Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on toxicity and bioaccumulation of lead in Daphnia magna

Increased production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their widespread application in industrial and consumer products have led to a rise in the release of CNTs into the aquatic environment. CNTs have a very strong adsorption affinity for various environmental contaminants; therefore, they may also influence the toxic effects of other pollutants, such as toxic metals. In this study, the effect of two different functionalized carbon nanotubes, carboxylate and polyethyleneimine modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (C-MWCNTs and N-MWCNT, respectively) on lead toxicity and bioaccumulation was investigated with a freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna. The acute toxicity results indicate that the different surface properties of the two types of MWCNTs have different effects on lead toxicity to D. magna. The negatively charged C-MWCNT showed a notable decrease in lead toxicity (LC50 value increased from 0.15 mg L-1 to 1.08 mg L-1 in the presence of 10 mg L-1 C-MWCNT), whereas the positively charged N-MWCNT had only a slight effect on lead toxicity (LC50 value increased from 0.15 mg L-1 to 0.16 mg L-1 in the presence of 10 mg L-1 N-MWCNT). The decrease of lead toxicity was related with the reduced bioavailability of free metal form (Pb2+) caused by greater adsorption of lead onto the MWCNTs. The present study suggests that there is a need to consider carefully the complex interaction of CNTs with toxic metals in future ecotoxicological studies.
Circulation of Reassortant Influenza A(H7N9) Viruses in Poultry and Humans, Guangdong Province, China, 2013

Influenza A(H7N9) virus emerged in eastern China in February 2013 and continues to circulate in this region, but its ecology is poorly understood. In April 2013, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented environmental and human syndromic surveillance for the virus. Environmental samples from poultry markets in 21 city CDCs (n = 8,942) and respiratory samples from persons with influenza-like illness or pneumonia (n = 32,342) were tested; viruses isolated from 6 environmental samples and 16 patients were sequenced. Sequence analysis showed co-circulation of 4 influenza A(H7N9) virus strains that evolved by reassortment with avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses circulating in this region. In addition, an increase in human cases starting in late 2013 coincided with an increase in influenza A H7 virus isolates detected by environmental surveillance. Co-circulation of multiple avian influenza viruses that can infect humans highlights the need for increased surveillance of poultry and potential environmental sources.
Analytical system for stable carbon isotope measurements of low molecular weight (C 2 -C 6 ) hydrocarbons

Abstract. We present setup, testing and initial results from a new automated system for stable carbon isotope ratio measurements on C2 to C6 atmospheric hydrocarbons. The inlet system allows analysis of trace gases from air samples ranging from a few liters for urban samples and samples with high mixing ratios, to many tens of liters for samples from remote unpolluted regions with very low mixing ratios. The centerpiece of the sample preparation is the separation trap, which is used to separate CO2 and methane from the compounds of interest. The main features of the system are (i) the capability to sample up to 300 l of air, (ii) long term (since May 2009) operational δ13C accuracy levels in the range 0.3–0.8 ‰ (1-σ), and (iii) detection limits of order 1.5–2.5 ngC (collected amount of substance) for all reported compounds. The first application of this system was the analysis of 21 ambient air samples taken during 48 h in August 2009 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Results obtained are generally in good agreement with those from similar urban ambient air studies. Short sample intervals allowed by the design of the instrument help to illustrate the complex diurnal behavior of hydrocarbons in an urban environment, where diverse sources, dynamical processes, and chemical reactions are present.
Tibial anatomy in normal small breed dogs including anisometry of various extracapsular stabilizing suture attachment sites

Summary Objectives: To investigate proximal tibial anatomy and its influence on anisometry of extracapsular stabilizing sutures in small dog breeds. Materials and methods: Mediolateral radiographs of the femora, stifles, and tibiae of 12 small breed dogs were acquired with the stifles positioned at various angles. Measurements taken included tibial plateau angle (TPA), diaphyseal: proximal tibial angle (DPA), patellar tendon angle (PTA), Z-angle, relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), and the distance between six combinations of two femoral and three tibial extra-capsular stabilizing suture (ECS) attachment sites. Theoretical strain through stifle range-of- motion was recorded. Results: The TPA (32° ± 5.8°), DPA (10.2° ± 7.3°), PTA (103.7° ± 6.2°), and Z-angle (70.4° ± 9.0°) were positively correlated with one another (R >0.7), but none were correlated with rTTW (0.93 ± 0.10). The F2-T1 combination of ECS attachment sites had lowest strain for nine stifles. The shortest attachment site separation was at a stifle flexion of 50° for nine stifles. Proximal tibial anatomy measurements could not predict optimal attachment site combination, optimal stifle angle for suture placement, or ECS strain. Clinical significance: There is individual variation in the optimal attachment site combination and stifle angle for suture placement, which may influence consistency of outcomes with ECS.
Ecotoxicology of tropical marine ecosystems

The negative effects of chemical contaminants on tropical marine ecosystems are of increasing concern as human populations expand adjacent to these communities. Watershed streams and ground water carry a variety of chemicals from agricultural, industrial, and domestic activities, while winds and currents transport pollutants from atmospheric and oceanic sources to these coastal ecosystems. The implications of the limited information available on impacts of chemical stressors on mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs are discussed in the context of ecosystem management and ecological risk assessment. Three classes of pollutants have received attention: heavy metals, petroleum, and synthetic organics such as herbicides and pesticides. Heavy metals have been detected in all three ecosystems, causing physiological stress, reduced reproductive success, and outright mortality in associated invertebrates and fishes. Oil spills have been responsible for the destruction of entire coastal shallow‐water communities, with recovery requiring years. Herbicides are particularly detrimental to mangroves and seagrasses and adversely affect the animal‐algal symbioses in corals. Pesticides interfere with chemical cues responsible for key biological processes, including reproduction and recruitment of a variety of organisms. Information is lacking with regard to long‐term recovery, indicator species, and biomarkers for tropical communities. Critical areas that are beginning to be addressed include the development of appropriate benchmarks for risk assessment, baseline monitoring criteria, and effective management strategies to protect tropical marine ecosystems in the face of mounting anthropogenic disturbance.
Recent advances in inhibitors of sirtuin1/2: an update and perspective.

Sirtuins (SIRT) are coenzyme NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases for the transfer of modified acetyl groups. Sirtuins are widely involved in various physiological processes and therefore associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cancer and beyond. Consequently, the development of modulators for sirtuins has considerable clinical value. To date, a variety of SIRT1/2 inhibitors have been reported and none has been approved for the market. This review summarizes the recent progress in the discovery and development of SIRT1/2 inhibitors including their inhibitory potency, structure-activity relationship and binding mode analysis as well as discusses the perspective for the future development of SIRT1/2 inhibitors.
Sex Differences in Protection Against Angiotensin II-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in the Cerebral Circulation

Angiotensin II (Ang II) produces oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in blood vessels. The vasculature from females may be protected against deleterious effects of Ang II. We tested the hypothesis that manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) protects against Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction. Experiments were performed in C57Bl/6, wild-type (MnSOD+/+), and MnSOD-deficient (MnSOD+/−) mice treated systemically with vehicle or Ang II. Basilar arteries were isolated from mice treated for 1 week with a nonpressor dose of Ang II (0.28 mg/kg per day). Ang II treatment produced superoxide-mediated impairment of responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (P<0.05). In male but not female MnSOD+/+ mice, Ang II modestly inhibited responses to acetylcholine (P<0.05). In contrast, Ang II selectively impaired these responses by up to 70% in male MnSOD+/− mice (P<0.05), and this effect was reversed by Tempol (P<0.05). Ang II had no effect on acetylcholine responses in MnSOD+/− female mice. Vascular superoxide levels after treatment with an inhibitor of CuZn and extracellular superoxide dismutase were higher in Ang II-treated versus vehicle-treated MnSOD+/− mice. Thus, a nonpressor dose of Ang II produces endothelial dysfunction in male mice only, suggesting that the female vasculature is protected from Ang II. In male but not female mice, MnSOD deficiency enhanced endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that MnSOD normally protects the vasculature during disease states in which Ang II contributes to vascular dysfunction.
Bandwidth Enhancement of Compact Circular Slot Antenna for UWB Applications

In this paper the compact circular slot antenna suitable for UWB applications is presented. The bandwidth enhancement technique introduced in this design is using modified patch and ground plane of the antenna with ring and circular shaped slots on the patch.The diagonal cuts at the top corners and the rectangular slots can increase the bandwidth of antenna. The proposed antenna is excited with a simple 50microstrip line. The simulated and measured results indicate that the proposed antenna with dimensions of 30mm (Wsub) x 50mm
Analysing Use of High Privileges in Android Applications

The number of Android smartphone and tablet users has experienced a rapid growth in the past few years and it raises users' awareness on the privacy and security of their mobile devices. The features of openness and extensibility make Android unique, attractive and competitive but meanwhile vulnerable to malicious attack. There are lots of users rooting their Android devices for some useful functions, which are not originally provided to developers and users, such as backup and taking screenshot. However, after observing the danger of rooting devices, the developers begin to look for other non-root alternatives to implement those functions. ADB workaround is one of the best known non-root alternatives to help app gain higher privilege on Android. It used to be considered as a secure practice until some cases of ADB privilege leakage have been found. In this project, we design an approach and implement a couple of tools to detect the privilege leakage in Android apps. We apply them to analyse three real-world apps with millions of users, and successfully identify three ADB privilege leaks from them. Moreover, we also conduct an exploitation of the ADB privilege in one app, and therefore we prove the existence of vulnerabilities in ADB workaround. Based on out study, we propose some suggestion to help developers create their apps that could not only satisfy users' needs but also protect users' privacy from similar attacks in future.
Effects of Consumption of Beef from Variably Fed Cattle on Anthropometric Measurements, Serum Parameters and Fatty Acid Composition in Healthy Men and Women

Background: Despite the large body of convincing evidence and the leaner beef cuts now available, controversy over the relationship between red meat consumption and coronary heart disease risk factors continues. Several reports have shown that, as compared with grain-fed beef, pasture-fed beef contains increased concentrations of β-carotene and αtocopherol, high levels of long chain n-3 PUFAs, a more desirable n-6/n-3 ratio and increased levels of CLA all substances reported to have favourable biological effects on human health. Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of lean beef from three different cattle production systems, pasture-fed beef [P], pasture and grain supplemented-beef [M] and feedlot-beef [F] on anthropometric measurements, serum parameters and fatty acid composition in healthy men and women. Design: Forty-eight apparently healthy subjects [24 men and 24 women], were randomly assigned to consume a balanced diet [from a catering service] each of the three beef types for four weeks. Each participant consumed each diet with a period of wash up of 21 days between the different diets. Three groups of 16 subjects [8 men and 8 women] rotated through the three experimental periods. Results: In men systolic blood pressure was lower in P [109.8 vs 115.8 mmHg] than in F. The other anthropometric measurements were not affected by the beef type in either sex. However, the three diets caused significant changes from the baseline values of weight, systolic pressure, BMI and PM in both men and women. No significant differences were detected in the serum parameters and fatty acid proportion between the three diets. However, significant differences with the baseline values were found. Conclusions: No significant differences were found in the different variables studied between the three experimental diets. However, all the diets significantly affected the baseline values of the variables studied which followed a similar trend but with variable intensity according to the beef diet and sex
Laguerre and composite Legendre-Laguerre dual-Petrov-Galerkin methods for third-order

Dual-Petrov-Galerkin approximations to linear third-order equations and the Korteweg-de Vries equation on semi-infinite intervals are considered. It is shown that by choosing appropriate trial and test basis functions the Dual-Petrov-Galerkin method using Laguerre functions leads to strongly coercive linear systems which are easily invertible and enjoy optimal convergence rates. A novel multi-domain composite Legendre-Laguerre dual-Petrov-Galerkin method is also proposed and implemented. Numerical results illustrating the superior accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed dual-Petrov-Galerkin methods are presented.
Effectiveness of a Web-Based Screening and Fully Automated Brief Motivational Intervention for Adolescent Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Mid-to-late adolescence is a critical period for initiation of alcohol and drug problems, which can be reduced by targeted brief motivational interventions. Web-based brief interventions have advantages in terms of acceptability and accessibility and have shown significant reductions of substance use among college students. However, the evidence is sparse among adolescents with at-risk use of alcohol and other drugs. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a targeted and fully automated Web-based brief motivational intervention with no face-to-face components on substance use among adolescents screened for at-risk substance use in four European countries. Methods In an open-access, purely Web-based randomized controlled trial, a convenience sample of adolescents aged 16-18 years from Sweden, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic was recruited using online and offline methods and screened online for at-risk substance use using the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) screening instrument. Participants were randomized to a single session brief motivational intervention group or an assessment-only control group but not blinded. Primary outcome was differences in past month drinking measured by a self-reported AUDIT-C-based index score for drinking frequency, quantity, and frequency of binge drinking with measures collected online at baseline and after 3 months. Secondary outcomes were the AUDIT-C-based separate drinking indicators, illegal drug use, and polydrug use. All outcome analyses were conducted with and without Expectation Maximization (EM) imputation of missing follow-up data. Results In total, 2673 adolescents were screened and 1449 (54.2%) participants were randomized to the intervention or control group. After 3 months, 211 adolescents (14.5%) provided follow-up data. Compared to the control group, results from linear mixed models revealed significant reductions in self-reported past-month drinking in favor of the intervention group in both the non-imputed (P=.010) and the EM-imputed sample (P=.022). Secondary analyses revealed a significant effect on drinking frequency (P=.037) and frequency of binge drinking (P=.044) in the non-imputation-based analyses and drinking quantity (P=.021) when missing data were imputed. Analyses for illegal drug use and polydrug use revealed no significant differences between the study groups (Ps>.05). Conclusions Although the study is limited by a large drop-out, significant between-group effects for alcohol use indicate that targeted brief motivational intervention in a fully automated Web-based format can be effective to reduce drinking and lessen existing substance use service barriers for at-risk drinking European adolescents. Trial Registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Registry: ISRCTN95538913; http://www.isrctn. com/ISRCTN95538913 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6XkuUEwBx)
Advances in the application of information technology to sport performance

This paper overviews the diverse information technologies that are used to provide athletes with relevant feedback. Examples taken from various sports are used to illustrate selected applications of technology-based feedback. Several feedback systems are discussed, including vision, audition and proprioception. Each technology described here is based on the assumption that feedback would eventually enhance skill acquisition and sport performance and, as such, its usefulness to athletes and coaches in training is critically evaluated.
Effect of dietary prebiotic and acidifier supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum biochemical parameters of broilers

This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with the fermacto prebiotic and Biotronic®S.E (an acidifier) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. 240 day old Ross 308 broilers were equally distributed into 24 floor pens and reared for 42 days. A basal diet was formulated according to the recommendations of NRC for starter (1 to 21 days) and grower (22 to 42 days) periods and considered as control diet. Four tested diets were formulated as listed control diet (without any additives), fermacto prebiotic, Biotronic®S.E (an acidifier) and mixture of fermacto prebiotic plus Biotronic® S.E. Six replicate were used for each treatment. The results of this study indicate that addition of fermacto prebiotic and Biotronic® S.E increased the final body weight, significantly (p˂0.05). Furthermore, addition of additives decreased abdominal fat, triglycerides, serum cholesterol and increased carcass weight. Addition of fermacto prebiotic plus Biotronic® S.E had the best performance, carcass characteristics and lowest serum cholesterol on broiler chickens at 42 day of age. Key words: Fermacto prebiotic, Biotronic® S.E, performance, broiler, carcass characteristics, serum cholesterol.
Powered exoskeletons for bipedal locomotion after spinal cord injury

Objective. Powered exoskeletons promise to increase the quality of life of people with lower-body paralysis or weakened legs by assisting or restoring legged mobility while providing health benefits across multiple physiological systems. Here, a systematic review of the literature on powered exoskeletons addressed critical questions: What is the current evidence of clinical efficacy for lower-limb powered exoskeletons? What are the benefits and risks for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)? What are the levels of injury considered in such studies? What are their outcome measures? What are the opportunities for the next generation exoskeletons? Approach. A systematic search of online databases was performed to identify clinical trials and safety or efficacy studies with lower-limb powered exoskeletons for individuals with SCI. Twenty-two studies with eight powered exoskeletons thus selected, were analyzed based on the protocol design, subject demographics, study duration, and primary/secondary outcome measures for assessing exoskeleton's performance in SCI subjects. Main results. Findings show that the level of injury varies across studies, with T10 injuries being represented in 45.4% of the studies. A categorical breakdown of outcome measures revealed 63% of these measures were gait and ambulation related, followed by energy expenditure (16%), physiological improvements (13%), and usability and comfort (8%). Moreover, outcome measures varied across studies, and none had measures spanning every category, making comparisons difficult. Significance. This review of the literature shows that a majority of current studies focus on thoracic level injury as well as there is an emphasis on ambulatory-related primary outcome measures. Future research should: 1) develop criteria for optimal selection and training of patients most likely to benefit from this technology, 2) design multimodal gait intention detection systems that engage and empower the user, 3) develop real-time monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, and 4) adopt comprehensive metrics for assessing safety, benefits, and usability.
An empirical study on differential evolution for optimal power allocation in WSNs

Optimal power allocation (OPA) is considered to be one of the key issues in designing a wireless sensor network (WSN). Generally, the OPA in WSN can be formulated as a numerical optimization problem with constraints. Differential evolution (DE) has been proved to be a very efficient evolutionary algorithm for global numerical optimization. Based on this consideration, in this paper, an empirical study is conducted to evaluate the performance of DE for the OPA. Different mutation strategies and different parameter settings are used in DE to test the influence of them when optimizing the OPA. The sensors in WSN are scaled up to 200. Experimental results indicate that the parameters of CR and F are sensitive to the performance for the OPA. In addition, with the same parameter setting, the strategy selection is stable in DE.