Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial transformation of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill—past, present, and future perspectives

The Deepwater Horizon blowout, which occurred on April 20, 2010, resulted in an unprecedented oil spill. Despite a complex effort to cap the well, oil and gas spewed from the site until July 15, 2010. Although a large proportion of the hydrocarbons was depleted via natural processes and human intervention, a substantial portion of the oil remained unaccounted for and impacted multiple ecosystems throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The depth, duration and magnitude of this spill were unique, raising many questions and concerns regarding the fate of the hydrocarbons released. One major question was whether or not microbial communities would be capable of metabolizing the hydrocarbons, and if so, by what mechanisms and to what extent? In this review, we summarize the microbial response to the oil spill as described by studies performed during the past four years, providing an overview of the different responses associated with the water column, surface waters, deep-sea sediments, and coastal sands/sediments. Collectively, these studies provide evidence that the microbial response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was rapid and robust, displaying common attenuation mechanisms optimized for low molecular weight aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. In contrast, the lack of evidence for the attenuation of more recalcitrant hydrocarbon components suggests that future work should focus on both the environmental impact and metabolic fate of recalcitrant compounds, such as oxygenated oil components.
A novel hierarchical framework for human head-shoulder detection

This paper proposes a novel framework for human head-shoulder detection. It can be used to detect persons in sports videos or family albums, where poses of persons are various and bodies are often partially occluded. In our method, human head-shoulder is decomposed recursively along the omega-shape contour. A new feature named Oriented Integration of Gradients (OIG) is introduced to describe subparts of human head-shoulder. Part detectors are trained based on OIG, and an improved Hough voting system is built to combine results from these detectors. The main contribution of our work has three aspects. Firstly, we propose a novel contour based decomposing method which can be used to decompose objects that have salient contours. Secondly, a simple but effective feature named OIG is introduced. The descriptive ability of OIG is comparable with that of HOG, and it is much easier to calculate. Thirdly, we build an improved Hough voting system to solve problems caused by deformable models. We test our method on images selected from PASCAL.
West Nile Virus: High Transmission Rate in North-Western European Mosquitoes Indicates Its Epidemic Potential and Warrants Increased Surveillance

Background West Nile virus (WNV) is a highly pathogenic flavivirus transmitted by Culex spp. mosquitoes. In North America (NA), lineage 1 WNV caused the largest outbreak of neuroinvasive disease to date, while a novel pathogenic lineage 2 strain circulates in southern Europe. To estimate WNV lineage 2 epidemic potential it is paramount to know if mosquitoes from currently WNV-free areas can support further spread of this epidemic. Methodology/Principal Findings We assessed WNV vector competence of Culex pipiens mosquitoes originating from north-western Europe (NWE) in direct comparison with those from NA. We exposed mosquitoes to infectious blood meals of lineage 1 or 2 WNV and determined the infection and transmission rates. We explored reasons for vector competence differences by comparing intrathoracic injection versus blood meal infection, and we investigated the influence of temperature. We found that NWE mosquitoes are highly competent for both WNV lineages, with transmission rates up to 25%. Compared to NA mosquitoes, transmission rates for lineage 2 WNV were significantly elevated in NWE mosquitoes due to better virus dissemination from the midgut and a shorter extrinsic incubation time. WNV infection rates further increased with temperature increase. Conclusions/Significance Our study provides experimental evidence to indicate markedly different risk levels between both continents for lineage 2 WNV transmission and suggests a degree of genotype-genotype specificity in the interaction between virus and vector. Our experiments with varying temperatures explain the current localized WNV activity in southern Europe, yet imply further epidemic spread throughout NWE during periods with favourable climatic conditions. This emphasizes the need for intensified surveillance of virus activity in current WNV disease-free regions and warrants increased awareness in clinics throughout Europe.
WINNING THE VOTE IN THE WEST

When Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919 granting women voting rights, 13 western states had already adopted woman suffrage. Only 2 states outside the West had done so. Using event history analysis, the authors investigate why woman suffrage came early to the western states. Alan Grimes's hypotheses, that native-born, western men were willing to give women the vote to remedy western social problems and to increase the number of women in the region, receive little support in our analysis. Rather, this study finds that woman suffrage came to the West because of the mobilization of the western suffrage movements and because of political and gendered opportunities existing in that region.
Editor's comments: readability and the relevance versus rigor debate

The six key journal success factors that were introduced in the March 2008 editorial are (1) paper cycle times, (2) quality and usefulness of the reviewing, (3) readability of the articles, (4) managerial implications of published work, (5) policy constraints, and (6) quality of the papers. We have previously covered factors #5 and #6. In this issue, we will focus on readability (#3) and managerial implications (#4). We will leave issues #1 and #2 for exploration in future editorials.
Crystal structure of 3-bromomethyl-2-chloro-6-(dibromomethyl)quinoline

In the title compound, C11H7Br3ClN, the quinoline ring system is approximately planar (r.m.s. = 0.011 Å). In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H⋯Br interactions forming chains along [10-1]. The chains are linked by C—H⋯π and π–π interactions involving inversion-related pyridine rings [intercentroid distance = 3.608 (4) Å], forming sheets parallel to (10-1). Within the sheets, there are two significant short interactions involving a Br⋯Cl contact of 3.4904 (18) Å and a Br⋯N contact of 3.187 (6) Å, both of which are significantly shorter than the sum of their van der Waals radii.
Amyloid β Peptide–Induced Cerebral Endothelial Cell Death Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Caspase Activation

Amyloid β peptide (Aβ), a 39 to 43 amino acid fragment of the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), forms insoluble fibrillar accumulation in neurofibrillary tangles and vascular plaques. Aβ has been implicated in neuronal and vascular degeneration in brain regions susceptible to plaque formation because of its cytotoxic effect on neurons and endothelial cells (ECs). The authors used a murine cerebral endothelial cell (CEC) line and primary cultures of bovine CECs to explore the cytotoxic mechanism of Aβ. Aβ 1–40 and Aβ 25–35 peptides caused cell death in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Exposure to either Aβ 25–35 or Aβ 1–40 at 10 μmol/L for 48 hours caused at least 40% cell death. Cerebral endothelial cell death was characterized by nuclear condensation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage. Aβ 25–35 activated both caspase-8 and caspase-3 in murine CECs. zVAD-fmk, a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, prevented Aβ 25–35-induced increase in caspase-3 activity and CEC death. N-acetyl-cysteine, an antioxidant, also prevented Aβ-induced cell death. Together, these findings indicate that Aβ-mediated CEC death is an apoptotic process that is characterized by increased oxidative stress, caspase activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage.
Self-Enhancement and Attitudes Toward High Achievers

Individualism, collectivism, self-enhancing biases, and attitudes toward tall poppies were investigated in New Zealand European and Maori students. Two hundred and eighty (215 women, 65 men) New Zealand European and 88 (55 women, 33 men) Maori students at Victoria University of Wellington participated in the study. Whereas Maori exhibited a stronger orientation to the collective, they also showed higher self- esteem. Group-oriented Maori displayed slightly higher levels of self-enhancement and were more likely to favor the rewarding of high achievers (tall poppies). Both groups displayed high levels of self-enhancement and favored the reward of high achievers, with both self-enhancement on the Self-Attributes Questionnaire and attitudes toward tall poppies being correlated with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results are discussed in the context of a bicultural nation of both Maori and European origins, and consideration is given to a bicultural rather than categorical perspective on independence and interdependence.
Cervical metastases in upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma: Histopathologic analysis and reporting

Accurate histopathologic assessment of neck dissections is of paramount importance. Retrospective analyses of the distribution of lymph node metastases have formed the rationale for elective neck dissection. However, standard techniques for examination of neck dissection specimens may have difficulty in correctly recognizing node levels and may also miss micrometastases, microscopic extracapsular spread, and soft tissue deposits.
Brief Strengths-Based Case Management Promotes Entry Into HIV Medical Care: Results of the Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study-II

Objective:The Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study-II (ARTAS-II) evaluated a brief case management intervention delivered in health departments and community-based organizations (CBOs) to link recently diagnosed HIV-infected persons to medical care rapidly. Methods:Recently diagnosed HIV-infected persons were recruited from 10 study sites across the United States during 2005 to 2006. The intervention consisted of up to 5 sessions with an ARTAS linkage case manager over a 90-day period. The outcome measure was whether or not the participant had seen an HIV medical care provider at least once within 6 months of enrollment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of receiving HIV medical care. Results:Seventy-nine percent (497 of 626) of participants visited an HIV clinician at least once within the first 6 months. Participants who were older than 25 years of age, Hispanic, and stably housed; had not recently used noninjection drugs; had attended 2 or more sessions with the case manager; and were recruited at a study site that had HIV medical care colocated on its premises were all significantly more likely to have received HIV care. Conclusions:The ARTAS linkage case management intervention provides a model that health departments and CBOs can use to ensure that recently diagnosed HIV-infected persons attend an initial HIV care encounter.
Digitalis-Induced Signaling by Na+/K+-ATPase in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Because beneficial effects of digitalis treatment in breast cancer patients have been suggested by epidemiological studies, we explored the mechanism of the growth inhibitory effects of these drugs on the estrogen receptor-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435s. Ouabain concentrations (100 nM or lower) that caused less than 25% inhibition of the pumping function of Na+/K+-ATPase had no effect on cell viability but inhibited proliferation. At the same concentrations, ouabain 1) activated Src kinase and stimulated the interaction of Src and Na+/K+-ATPase with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); 2) caused a transient and then a sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2); 3) increased the expression of p21Cip1 but decreased that of p53; and 4) activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) but not p38 kinase. These data, in conjunction with our previous findings on the signaling role of Na+/K+-ATPase in other cells, suggest that ouabain-induced activation/transactivation of Src/EGFR by Na+/K+-ATPase leads to activation of ERK1/2, the resulting increase in the level of cell cycle inhibitor p21Cip1, and growth arrest. Cooperation of JNK with ERK1/2 in this process is also suggested. Digoxin and digitoxin concentrations close to or at the therapeutic plasma levels had effects on proliferation and ERK1/2 similar to those of ouabain, supporting the proposed potential value of digitalis drugs for the treatment of breast cancer.
Functional division of hippocampal area CA1 via modulatory gating of entorhinal cortical inputs

The hippocampus receives two streams of information, spatial and nonspatial, via major afferent inputs from the medial (MEC) and lateral entorhinal cortexes (LEC). The MEC and LEC projections in the temporoammonic pathway are topographically organized along the transverse‐axis of area CA1. The potential for functional segregation of area CA1, however, remains relatively unexplored. Here, we demonstrated differential novelty‐induced c‐Fos expression along the transverse‐axis of area CA1 corresponding to topographic projections of MEC and LEC inputs. We found that, while novel place exposure induced a uniform c‐Fos expression along the transverse‐axis of area CA1, novel object exposure primarily activated the distal half of CA1 neurons. In hippocampal slices, we observed distinct presynaptic properties between LEC and MEC terminals, and application of either DA or NE produced a largely selective influence on one set of inputs (LEC). Finally, we demonstrated that differential c‐Fos expression along the transverse axis of area CA1 was largely abolished by an antagonist of neuromodulatory receptors, clozapine. Our results suggest that neuromodulators can control topographic TA projections allowing the hippocampus to differentially encode new information along the transverse axis of area CA1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal Communication, Information Satisfaction, and Sense of Community: The Effect of Personal Influence

This study examined how employees of a multi-campus university view information flow from top administrators in positions of personal influence, employees' communication preferences (amount, channels, types of information), their sense of community within the organization, and the relationship between those perceptions and their willingness to advocate for the university. Open-ended interviews with 147 employees found the personal influence of the chancellor and top administrators has an effect on information satisfaction. Employees who have a relationship with the chancellor are more satisfied with the information they receive and feel a greater responsibility to advocate for the organization. Even the perception of a relationship with top administrators leads to satisfaction. The direction dimension of internal communication, as well as the channel dimension is important. Although e-mail is efficient for information exchange, the preference for communication among all groups of employees is face-to-face, interpersonal, dialogic interactions. Meetings, despite being acknowledged as time-consuming, were valued as a channel for feedback and providing face time with top managers. Electronic channels, if used thoughtfully, can flatten the traditional, hierarchical structure of internal communication and give employees at all levels of the organization the sense of hearing things first-hand, from the top.
Games, computers, and O.R.

The scientific interaction of game theory with computer science and operations research is broad and fundamental. It covers a large variety of applications in all three fields, and it transfers concepts, language, and results across IYields. Listing all the areas of overlap will be long and tedious. I will therefore restrict myself to discuss a few, easy to present examples, where the crossfertilization of ideas was successful, and point to a need for further research.
The Influence of Expectancy Persuasion Techniques on Socially Anxious Analogue Patients' Treatment Beliefs and Therapeutic Actions

Patients' psychotherapy outcome expectation correlates with post-treatment outcome; yet, there is limited research explicating causal determinants of this expectation. We tested the influence of specific expectancy persuasion methods, integrated into a video presentation of a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) rationale, on socially anxious analogue patients' post-rationale treatment/clinician beliefs, treatment motivation, anxiety symptoms, and therapeutic action. Participants were socially anxious undergraduates randomized to the experimental group (CBT rationale + expectancy persuasion strategies; N = 85) or control group (CBT rationale only; N = 93). As hypothesized, there were significant increases across both groups in anxiety change expectation, perceived confidence in using CBT exposure techniques to address social anxiety, and perceived exposure helpfulness. Unexpectedly, the expectancy strategies did not influence the outcomes. Conclusions: Results underscore the clinical importance of deliver.
Trade, Poverty and Employment: The Social Consequences of Integration with China

This paper estimates the potential effects of a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Mercosur on poverty, income distribution, welfare and employment. The case of Argentina, in particular, is investigated. To this end, partial equilibrium techniques are combined with micro econometric methodologies employing data from household surveys to examine the likely effects of an FTA with China on poverty and income distribution. We find that the FTA would result in a small reduction in poverty as well as an improvement in the income distribution. Highly disaggregated data at the industry level is used for the first time to estimate labor demand-output and wage elasticities in order to estimate the effects of an agreement with China on sectoral and aggregate employment rates. According to this, trade with the PRC did not have a significant effect on industrial employment, even in a period of swift trade liberalization like the nineties.
U.K. Women's Perception of the Role of Psychosocial Stress in the Development of Coronary Heart Disease

Epidemiological evidence suggests that psychosocial stress may be a contributing factor in the development of coronary heart disease. This article uses data from a study of 29 women resident in the Southeast of the United Kingdom. The women took part in semistructured interviews and completed the Short Form-36 item (SF-36) Health Survey. The women recorded low sores on the role functioning (emotional) scale of the SF-36. Interview data suggested that some women found aspects of their domestic life stressful and attributed this stress as a causal factor. Education and advice for women about coronary risk may need to acknowledge the home as a potential cause of psychosocial stress.
Hardware Accelerator for Probabilistic Inference in 65-nm CMOS

A hardware accelerator is presented to compute the probabilistic inference for a Bayesian network (BN) in distributed sensing applications. For energy efficiency, the accelerator is operated at a near-threshold voltage of 0.5 V, while achieving a maximum clock frequency of 33 MHz. Clique-tree message passing algorithm is leveraged to compute the probabilistic inference. The theoretical maximum size of a factor that the proposed hardware accelerator can handle is 2(8×20)=160 entries, which is sufficient for handling massive BNs, such as PATHFINDER, MUNIN, and so on (>1000 nodes). A Logical Alarm Reduction Mechanism (ALARM) BN is used to benchmark the performance of the accelerator. The accelerator consumes 76 nJ to execute the ALARM network using a clique-tree message-passing algorithm, while the same algorithm executed on an ultralow-power microcontroller consumes 20 mJ.
Outcomes of acute leukemia patients transplanted with naive T cell-depleted stem cell grafts.

BACKGROUND Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). In mice, naive T cells (TN) cause more severe GVHD than memory T cells (TM). We hypothesized that selective depletion of TN from human allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts would reduce GVHD and provide sufficient numbers of hematopoietic stem cells and TM to permit hematopoietic engraftment and the transfer of pathogen-specific T cells from donor to recipient, respectively. METHODS In a single-arm clinical trial, we transplanted 35 patients with high-risk leukemia with TN-depleted PBSC grafts following conditioning with total body irradiation, thiotepa, and fludarabine. GVHD prophylactic management was with tacrolimus immunosuppression alone. Subjects received CD34-selected PBSCs and a defined dose of TM purged of CD45RA+ TN. Primary and secondary objectives included engraftment, acute and chronic GVHD, and immune reconstitution. RESULTS All recipients of TN-depleted PBSCs engrafted. The incidence of acute GVHD was not reduced; however, GVHD in these patients was universally corticosteroid responsive. Chronic GVHD was remarkably infrequent (9%; median follow-up 932 days) compared with historical rates of approximately 50% with T cell-replete grafts. TM in the graft resulted in rapid T cell recovery and transfer of protective virus-specific immunity. Excessive rates of infection or relapse did not occur and overall survival was 78% at 2 years. CONCLUSION Depletion of TN from stem cell allografts reduces the incidence of chronic GVHD, while preserving the transfer of functional T cell memory. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 00914940).
Global analyses of sea surface temperature, sea ice, and night marine air temperature since the late nineteenth century

[1] We present the Met Office Hadley Centre's sea ice and sea surface temperature (SST) data set, HadISST1, and the nighttime marine air temperature (NMAT) data set, HadMAT1. HadISST1 replaces the global sea ice and sea surface temperature (GISST) data sets and is a unique combination of monthly globally complete fields of SST and sea ice concentration on a 1° latitude-longitude grid from 1871. The companion HadMAT1 runs monthly from 1856 on a 5° latitude-longitude grid and incorporates new corrections for the effect on NMAT of increasing deck (and hence measurement) heights. HadISST1 and HadMAT1 temperatures are reconstructed using a two-stage reduced-space optimal interpolation procedure, followed by superposition of quality-improved gridded observations onto the reconstructions to restore local detail. The sea ice fields are made more homogeneous by compensating satellite microwave-based sea ice concentrations for the impact of surface melt effects on retrievals in the Arctic and for algorithm deficiencies in the Antarctic and by making the historical in situ concentrations consistent with the satellite data. SSTs near sea ice are estimated using statistical relationships between SST and sea ice concentration. HadISST1 compares well with other published analyses, capturing trends in global, hemispheric, and regional SST well, containing SST fields with more uniform variance through time and better month-to-month persistence than those in GISST. HadMAT1 is more consistent with SST and with collocated land surface air temperatures than previous NMAT data sets.