Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parking and Urban Form

This paper analyzes the provision of residential parking in a monocentric city, with the ultimate goal of appraising the desirability and effects of regulations such as a minimum-parking requirement (MPR) per dwelling. The analysis considers three different regimes for provision of parking space: surface parking, underground parking, and structural parking, with the latter two regimes involving capital investment either in the form of an underground parking garage or an above-ground parking structure. Parking area is viewed as a dwelling attribute that, along with floor space, provides utility. In addition, road congestion in the neighborhood (which affects the commuting costs of local residents) depends on the average amount of off-street parking per dwelling, an externality that is ignored by profit-maximizing developers, making the equilibrium inefficient. The analysis explores the equilibrium spatial behavior of the two dwelling attributes as well as residential and parking structural density, and analysis of land rent shows which parking regimes are present in different parts of the city. Efficiency requires an increase in parking area per dwelling at each location, which can be achieved in a crude fashion by an MPR, whose effects are analyzed.
Molecular Mechanism of GTPase Activation at the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) RNA Distal End*

Background: A large GTPase movement on the signal recognition particle (SRP) RNA activates GTP hydrolysis to complete protein targeting. Results: GTPase activation requires distinct primary and secondary docking sites and catalytic bases, optimally positioned on the SRP RNA. Conclusion: The SRP RNA forms a preorganized surface to mediate specific GTPase activation. Significance: Study of the SRP RNA broadens our understanding of RNA-protein recognition and protein targeting. The signal recognition particle (SRP) RNA is a universally conserved and essential component of the SRP that mediates the co-translational targeting of proteins to the correct cellular membrane. During the targeting reaction, two functional ends in the SRP RNA mediate distinct functions. Whereas the RNA tetraloop facilitates initial assembly of two GTPases between the SRP and SRP receptor, this GTPase complex subsequently relocalizes ∼100 Å to the 5′,3′-distal end of the RNA, a conformation crucial for GTPase activation and cargo handover. Here we combined biochemical, single molecule, and NMR studies to investigate the molecular mechanism of this large scale conformational change. We show that two independent sites contribute to the interaction of the GTPase complex with the SRP RNA distal end. Loop E plays a crucial role in the precise positioning of the GTPase complex on these two sites by inducing a defined bend in the RNA helix and thus generating a preorganized recognition surface. GTPase docking can be uncoupled from its subsequent activation, which is mediated by conserved bases in the next internal loop. These results, combined with recent structural work, elucidate how the SRP RNA induces GTPase relocalization and activation at the end of the protein targeting reaction.
Microbial Characterization of Table Olives Processed According to Spanish and Natural Styles

Summary A study on the microflora of table olives »Bella di Cerignola«, produced according to Spanish style and natural processing, is presented. The samples (olives and brines) were taken at different fermentation phases; olives, before treatments, were analyzed too. pH was monitored and microbial populations were assessed by standard plate count. Determination of the following microbial groups was carried out: mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, staphylococci, Micrococcaceae and yeasts. In the second phase, the identification of mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts was performed. The amount of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts increased during the storage in all the samples, but no significant differences were observed between the two styles. At the end of fermentation an increase of Pseudomonadaceae cell load was observed, which was absent in the first phase of fermentation. The samples analyzed were extremely unsteady, therefore the addition of starter lactic acid bacteria could standardize olive processing. Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus spp. (mainly B. subtilis) and Candida spp. were the predominant species at the end of the processing.
Garlic as a Lipid Lowering Agent—A Meta-Analysis

Garlic supplements may have an important role to play in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. To determine the effect of garlic on serum lipids and lipoproteins relative to placebo and other lipid lowering agents, a systematic review, including meta-analysis, was undertaken of published and unpublished randomised controlled trials of garlic preparations of at least four weeks' duration. Studies were identified by a search of MEDLINE and the ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE electronic databases, from references listed in primary and review articles, and through direct contact with garlic manufacturers. Sixteen trials, with data from 952 subjects, were included in the analyses. Many of the trials had methodological shortcomings. The pooled mean difference in the absolute change (from baseline to final measurement in mmol/l) of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was compared between subjects treated with garlic therapy against those treated with placebo or other agents. The mean difference in reduction of total cholesterol between garlic-treated subjects and those receiving placebo (or avoiding garlic in their diet) was –0.77 mmol/l (95% CI: –0.65, –0.89 mmol/l). These changes represent a 12% reduction with garlic therapy beyond the final levels achieved with placebo alone. The reduction was evident after one month of therapy and persisted for at least six months. In the dried garlic powders, in which the allicin content is standardised, there was no significant difference in the size of the reduction across the dose range of 600–900 mg daily. Dried garlic powder preparations also significantly lowered serum triglyceride by 0.31 mmol/l compared to placebo (95% CI: –0.14, –0.49). HDL-cholesterol was non-significantly lowered by 0.04 mmol/l (95% CI: –0.11, 0.03 mmol/l). Side-effects from garlic therapy, other than odour, were rare. In conclusion, use of garlic therapy, either as dried garlic preparations (in doses as low as 600 mg per day) or as fresh, high allicin yielding garlic (10–20 g per day) appears significantly to reduce total serum cholesterol over a 1–3 months period. However, more rigorously designed and analysed trials are needed.
Combined use of Alkane-Degrading and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Enhanced Phytoremediation of Diesel Contaminated soil

Inoculation of plants with pollutant-degrading and plant growth-promoting microorganisms is a simple strategy to enhance phytoremediation activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inoculation of different bacterial strains, possessing alkane-degradation and 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, on plant growth and phytoremediation activity. Carpet grass (Axonopus affinis) was planted in soil spiked with diesel (1% w/w) for 90 days and inoculated with different bacterial strains, Pseudomonas sp. ITRH25, Pantoea sp. BTRH79 and Burkholderia sp. PsJN, individually and in combination. Generally, bacterial application increased total numbers of culturable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the rhizosphere of carpet grass, plant biomass production, hydrocarbon degradation and reduced genotoxicity. Bacterial strains possessing different beneficial traits affect plant growth and phytoremediation activity in different ways. Maximum bacterial population, plant biomass production and hydrocarbon degradation were achieved when carpet grass was inoculated with a consortium of three strains. Enhanced plant biomass production and hydrocarbon degradation were associated with increased numbers of culturable hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the rhizosphere of carpet grass. The present study revealed that the combined use of different bacterial strains, exhibiting different beneficial traits, is a highly effective strategy to improve plant growth and phytoremediation activity.
Quantitative Proteomics of a Chloroplast SRP54 Sorting Mutant and Its Genetic Interactions with CLPC1 in Arabidopsis1[C][W][OA]

cpSRP54 (for chloroplast SIGNAL RECOGNITION PARTICLE54) is involved in cotranslational and posttranslational sorting of thylakoid proteins. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cpSRP54 null mutant, ffc1-2, is pale green with delayed development. Western-blot analysis of individual leaves showed that the SRP sorting pathway, but not the SecY/E translocon, was strongly down-regulated with progressive leaf development in both wild-type and ffc1-2 plants. To further understand the impact of cpSRP54 deletion, a quantitative comparison of ffc2-1 was carried out for total leaf proteomes of young seedlings and for chloroplast proteomes of fully developed leaves using stable isotope labeling (isobaric stable isotope labeling and isotope-coded affinity tags) and two-dimensional gels. This showed that cpSRP54 deletion led to a change in light-harvesting complex composition, an increase of PsbS, and a decreased photosystem I/II ratio. Moreover, the cpSRP54 deletion led in young leaves to up-regulation of thylakoid proteases and stromal chaperones, including ClpC. In contrast, the stromal protein homeostasis machinery returned to wild-type levels in mature leaves, consistent with the developmental down-regulation of the SRP pathway. A differential response between young and mature leaves was also found in carbon metabolism, with an up-regulation of the Calvin cycle and the photorespiratory pathway in peroxisomes and mitochondria in young leaves but not in old leaves. The Calvin cycle was down-regulated in mature leaves to adjust to the reduced capacity of the light reaction, while reactive oxygen species defense proteins were up-regulated. The significance of ClpC up-regulation was confirmed through the generation of an ffc2-1 clpc1 double mutant. This mutant was seedling lethal under autotrophic conditions but could be partially rescued under heterotrophic conditions.
Advances in diagnostic imaging and overestimations of disease prevalence and the benefits of therapy.

Over the past two decades a vast new armamentarium of diagnostic techniques has revolutionized the practice of medicine. The entire human body can now be imaged in exquisite anatomical detail. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography routinely “section” patients into slices less than a centimeter thick. Abnormalities can be detected well before they produce any clinical signs or symptoms. Undoubtedly, these technological advances have enhanced the physician's potential for understanding disease and treating patients. Unfortunately, these technological advances also create confusion that may ultimately be harmful to patients. Consider the case of prostate cancer. Although the prevalence .
Molar incisor hypomineralization: A study of aetiological factors in a group of UK children

OBJECTIVES The objectives were to investigate the aetiology of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and to discuss previously published studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred and nine children attending the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Royal London Hospital were included in the study: 57 children with MIH and 52 controls. Their mothers completed a medical history interview. RESULTS No significant associations were found with MIH and delivery and birth complications, breastfeeding, immunization history, other illnesses and allergies, general anaesthetics, fluoride history, and trauma or abscesses affecting the primary predecessors. A family history of enamel defects was more commonly reported for MIH children, but the association was not statistically significant. However, MIH was significantly more common among those whose mothers had experienced problems during pregnancy (P = 0.025), those who had chickenpox between the ages of 3 and 3.99 (P = 0.047), and those for whom amoxycillin was the only antibiotic they had received (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS The aetiology of MIH remains unclear, and this study questions whether it is because of a lone aetiological insult. This study recommends further research looking at the links with chickenpox occurring around the third year of life and amoxycillin.
A Determination of the Cloud Feedback from Climate Variations over the Past Decade

Positive Message Climate warming affects both cloud number and cloud properties, which in turn affect warming itself, creating a cloud-climate feedback that complicates predictions of the amount of warming caused by increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This feedback has generally been considered to be positive, but so far we have only a qualitative idea of the effect. Dessler (p. 1523; see the news story by Kerr) estimated the magnitude of the feedback by analyzing 10 years of satellite data on the flux of radiation through the top of the atmosphere. As expected, the feedback is positive and within the canonical range of estimates of how much warming will occur for a doubling of atmospheric CO2: 2°C to 4.5°C. The climate-cloud feedback is positive, supporting current ideas about how atmospheric carbon dioxide affects global temperature. Estimates of Earth's climate sensitivity are uncertain, largely because of uncertainty in the long-term cloud feedback. I estimated the magnitude of the cloud feedback in response to short-term climate variations by analyzing the top-of-atmosphere radiation budget from March 2000 to February 2010. Over this period, the short-term cloud feedback had a magnitude of 0.54 ± 0.74 (2σ) watts per square meter per kelvin, meaning that it is likely positive. A small negative feedback is possible, but one large enough to cancel the climate’s positive feedbacks is not supported by these observations. Both long- and short-wave components of short-term cloud feedback are also likely positive. Calculations of short-term cloud feedback in climate models yield a similar feedback. I find no correlation in the models between the short- and long-term cloud feedbacks.
Diurnal rhythm of antioxidant biomarkers in equines.

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that glutathione peroxidase, uric acid, and a number of hematological biomarkers do not vary in adult mares, over a 24-hour period. Seven adult (age 10 ± 6 yrs; weight 370 ± 30 kg) Arabian Purebred mares were used. Blood samples were collected every two hours, except during the period after-meals, when samples were collected every 30 minutes, totaling four samples in two hours. These samples were used to analyze glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), glucose (GLU), total plasma protein (TPP), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HT), red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes (LYM). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine significant differences. Tukey’s test was used for multiple comparisons between the averages. Ρ values
Leaf water status and stem xylem flux in relation to soil drought in five temperate broad-leaved tree species with contrasting water use strategies

Abstract• Five temperate broad-leaved tree species were compared with respect to their water consumption strategies under ample and restricted water supply. We measured synchronously leaf conductance (gL) in the sun canopy, xylem sap flux (Js) and leaf water potential (predawn, ψpd and noon, ψnoon) in adult trees in a mixed stand and related them to the fluctuations in vapor pressure deficit (D) and soil moisture. • Maximum gL was particularly high in F. excelsior, C. betulus and T. cordata and revealed a higher D sensitivity. ψpd remained constantly high in A. pseudoplatanus, C. betulus and F. excelsior, but decreased in T. cordata and F. sylvatica with decreasing soil moisture. • Jsddecreased linearly with decreasing soil matrix potential in all species except for F. excelsior. Apparent hydraulic conductance in the soil-to-leaf flow path (Lc) was higher in A. pseudoplatanus than in the other species. • F. sylvatica maintained a low maximum gL and reduced Jsd markedly upon drought, but faced severe decreases in ψpd and ψnoon. F. excelsior represents an opposite strategy with high maximum gL and stable ψpd. • The species drought sensitivity increases in the sequence F. excelsior < C. betulus < T. cordata < A. pseudoplatanus < F. sylvatica. Résumé• Les stratégies de consommation d’eau de cinq espèces d’arbres feuillus tempérés ont été comparées sous approvisionnement en eau suffisant ou limité. De façon synchrone nous avons mesuré la conductance hydraulique des feuilles (gL) dans la partie du couvert exposée au soleil, le flux de sève xylémique (Js) et le potentiel hydrique foliaire (potentiel de base (ψpd) et potentiel minimum (ψnoon)) d’arbres adultes en peuplement mixte et nous les avons reliés aux fluctuations du déficit de pression de vapeur (D) et à l’humidité du sol. • gL maximum était particulièrement élevée chez F. excelsior, C. betulus et T. cordata et a révélé une plus grande sensibilité à D. ψpd est resté constamment élevé chez A. pseudoplatanus, C. betulus et F. excelsior, mais a diminué chez T. cordata et F. sylvatica lorsque l’humidité du sol diminuait. • Jsd a diminué linéairement avec le potentiel matriciel du sol pour toutes les espèces excepté F. excelsior. La conductivité hydraulique apparente du trajet sol-feuille (Lc) était plus élevée chez A. pseudoplatanus que dans les autres espèces. • F. sylvatica a maintenu une faible gL maximum et a réduit sensiblement Jsd face à la sécheresse, mais a connu de graves diminutions de ψpd et ψnoon. F. excelsior présentait une stratégie opposée avec une gL maximum élevée et un ψpd stable. • La sensibilité des espèces à la sécheresse augmente selon la séquence F. excelsior < C. betulus < T. cordata < A. pseudoplatanus < F. sylvatica.
Bioactive compounds from endemic plants of Southwest Portugal: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and radical scavenging activities

Context: Natural products are reported to have substantial neuroprotective activity due to their radical scavenging capacity, and also acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory capacity, both activities important in neurodegeneration. Objective: The undesirable side effects of compounds in pharmacological use make it important to identify natural neuroprotective molecules. This work assesses the potential of five endemic Portuguese plants as sources of neuroprotective compounds. Materials and methods: Antioxidant capacity for peroxyl radical was determined by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity method and for hydroxyl by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, as well as AChE inhibitory capacity of the plant hydroethanolic extracts. The molecules responsible for these valuable properties were also tentatively identified by HPLC. Results and discussion: Armeria rouyana and Thymus capitellatus presented some of the highest phenolic contents (76.60 ± 7.19 and 12.82 ± 0.24 mg GAE g−1 dw, respectively) and antioxidant capacities (592 ± 116 and 449 ± 57 μmol TE g−1 dw, respectively). The flavonoids were identified as the phytomolecules related to the antioxidant capacity of these plant extracts; in the case of A. rouyana, l-ascorbic acid also made an important contribution (3.27 ± 0.26 mg g−1 dw). Plant extracts clearly demonstrated effective AChE inhibitory activity (480 ± 98 and 490 ± 46 μg mL−1, respectively), that could be associated to polyphenols. Conclusions: The extracts of A. rouyana and T. capitellatus and their active components, especially polyphenols, demonstrate interesting neuroprotective potential. They, therefore, deserve further study as their phytomolecules are promising sources of either natural neuroprotective products and/or novel lead compounds.
Radiation pattern of a hybrid type high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) simulator

The high altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) simulators used to simulate the threat level HEMP environment according to the various standards. The electric field radiated outside the working volume may have significant impact on the nearby electronic systems. In this paper we have computed the radiated far field in time domain and electric field radiation pattern of a hybrid type HEMP simulator in θ and φ plane at various frequencies using Method of Moments. Based on the radiation pattern the orientation of the simulator can be decided to minimize the interference effects to critical electronic systems.
The Role of Adult Attachment Styles in Psychopathology and Psychotherapy Outcomes

Attachment theory provides a model for understanding how the attachment styles formed in infancy systematically affect subsequent psychological functioning across the life span. Attachment styles provide the cognitive schemas, or working models, through which individuals perceive and relate to their worlds. In turn, these schemas predispose the development of psychopathologies and influence outcomes when people undergo psychotherapy. After reviewing recent empirical findings, the authors conclude that an understanding of attachment theory facilitates the conceptualization of clients' problems and the selection of appropriate interventions. Accordingly, attachment styles should be assessed as a standard part of treatment planning. Furthermore, the authors propose that attachment styles should be assessed as individual difference variables in psychotherapy outcome research because adult attachment styles dictate how people perceive and respond to their environments and, therefore, how clients respond differentially to various treatments.
CD56 staining in Merkel cell carcinoma and natural killer‐cell lymphoma: magic bullet, diagnostic pitfall, or both?

Background: Antibodies to CD56 label natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas and neuroendocrine tumors such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In MCC altered by crush artifact or obscured by lymphocytes, the histologic features coupled with CD56 positivity can lead to an erroneous impression of NK‐cell lymphoma.
Observational evidence of African desert dust intensification of easterly waves

This paper presents indirect observational evidence that desert dust can modulate the amplitude of easterly waves in the Atlantic Ocean. Twenty two years of NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and dust from a global transport model are used to characterize the evolution of enhanced easterly waves. Lag composites of analysis increments (analysis minus first–guess) of geopotential height (700–hPa) anomalies indicate larger amplitudes in the analysis than in the first‐guess fields. The results indicate that the temperature structure in the lower troposphere associated with easterly waves is warmer in the analysis than in first–guess fields by about 0.25 K per day. We hypothesize that the differences in the amplitudes are due to radiative effects associated with African dust, which have been incorporated in the reanalysis by data assimilation but absent in the model first–guess.