Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of methods to monitor exposure to 1-nitropyrene.

On the basis of 32P-postlabeling analysis, treatment of rats with 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) resulted in the formation of multiple DNA adducts in the liver, mammary glands, and peripheral lymphocytes. The one adduct resulting from nitroreduction, N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene, constitutes only a minor component among the adducts. In the present study, incubation of calf thymus DNA with mutagenic ring-oxidized metabolites of 1-NP in vitro in the presence and absence of xanthine oxidase also resulted in the formation of multiple adducts. On the basis of their chromatographic behavior, it appears that DNA adducts derived from such metabolites may have been formed in vivo; however, this needs to be confirmed. [3H]1-NP was given to male and female F344 rats and Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage at five dose levels in the range of 0.1 to 1000 micrograms/kg bw. This led to stable hemoglobin adducts accounting for 0.08 +/- 0.05% of the dose (n = 3 rats). The radioactivity associated with hemoglobin following administration of [3H]1-NP was cleared with a half-life of about 14 days, which is faster than that of unmodified erythrocytes in the rat (t1/2 = 30 days). Treatment of the hemoglobin with 1% HCl in acetone, to precipitate the globin, released the radioactivity; it was all bound to the heme moiety. The structures of the heme adducts have not been elucidated; yet, because of their stability, they may be useful as dosimeters for human exposure to 1-NP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) ImagesFigure 4. AFigure 4. BFigure 4. CFigure 4. DFigure 4. EFigure 5. AFigure 5. BFigure 5. CFigure 5. DFigure 5. EFigure 6. AFigure 6. B
Antifungal resistance: current trends and future strategies to combat

Antifungal resistance represents a major clinical challenge to clinicians responsible for treating invasive fungal infections due to the limited arsenal of systemically available antifungal agents. In addition current drugs may be limited by drug–drug interactions and serious adverse effects/toxicities that prevent their prolonged use or dosage escalation. Fluconazole resistance is of particular concern in non-Candida albicans species due to the increased incidence of infections caused by these species in different geographic locations worldwide and the elevated prevalence of resistance to this commonly used azole in many institutions. C. glabrata resistance to the echinocandins has also been documented to be rising in several US institutions, and a higher percentage of these isolates may also be azole resistant. Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus due to clinical and environmental exposure to this class of agents has also been found worldwide, and these isolates can cause invasive infections with high mortality rates. In addition, several species of Aspergillus, and other molds, including Scedosporium and Fusarium species, have reduced susceptibility or pan-resistance to clinically available antifungals. Various investigational antifungals are currently in preclinical or clinical development, including several of them that have the potential to overcome resistance observed against the azoles and the echinocandins. These include agents that also target ergosterol and b-glucan biosynthesis, as well as compounds with novel mechanisms of action that may also overcome the limitations of currently available antifungal classes, including both resistance and adverse effects/toxicity.
The impact of multisensory integration deficits on speech perception in children with autism spectrum disorders

Speech perception is an inherently multisensory process. When having a face-to-face conversation, a listener not only hears what a speaker is saying, but also sees the articulatory gestures that accompany those sounds. Speech signals in visual and auditory modalities provide complementary information to the listener (Kavanagh and Mattingly, 1974), and when both are perceived in unison, behavioral gains in in speech perception are observed (Sumby and Pollack, 1954). Notably, this benefit is accentuated when speech is perceived in a noisy environment (Sumby and Pollack, 1954). To achieve a behavioral gain from multisensory processing of speech, however, the auditory and visual signals must be perceptually bound into a single, unified percept. The most commonly cited effect that demonstrates perceptual binding in audiovisual speech perception is the McGurk effect (McGurk and MacDonald, 1976), where a listener hears a speaker utter the syllable “ba,” and sees the speaker utter the syllable “ga. ” When these two speech signals are perceptually bound, the listener perceives the speaker as having said “da” or “tha,” syllables that are not contained in either of the unisensory signals, resulting in a perceptual binding, or integration, of the speech signals (Calvert and Thesen, 2004).
TRAINING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN PSYCHIATRY - A NEW VENTURE

SUMMARY Formal training programmes in psychiatry for general practitioners (GPs) by Psychiatrists so far reported have involved MBBS graduates. But, a considerable proportion of registered medical practitioners who serve the community are non-MBBS about whose training needs, no experience is yet available. This paper describes a training programme in which an attempt was made to know the training needs of the non-MBBS GPs and also to assess the potential of the previously trained GPs to complementarily assist the psychiatrists in such training programmes.
Aliasing in XCS and the Consecutive State Problem: 2 - Solutions

The 'Aliasing Problem' within XCS (Wilson, 1995, 1998), first identified by Lanzi (1997), does not only appear whenever the aliased states occur in separate environmental locations but also when they occur consecutively (Barry, 1999). Lanzi (1997, 1998) introduced a mechanism that could solve the Aliasing Problem through the use of memory mechanisms within XCS (Wilson, 1995; Cliff and Ross, 1994). Whilst this mechanism is a solution to the general problem of aliasing, it is a heavyweight solution. By limiting the scope of a solution to the Consecutive State Problem, which is shown to be a sub-problem of the Aliasing Problem, a simpler solution is proposed, and is shown to adequately address this problem. The application of a potential solution utilising explicit action duration identification is discussed and shown to be inadequate both as a solution to the Consecutive State Problem and for more general use within XCS.
Form Follows Vision - User-Centred Interface Design for Rail Traffic Controllers' Workplaces

Abstract In our Rail Human Factors approach, we define the human as the starting point for our interdisciplinary research on the design of human-machine interfaces in railway systems. One key focus of this approach is on the future workplace of the rail traffic controller. In this paper, a collaboration project between human factors scientists and trained rail traffic controllers is presented. Based on the methodological background of usability engineering, an innovative interpretation of the user interface of the German electronic interlocking system (ESTW) was developed. First prototypical propositions for the design of a future interlocking system were generated in an iterative process of design and feedback phases. Here, we made use of the advantages of the domain expertise of the usability experts as well as the rail traffic controllers. The resulting design is characterized by a decluttered central display / control panel on a single monitor.
Memetic Gradient Search

This paper reviews the different gradient-based schemes and the sources of gradient, their availability, precision and computational complexity, and explores the benefits of using gradient information within a memetic framework in the context of continuous parameter optimization, which is labeled here as memetic gradient search. In particular, we considered a quasi-Newton method with analytical gradient and finite differencing, as well as simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation, used as the local searches. Empirical study on the impact of using gradient information showed that memetic gradient search outperformed the traditional GA and analytical, precise gradient brings considerable benefit to gradient-based local search (LS) schemes. Though gradient-based searches can sometimes get trapped in local optima, memetic gradient searches were still able to converge faster than the conventional GA.
Machine learning resistant strong PUF: Possible or a pipe dream?

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are emerging as hardware primitives for key-generation and light-weight authentication. Strong PUFs represent a variant of PUFs which respond to a user challenge with a response determined by its unique manufacturing process variations. Unfortunately many of the Strong PUFs have been shown to be vulnerable to model building attacks when an attacker has access to challenge and response pairs. In mounting a model building attack, typically machine learning is used to build a software model to forge the PUF. Researchers have long been interested in designing Strong PUFs that are resistant to model building attacks. However, with innovations in application of machine learning, nearly all Strong PUFs presented in the literature have been broken. In this paper, first we present results from a set of experiments designed to show that if certain randomness properties can be met, cascaded structure based Strong PUFs can indeed be made machine learning (ML) attack resistant against known ML attacks. Next we conduct machine learning experiments on an abstract PUF model using Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, Bagging, Boosting and Evolutionary techniques to establish criteria for machine learning resistant Strong PUF design. This paper does not suggest how to harvest the process variation, which remains within the purview of a circuit designer; rather it suggests what properties of the building blocks to aim for towards building a machine learning resistant Strong PUF - thus paving the path for a systematic design approach.
Classification-based Multi-client Video Transmission over Heterogeneous Networks

These Real-time video streaming over networks operates under stringent network resource constraints, with multiple video clients competing for limited network resources. In this paper, we study the problem of bandwidth allocation for video transmission over heterogeneous networks, with multiple video clients connecting to the video server simultaneously and demanding for the video services, and aim to provide the best possible Quality of Service (QoS) under limited bandwidth of both the video server and multiple video clients. We propose a classification-based approach for multi-client video transmission over heterogeneous networks (CMVT). Firstly, the video server detects the available bandwidth of multiple video clients and classifies the clients into different classes. Secondly, the limited export bandwidth of the server is allocated to different video clients using the client classification results and greedy algorithm. Finally, the video server transmits video streams to video clients in different classes through Unicast and clients in the same class through Unicast and forwarding. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed video transmission method can use the network bandwidth efficiently and provide better video quality to more video clients
The Degrees of Freedom Regions of MIMO Broadcast, Interference, and Cognitive Radio Channels with No CSIT

The degrees of freedom (DoF) regions are characterized for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel (BC), interference channels (IC) (including X and multi-hop interference channels) and the cognitive radio channel (CRC), when there is perfect and no channel state information at the receivers and the transmitter(s) (CSIR and CSIT), respectively. For the K-user MIMO BC, the exact characterization of the DoF region is obtained, which shows that a simple time-division-based transmission scheme is DoF-region optimal. Using the techniques developed for the MIMO BC, the corresponding problems for the two-user MIMO IC and the CRC are addressed. For both of these channels, inner and outer bounds to the DoF region are obtained and are seen to coincide for a vast majority of the relative numbers of antennas at the four terminals, thereby characterizing DoF regions for all but a few cases. Finally, the DoF regions of the $K$-user MIMO IC, the CRC, and X networks are derived for certain classes of these networks, including the one where all transmitters have an equal number of antennas and so do all receivers. The results of this paper are derived for distributions of fading channel matrices and additive noises that are more general than those considered in other simultaneous related works. The DoF regions with and without CSIT are compared and conditions on the relative numbers of antennas at the terminals under which a lack of CSIT does, or does not, result in the loss of DoF are identified, thereby providing, on the one hand, simple and robust communication schemes that don't require CSIT but have the same DoF performance as their previously found CSIT counterparts, and on the other hand, identifying situations where CSI feedback to transmitters would provide gains that are significant enough that even the DoF performance could be improved.
Diffusion Rates and Dispersal Patterns of Unfed versus Recently Fed Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius L.)

Bed bug problems have been increasing since the 1980s, and accordingly, there have been intensive efforts to better understand their biology and behavior for control purposes. Understanding bed bug diffusion rates and dispersal patterns from one site to another (or lack thereof) is a key component in prevention and control campaigns. This study analyzed diffusion rates and dispersal patterns in a population of bed bugs, recently fed and unfed, in both one-dimensional and two-dimensional settings. When placed in the middle of a 71 cm × 2.7 cm artificial lane, approximately half of the bugs regardless of feeding status stayed at or near the release point during the 10 min observation periods, while about a fourth of them walked to the end of the lane. When placed in the middle of an arena measuring 51 cm × 76 cm and allowed to walk in any direction, approximately one-fourth of bed bugs, fed or unfed, still remained near their release point (no significant difference between fed or unfed). As for long-distance dispersal, 11/50 (22%) of recently fed bed bugs moved as far as possible in the arena during the 10 min replications, while only 2/50 (4%) unfed bed bugs moved to the maximum distance. This difference was significantly different (p < 0.0038), and indicates that unfed bed bugs did not move as far as recently fed ones. A mathematical diffusion model was used to quantify bed bug movements and an estimated diffusion rate range of 0.00006 cm2/s to 0.416 cm2/s was determined, which is almost no movement to a predicted root mean squared distance of approximately 19 cm per 10 min. The results of this study suggest that bed bugs, upon initial introduction into a new area, would have a difficult time traversing long distances when left alone to randomly disperse.
Helicobacter pylori infection and reflux esophagitis in children with chronic asthma.

their in 42 young asthmatic teens (mean for dyspepsia. The investigators found that only 7 of the 22 teens with H. pylori infection had esophagitis (26%), while all 20 of the 20 H. pylori negative children concomitant esophagitis. This 4-fold increased prevalence of esophagitis in who are not infected with H. pylori was sufficient for the investigators to conclude that H. pylori infection protected against reflux esophagitis.
Development of a 3D tongue motion visualization platform based on ultrasound image sequences

This article describes the development of a platform designed to visualize the 3D motion of the tongue using ultrasound image sequences. An overview of the system design is given and promising results are presented. Compared to the analysis of motion in 2D image sequences, such a system can provide additional visual information and a quantitative description of the tongue 3D motion. The platform can be useful in a variety of fields, such as speech production, articulation training, etc.
Stable and radiocarbon isotopic composition of dissolved organic matter in the Gulf of Mexico

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is of primary importance to marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. Stable carbon (δ13C) and radiocarbon (Δ14C) isotopic measurements are powerful tools for evaluating DOC sources and cycling. However, the isotopic signature of DOC in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) remains almost completely unknown. Here we present the first DOC Δ14C and δ13C depth profiles from the GOM. Our results suggest the Mississippi River exports large amounts of DOC with an anthropogenic “bomb” Δ14C signature. Riverine DOC is removed and recycled offshore, and some marine production of DOC is observed in the river plume. Offshore profiles show that DOC has higher Δ14C than its Caribbean feed waters, indicative of a modern deep DOC source in the GOM basin. Finally, high DOC with negative δ13C and Δ14C values were observed near the Macondo Wellhead, suggesting a transformation of Deepwater Horizon hydrocarbons into a persistent population of DOC.
Correlation of Anxiety-Depression and Sleep Quality in Mothers of Children with Cystic Fibrosis and Asthma

Background Cystic fibrosis and asthma are considered among the chronic respiratory diseases. Taking care of the sick child by the mother-which is usually the main care taker- can be associated with high loads of stress and result in behavioral problems like anxiety, depression and change in sleep quality. This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between depression-anxiety and sleep quality in mothers of children suffering from cystic fibrosis and asthma hospitalized in Masih Daneshvari Hospital. Materials and Methods This was an analytical descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 148 subjects (mothers of children with cystic fibrosis and asthma hospitalized in Masih Daneshvari Hospital) during 2008-2010. Data were collected using a questionnaire for demographic characteristics, sleep quality and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire (PQSI) was developed by Dr. Buysse and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh's Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in the late 1980s. The PSQI was created after observing that most patients with psychiatric disorders had sleep disorders as well. Also, required data regarding the pulmonary function of patients was extracted from their medical records. Results In this study, high levels of anxiety and depression and poor sleep quality requiring clinical intervention were seen in 37.2%, 29.1% and 39% of mothers, respectively. A significant association was detected between sleep quality and depression-anxiety (P-value < 0.005). Also, depression-anxiety was significantly correlated with number of children and smoking (P-value < 0.005). A total of 20% of mothers suffering from depression and 14.3% of mothers with anxiety disorder had a history of cigarette smoking (P-value < 0.005). No significant association was found between substance abuse and occupation with depression-anxiety. Susceptibility was only correlated with anxiety (P-value < 0.005). Conclusion Our study showed a significant association between sleep quality and depression-anxiety in mothers of children suffering from cystic fibrosis and asthma. Greater attention should be paid to prevent development and aggravation of these conditions in susceptible mothers who are the main care taker of their sick child with chronic diseases.
Validity of Acute Stroke Lesion Volume Estimation by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score Depends on Lesion Location in 496 Patients With Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

Background and Purpose— Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score (ASPECTS) has been used to estimate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume in acute stroke. We aimed to assess correlations of DWI-ASPECTS with lesion volume in different middle cerebral artery (MCA) subregions and reproduce existing ASPECTS thresholds of a malignant profile defined by lesion volume ≥100 mL. Methods— We analyzed data of patients with MCA stroke from a prospective observational study of DWI and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery in acute stroke. DWI-ASPECTS and lesion volume were calculated. The population was divided into subgroups based on lesion localization (superficial MCA territory, deep MCA territory, or both). Correlation of ASPECTS and infarct volume was calculated, and receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal ASPECTS threshold for ≥100-mL lesion volume. Results— A total of 496 patients were included. There was a significant negative correlation between ASPECTS and DWI lesion volume (r=–0.78; P<0.0001). With regards to lesion localization, correlation was weaker in deep MCA region (r=–0.19; P=0.038) when compared with superficial (r=–0.72; P<0.001) or combined superficial and deep MCA lesions (r=–0.72; P<0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed ASPECTS⩽6 as best cutoff to identify ≥100-mL DWI lesion volume; however, positive predictive value was low (0.35). Conclusions— ASPECTS has limitations when lesion location is not considered. Identification of patients with malignant profile by DWI-ASPECTS may be unreliable. ASPECTS may be a useful tool for the evaluation of noncontrast computed tomography. However, if MRI is used, ASPECTS seems dispensable because lesion volume can easily be quantified on DWI maps.
Aminoglycosides: Nephrotoxicity

Aminoglycosides have long been one of the commonest causes of drug-induced nephrotoxicity (137). Although a clear recognition of the patientand treatment-related risk factors (91), combined with the once-a-day schedule and effective monitoring procedures (98), have definitely improved the situation over what prevailed in the early 1980s (115), we are still short of having brought the safety of aminoglycosides to that of the main other wide-spectrum antibiotics. Chemical research aimed at obtaining intrinsically less toxic compounds has met with only modest success, and few of the other approaches proposed to reduce the toxicities of the available agents have reached practical clinical applications. Yet, because aminoglycosides are very effective antibiotics well suited to the treatment of severe infections (35), it seems important to maintain and even develop efforts to improve their therapeutic indices. The present minireview tries to present in a prospective way the status of both the basic and the clinical research on aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity in order to clarify the main issues and to pinpoint strategies that may eventually lead to their safer use. Ototoxicity, which is the second main adverse effect of aminoglycosides and which, in contrast to nephrotoxicity, is irreversible, will not be considered here since it has already been reviewed in this journal (52) and elsewhere (10). A companion minireview (83) examines and discusses the recent research dealing with the activities of aminoglycosides and bacterial resistance.