Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of biological and chemical dispersants on the bioavailability and toxicity of crude oil to early life stages of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

The authors assessed the bioavailability and chronic toxicity of water‐accommodated fractions of crude oil (WAFs) and 2 dispersants plus dispersed crude oil (chemical dispersant + crude oil [CE‐WAF] and biological dispersant + crude oil [BE‐WAF]) on the early life stages of marine medaka, Oryzias melastigma. The results showed that the addition of the 2 dispersants caused a 3‐ and 4‐fold increase in concentrations of summed priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and high‐molecular‐weight PAHs with 3 or more benzene rings. The chemical and biological dispersants increased the bioavailability (as measured by ethoxyresorufin‐O‐dethylase activity) of crude oil 6‐fold and 3‐fold, respectively. Based on nominal concentrations, chronic toxicity (as measured by deformity) in WAFs exhibited a 10‐fold increase in CE‐WAF and a 3‐fold increase in BE‐WAF, respectively. When total petroleum hydrocarbon was measured, the differences between WAF and CE‐WAF treatments disappeared, and CE‐WAF was approximately 10 times more toxic than BE‐WAF. Compared with the chemical dispersant, the biological dispersant possibly modified the toxicity of oil hydrocarbons because of the increase in the proportion of 2‐ and 3‐ringed PAHs in water. The chemical and biological dispersants enhanced short‐term bioaccumulation and toxicity, through different mechanisms. These properties should be considered in addition to their efficacy in degrading oil when oil spill management strategies are selected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2576–2583. © 2014 SETAC
Spectral subtraction-based speech enhancement for cochlear implant patients in background noise.

A single-channel speech enhancement algorithm utilizing speech pause detection and nonlinear spectral subtraction is proposed for cochlear implant patients in the present study. The spectral subtraction algorithm estimates the short-time spectral magnitude of speech by subtracting the estimated noise spectral magnitude from the noisy speech spectral magnitude. The artifacts produced by spectral subtraction (such as “musical noise”) were significantly reduced by combining variance-reduced gain function and spectral flooring. Sentence recognition by seven cochlear implant subjects was tested under different noisy listening conditions (speech-shaped noise and 6-talker speech babble at +9, +6, +3, and 0 dB SNR) with and without the speech enhancement algorithm. For speech-shaped noise, performance for all subjects at all SNRs was significantly improved by the speech enhancement algorithm; for speech babble, performance was only modestly improved. The results suggest that the proposed speech enhancement algorithm may be beneficial for implant users in noisy listening.
Starting a Dialog between Model Checking and Fault-tolerant Distributed Algorithms

Fault-tolerant distributed algorithms are central for building reliable spatially distributed systems. Unfortunately, the lack of a canonical precise framework for fault-tolerant algorithms is an obstacle for both verification and deployment. In this paper, we introduce a new domain-specific framework to capture the behavior of fault-tolerant distributed algorithms in an adequate and precise way. At the center of our framework is a parameterized system model where control flow automata are used for process specification. To account for the specific features and properties of fault-tolerant distributed algorithms for message-passing systems, our control flow automata are extended to model threshold guards as well as the inherent non-determinism stemming from asynchronous communication, interleavings of steps, and faulty processes. We demonstrate the adequacy of our framework in a representative case study where we formalize a family of well-known fault-tolerant broadcasting algorithms under a variety of failure assumptions. Our case study is supported by model checking experiments with safety and liveness specifications for a fixed number of processes. In the experiments, we systematically varied the assumptions on both the resilience condition and the failure model. In all cases, our experiments coincided with the theoretical results predicted in the distributed algorithms literature. This is giving clear evidence for the adequacy of our model. In a companion paper, we are addressing the new model checking techniques necessary for parametric verification of the distributed algorithms captured in our framework.
The Polarization States of Microglia in TBI: A New Paradigm for Pharmacological Intervention

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical and social problem worldwide. Because of the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI, effective pharmacotherapy is still lacking. The microglial cells are resident tissue macrophages located in the brain and have two major polarization states, M1 phenotype and M2 phenotype, when activated. The M1 phenotype is related to the release of proinflammatory cytokines and secondary brain injury, while the M2 phenotype has been proved to be responsible for the release of anti-inflammation cytokines and for central nervous system (CNS) repair. In animal models, pharmacological strategies inhibiting the M1 phenotype and promoting the M2 phenotype of microglial cells could alleviate cerebral damage and improve neurological function recovery after TBI. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the pathological significance of microglial M1/M2 polarization in the pathophysiology of TBI. In addition, we reviewed several drugs that have provided neuroprotective effects against brain injury following TBI by altering the polarization states of the microglia. We emphasized that future investigation of the regulation mechanisms of microglial M1/M2 polarization in TBI is anticipated, which could contribute to the development of new targets of pharmacological intervention in TBI.
Retrograde Amnesia Associated with Fornix Lymphoma

petitively, often forgetting orders from customers, and would have his employees to roast sesame too much without considering the size of the order. The family thought he seemed strange because he showed no anger when one of his employees, who had worked for him for more than 10 years, moved to a neighboring mill without telling him. His medical history was remarkable for a small infarction of the posterior limb of the right internal capsule with consequent mild left lower extremity weakness 17 years previously as well as for medication-controlled diabetes mellitus arising 3 years earlier. On examination, the patient appeared alert and cooperative but unaware of his memory deficits. He correctly answered questions on personal information, such as his social security number, telephone number, and home address. However, he could not remember recent events, such as how he had visited the clinic and what he had eaten for lunch 1 h before. On MiniMental Status examination, he could not recall 3 words that he had registered only a few minutes before, scoring 20/30 due to additional problems with orientation in time and place and the last step of the Serial Seven Test. The severity and content of cognitive decline were investigated by detailed neuropsychological tests using a standardized battery called the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery [5] . The patient’s Dear Sir, Fornix is a principal tract of the Papez circuit, interconnecting the hippocampus with the anterior thalamic nuclei directly or via the mammillary body. A fornix lesion disconnects the memory circuit that runs from the temporal to the frontal lobe, causing severe anterograde amnesia [1–3] . Memory impairment in those patients was characterized by anterograde amnesia, recognition better than recall and preserved procedural memory. To our knowledge, of 4 reported cases with a localized fornix lesion [1–4] , only 1 patient was described having memory deficits for a retrograde event [4] . However, the patient retained the ability to recall past events, while only confusing their temporal order. We evaluated a patient who suddenly developed a profound retrograde amnesia and anterograde memory impairment associated with an isolated fornix lesion.
The role of the personal tutor in a curricular approach to Personal Development Planning

This paper describes some outcomes from the introduction of a curricular approach to Personal Development Planning (PDP) within an Interprofessional Learning Programme, in particular within the Adult Nursing pathway. This approach provided some substantial changes to the way academics had previously functioned in the role of personal tutor and sought to address concerns that had been raised about the perceived constraints in facilitating holistic student development posed by the existing curriculum. The context for change is outlined, including results of a local survey of personal tutors. The curricular changes, the new role for the personal tutor and the design of the necessary staff development programme are explained. Having begun to implement the new role, personal tutorsA¢â¬â¢ views are explored through interview data. A key theme to emerge is the significance of relationship building in this new curriculum structure and, following identification of the challenges, the paper concludes with recommendations in light of this experience.
On the Study of Politics

Despite its progress, political science is held to be out of touch with much of contemporary politics. The author lays the blame on the concept of the state, which pervades the thinking of political scientists to the extent that they cannot adequately come to terms with the widespread political situations in which anarchy, instability, discontinuity, and disorder prevail. Political science should instead "focus primarily on the political process in the dynamics of human existence. "
The impact of platelet-rich plasma on the prevention of tunnel widening in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadrupled autologous hamstring tendon: a randomised clinical trial.

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant to tissue repair is gaining favour in orthopaedic surgery. Tunnel widening after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a recognised phenomenon that could compromise revision surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PRP might prevent tunnel widening in ACL reconstruction.Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a hamstring graft were randomly allocated either to have PRP introduced into the tunnels peri-operatively or not. CT scanning of the knees was carried out on the day after surgery and at three months post-operatively and the width of the tunnels was measured. Patients were also evaluated clinically at three months, when laxity was also measured.Each group comprised 25 patients, and at three months post-operatively all were pain-free with stable knees, a negative Lachman test and a good range of movement. Arthrometric results had improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Despite slightly less tunnel widening in the PRP group, there was no significant difference between the groups at the femoral opening or the mid-tunnel (p = 0.370 and p = 0.363, respectively) nor at the tibial opening or mid-tunnel (p = 0.333 and p = 0.177, respectively). We conclude that PRP has no significant effect in preventing tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction.
Association between Reversal in the Expression of Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated (HCN) Channel and Age-Related Atrial Fibrillation

Background We compared cardiac electrophysiological indicators and regional expression levels of cardiac hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels between adult and aged dogs to identify possible mechanisms of age-related atrial fibrillation. Material/Methods Corrected sinus node recovery time (SNRTc) and effective refractory period (ERP) of the atrium and pulmonary veins were measured in 10 adult (3–6 years old) and 10 aged dogs (>9 years old). Expression levels of HCN2 and HCN4 channel mRNAs and proteins were measured in the sinoatrial node, atrium, and pulmonary veins by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results Aged dogs exhibited a higher induction rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) in response to electrical stimulation, longer AF duration after induction, longer SNRTc, longer right atrial effective refractory period (AERP), shorter left AERP, and increased AERP dispersion compared to adults. Expression levels of HCN2 and HCN4 channel mRNAs and proteins were lower in the sinoatrial node but higher in the atrium and pulmonary veins of aged dogs. Conclusions Changes in atrial electrophysiological indicators in aged dogs revealed sinoatrial node dysfunction. There was a reversal in the local tissue distribution of HCN2 and HCN4 channel mRNA and protein, a decrease in sinoatrial node expression, and increase in atrial and pulmonary vein expression with age. Changes in atrial electrophysiological characteristics and regional HCN channel expression patterns were associated with the onset and maintenance of age-related atrial fibrillation.
On retrieval and reasoning in distributed case bases

Distributed AI (DAI) systems exploiting CBR techniques have to deal with the problem of retrieving episodes which are themselves distributed across a set of agents. From a Gestalt perspective, a good overall case may not be the one derived from the summation of best subcases. Each of the agent's partial view may result in local cases that are best matches based on the local view. However, these local cases when assembled may not result in the best overall case in terms of global measures. We propose a negotiation-driven case retrieval algorithm as an approach to dynamically resolving inconsistencies between different case pieces during the retrieval process. Agents augment each other's view with nonlocal information to the extent that a good overall episode is formed from the integration of locally retrieved cases.
Towards automated integrity protection of C++ virtual function tables in binary programs

Web browsers are one of the most used, complex, and popular software systems nowadays. They are prone to dangling pointers that result in use-after-free vulnerabilites and this is the de-facto way to exploit them. From a technical point of view, an attacker uses a technique called vtable hijacking to exploit such bugs. More specifically, she crafts bogus virtual tables and lets a freed C++ object point to it in order to gain control over the program at virtual function call sites. In this paper, we present a novel approach towards mitigating and detecting such attacks against C++ binary code. We propose a static binary analysis technique to extract virtual function call site information in an automated way. Leveraging this information, we instrument the given binary executable and add runtime policy enforcements to thwart the illegal usage of these call sites. We implemented the proposed techniques in a prototype called T-VIP and successfully hardened three versions of Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. An evaluation with several zero-day exploits demonstrates that our method prevents all of them. Performance benchmarks both on micro and macro level indicate that the overhead is reasonable with about 2.2%, which is only slightly higher compared to recent compiler-based approaches that address this problem.
How Race Counts for Hispanic Americans.

This report assesses racial differences among Hispanic Americans. Since 1970, the U.S. Census has asked all Americans to identify their race and, separately, whether they are Hispanic. This means Hispanics can be of any race. Data come from the 1980, 1990, and 2000 Censuses and from pre-tabulated summary files from Census 2000. This report classifies Hispanics into three categories: Hispanic Hispanics, black Hispanics, and white Hispanics. Results find substantial differences among these Hispanic racial groups. Hispanic Hispanics are the fastest growing segment, and very likely they will soon be an absolute majority of Hispanic Americans. There are nearly 1 million black Hispanics. These people have a socioeconomic profile much more similar to non-Hispanic blacks than to other Hispanic groups, and their neighborhoods have nearly as many black as Hispanic residents. Many black Hispanic children have a non-Hispanic black mothers or fathers. A very small share of Mexican Americans identify as black. Still, there are nearly a quarter million black Mexicans in the United States. Dominicans and Puerto Ricans are most likely to identify as black, while Cubans mostly identify as white. A table showing the racial composition of the Hispanic population in the United States is appended. (Contains 8 tables.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the ori inal document. How Race Counts for Hispanic Americans John R. Logan Lewis Mumford Center University at Albany
High Total Bilirubin as a Protective Factor for Diabetes Mellitus: An Analysis of NHANES Data From 1999 - 2006

Background Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a rampantly growing epidemic in the United States, affecting nearly 10% of the adult population. Studies have shown that higher levels of Total Bilirubin (TBili) convey a protective effect with regard to cardiovascular risk. In this study, we will examine the relationship between TBili level and prevalence of DM to discern whether a similar relationship exists. Methods The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a comprehensive survey performed regularly to evaluate the overall health and nutrition status of the United States population. For the purpose of this study, we combined NHANES data collected between 1999 and 2006. Totally 15,876 eligible participants were selected after excluding all patients younger than twenty years, those with a history of abnormal liver function tests, or those who disclosed a history of liver disease. The data collected on these individuals was adjusted for demographic characteristics, as well as risk factors for DM, and was analyzed via multivariate logistic regression, using SAS proc survey methodology. Results After age adjustment, increased TBili was associated with 26% reduction in diabetes risk (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 - 0.88). Multivariate analysis, adjusting for all diabetes risk factors assessed, confirmed this association (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67 - 0.95). Conclusions Our results show that a higher level of serum TBili is associated with odds of having a lower incidence of DM. This finding supports the hypothesis that the antioxidant nature of TBili, demonstrating a protective effect with regard to the risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and vasculitis in prior research, also extends to DM risk. Furthermore, research has shown that higher levels of TBili increase glucose mobilization into the cells, leading to more efficient, biologic glucose utilization. There is no doubt that the beneficial effect of TBili is multifactorial; thus further investigation is warranted. Keywords Bilirubin; Diabetes; Antioxidant; Protective
In the shadow of the Sheraton : imagining localities in global spaces in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

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Autism, Literal Language and Concrete Thinking: Some Developmental Considerations

The author's aim in this article is to dwell on some developmental considerations that are relevant for explaining abnormalities in the language of individuals with autism and Asperger's syndrome. We face a major challenge in achieving an appropriate level of focus as we move between a perspective on the development of specifically linguistic functioning among children with autism, and concern with broader atypicalities in these individuals' social–relational and communicative engagement. This challenge is illustrated by the need to clarify what we mean when we refer to “literal language” and “concrete thinking” among persons with autism.
Cerebral Metabolism of Patients with Stenosis of the Internal Carotid Artery before and after Endarterectomy

Occlusion or severe stenosis, with a reduction in the diameter of more than 70% of the extracranial arteries may lead to hypoperfusion of the brain with an increased risk of cerebral infarction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether endarterectomy of stenosed internal carotid arteries leads to alterations in cerebral metabolism in regions in which no infarcts were visible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We studied 10 healthy control subjects and 20 patients with transient or nondisabling cerebral ischemia with MRI and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. All patients underwent carotid endarterectomy. Patients were examined 1 week before and 3–6 months after carotid endarterectomy. The N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/choline ratio in the symptomatic hemisphere before endarterectomy (2.29 ± 0.42) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than for control subjects (3.18 ± 0.32). In five of the patients lactate was detected preoperatively in regions that were not infarcted. The NAA/choline ratio in the symptomatic hemisphere of these five patients did not increase significantly after endarterectomy (1.99 ± 0.22 vs. 2.23 ± 0.48). The NAA/choline ratio in patients without lactate preoperatively increased significantly (p < 0.01) after endarterectomy to a normal level (from 2.39 ± 0.42 to 2.92 ± 0.52). These results indicate that the presence of cerebral lactate may predict whether the NAA/choline ratio increases after carotid endarterectomy.
Three subtropical fronts in the North Pacific: Observational evidence for mode water‐induced subsurface frontogenesis

[1] Subsurface fronts in the subtropical North Pacific were investigated by constructing a high-resolution temperature climatology. Three distinct subtropical fronts (STFs) are identified, which are the southern, northern and eastern STFs according to their relative geographical locations. The southern STF extends along 19°–21°N west of the dateline, while the northern and eastern STFs appear along 21°–24°N and 26°N in the western and central subtropical gyre, respectively. Our analysis showed that each of these STFs is associated with large negative meridional potential vorticity (PV) gradient in the thermocline below the front. The northern STF is located on the southern edge of the Kuroshio recirculation, where the negative PV gradient occurs within a narrow density range and is maintained by the low PV core of the subtropical mode water (STMW). On the other hand, the negative PV gradient at the eastern and southern STFs spans over a wide density range. The eastern STF forms near the center axis of the subtropical gyre, north of which the upper and lower portions of the central mode water (CMW) converge, forming a thick low PV pool that maintains the negative PV gradient on the front. Similarly, at the southern STF, the negative PV gradient is due to a low PV pool to the north, with the southernmost portion of the STMW stacked above the upper CMW advected from the central subtropical gyre. It is concluded that the mode waters are essential for the North Pacific STFs.