Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute toxicity of fatty acids to the freshwater green alga Selenastrum capricornutum

The acute toxicity of fatty acids (C14 to C18) commonly found in wood was determined by the standard algal growth inhibition test using the freshwater green alga Selenastrum capricornutum. Toxicity, quantified as IC50 values, varied depending on the number of total carbons and double bonds. Of the tested acids, oleic (cis‐9‐octadecenoic) acid showed the highest toxicity (72‐h IC50 = 0.47 mg/L) to the alga, and triolein, a triglyceride of oleic acid, showed no apparent toxicity. Further examination of a series of C18:1 acids with a double bond at the 6, 11, or 12 position revealed that both double‐bond position and cis or trans configuration affected toxicity. The 72‐h IC50 data for these fatty acids and related compounds seemed to correlate well with the melting point (mp), showing two separate linear relationships: at mp < 35°C toxicity increased with increasing melting point, and at mp > 40°C toxicity decreased with melting point. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 289–294, 2003.
HLA‐D/DR Expression on Epithelial Cells: The Finger on the Trigger? a

The findings we have described here show a clear association between epithelial HLA-D/DR expression and autoimmunity. Furthermore, the ability of class II+ thyrocytes to present both exogenous antigens and autoantigens indicates an active role for these HLA-D/DR molecules in autoimmune pathogenesis. IFN-gamma is capable of inducing HLA-D/DR expression by thyroid epithelium, but a number of observations suggest the involvement of other inducers as well. Overall, we conclude that epithelial class II expression very probably plays a key role in the propagation and also in possibly the initiation of autoimmune attack. This is in accord with the proposal of a more general relationship between inappropriate or excessive class II expression and pathogenesis.
Soziale Normen als Instrument des Nudgings: ein Experiment

With the help of experiments, decision-making phenomena and cognitive biases can be examined more closely for their applicability as potential nudges in a controlled environment. These insights can shed light on how nudges can be applied effectively and efficiently, and where one should refrain from using them. Social feedback was used as an exemplary nudge in an online experiment. It is assumed, that social feedback can motivate subjects to be more productive. In the experiment, subjects had to slip into the role of a teacher and correct fictional dictations of students. Results of this experiment indicate that subjects generally corrected dictations faster if they had previously received negative social feedback. Likewise, those who were faster than the average, got slower after the intervention. However, there is also a downside to social nudging: subjects have made more mistakes during correction as a result of social feedback. Therefore it depends on the specific design of the social nudge, whether with its help, it is possible to achieve an overall positive effect on productivity. Mithilfe von Experimenten lassen sich Entscheidungen und kognitive Verzerrungen in einem kontrollierten Umfeld untersuchen. Erkenntnisse aus Experimenten konnen Aufschluss daruber geben, wie Nudges effektiv und effizient angewendet werden konnen und wo von deren Nutzung abgesehen werden sollte. In einem Online durchgefuhrten Experiment habenwir soziales Feedback als exemplarischen Nudge eingesetzt. Wir vermuten, dass soziales Feedback zu einer hoheren Leistungsfahigkeit und Arbeitsproduktivitat motiviert. In dem Experiment mussten Versuchspersonen die Rolle einer Lehrerin oder eines Lehrers einnehmen und fiktive Diktate von Schulerinnen und Schulern korrigieren. Die Ergebnisse dieses Experiments weisen darauf hin, dass die Versuchspersonen Diktate schneller korrigierten, wenn sie nach Ablauf der ersten Halfte des Experiments negatives soziales Feedback erhielten. Gleichsam wurden diejenigen langsamer, die in der ersten Halfte des Experiments schneller waren als der Durchschnitt. Allerdings gab es auch eine Kehrseite des sozialen Nudgings: Versuchspersonen machten infolge des sozialen Feedbacks mehr Fehler. Es kam stark auf die spezifische Ausgestaltung des sozialen Nudges an, ob mit seiner Hilfe insgesamt ein positiver Effekt erzielt werden konnte.
Model-Driven Development of Reconfigurable Protocol Stack for Networked Control Systems

In networked control systems (NCS), the performance degradation introduced by the heterogeneous and dynamic environment has intensified the need for reconfigurable protocol stacks (RPS). In this paper, an IEC61499-based method is proposed for the model-driven development of RPS. The method is enabled by defining a novel RPS function block (FB), which unifies the communication behavior and interface of nodes in NCS. Beyond existing communication FBs in IEC61499, the parameter reconfiguration of routing and scheduling table in RPS FB is highlighted as the core of communication layer function to adapt environment and system variations. Furthermore, the method allows for the code reconfiguration on Java algorithms in RPS FB under different application requirements. Through porting the Java virtual machine on different platforms, the code reconfiguration is implemented by reloading the . class file for a specified protocol FB. A case study on the embedded platform, such as DSP/BIOS and ARM/Linux, is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed reconfiguration method for maintaining stable and predictable behavior in NCS.
Circulating soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors, interleukin-2 receptors, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 levels in rheumatoid arthritis. Longitudinal evaluation during methotrexate and azathioprine therapy.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether circulating concentrations of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR; p55 and p75), soluble interleukin-2 receptors (sIL-2R), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) reflect clinical response and whether changes are dependent on the drug used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking methotrexate (MTX) or azathioprine (AZA). METHODS These cytokines and soluble receptors were assessed in 20 control subjects and serially for up to 48 weeks in 61 RA patients, by bioassay (IL-6) and immunoassays (sTNFR, sIL-2R, TNF alpha, and IL-6). RESULTS Concentrations of p55 and p75, sIL-2R, and TNF alpha (but not IL-6) were significantly higher in RA patients than in controls. Significant decreases in sIL-2R and p55 concentrations were associated with clinical improvement and were observed in patients treated with MTX, but not AZA. Both treatments induced decreases in IL-6 concentrations, but circulating AZA (or its metabolites) appears to interfere with the measurement of IL-6 bioactivity. TNF alpha and p75 levels did not show significant changes. CONCLUSION Measurement of circulating sIL-2R, p55, and IL-6 may be useful in the evaluation of RA disease activity and response to therapy. Interference by circulating levels of drugs must be ruled out when bioassays are used to evaluate cytokine levels.
Circumferential Fusion Improves Outcome in Comparison With Instrumented Posterolateral Fusion: Long-term Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Study Design. Prospective randomized clinical study with a 5- to 9-year follow-up period. Objective. The aim of the present study was to analyze the long-term outcome with respect to functional disability, pain, and general health of patients treated by means of circumferential lumbar fusion in comparison with those treated by means of instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion. Summary of Background Data. Circumferential fusion has become a common procedure in lumbar spinal fusion both as a primary and salvage procedure. However, the claimed advantages of circumferential fusion over conventional posterolateral fusion lack scientific documentation. (The primary report with a 2-year follow-up has been published in Spine in 2002.) Methods. From April 1996 to November 1999, a total of 148 patients (mean age, 45 years) with severe chronic low back pain were randomly selected for either posterolateral lumbar fusion (titanium Cotrel-Dubousset) or circumferential lumbar fusion (instrumented posterolateral fusion with anterior intervertebral support by a Brantigan cage). The primary outcome measure was the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ). The secondary outcome measures were the Oswestry Disability Index, the SF-36 instrument, and the Low Back Pain Rating Scale. All measures assessed the endpoint outcomes at 5 to 9 years after surgery. Results. The available response rate was 93%. The circumferential group showed a significantly better improvement (P < 0.05) in comparison with the posterolateral group with respect to all four DPQ categories: daily activities, work/leisure, anxiety/depression, and social interest. The Oswestry Disability Index supported these results (P < 0.01). General health, as assessed by means of the SF-36, also showed significantly better physical health (P < 0.01) in the circumferential group, whereas no significant difference was found with respect to mental health compared with the posterolateral group. The circumferential group experienced significantly less back pain (P < 0.05) in comparison with the posterolateral group. In regard to leg pain, no significant difference was found. Conclusion. Circumferential lumbar fusion demands more extensive operative resources compared with posterolateral lumbar fusion. However, 5 to 9 years after surgery, the circumferentially fused patients had a significantly improved outcome compared with those treated by means of posterolateral fusion. These new results not only emphasize the superiority of circumferential fusion in the complex pathology of the lumbar spine but are also strongly supported in all of the validated questionnaires used in the study.
The cultural politics of environmental water management in Australia

Australian water policy is a world leader in the area of environmental water management, having established a legal requirement to provide environmental flows in all jurisdictions. Indigenous advocates are closely examining the various policy options developed to acquire water for the environment for their social justice potential. In the pursuit of opportunities to secure water for Indigenous use, they argue that instruments that deliver water to the environment could serve as model institutions through which to redress the historical neglect of Indigenous water rights and the transparently inequitable distribution of water. Deploying a political strategy that is seen by some Indigenous groups as analogous to the struggle for recognition of the rights of aquatic ecosystems to water, considerable effort is going to the development of water entitlements to protect ‘culture’ (termed ‘cultural flows’) and tradeable entitlements under the control of Indigenous communities. In water scarce and over-allocated regions, market-based water buy-back programs are perhaps more politically feasible than claims to water based on human-rights norms. This paper will describe the Indigenous water rights strategies developing in Australia under neoliberal environmental governance regimes, showing how influential the discourse of environmental flows and marketization have been on attitudes to water, water distribution, definitions of water rights and notions of justice in water governance. Grounded in political ecology, the analysis will reveal cultural biases in the environmental water management sector and the consequences for minority groups seeking to have their water needs met and their distinct ontological perspectives on water recognised.
Farm household risk balancing: empirical evidence from Switzerland

Empirical evidence on household risk balancing behaviour is presented by estimating a fixed effects seemingly unrelated regression model using Swiss Farm Accountancy Data Network data. We find that in response to changes in expected business risks, Swiss farm households not only make strategic farm financial risk decisions (original risk balancing), but also make strategic off-farm decisions (household risk balancing) by altering their share of off-farm income and relative consumption. Small farms appear to make more use of household risk balancing strategies whereas large farms conversely make more use of the original risk balancing strategy.
2-connected Coverings of Bounded Degree in 3-connected Graphs

In a recent paper, Barnette showed that every 3-connected planar graph has a 2-connected spanning subgraph of maximum degree at most fifteen, he also constructed a planar triangulation that does not have 2-connected spanning subgraphs of maximum degree five. In this paper, we show that every 3-connected graph which is embeddable in the sphere, the projective plane, the torus or the Klein bottle has a 2-connected spanning subgraph of maximum degree at most six. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plasma organochlorine levels and the risk of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Exposure to "environmental estrogens" such as organochlorines in pesticides and industrial chemicals has been proposed as a cause of increasing rates of breast cancer. Several studies have reported higher blood levels of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in patients with breast cancer than in controls. METHODS We measured plasma levels of DDE and PCBs prospectively among 240 women who gave a blood sample in 1989 or 1990 and who were subsequently given a diagnosis of breast cancer before June 1, 1992. We compared these levels with those measured in matched control women in whom breast cancer did not develop. Data on DDE were available for 236 pairs, and data on PCBs were available for 230 pairs. RESULTS The median level of DDE was lower among case patients than among controls (4.71 vs. 5.35 parts per billion, P=0.14), as was the median level of PCBs (4.49 vs. 4.68 parts per billion, P=0.72). The multivariate relative risk of breast cancer for women in the highest quintile of exposure as compared with women in the lowest quintile was 0.72 for DDE (95 percent confidence interval, 0.37 to 1.40) and 0.66 for PCBs (95 percent confidence interval, 0.32 to 1.37). Exposure to high levels of both DDE and PCBs was associated with a nonsignificantly lower risk of breast cancer (relative risk for women in the highest quintiles of both DDE and PCBs as compared with women in the lowest, 0.43; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.13 to 1.44). CONCLUSIONS Our data do not support the hypothesis that exposure to DDT and PCBs increases the risk of breast cancer.
Rwanda National Health Accounts 1998

National Health Accounts (NHA) are designed to give a comprehensive description of resource flows in a health system, showing where resources come from and how they are used. The Rwandan Ministry of Health (MOH) has recognized the importance of documenting the overall flow of health funds—and in particular funds related to HIV/AIDS—and has initiated the NHA activity with a view to generate data that can assist formulation of health policies that improve access to care and efficiency of resource allocation. With this first NHA report, the MOH aims to document the magnitude of sources, flow and uses of funds within the public and private health care sector in Rwanda during 1998. NHA findings reveal total per capita health expenditures in the amount of US$ 12 per year, of which 50 percent is funded by the international community, 40 percent by households, and 10 percent by the government. This report also includes information on HIV/AIDS expenditures in Rwanda and establishes a baseline to determine the sources, flow, and use of HIV/AIDS monies. In terms of overall health spending, the MOH aims to document the level of health expenditures related to HIV/AIDS, the flow of AIDS monies from sources to users, and how HIV/AIDS expenditures relate to overall health sources and funds. With a growing number of sero-positive patients demanding access to care, the demand for resources is growing and this in turn is causing increasing challenges to the Rwandan health system. The comparison of HIV/AIDS-related costs (prevention, treatment, and mitigation) within overall health expenditures reveals that AIDS prevention is to a large extent financed by donor funds, whereas treatment costs place the heaviest financial burden on households. This is because there is an absence of a financial support system that facilitates patients’ access to care. Thus, access to treatment of HIV/AIDS-related diseases is defined by the patient’s socioeconomic background and ability to pay user fees. Based on this analysis, the NHA report suggests health policies for the overall Rwandan health sector and for the HIV/AIDS sector, to improve the financial information process, the sustainability and affordability of health care, as well as the equity of access to health care.
Towards an understanding of no trouble found devices

This paper gives a model for understanding no trouble found (NTF) parts, including predictions of how many can be expected at different stages of a product life cycle, an understanding of when NTFs are of concern, and when they are to be expected. We also show how NTF rates can be used as a measure of process health.
Multimodal information spaces for content-based image retrieval

Currently, image retrieval by content is a research problem of great interest in academia and the industry, due to the large collections of images available in different contexts. One of the main challenges to develop effective image retrieval systems is the automatic identification of semantic image contents. This research proposal aims to design a model for image retrieval able to take advantage of different data sources, i.e. using multimodal information, to improve the response of an image retrieval system. In particular two data modalities associated to contents and context of images are considered in this proposal: visual features and unstructured text annotations. The proposed framework is based on kernel methods that provide two main important advantages over the traditional multimodal approaches: first, the structure of each modality is preserved in a high dimensional feature space, and second, they provide natural ways to fuse feature spaces in a unique information space. This document presents the research agenda to build a Multimodal Information Space for searching images by content.
Short article: Rapid extraction of mean identity from sets of faces

Recent evidence suggests that the notion that the visual system can rapidly extract summary statistics from complex scenes extends to representing sets of faces in terms of mean emotion or gender. Here we show that observers can also extract a mean identity from a set of faces with different identities. Observers first saw a set of four faces with different identities and were subsequently asked whether or not a single test face had been present in the preceding set. They were significantly more likely to respond that the test face had been present in the set if it was the morphed mean of all four set faces than when it was an actual set member. This finding suggests that representations based on summary statistics are available for face identity.
Hemodynamic effects of noninvasive bilevel positive airway pressure on patients with chronic congestive heart failure with systolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECTIVES Noninvasive positive airway pressure may play a significant role in treating patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We tested our hypothesis that noninvasive bilevel positive airway pressure improves left ventricular performance in patients with chronic CHF secondary to severe systolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVES To determine the cardiac performance of patients using bilevel positive airway pressure, and to describe the hemodynamic effects of bilevel positive airway pressure and its use as a therapeutic adjunct in these patients. DESIGN Prospective, cohort, nonrandomized study. SETTING Outpatient medicine clinic. PATIENTS Fourteen patients (9 men and 5 women) with stable chronic CHF with left ventricular ejection fraction < or =35%; mean age was 60.6 years (range, 43 to 87 years). INTERVENTIONS Bilevel positive airway pressure via nasal mask at an inspiratory pressure of 5 cm H(2)O and an expiratory pressure of 3 cm H(2)O on spontaneous mode at room air for 1 h. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Myocardial performance and changes were measured using clinical and echocardiographic parameters. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared with the same parameters after 1 h of bilevel positive airway pressure. Statistically significant (p<0.05, Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank test) decreases were noted in these mean values: systolic BP from 136.21 to 124.14 mm Hg (p = 0.008), heart rate from 85.07 to 74.71 beats/min (p = 0.002), respiratory rate from 23.07 to 15.43 breaths/min (p = 0.001), and systemic vascular resistance from 1671. 46 to 1236.27 dyne. s. cm(3) (p = 0.001). Statistically significant increases were noted in these mean values: cardiac output from 5.09 to 6.37 L/min (p = 0.004), ejection fraction from 28.71% to 34.36% (p = 0.001), and end-diastolic volume from 224.36 to 246.21 mL (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION Bilevel positive airway pressure has excellent potential for improving left ventricular performance of patients with chronic CHF secondary to severe systolic dysfunction.
The 2011 Protests in Inner Mongolia: An Ethno-environmental Perspective

Abstract In May 2011, Inner Mongolia experienced the most serious ethnic unrest in the region for 30 years. In this article, I explore the broader context that led to the eruption of the protests, with a particular emphasis on environmental issues. My aim is to explain why environmental issues occupied such a prominent position in the protests, and how these issues were connected to ethnicity. After discussing the material and practical implications of grassland degradation for Mongolian herders, I analyse the symbolic implications of this environmental crisis for the Mongolian educated elite, who have linked environmental issues to ethnic politics and identity. I argue that in the last 20 years or so, Mongolian intellectuals have developed a highly ethnicized environmental discourse, and that this discourse played an important role in informing the 2011 protests. My analysis focuses on this discourse as it is manifested in the domains of art, academia and daily discourse. 摘要 2011 年 5月内蒙古爆发近 30 年来最严重的民族抗议示威. 本文章分析引发这次骚动的重要原因, 尤其强调生态环境问题的影响. 文章解释环境问题在骚动中为什么占那么重要的位置, 并讨论环境问题和民族问题的关系. 在描述草原退化对蒙古族牧民的物质和实际影响以后, 我的主要焦点就是分析内蒙草原环境危机对蒙古族知识分子的象征性影响. 本文章提出蒙古族知识分子把环境问题, 民族政治和民族身份认同早已结合在一起. 笔者认为, 近 20 年来蒙古族知识分子制造了一种非常民族化的环境话语, 并这个话语在 2011 年的骚动中发挥了很重要的作用.