Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symbolic execution of NoSQL applications using versioned schemas

NoSQL databases can contain complex and heterogeneous data entries in a non-normalized fashion. Contrary to relational databases, often an explicit schema is optional and differently structured entities can be expected in the same data collection. If an explicit schema is absent, the consuming applications are forced to extract and make sense of the implicit schema without the support of the database itself. Automatic tools for systematic test case-generation currently do not support validating this error-prone procedure. To address this issue, we propose an approach applicable to NoSQL databases. We furthermore present a prototypical glass-box test generation tool, JaSoN, an extension of Symbolic Pathfinder for Java. JaSoN generates test cases for applications using MongoDB and accounts for different schema versions for entities of the same type. For this, the real MongoDB instance is replaced with a symbolic data store by mocking relevant MongoDB interfaces and combining this mock with custom Java bytecode.
A thermal comfort estimation method by wearable sensors

Realizing an environment that could automatically modify temperature and humidity according to human thermal comfort using an air conditioning system, it is necessary to measure the quantified changes of human thermal comfort continually. While quantifying thermal comfort, human biometric data and environmental data from various environments are needed. Therefore, we proposed a method to estimate human thermal comfort through regression analysis with human biometric data acquired by wearable sensors. Since the PMV model is generally used to evaluate human thermal comfort, the PMV value as the correct thermal comfort could be calculated from the PMV formula. We constructed an experiment environment for acquiring the subject's biometric data and gained the subjects' METs and clo value for calculating the PMV value. The biometric data were analyzed in three regression models to predict PMV value, and MAE and RMSE evaluated each regression model. The fewest number of wearable sensors could be confirmed by gradually reducing the feature values of input data of the regression model. As a result, we acknowledged that the human thermal comfort in an indoor environment could be estimated by heart rate data and left-arm temperature data while applying the proposed method to a daily environment.
EBR-RL: energy balancing routing protocol based on reinforcement learning for WSN

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a wireless network that monitors physical environment conditions through resource-constrained sensor nodes and delivers data to a sink node through the network. One of the most important constraints on sensor nodes is their limited power source, which consists of small and irreplaceable batteries. Energy conservation is thus a dominant factor in WSN. Therefore, when designing a routing protocol for WSNs, it is necessary to consider the energy constraint of sensor nodes. In this paper, we consider the energy constraint of sensor nodes and propose an Energy Balancing Routing Protocol using reinforcement learning. The performance of the proposed protocol is compared to other existing energy-efficient routing protocols and the results show that the proposed protocol performs better with regards to energy saving and network lifetime.
A federated fog-cloud framework for data processing and orchestration: a case study in smart cities

The fog computing paradigm has been proposed to alleviate the pressures on cloud platforms for data processing and enable computation-intensive and delay-sensitive applications in smart cities. However, state-of-the-art approaches mainly advocate either cloud-or fog-based data processing solutions, and they also lack a common framework for programming over the fog-cloud continuum. In this paper, we propose a distributed, fog-cloud data processing and orchestration framework, which is capable of exploiting the semantics of both fog platforms and the Cloud. Our framework can create on-demand process engine data flow (PEDF) spanning multiple device layers with various resource constraints. This will considerably help the developers rapidly develop and deploy data processing applications over the fog-cloud continuum. Our proposed framework is validated in a real-world scenario---IoT data streaming analytics for the smart green wall in a smart city---which demonstrates efficient resource usage and latency reduction.
Economic and greenhouse gas emission impacts of doubling of forage area in Manitoba, Canada1

Abstract: Forages are an important part of crop rotations in many agricultural systems. In Manitoba, Canada, almost 40% of the 7 million ha agricultural area is devoted to forage crops and pastures. Use of legume forages to reduce fertilizer cost to producers can improve soil quality and productivity and may provide more options for diversification of the agricultural production system. We tested that whether a twofold increase in forage production for feeding beef cattle would change greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the agriculture and agri-food system and economic returns at the farm in the year 2011. The forage resulting from the increased production was fed to beef cattle. The GHG emissions were calculated using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tiers 1 and 2 methodologies and economic returns through an optimization algorithm maximizing net financial margin. The results suggest that the economic effects, in terms of farm-level profitability, may be minimal (decrease of 0.6%) but are likely sensitive to the market conditions in different years. Doubling the forage area and increasing the cattle herd increased GHG emissions from agriculture by 7.6%, mostly because of methane from enteric fermentation by cattle. The GHG emissions were mitigated by carbon sequestration in soil, but this is likely ephemeral, suggesting that the longer term emissions would be even greater. However, a twofold increase in forage production implies less energy use, change in water dynamics, and a reduction in the use of nitrogenous fertilizer, which could be beneficial for ecosystem services, and needs to be assessed.
Foreword

In the framework of a kinetic theory for tangential discontinuities we modeled the electrical structure of the sheath which separates magnetospheric particle populations of different densities and temperatures. The model can equally be applied to the plasmasheet boundary layer (PSBL) in the tail or to the boundary of some plasmasheet cloud immersed in the central plasmasheet (CPS). With plasma parameters typical of the Earth 's outer magnctosphere and plcusmasheet, we obtain results bearing many features pertinent to magnetospheric processes, specifically the origin of discrete auroral arcs. Creation of a space-charge separation electro-static potential in a direction normal to the magnetic field results from the contact of the two plasma populations. When the large scale solar wind potential difference is further imposed across the transition layer, the potential gradients are locally much enhanced, to give rise to large electric fields (several hundreds mV/m) appearing over small distances perpendicular to the magnetic field just the situation needed for the creation of an auroral arc. The transition itself is characterized by two scale lengths of the plasma and fields variables: the average electron Larmor radius ge (or some multiple of ge) for thin embedded electron-dominated layers which generate the sharpest potential gradients, and the average ion gyroradius gp (or some multiple of gp) for the broader ion-dominated layers located at the outer edges of the transition. The larger scale sizes are appropriate to auroral arcs dimensions. The generated electric potential differences, consistent with the energy acquired by the precipitated electrons associated with discrete aurora, are identified with the source of the electromotive force (EMF) required for the auroral current circuit. Waves-particles interactions are likely to scatter the electrons into the atmospheric loss cone, establishing the current system threading both the EMF and the ionosphere by means of field-aligned currents. The half lifetime of the transition is at least of the order of 1000 s. This is also the time interval during which dissipative processes will not alter significantly the available potential gradients of the initially unloaded EMF. * Institut d'Aeronomie Spatiale de Belgique Avenue Circulaire 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium § Space Environmental Laboratory i NOAA, 325 Broadway, Boulder CO 80303, USA
Angiotensin-(1-7) Central Mechanisms After ICV Infusion in Hypertensive Transgenic (mRen2)27 Rats

Previous data showed hypertensive rats subjected to chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) presented attenuation of arterial hypertension, improvement of baroreflex sensitivity, restoration of cardiac autonomic balance and a shift of cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) balance toward Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor. In the present study, we investigated putative central mechanisms related to the antihypertensive effect induced by ICV Ang-(1-7), including inflammatory mediators and the expression/activity of the RAS components in hypertensive rats. Furthermore, we performed a proteomic analysis to evaluate differentially regulated proteins in the hypothalamus of these animals. For this, Sprague Dawley (SD) and transgenic (mRen2)27 hypertensive rats (TG) were subjected to 14 days of ICV infusion with Ang-(1-7) (200 ng/h) or 0.9% sterile saline (0.5 μl/h) through osmotic mini-pumps. We observed that Ang-(1-7) treatment modulated inflammatory cytokines by decreasing TNF-α levels while increasing the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, we showed a reduction in ACE activity and gene expression of AT1 receptor and iNOS. Finally, our proteomic evaluation suggested an anti-inflammatory mechanism of Ang-(1-7) toward the ROS modulators Uchl1 and Prdx1. Graphical Abstract Hypothalamic mechanisms induced by ICV infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) in the transgenic (mRen2)27 hypertensive animals. Ang-(1-7) treatment modulated components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), attenuating increased levels of AT1 and ACE activity, and negatively modulated inflammatory profile, by increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 and decreasing TNFα and iNOS in the hypothalamus. Further, altered oxidative stress/inflammation by ROS mediator, decreasing Uchl1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1) while increasing antioxidant peroxiredoxin 1 (figure was created with pictures from biorender.com).
Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi Formula Suppresses RIPK1/RIPK3-Complex-Dependent Necroptosis of Hepatocytes Through ROS Signaling and Attenuates Liver Injury in Vivo and in Vitro

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is described as a characteristic of acute jaundice and coagulation dysfunction. Effective treatments for ACLF are unavailable and hence are urgently required. We aimed to define the effect of Yi-Qi-Jian-Pi Formula (YQJPF) on liver injury and further examine the molecular mechanisms. In this study, we established CCl4-, LPS-, and d-galactosamine (D-Gal)-induced ACLF rat models in vivo and LPS- and D-Gal-induced hepatocyte injury models in vitro. We found that YQJPF significantly ameliorates liver injury in vivo and in vitro that is associated with the regulation of hepatocyte necroptosis. Specifically, YQJPF decreased expression of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) to inhibit the migration of RIPK1 and RIPK3 into necrosome. YQJPF also reduces the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α, which were regulated by RIPK3 mediates cell death. RIPK1 depletion was found to enhance the protective effect of YQJPF. Furthermore, we showed that YQJPF significantly downregulates the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial depolarization, with ROS scavenger, 4-hydroxy-TEMPO treatment recovering impaired RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and reducing the expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In summary, our study revealed the molecular mechanism of protective effect of YQJPF on hepatocyte necroptosis, targeting RIPK1/RIPK3-complex-dependent necroptosis via ROS signaling. Overall, our results provided a novel perspective to indicate the positive role of YQJPF in ACLF.
A Simple Flow Amperometric Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Chitosan Scaffolds and Gold Nanowires Modified on a Glassy Carbon Electrode for Detection of Glutamate in Food Products

A glutamate biosensor based on cross-linked glutamate oxidase with chitosan (CHIT) on a carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified gold nanowire (AuNW) was constructed and applied in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system. The AuNW was produced using an alumina template membrane and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a 120-nm diameter. The CHIT cross-linked CNT slurry was mixed with AuNW and cast on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), followed by immobilization with the glutamate oxidase. Optimization of the experimental parameters, including the applied potential, enzyme loading, flow rate, type of buffer and pH, resulted in values of 0.7 V, 30 μL, 1.0 mL min−1, phosphate buffer, and pH 7.4, respectively. The analytical working curve was linear in the ranges from 10 to 100 (R2=0.9981) and 100 to 20,000 μM glutamate (R2=0.9821) with a low detection limit of 1.2 μM (S/N=3). A glutamate biosensor with an FIA system was used to determine glutamate in samples of Thai commercial food products.
Modulation of Peak Alpha Frequency Oscillations During Working Memory Is Greater in Females Than Males

Peak alpha frequency is known to vary not just between individuals, but also within an individual over time. While variance in this metric between individuals has been tied to working memory performance, less understood are how short timescale modulations of peak alpha frequency during task performance may facilitate behavior. This gap in understanding may be bridged by consideration of a key difference between individuals: sex. Inconsistent findings in the literature regarding the relationship between peak alpha frequency and cognitive performance, as well as known sex-related-differences in peak alpha frequency and its modulation motivated our hypothesis that cognitive and neural processes underlying working memory—modulation of peak alpha frequency in particular—may differ based upon sex. Targeting sex as a predictive factor, we analyzed the EEG data of participants recorded while they performed four versions of a visual spatial working memory task. A significant difference between groups was present: females modulated peak alpha frequency more than males. Task performance did not differ by sex, yet a relationship between accuracy and peak alpha frequency was present in males, but not in females. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a factor in the study of oscillatory activity, particularly to further understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie working memory.
Extracellular Vesicle Mediated Tumor-Stromal Crosstalk Within an Engineered Lung Cancer Model

Tumor-stromal interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence lung cancer progression and response to therapeutic interventions, yet traditional in vitro studies fail to replicate the complexity of these interactions. Herein, we developed three-dimensional (3D) lung tumor models that mimic the human TME and demonstrate tumor-stromal crosstalk mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs released by tumor cells, independent of p53 status, and fibroblasts within the TME mediate immunomodulatory effects; specifically, monocyte/macrophage polarization to a tumor-promoting M2 phenotype within this 3D-TME. Additionally, immune checkpoint inhibition in a 3D model that included T cells showed an inhibition of tumor growth and reduced hypoxia within the TME. Thus, perfused 3D tumor models incorporating diverse cell types provide novel insights into EV-mediated tumor-immune interactions and immune-modulation for existing and emerging cancer therapies.
Survey on Antimicrobial Drug Use Practices in California Preweaned Dairy Calves

The California (CA) dairy industry was surveyed in July 2017 to evaluate producers' knowledge and perceptions and antimicrobial drug (AMD) use in preweaned dairy calves following the implementation of the nationwide veterinary feed directive final rule (VFD) in January 2017 and prior to statewide implementation of CA Senate Bill (SB) 27 in January 2018. Together, these regulations require veterinary oversight for all uses of medically important antimicrobial drugs (MIADs) administered to livestock in CA. Survey questionnaire was mailed to 1,361 CA Grade A milk producing dairies and calf ranches across CA resulting in a 12% (169) response. Most respondents (83%) were aware of the VFD and SB 27 changes. Use of antibiotics was perceived as important (77%) in raising preweaned dairy calves and judicious use of antibiotics was ranked as the most important antimicrobial stewardship practice, amongst record keeping, observing withdrawal periods, having a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR), and use of alternatives to antibiotics. Treating sick calves was the major indication for AMD use (90.5%); however, few producers reported use of antibiotics to control (12.7%) or prevent disease (11%). Neomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and sulfamethazine were the most used AMD. The respondents reported a decreased use of AMD in milk (10%) and in solid feed (5%), and discontinuation of one or more AMDs used in milk (18.6%) or in solid feed (5%) post-VFD rule implementation in 2017. Most respondents reported keeping treatment records and the information recorded included date (82%), dose (44%) and route (15%) of AMD used. A few respondents reported they had initiated use of alternatives to AMDs, such as vitamins (32.6%), minerals (25.6%), herbal remedies (11.6%) and pathogen specific antibodies (7%), post-VFD. The limited changes noted in AMD use could be attributed to the short period between the implementation of the VFD and the time of the survey. Our study outcomes identified opportunities to improve AMD use practices, including record keeping and use of AMD alternatives, and provides a baseline for future evaluation of the impact of these regulatory changes, as well as guidance for the future recommendations on best practices to promote judicious AMD use.
Emodin Alleviates Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting the Cold-Inducible RNA-Binding Protein (CIRP)-Mediated Activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/CXCL1 Signaling

Objective: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can lead to acute lung injury (ALI). This study investigated the therapeutic effect of emodin and its molecular mechanisms in a rat model of SAP-ALI. Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the groups: Control (CON), SAP (SAP), emodin (EMO), and C23 (C23). The latter three groups of rats were induced for SAP-ALI by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct and were treated with vehicle, emodin or C23, respectively. One day post induction, their pancreatic and lung injury was assessed by histology and arterial blood gas analysis. In vitro, rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383 cells) were treated with recombinant rat CIRP in the presence or absence of TAK242 (a TLR4 inhibitor), C23 or emodin. The CIRP-mediated activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/CXCL1 signaling in rat lungs and NR8383 cells was determined. Similarly, the role of IL-1β in the CIRP-induced CXCL1 expression was investigated. Results: Emodin treatment significantly reduced inflammation and tissue damages in the pancreatic and lung tissues in rats with SAP-ALI, accompanied by decreasing serum amylase, CIRP and IL-1β levels and improving lung function. Furthermore, emodin significantly mitigated the SAP-up-regulated CIRP expression in the pancreatic islets and lung tissues, and attenuated the SAP-activated NF-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome formation and CXCL1 expression in lung resident macrophages as well as neutrophil infiltration in the lungs of rats. In addition, treatment with CIRP significantly activated the NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome formation and induced IL-1β and CXCL1 expression and pyroptosis in NR8383 cells, which were abrogated by TAK242 and significantly mitigated by C23 or emodin. Moreover, CIRP only induced very lower levels of CXCL1 expression in IL-1β-silencing NR8383 cells and treatment with IL-1β induced CXCL1 expression in NR8383 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Conclusion: Emodin may inhibit the CIRP-activated NLRP3/IL-1β/CXCL1signaling to decrease neutrophil infiltration and ameliorate the SAP-ALI in rats.
Leflunomide Induces Dose-Dependent Lung Injury in Mice via Stimulating Vimentin and NLRP3 Inflammasome Production

Recently, the therapeutic importance of the anti-rheumatic drug, leflunomide, has been increased after the involvement of leflunomide in treating other autoimmune diseases and its promising role in retarding human malignancies. Few studies have focused on the safety in human or animals without clear outlining of the pathologic features on target organs. One clinical study related leflunomide with significant pulmonary complications in predisposed individuals. The current study examined the dose-dependent lung injury produced by leflunomide in healthy mice. Albino mice were allocated into four different groups. Group (1): Vehicle control group, Group (2–4): mice received leflunomide (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg), respectively, for 8 weeks and then lungs were dissected from the mice for histopathological examination and fibrosis evaluation (Masson’s trichrome staining and α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the vimentin and other inflammatory factors in the lung homogenate whereas Western blot analysis was employed to assess α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin and collagen 1. Results indicated that leflunomide induced dose-dependent pulmonary injury and the high dose and increased the vimentin, inflammatory markers (NLRP3 and interlukin-1β). Histologic examination showed distorted architecture, marked inflammatory cells infiltrate and increase collagen content. The findings were supported by Western blotting and the immunohistochemical study which showed greater pulmonary α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin content. In conclusion, the current results highlighted that leflunomide produced dose-dependent pulmonary toxicities that requires further investigation of the nature of injury.