Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of tetra- and pentabromo diphenyl ether and benzo[a]pyrene among water and dissolved and particulate organic carbon along a salinity gradient in coastal waters.

This study assessed the partitioning of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromo diphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromo diphenyl ether (BDE-99) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) among water, dissolved organic carbon (DOC: 4.93-8.72 mg/L), and particulate organic carbon (POC: 191-462 µg/L) along the salinity gradient (0-5.5‰) of the Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland. Equilibrium dialysis and two solid-phase extraction techniques using polyoxymethylene polymer (POM) were used to determine partitioning coefficients. Experiments using artificial coastal water (ACW) with Nordic fulvic (FAs) and humic acids (HAs) were used to assess the effect of salinity (0 and 5.5‰) on the DOC-water partitioning of the model compounds. All three compounds bound more (2.2-3.8-fold) to the HAs than to the FAs. Increasing salinity from 0 to 5.5‰ decreased sorption to dissolved humic substances in the ACW and Baltic Sea water samples. Along the salinity gradient, the sorption of compounds to organic material decreased when the salinity increased. Particulate organic matter sorbed model compounds per unit of carbon more than dissolved organic matter. Along the studied salinity gradient, the freely dissolved portion increased from 10 to 29% to 52 to 80% in the coastal water samples, mainly because of the increasing salinity and changes in DOC and quality of POC.
Color-Enriched Gradient Similarity for Retouched Image Quality Evaluation

Image retouching is fundamental in photography, which is widely used to improve the perceptual quality of a low-quality image. Traditional image quality metrics are designed for degraded images, so they are limited in evaluating the quality of retouched images. This letter presents a RETouched Image QUality Evaluation (RETIQUE) algorithm by measuring structure and color changes between the original and retouched images. Structure changes are measured by gradient similarity. Color colorfulness and saturation are utilized to measure color changes. The overall quality score of a retouched image is computed as the linear combination of gradient similarity and color similarity. The performance of RETIQUE is evaluated on a public Digitally Retouched Image Quality (DRIQ) database. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed metric outperforms the state-of-the-arts. key words: image quality assessment, image retouching, gradient similarity, color colorfulness, saturation
Combining Paraconsistency and Probability in CTL

Computation tree logic (CTL) is known to be one of the most useful temporal logics for verifying concurrent systems by model checking technologies. However, CTL is not sufficient for handling inconsistency-tolerant and probabilistic accounts of concurrent systems. In this paper, a paraconsistent (or inconsistency-tolerant) probabilistic computation tree logic (PpCTL) is derived from an existing probabilistic computation tree logic (pCTL) by adding a paraconsistent negation connective. A theorem for embedding PpCTL into pCTL is proven, which indicates that we can reuse existing pCTL-based model checking algorithms. Some illustrative examples involving the use of PpCTL are also presented.
On unique localization of multiple sources by passive sensor arrays

Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the unique localization of narrowband sources having the same known center frequency by passive sensor arrays. The conditions specify the maximum number of sources that can be uniquely localized by a general array that satisfies some mild geometric constraints. The conditions are expressed in terms of the number of sensors and the rank of the correlation matrix of the sources. Two different conditions are presented. The first guarantees uniqueness for every batch of sampled data. The second, which is weaker, guarantees uniqueness for almost every batch of sampled data, with the exception of a set of batches of measure zero. It is shown that a condition that is slightly weaker than the second one is also necessary. >
GRAPE: Conducting Parallel Graph Computations without Developing Parallel Algorithms

Developing parallel graph algorithms with correctness guarantees is nontrivial even for experienced programmers. Is it possible to parallelize existing sequential graph algorithms, without recasting the algorithms into a parallel model? Better yet, can the parallelization guarantee to converge at correct answers as long as the sequential algorithms provided are correct? GRAPE tackles these questions, to make parallel graph computations accessible to a large group of users. This paper presents (a) the parallel model of GRAPE , based on partial evaluation and incremental computation, and (b) a performance study, showing that GRAPE achieves performance comparable to the state-of-the-art systems.
Mining coherence in time series data

This paper presents work on modeling coherence between time series data. Work is based on the elaboration of formula that computes the distance between time series. Based on the computed distances, the method exploits the closest neighbor algorithm and leads to the construction of a phylogeny-clustering tree. Using car sales data (available on the www) we demonstrate work done and present preliminary results. We discuss implications of the work performed in correlating time series data with documents including such data.
Regulation of endothelial cell gap formation and barrier function by myosin-associated phosphatase activities.

Thrombin-induced cultured bovine endothelial cell (EC) gap formation and albumin permeability is initiated by contraction, which is dependent upon myosin light chain kinase-mediated myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. MLC are then rapidly dephosphorylated (J. G. N. Garcia, H. W. Davis, and C. E. Patterson, J. Cell. Physiol. 163: 510-522, 1995), suggesting a role for MLC dephosphorylation in regulation of EC barrier function. Therefore, we studied the effect of semiselective protein phosphatase (PPase) inhibitors, calyculin A and okadaic acid, on MLC phosphorylation status, myosin-associated PPase activity, and EC monolayer permeability. Calyculin A (0.1-10 nM), but not okadaic acid (1-100 nM) produced significant dose-dependent enhancement of both MLC phosphorylation (three- to four-fold) and EC permeability (eightfold). EC homogenates were utilized to assess Ser/Thr PPase activities using either [32P]phosphorylase A or 32P-labeled skeletal MLC as substrates. Calyculin A at 5 nM (sufficient to inhibit type 1 and type 2A PPase) produced approximately 95% inhibition of all EC PPase activity against both substrates, whereas 2 nM okadaic acid (selective for PPase 2A) only partially inhibited EC PPase activity (40-60%). Fractionation of EC homogenates produced a supernatant fraction containing < 10% of total myosin and a pellet fraction with > 90% of total myosin. PPase activity in the myosin-enriched pellet was insensitive to 2 nM okadaic acid (0% inhibition) but sensitive to 5 nM calyculin (> 95% inhibition). Immunoreactive PPase 1 was present in both fractions, whereas PPase 2A was present only in the myosin-depleted fraction. We conclude that a type 1 myosin-associated PPase is involved in regulation of EC contractility and barrier function.
Effects of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia on the prolactin and prolactin receptor expression of murine adrenal

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia on the prolactin (PRL) and prolactin receptor’s (PRLR) expression in the adrenal. For this purpose, a total of 12 animals with intact ovaries were allocated to two groups: G1 (saline solution) and G2 (metoclopramide). A total of 30 oophorectomized animals was randomized to five subgroups: G3 (saline solution), G4 (metoclopramide), G5 (metoclopramide + 17β-estradiol), G6 (metoclopramide + progesterone), and G7 (metoclopramide + 17β-estradiol + progesterone). Immunohistochemical analyses were evaluated semi-quantitatively. For PRLR, the area fraction of labeled cells (ALC) varied from 1 (0–10%) to 3 (> 50%). Based on the mean of the immunostaining intensity, G2 and G4 showed strong expression; G6 and G7 presented a mild reaction; and G1, G3, and G5 exhibited a weak reaction. Concerning PRL, the ALC varied from 1 (0–10%) to 3 (> 50%), and groups G6 and G7 showed a strong reaction; G2, G4, and G5 showed a mild reaction; and G1 and G3 exhibited a weak reaction. These findings suggest that metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia increases PRL expression in the adrenal glands of mice. Furthermore, progesterone alone or in association with estrogen also increases PRL expression, but to a lesser extent.
Low Complexity CFO Compensation Scheme for SC-FDMA Uplink System

Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) has been adopted for fourth generation (4G) mobile uplink transmission schemes because of its low Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) as compared to that of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). Since SC-FDMA has low PAPR, it is sensitive to Carrier Frequency Offsets (CFOs) similar to that of OFDMA. To minimize and compensate CFO effects on SC-FDMA, the uplink system with Zero- Forcing (ZF) equalization can be used. In this, the method involves is an inverse of an N × N CFO induced inter- carrier interference (ICI) matrix, where N denotes the number of subcarriers. When N is large, it will leads to large number computational complexity of the system and the performance of the system will degrade. To overcome this complexity, we propose a low- complexity ZF method and Newton's method with fast Fourier transforms which is used to solve the matrix inversion problem. This reduces the complexity from O(N
Current cerebrovascular neuroimaging modalities and their application to eclampsia

ISSN 01443615 print/ISSN 13646893 online/01/01000703 ã Taylor & Francis Limited, 2001 DOI: 10.1080/01443610020022014 Correspondence to: J. Moodley, MRC/UN Pregnancy Hypertension Research Unit, University of Natal Medical School, Private Bag 7, Congella 4013, South Africa. Fax: 27 031 2604427; E-mail: gynae@ med.und. ac.za What tests do we have? Determination of brain pathology and pathophysiology was for a long time largely deductive with no objective evidence. Early neurologists had to wait for autopsy information for a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, outward manifestations of impairment remain limited to long tract signs, visual deficits and cognitive deficits, underscoring the need for other investigative modalities. It is not surprising that the situation today is vastly different in that we are overwhelmed with an everincreasing array of new investigative tools. These include colour duplex Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), transcranial Doppler (TCD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiographic imaging (MRA), single photon emission computed tomographic imaging (SPECT), spiral computerised tomography (helical or spiral CT) positron emission tomography (PET) and electroencephalography (EEG). Coincident with such a wide choice of brain imaging methods, are the imminent cerebrovascular therapies (antithrombotics, thrombolytics, neuroprotective and gene-based therapies) that are anticipated within the next few months to years.
Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch With Accurately Modeled Discrete Control Devices: A Successive Linear Approximation Approach

In this paper, a novel solution to the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem is proposed. The nonlinearity of the power flow equations is handled by a new successive linear approximation approach. For the voltage magnitude terms, a mathematical transformation that improves the accuracy and facilitates the linear modeling of shunt capacitors is used. Without loss of accuracy, the load tap changers and shunt capacitors are both modeled by linear constraints using discrete variables, which facilitates the linearly constrained mixed-integer formulation of the proposed ORPD model. An efficient iterative solving algorithm is introduced. The obtained solution strictly satisfies the power flow equations. Case studies on several IEEE benchmark systems show that the proposed algorithm can efficiently provide near-optimal solutions with the error of the objective functions of less than 0.1%. Compared with several commercial solvers, the proposed method shows distinct advantages in terms of both robustness and efficiency. Moreover, based on the round-off results, a heuristic method that reduces the optimization ranges of the discrete control variables is proposed. This method can further improve the computational efficiency with small losses in accuracy.
Spontaneous flavor and parity breaking with Wilson fermions

We discuss the phase diagram of Wilson fermions in the m{sub 0}{minus}g{sup 2} plane for two-flavor QCD. We argue that, as originally suggested by Aoki, there is a phase in which flavor and parity are spontaneously broken. Recent numerical results on the spectrum of the overlap Hamiltonian have been interpreted as evidence against Aoki{close_quote}s conjecture. We show that they are in fact consistent with the presence of a flavor-parity broken {open_quotes}Aoki phase. {close_quotes} We also show how, as the continuum limit is approached, one can study the lattice theory using the continuum chiral Lagrangian supplemented by additional terms proportional to powers of the lattice spacing. We find that there are two possible phase structures at non-zero lattice spacing: (1) there is an Aoki phase of width {Delta}m{sub 0}{approximately}a{sup 3} with two massless Goldstone pions; (2) there is no symmetry breaking, and all three pions have an equal non-vanishing mass of order a. Present numerical evidence suggests that the former option is realized for Wilson fermions. Our analysis then predicts the form of the pion masses and the flavor-parity breaking condensate within the Aoki phase. Our analysis also applies for non-perturbatively improved Wilson fermions. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Relation between diel activity and respiration in Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae).

It is generally known that most species of mosquitoes bite for a restricted period during the 24-hr cycle and those species which are active throughout this cycle bite most readily during 1 or 2 limited periods (Clements, 1963, The physiology of mosquitoes , 393 p.). Mosquito activity is generally classified as diurnal, crepuscular or nocturnal (Bates, 1949, The natural history of mosquitoes , 378 p.). The time of activity of a given species can be easily measured by its time of biting since this can be observed with relative facility. It is also known that the respiratory rate of any species is influenced by its activity (Prosser & Brown, 1961, Comparative animal physiology , 688 p.).
Flow cytometric analyses disclose intercellular communications in FasL‐stimulated T cells: Results and trouble shooting

LIFE depends on the ability of cells to communicate with one another. Much of this crosstalk occurs at cell–cell contacts and is regulated by complex structural interface: neurological and immunological synapses that transmit cell–cell signals through the extracellular space, relying on mechanisms of ligand-receptor signalling across tight cell–cell junctions. In addition to these well-known examples, other cellular structures involved in cell–cell communication have been identified (1). A frequent result of cell–cell communication is collective population behavior that can potentially lead to complex phenotypes not observed in separate individual cells, for example, in development or tumor formation (2,3). Immune responses against pathogens or any foreign antigens require fine immune regulation, where cellular communications are mediated by either soluble or cell surface molecules. Generally, absorption, exosome production and uptake, internalization, and membrane nanotube formation are the probable mechanisms through which the membrane fragments and cytoplasmic content are transferred from one cell to another (4). The identification of new structures involved in cell-to-cell communication has led to the development of new analytical and imaging tools, which have allowed us to enhance our understanding of the ubiquitous phenomenon of cell-to-cell communication. Such tools include quantitative cell microscopy, now mainly represented by two distinct techniques: flow cytometry (FCM) and image cytometry (IC) (5). FCM allows analysis of cell suspensions, cell-by-cell quantification of optical signals, rapid analysis (several hundred cells per second), and cell sorting, whereas IC allows precise localization and quantification of optical signals emitted by each point of the observed field and image analysis (morphology and morphometry).
Sphingomyelin Modulates Capacitation of Human Sperm In Vitro1

Abstract Ejaculated mammalian sperm must mature (capacitate) before they can undergo acrosomal exocytosis and fertilize an egg. Loss of sperm sterols is an early step in capacitation. Because sphingomyelin slows cholesterol efflux from other cells, the role of sphingomyelin in capacitation was tested. Human sperm were exposed to sphingomyelinase and then incubated for as long as 24 h. The ability of sperm to acrosome-react in response to progesterone was tested to measure capacitation. Sphingomyelinase-treated sperm became responsive to progesterone approximately 10 h earlier than control sperm. Sphingomyelinase also increased spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis. The effects of sphingomyelinase were accompanied by accelerated losses of the inhibitory sterols, cholesterol and desmosterol. To test whether sphingomyelinase-generated ceramide might promote capacitation, sperm were incubated for 8 h with the cell-permeable ceramide N-hexanoylsphingosine (25 μM) or with solvent. Ceramide increased the incidence of progesterone-responsive sperm and, at later times, spontaneously reacted sperm. N-Hexanoylsphinganine, an inactive control ceramide, had no effect. These results suggest that sphingomyelin in the sperm influences the rate of capacitation by slowing the loss of sterols, and that exogenous sphingomyelinase accelerates capacitation by speeding the loss of sterols and by generating ceramide.
Recall Errors in Surveys

This paper considers measurement errors from a different perspective. Concentrating on errors that are caused by the insufficient ability of individuals to acquire, process and recall information, we devise a structural model for the response behavior of individuals in surveys. Our aims are twofold: Using nonseparable models, we first explore the consequences of such a modeling approach for key econometric questions like the identification of marginal effects and economic restrictions. We establish that under general conditions recall measurement errors are likely to exhibit nonstandard behavior, in particular be nonclassical and differential, and we provide means to deal with this situation. Moreover, we obtain surprising findings indicating that conventional wisdom about measurement errors may be misleading in many economic applications. For instance, under certain conditions left hand side and right hand side errors will be equally problematic. The second aim of this paper is to provide a formal framework for understanding the actual response behavior of respondents in surveys. Specifically, we provide formal arguments and explanations for the frequently encountered substantial effects of the design of a survey. Also, we suggest a list of issues that should be considered when eliciting a survey to avoid adverse effects. Finally, we apply the main concepts put forward in this paper to real world data and to a controlled experiment, and find evidence that underscores the importance of focusing on individual response behavior, as well as taking the design of a survey seriously.
Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and its associated factors in patients with primary hypertension in Chinese urban communities: A cross-sectional study from Nanjing

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) and its major determinants in Chinese urban population with new-onset hypertension. Methods: A total of 574 adults (404 men and 170 women) with newly diagnosed primary hypertension were recruited from seven communities in Nanjing, China. Data on lifestyle factors, such as physical activities, current smoking and drinking status, dietary habits, and familial factors were collected in interviews, and laboratory examinations were performed by well-trained personnel. Potential factors related to the prevalence of Hhcy in this population were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results: Of the 574 participants, 421 (73.3%) were diagnosed with Hhcy whereas the remainder were only hypertensive. The study highlighted a number of factors that were significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with the prevalence of Hhcy. Subjects with Hhcy were more likely to be male (odds ratio [OR] 3.007, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.781–5.079), have a smoking history (OR 1.052, 95% CI 1.031–1.074), older (OR 1.052, 95% CI 1.031–1.074), have an elevated Body Mass Index BMI (OR 1.160, 95% CI 1.080–1.246) and higher levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (OR 1.590, 95% CI 1.226–2.063). Regular and adequate physical activity was associated with normal homocysteine levels in both male and female groups (p < 0.05). For males only, having a higher BMI, higher LDL-c or being older significantly (p < 0.05) affected the chances of Hhcy. Whereas for females, lower levels of eGFR could be related to Hhcy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our present study reported a high prevalence of Hhcy in the Nanjing population with new-onset hypertension. Associated factors like physical activity, gender, smoking history, age, BMI, and LDL-c were important modifiers of plasma homocysteine concentration. Management and intervention of the above associated factors should be implicated to improve H type hypertension control.
The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire: psychometric evaluation among breast cancer survivors

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) in a sample of breast cancer survivors experiencing menopausal symptoms. Methods:This was a secondary analysis of MENQOL psychometric data from two larger parent studies investigating acupuncture for the relief of menopausal symptoms among breast cancer survivors. Reliability was assessed for each subscale of the MENQOL via (1) internal consistency reliability with Cronbach &agr; and (2) test-retest reliability at multiple follow-up points with intraclass correlation coefficients and r. Convergent and discriminant validities were assessed via correlations of the vasomotor and psychosocial MENQOL subscales with select items in the Kupperman index and daily symptom diary. A principal components analysis was performed to determine construct validity. Results:For each subscale, Cronbach &agr; was 0.70 or greater. All subscale test-retest reliabilities at first follow-up were significant and at least moderately correlated (≥0.450; r's and intraclass correlation coefficients). Convergent validity was moderate between the vasomotor and psychosocial subscales and the symptom diary (r ≥ 0.410, P < 0.001) and larger between these domains and the Kupperman index (r ≥ 0.614, P < 0.001). In the same subscales, discriminant validity was supported by low, nonsignificant correlations (r ≤ 0.176, P > 0.05). The principal components analysis revealed a latent structure nearly identical to the prespecified instrument domains, with the exception of the physical domain. Conclusions:With results comparable with those obtained in previous psychometric work, the MENQOL seems to be a reliable and valid instrument to assess quality of life in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.