kitimat Arm sites and reference areas. The Alcan Primary Metal aluminum smelter, which began operation in the 1950s, is located at the head of Kitimat Arm in Kitimat, British Columbia. Emissions generated by aluminum production at the smelter have been a major anthropogenic source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the region. Large releases of these substances, via several routes and over decades, have led to contamination of intertidal and subtidal areas, primarily adjacent to the smelter in the Alcan Inner Harbour. Several studies have documented high concentrations of PAHs in sediments in the vicinity of the smelter, often well above PAH concentrations associated with health problems in fish exposed to PAHs from other urban and industrial sources. However, it was unknown whether the same effects would be seen in marine organisms exposed to smelter-derived PAHs, as many of the PAHs generated from aluminum smelters are bound to soot particles, thus aquatic animals cannot absorb them. The limited biological availability of the smelter-derived PAHs in Kitimat Arm made their toxicity to marine life uncertain. Because Kitimat …
FHL2 Regulates Natural Killer Cell Development and Activation during Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection

Recent in silico studies suggested that the transcription cofactor LIM-only protein FHL2 is a major transcriptional regulator of mouse natural killer (NK) cells. However, the expression and role of FHL2 in NK cell biology are unknown. Here, we confirm that FHL2 is expressed in both mouse and human NK cells. Using FHL2−/− mice, we found that FHL2 controls NK cell development in the bone marrow and maturation in peripheral organs. To evaluate the importance of FHL2 in NK cell activation, FHL2−/− mice were infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. FHL2−/− mice are highly susceptible to this infection. The activation of lung NK cells is altered in FHL2−/− mice, leading to decreased IFNγ production and a loss of control of bacterial burden. Collectively, our data reveal that FHL2 is a new transcription cofactor implicated in NK cell development and activation during pulmonary bacterial infection.
A Large Terrestrial Carbon Sink in North America Implied by Atmospheric and Oceanic Carbon Dioxide Data and Models

(ii) that the ratio of aboveground biomass to root biomass is 3 :1 {the average value of three studies in Brazilian Amazonia [P. Fearnside, Emissão e Sequestro de CO 2 (Companha Vale do Rio Doce, Rio de Janeiro, 1994), pp. 95–124]}, consistent with a global analysis of root biomass allocation [M. A.logia 111, 1 (1997)]; and (iii) that root biomass increased in proportion to aboveground biomass. We ignored C stocks in fine litter, dead wood, and soil, which may also have changed. 35. Although PSP data address the problem of spatial variability that can limit extrapolation of eddy co-variance studies, they clearly cannot assess the behavior of necromass and belowground C pools, which might be expected to increase together with biomass. A combination of eddy covariance and biomass studies may provide a useful tool in the future to examine belowground processes. 36. The " missing " sink was recently estimated at ϳ1. 4 Gt [D. we acknowledge the help of R. Atmospheric carbon dioxide increased at a rate of 2.8 petagrams of carbon per year (Pg C year Ϫ1) during 1988 to 1992 (1 Pg ϭ 10 15 grams). Given estimates of fossil carbon dioxide emissions, and net oceanic uptake, this implies a global terrestrial uptake of 1.0 to 2.2 Pg C year Ϫ1. The spatial distribution of the terrestrial carbon dioxide uptake is estimated by means of the observed spatial patterns of the greatly increased atmospheric carbon dioxide data set available from 1988 onward, together with two atmospheric transport models, two estimates of the sea-air flux, and an estimate of the spatial distribution of fossil carbon dioxide emissions. North America is the best constrained continent, with a mean uptake of 1.7 Ϯ 0.5 Pg C year Ϫ1 , mostly south of 51 degrees north. Eurasia–North Africa is relatively weakly constrained, with a mean uptake of 0.1 Ϯ 0.6 Pg C year Ϫ1. The rest of the world's land surface is poorly constrained, with a mean source of 0.2 Ϯ 0.9 Pg C year Ϫ1. A number of carbon cycle studies conducted in the last decade have indicated that the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere absorb atmospheric CO 2 at a rate of about 3 Pg C year Ϫ1 (1–3). Atmospheric CO 2 concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere are about 3 parts per million (ppm, mole fraction in dry air) greater than those in the Southern Hemisphere. Fossil …
Subexponential Algorithms for Unique Games and Related Problems

We give a sub exponential time approximation algorithm for the \textsc{Unique Games} problem. The algorithms run in time that is exponential in an arbitrarily small polynomial of the input size, $n^{\epsilon}$. The approximation guarantee depends on~$\epsilon$, but not on the alphabet size or the number of variables. We also obtain a sub exponential algorithms with improved approximations for \textsc{Small-Set Expansion} and \textsc{Multicut}. For \textsc{Max Cut}, \textsc{Sparsest Cut}, and \textsc{Vertex Cover}, we give sub exponential algorithms with improved approximations on some interesting subclasses of instances. Khot's Unique Games Conjecture (UGC) states that it is NP-hard to achieve approximation guarantees such as ours for the \textsc{Unique Games}. While our results stop short of refuting the UGC, they do suggest that \textsc{Unique Games} is significantly easier than NP-hard problems such as \textsc{Max 3Sat}, \textsc{Max 3Lin}, \textsc{Label Cover} and more, that are believed not to have a sub exponential algorithm achieving a non-trivial approximation ratio. The main component in our algorithms is a new result on graph decomposition that may have other applications. Namely we show that for every $\epsilon>0$ and every regular $n$-vertex graph~$G$, by changing at most $\epsilon$ fraction of $G$'s edges, one can break~$G$ into disjoint parts so that the stochastic adjacency matrix of the induced graph on each part has at most $ n^{\epsilon}$ eigenvalues larger than $1-\eta$, where $\eta$ depends polynomially on $\epsilon$.
Models of Affective Decision Making

Intuitively, how you feel about potential outcomes will determine your decisions. Indeed, an implicit assumption in one of the most influential theories in psychology, prospect theory, is that feelings govern choice. Surprisingly, however, very little is known about the rules by which feelings are transformed into decisions. Here, we specified a computational model that used feelings to predict choices. We found that this model predicted choice better than existing value-based models, showing a unique contribution of feelings to decisions, over and above value. Similar to the value function in prospect theory, our feeling function showed diminished sensitivity to outcomes as value increased. However, loss aversion in choice was explained by an asymmetry in how feelings about losses and gains were weighted when making a decision, not by an asymmetry in the feelings themselves. The results provide new insights into how feelings are utilized to reach a decision.
Effect of a Static Magnetic Fields and Fluoride Ions on the Antioxidant Defense System of Mice Fibroblasts

The results of studies on the biological influence of magnetic fields are controversial and do not provide clear answers regarding their impact on cell functioning. Fluoride compounds are substances that influence free radical processes, which occur when the reactive forms of oxygen are present. It is not known whether static magnetic fields (SMF) cause any changes in fluoride assimilation or activity. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the potential relationship between magnetic field exposure to, and the antioxidant system of, fibroblasts cultured with fluoride ions. Three chambers with static magnetic fields of different intensities (0.4, 0.6, and 0.7 T) were used in this work. Fluoride ions were added at a concentration of 0.12 mM, which did not cause the precipitation of calcium or magnesium. The results of this study show that static magnetic fields reduce the oxidative stress caused by fluoride ions and normalize the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). Static magnetic fields modify the energy state of fibroblasts, causing an increase in the ATP concentration and a decrease in the MDA concentration. These results suggest that exposure to fluoride and an SMF improves the tolerance of cells to the oxidative stress induced by fluoride ions.
Neurological Assessment and Its Relationship to CSF Biomarkers in Amateur Boxers

Background Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion is common in many sports. Today, neuropsychological evaluation is recommended in the monitoring of a concussion and in return-to-play considerations. To investigate the sensitivity of neuropsychological assessment, we tested amateur boxers post bout and compared with controls. Further the relationship between neuropsychological test results and brain injury biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were investigated. Method Thirty amateur boxers on high elite level with a minimum of 45 bouts and 25 non-boxing matched controls were included. Memory tests (Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure, Listening Span, Digit Span, Controlled Word Association Test, and computerized testing of episodic memory), tests of processing speed and executive functions (Trail Making, Reaction Time, and Finger Tapping) were performed and related to previously published CSF biomarker results for the axonal injury marker neurofilament light (NFL). Results The neurological assessment showed no significant differences between boxers and controls, although elevated CSF NFL, as a sign of axonal injury, was detected in about 80% of the boxers 1–6 days post bout. The investigation of the relationship between neuropsychological evaluation and CSF NFL concentrations revealed that boxers with persisting NFL concentration elevation after at least 14 days resting time post bout, had a significantly poorer performance on Trail Making A (p = 0.041) and Simple Reaction Time (p = 0.042) compared to other boxers. Conclusion This is the first study showing traumatic axonal brain injury can be present without measureable cognitive impairment. The repetitive, subconcussive head trauma in amateur boxing causes axonal injury that can be detected with analysis of CSF NFL, but is not sufficient to produce impairment in memory tests, tests of processing speed, or executive functions. The association of prolonged CSF NFL increase in boxers with impairment of processing speed is an interesting observation, which needs to be verified in larger studies.
Impact of implant length and diameter on survival rates.

INTRODUCTION Despite the high success rates of endosseous oral implants, restrictions have been advocated to their placement with regard to the bone available in height and volume. The use of short or nonstandard-diameter implants could be one way to overcome this limitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS In order to explore the relationship between implant survival rates and their length and diameter, a Medline and a hand search was conducted covering the period 1990-2005. Papers were included which reported: (1) relevant data on implant length and diameter, (2) implant survival rates; either clearly indicated or calculable from data in the paper, (3) clearly defined criteria for implant failure, and in which (4) implants were placed in healed sites and (5) studies were in human subjects. RESULTS A total of 53 human studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Concerning implant length, a relatively high number of published studies (12) indicated an increased failure rate with short implants which was associated with operators' learning curves, a routine surgical preparation (independent of the bone density), the use of machined-surfaced implants, and the placement in sites with poor bone density. Recent publications (22) reporting an adapted surgical preparation and the use of textured-surfaced implants have indicated survival rates of short implants comparable with those obtained with longer ones. Considering implant diameter, a few publications on wide-diameter implants have reported an increased failure rate, which was mainly associated with the operators' learning curves, poor bone density, implant design and site preparation, and the use of a wide implant when primary stability had not been achieved with a standard-diameter implant. More recent publications with an adapted surgical preparation, new implant designs and adequate indications have demonstrated that implant survival rate and diameter have no relationship. DISCUSSION When surgical preparation is related to bone density, textured-surfaced implants are employed, operators' surgical skills are developed, and indications for implant treatment duly considered, the survival rates for short and for wide-diameter implants has been found to be comparable with those obtained with longer implants and those of a standard diameter. The use of a short or wide implant may be considered in sites thought unfavourable for implant success, such as those associated with bone resorption or previous injury and trauma. While in these situations implant failure rates may be increased, outcomes should be compared with those associated with advanced surgical procedure such as bone grafting, sinus lifting, and the transposition of the alveolar nerve.
Reduction-free normalisation for a polymorphic system

We give a semantical proof that every term of a combinator version of system F has a normal form. As the argument is entirely formalisable in an impredicative constructive type theory a reduction-free normalisation algorithm can be extracted from this. The proof is presented as the construction of a model of the calculus inside a category of presheaves. Its definition is given entirely in terms of the internal language.
Comprehensive measurement framework for enterprise architectures

Enterprise Architecture defines the overall form and function of systems across an enterprise involving the stakeholders and providing a framework, standards and guidelines for project-specific architectures. Project-specific Architecture defines the form and function of the systems in a project or program, within the context of the enterprise as a whole with broad scope and business alignments. Application-specific Architecture defines the form and function of the applications that will be developed to realize functionality of the system with narrow scope and technical alignments. Because of the magnitude and complexity of any enterprise integration project, a major engineering and operations planning effort must be accomplished prior to any actual integration work. As the needs and the requirements vary depending on their volume, the entire enterprise problem can be broken into chunks of manageable pieces. These pieces can be implemented and tested individually with high integration effort. Therefore it becomes essential to analyze the economic and technical feasibility of realizable enterprise solution. It is difficult to migrate from one technological and business aspect to other as the enterprise evolves. The existing process models in system engineering emphasize on life-cycle management and low-level activity coordination with milestone verification. Many organizations are developing enterprise architecture to provide a clear vision of how systems will support and enable their business. The paper proposes an approach for selection of suitable enterprise architecture depending on the measurement framework. The framework consists of unique combination of higher order goals, non-functional requirement support and inputs-outcomes pair evaluation. The earlier efforts in this regard were concerned about only custom scales indicating the availability of a parameter in a range.
A constructivist approach to robot language learning via simulated babbling and holophrase extraction

It is thought that meaning may be grounded in early childhood language learning via the physical and social interaction of the infant with those around him or her, and that the capacity to use words, phrases and their meaning are acquired through shared referential ‘inference’ in pragmatic interactions. In order to create appropriate conditions for language learning by a humanoid robot, it would therefore be necessary to expose the robot to similar physical and social contexts. However in the early stages of language learning it is estimated that a 2-year-old child can be exposed to as many as 7,000 utterances per day in varied contextual situations. In this paper we report on the issues behind and the design of our currently ongoing and forthcoming experiments aimed to allow a robot to carry out language learning in a manner analogous to that in early child development and which effectively ‘short cuts’ holophrase learning. Two approaches are used: (1) simulated babbling through mechanisms which will yield basic word or holophrase structures and (2) a scenario for interaction between a human and the humanoid robot where shared ‘intentional’ referencing and the associations between physical, visual and speech modalities can be experienced by the robot. The output of these experiments, combined to yield word or holophrase structures grounded in the robot's own actions and modalities, would provide scaffolding for further proto-grammatical usage-based learning. This requires interaction with the physical and social environment involving human feedback to bootstrap developing linguistic competencies. These structures would then form the basis for further studies on language acquisition, including the emergence of negation and more complex grammar.
The Predictive Validity of Four Intelligence Tests for School Grades: A Small Sample Longitudinal Study

Intelligence is considered the strongest single predictor of scholastic achievement. However, little is known regarding the predictive validity of well-established intelligence tests for school grades. We analyzed the predictive validity of four widely used intelligence tests in German-speaking countries: The Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS), the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS), the Snijders-Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON-R 6-40), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), which were individually administered to 103 children (Mage = 9.17 years) enrolled in regular school. School grades were collected longitudinally after 3 years (averaged school grades, mathematics, and language) and were available for 54 children (Mage = 11.77 years). All four tests significantly predicted averaged school grades. Furthermore, the IDS and the RIAS predicted both mathematics and language, while the SON-R 6-40 predicted mathematics. The WISC-IV showed no significant association with longitudinal scholastic achievement when mathematics and language were analyzed separately. The results revealed the predictive validity of currently used intelligence tests for longitudinal scholastic achievement in German-speaking countries and support their use in psychological practice, in particular for predicting averaged school grades. However, this conclusion has to be considered as preliminary due to the small sample of children observed.
Japanese large-vocabulary continuous-speech recognition using a business-newspaper corpus

A large-vocabulary continuous-speech recognition (LVCSR) system was developed and evaluated. To evaluate the system, a Japanese business-newspaper speech corpus was designed and recorded. The corpus was designed so that is can be used for Japanese LVCSR research in the same way that the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) corpus, for example, is used for English LVCSR research. Since Japanese sentences are written without spaces between words, a morphological analysis was introduced to segment sentences into words so that word n-gram language models could be used. To enable the use of detailed word n-gram (n/spl ges/3) language models, a two-pass decoding strategy was applied. Context-dependent (CD) phone models and word trigram language models reduced the word error rate from 80.2% to 10.1% (an error reduction of about 88%). This result shows that CD phoneme modeling and word trigram language models can be used effectively in Japanese LVCSR.