Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FOXM1 overexpression is associated with cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer and mediates sensitivity to cisplatin in A549 cells via the JNK/mitochondrial pathway.

UNLABELLED The Forkhead box M1 transcription factor (FoxM1) is essential for DNA replication and mitosis, and has important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. To assess the role of FoxM1 in chemoresistance, we investigated FoxM1 protein expression and the correlation between FoxM1 expression, sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapy, and the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We generated a cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cell line (A549/CDDP) that showed elevated expression levels of FoxM1 protein and mRNA relative to those of the parental A549 cells. We investigated the effect of the knockdown or overexpression of FoxM1 on the sensitivity to cisplatin and the possible signaling transduction pathways in these cells. Our results revealed that the positive expression rate of FoxM1 in NSCLC was associated with chemosensitivity to cisplatin and a poor prognosis. When the expression of FoxM1 was inhibited by RNA interference, the sensitivity to cisplatin was enhanced. Inversely, in FoxM1-overexpressing cell models, we observed a reduced sensitivity to cisplatin. Moreover, we showed that the downregulation of FoxM1 enhanced cisplatin-induced A549/CDDP cell apoptosis through the activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)/mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that FoxM1 plays a critical role in chemoresistance to cisplatin and that FoxM1 depletion may be a promising approach to lung cancer therapy. KEYWORDS FoxM1, cisplatin, drug resistance, non-small cell lung cancer, A549, JNK/mitochondrial pathway.
The Australian experience: managing a non‐metropolitan urban water utility ‐ paradigm shifting towards a new mindset

This paper examines the operating environment of non‐metropolitan urban water authorities in Victoria, Australia. It analyses the policy framework within which the industry operates and demonstrates that this framework generates inconsistencies between central agency driven economic outcomes and local politician driven social efficacy outcomes. The paper poses a solution based in a new leadership mindset of entrepreneurially driven core business centres providing co‐ordination rather than direct services and the adoption of an approach recognising discontinuous change rather than the parameters founding “new managerialism” driven by Australian public sector reform agencies. The author asserts that these businesses will be required to paradigm shift ‐ to move from service providers to service managers, to develop networks and strategic alliances with service providers and to embrace mindsets beyond the structured “new managerialism” of the 1980s. The paper draws on studies concerning network organisations, loosely coupled clusters and quality, customer focused solutions. It analyses the need for the implementation of the mindset underpinning these organisations into the sector.
Routine multiple imputation in statistical databases

This paper deals with problems concerning missing data in statistical databases. Multiple imputation is a statistically sound technique for handling incomplete data. Two problems should be addressed before the routine application of the technique becomes feasible. First, if imputations are to be appropriate for more than one statistical analysis, they should be generated independently of any scientific models that are to be applied to the data at a later stage. This is done by finding imputations that will extrapolate the structure of the data, as well as the uncertainty about this structure. A second problem is to use complete-data methods in an efficient way. The HERMES workstation encapsulates existing statistical packages in a client-server model. It forms a natural and convenient environment for implementing multiple imputation. <<ETX>>
Effect of single nucleotide polymorphism on the total number of piglets born per parity of three different pig breeds

Objective To determine the effects of genomic breeding values (GBV) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on the total number of piglets born (TNB) in 3 pig breeds (Berkshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire). Methods After collecting genomic information (Porcine SNP BeadChip) and phenotypic TNB records for each breed, the effects of GBV and SNP were estimated by using single step best linear unbiased prediction (ssBLUP) method. Results The heritability estimates for TNB in Berkshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds were 0.078, 0.107, and 0.121, respectively. The breeding value estimates for TNB in Berkshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds were in the range of −1.34 to 1.47 heads, −1.79 to 1.87 heads, and −2.60 to 2.94 heads, respectively. Of sows having records for TNB, the reliability of breeding value for individuals with SNP information was higher than that for individuals without SNP information. Distributions of the SNP effects on TNB did not follow gamma distribution. Most SNP effects were near zero. Only a few SNPs had large effects. The numbers of SNPs with absolute value of more than 4 standard deviations in Berkshire, Landrace, and Yorkshire breeds were 11, 8, and 19, respectively. There was no SNP with absolute value of more than 5 standard deviations in Berkshire or Landrace. However, in Yorkshire, four SNPs (ASGA 0089457, ASGA0103374, ALGA0111816, and ALGA0098882) had absolute values of more than 5 standard deviations. Conclusion There was no common SNP with large effect among breeds. This might be due to the large genetic composition differences and the small size of reference population. For the precise evaluation of genetic performance of individuals using a genomic selection method, it may be necessary to establish the appropriate size of reference population.
Changing boundaries: The role of policy networks in the multi-level governance of science and innovation in Scotland

Regional boundaries and distinct institutions and policy agendas confer on Scotland a characteristic regional system of innovation that affords multiple opportunities for interactions between policy-makers and policy targets. Scotland should offer a set of circumstances congenial to the operation of policy networks, which might facilitate policy integration. However, the predominance of the public sector and the gate-keeping roles therein still present significant barriers to the effective operation of such networks and militate against an integrated policy approach. This Scottish case study provides lessons on policy-making in multi-level, multi-actor spaces for other regional governance systems. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Quality Utilization Aware Based Data Gathering for Vehicular Communication Networks

The vehicular communication networks, which can employ mobile, intelligent sensing devices with participatory sensing to gather data, could be an efficient and economical way to build various applications based on big data. However, high quality data gathering for vehicular communication networks which is urgently needed faces a lot of challenges. So, in this paper, a fine-grained data collection framework is proposed to cope with these new challenges. Different from classical data gathering which concentrates on how to collect enough data to satisfy the requirements of applications, a Quality Utilization Aware Data Gathering (QUADG) scheme is proposed for vehicular communication networks to collect the most appropriate data and to best satisfy the multidimensional requirements (mainly including data gathering quantity, quality, and cost) of application. In QUADG scheme, the data sensing is fine-grained in which the data gathering time and data gathering area are divided into very fine granularity. A metric named “Quality Utilization” (QU) is to quantify the ratio of quality of the collected sensing data to the cost of the system. Three data collection algorithms are proposed. The first algorithm is to ensure that the application which has obtained the specified quantity of sensing data can minimize the cost and maximize data quality by maximizing QU. The second algorithm is to ensure that the application which has obtained two requests of application (the quantity and quality of data collection, or the quantity and cost of data collection) could maximize the QU. The third algorithm is to ensure that the application which aims to satisfy the requirements of quantity, quality, and cost of collected data simultaneously could maximize the QU. Finally, we compare our proposed scheme with the existing schemes via extensive simulations which well justify the effectiveness of our scheme.
New evidence for hominid presence in the Lower Pleistocene of the Southern Levant.

The site of 'Ubeidiya is located in the Jordan Valley, Israel and has been biochronologically dated to 1.5 m.y. a. It exhibits large lithic and faunal assemblages. Previous published hominid material includes a molar (UB 1701) and I(2) (UB 1700). A recent review of the faunal material from previous excavations has revealed a highly worn hominid right lateral lower incisor (UB 335). The tooth was found in situ in the Lower Pleistocene deposits of stratum I-26a, which is comprised of sand and conglomerates of flint, limestone and basalt indicative of a pebbled lakeshore environment. Taphonomic analysis of the macromammal assemblage indicates high-energy fluvial transport. Paleoecological reconstruction suggests a large woodland fauna with a small percent of open steppe species.UB 335 did not differ significantly from the Lower Pleistocene hominid and modern populations but did differ significantly from all other fossil populations. Two-tailed Student t -test and single classification Model II ANOVA of the buccolingual diameter did not distinguish between Lower Pleistocene species: Homo habilis, H. ergaster and H. cf. erectus. Thus, UB 335 can be identified as a Lower Pleistocene hominid although it cannot be securely assigned to any particular species within that time frame. The current date of the 'Ubeidiya deposits and the location of the site within the Levantine corridor suggests a tenative identification as H. ergaster.
Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose and Derivatives—A Review of Recent Advances in the Production of Furfural

Biobased production of furfural has been known for decades. Nevertheless, bioeconomy and circular economy concepts is much more recent and has motivated a regain of interest of dedicated research to improve production modes and expand potential uses. Accordingly, this review paper aims essentially at outlining recent breakthroughs obtained in the field of furfural production from sugars and polysaccharides feedstocks. The review discusses advances obtained in major production pathways recently explored splitting in the following categories: (i) non-catalytic routes like use of critical solvents or hot water pretreatment, (ii) use of various homogeneous catalysts like mineral or organic acids, metal salts or ionic liquids, (iii) feedstock dehydration making use of various solid acid catalysts; (iv) feedstock dehydration making use of supported catalysts, (v) other heterogeneous catalytic routes. The paper also briefly overviews current understanding of furfural chemical synthesis and its underpinning mechanism as well as safety issues pertaining to the substance. Eventually, some remaining research topics are put in perspective for further optimization of biobased furfural production.
Determinants of Exchange Rates in Tanzania

In this thesis I develop a theoretical model to capture Tanzania’s unique structure of imports and exports. The model implies that the value of real exchange rate, measured as the relative price of foreign goods, should be positively related to tax, negatively related to government consumption, positively related to the expenditure on imports of oil, negatively related to the earnings from gold exports, negatively related to foreign income and positively related to natural or long run output. The empirical analysis of the model was conducted based on data from Tanzania and major trading partners focusing on flexible exchange rate regime period from 1987 to 2012. Graphical analysis reveals that a large component of real exchange rate fluctuations are nominal exchange rate fluctuations. Although unit root and cointegration tests show theoretical implications do not hold empirically in the long run, short run co–movements of taxes and real exchange rate were in line with the predictions of the theoretical model. The theoretical discussion backed by both graphical analysis and granger–causality test results identifies taxation as significant determinant of changes in real exchange rate in Tanzania; at least in the short run. Therefore, a fiscal policy based on tax smoothing and stabilization of nominal exchange rate fluctuations can stabilize real exchange rate fluctuations.
Highly Conductive Thin Uniform Gold‐Coated DNA Nanowires

Over the past decades, DNA, the carrier of genetic information, has been used by researchers as a structural template material. Watson‐Crick base pairing enables the formation of complex 2D and 3D structures from DNA through self‐assembly. Various methods have been developed to functionalize these structures for numerous utilities. Metallization of DNA has attracted much attention as a means of forming conductive nanostructures. Nevertheless, most of the metallized DNA wires reported so far suffer from irregularity and lack of end‐to‐end electrical connectivity. An effective technique for formation of thin gold‐coated DNA wires that overcomes these drawbacks is developed and presented here. A conductive atomic force microscopy setup, which is suitable for measuring tens to thousands of nanometer long molecules and wires, is used to characterize these DNA‐based nanowires. The wires reported here are the narrowest gold‐coated DNA wires that display long‐range conductivity. The measurements presented show that the conductivity is limited by defects, and that thicker gold coating reduces the number of defects and increases the conductive length. This preparation method enables the formation of molecular wires with dimensions and uniformity that are much more suitable for DNA‐based molecular electronics.
Livestock industry in transition: Economic, demographic, and biofuel drivers

The livestock and crop sectors jointly provide food for human life, but they also compete with each other for limited land resources. The global area of agricultural land (including arable land, permanent crops, permanent meadows, and pastures) has increased from 4.56 billion hectares in 1970 to 4.89 billion hectares in 2010. However, per capita agricultural land has decreased from 1.24 ha/person/year to 0.72 ha/ person/year during the same time period. This means that each person must be fed with fewer land resources. The crop and livestock sectors have achieved this through major technological progress which has increased output per unit of land. The tight competition between the two sectors has led the livestock sector to move toward intensifi cation of land use (FAO, 2008, 2009; World Bank, 2009). While livestock is still the largest land-using sector in the world (Steinfeld et al., 2006), its dependency on land has changed during the past decades. Until a few decades ago, the crop sector was allocating a big portion of its cropland to feed crops such as silages, forages, hay, alfalfa, Implications
Association of predeployment gaze bias for emotion stimuli with later symptoms of PTSD and depression in soldiers deployed in Iraq.

OBJECTIVE Biased processing of emotion stimuli is thought to confer vulnerability to psychopathology, but few longitudinal studies of this link have been conducted. The authors examined the relationship between predeployment gaze bias for emotion stimuli and later symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in soldiers deployed to Iraq. METHOD An eye-tracking paradigm was used to assess line of gaze in 139 soldiers while they viewed a two-by-two matrix of fearful, sad, happy, and neutral facial expressions before they were deployed to Iraq. Once they were deployed, the soldiers periodically reported on their levels of war zone stress exposure and symptoms of PTSD and depression. RESULTS War zone stress exposure predicted higher scores on PTSD and depression symptom measures; however, eye gaze bias moderated this relationship. In soldiers with war zone stress exposure, shorter mean fixation time when viewing fearful faces predicted higher PTSD symptom scores, and greater total fixation time and longer mean fixation time for sad faces predicted higher depressive symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS Biased processing of emotion stimuli, as measured by gaze bias, appears to confer vulnerability to symptoms of PTSD and depression in soldiers who experience war zone stress.
Chilling Resistance of Phaseolus vulgaris and Brassica oleracea under a High-Intensity Electric Field

An electric field may have different effects on plant metabolism depending upon its application style and density, and environmental conditions. The effects of an electric field, low temperature, and their combinations on tissue vitality and some physiological variables regarding antioxidant responses of “bean” (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Gina) and “cole” (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Acephale) leaves were studied. Fifteen-day-old seedlings were exposed to an electric field (100 kV m-1) for 10 or 40 min prior to cold treatment. In both plant leaves, cold application caused statistically significant increments in total soluble protein levels and selected antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. However, tissue vitality and H2O2 levels did not change in “cole”, while tissue vitality decreased and H2O2 levels increased in “bean”. Electric field application itself did not cause any significant changes in “bean” and “cole” leaves. On the other hand, 40 min electric field application increased the deteriorative effect of cold in both plant species, while 10 min electric field augmented the chilling resistance by increasing the tissue vitality and antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in decreased H2O2 levels.
Trust in management: The role of employee voice arrangements and perceived managerial opposition to unions

This study examines the relationship between employee voice arrangements and employees' trust in management using data from the 2007 Australian Worker Representation and Participation Survey of 1,022 employees. Drawing on social exchange theory and employee relations literature, we test hypotheses concerning the relationships between direct and union voice arrangements, perceived managerial opposition to unions and employees' trust in management. Consistent with our predictions, after controlling for a range of personal, job and workplace characteristics, regression analyses indicated that direct voice arrangements were positively related to employees' trust in management. Union voice arrangements and perceived managerial opposition to unions were negatively related to trust in management. The article concludes by highlighting the study's implications for management practice and avenues for further research.
Identity vs. Attribute Disclosure Risks for Users with Multiple Social Profiles

Individuals sharing data on today's social computing systems face privacy losses due to information disclosure that go much beyond the data they directly share. Indeed, it was shown that it is possible to infer additional information about a user from data shared by other users--- this type of information disclosure is called attribute disclosure. Such studies, however, were limited to a single social computing system. In reality, users have identities across several social computing systems and reveal different aspects of their lives in each. This enlarges considerably the scope of information disclosure, but also complicates its analysis. Indeed, when considering multiple social computing systems, information disclosure can be of two types: attribute disclosure or identity disclosure--- which relates to the risk of pinpointing, for a given identity in a social computing system, the identity of the same individual in another social computing system. This raises the key question: how do these two privacy risks relate to each other? In this paper, we perform the first combined study of attribute and identity disclosure risks across multiple social computing systems. We first propose a framework to quantify these risks. Our empirical evaluation on a real-world dataset from Facebook and Twitter then shows that, in some regime, there is a tradeoff between the two information disclosure risks, that is, users with a lower identity disclosure risk suffer a higher attribute disclosure risk. We investigate in depth the different parameters that impact this tradeoff.
Off- and on-farm labour participation in Italian farm households

Most farms are family business, both in developed and developing countries. Labour allocation choices of farm household members are therefore relevant both for production choices in the farm and for rural labour markets. In particular, off-farm work and combination of on- and off-farm work (pluriactivity) are viewed as an efficient allocation of household labour resources. Moreover, labour choice of the children of the farm household is relevant for farm succession. In this article, we extend previous literature by estimating in an unified framework labour participation choices both for on- and off-farm work for operators, spouses and their eldest children in working age, using a five equation multivariate probit.
International workshop on networking and object memories for the internet of things (NOMe-IoT 2011)

INTRODUCTION Following the prognosis that predicts 50 to 100 billions of Internet-connected things by 2020, we are now at the cross section of a paradigm shift and observing the metamorphosis that everyday things are going through: from things that learned-to-do to things that are learning-to-think, and finally to things that will learn-to-perceive (sense and response). The Internet of Things (IoT, [2–4]) technology is at the heart of this metamorphosis, and is rapidly gaining global attention from academia, industries, and governments. Manifold definitions of IoT trace back to the ITU vision [1], and also available from European Commission. In general, the IoT concept allows bidirectional communications among device, network, and backend data centers. It covers a wide scope of technologies including wireless/wired sensing, networking,
The Parkes Multibeam Pulsar Survey - V. Finding binary and millisecond pulsars

The Parkes Multibeam Pulsar Survey is the most successful survey of the Galactic plane ever performed, finding over 600 pulsars in the initial processing. We report on a reprocessing of all 40 000 beams with a number of algorithms, including conventional frequency-domain searches and an acceleration search for fast binary pulsars. The very large volume of results coupled with the need to distinguish new candidates from known pulsars and their many harmonics, often with multiple detections from different search algorithms, necessitated the development of a new graphical selection tool tightly linked to a web-based results data base. We discuss and demonstrate the benefits of these software systems, which are specifically designed for large survey projects. The results of this processing have been encouraging. We have discovered 128 new pulsars, including 11 binary and 15 millisecond pulsars; in addition to those previously found in the survey, we have thus far discovered 737 pulsars. In this paper, we discuss the discoveries of PSR J1744-3922 (a 172-ms mildly recycled pulsar in a 4.6-h orbit that exhibits nulling behaviour, not previously observed in recycled or binary objects), PSR J1802-2124 (an intermediate mass binary pulsar) and PSR J1801-1417 (a solitary millisecond pulsar).