Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Property Market and the Macroeconomy of Mainland China: A Cross Region Study

This paper studies the nexus between the property market and macroeconomy of China in 1998-2004, using panel data models covering 31 provinces and major cities. The estimates suggest three main conclusions. First, there seemed to be a two-way linkage between property prices and GDP growth. Second, bank credit expansion did not seem to play an 'accelerating' role in property price inflation, although the latter is found to have contributed to bank credit increases in recent years. Third, property price growth may have deviated from fundamentals in coastal areas, as evidenced by a negative relationship between housing and rental prices. Copyright 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Search Engine Technology and Digital Libraries: Moving from Theory to Practice

This article describes the development of a modern search engine-based information retrieval setting from its envisioning through to its technological realization. The author takes up the thread of an earlier article on this subject (ZfBB 51 (2004), 5/6), this time from a technical viewpoint. After presenting the conceptual considerations of the initial stages,this article deals principally with the technological aspects of the project.
Comparing whole-genome amplification methods and sources of biological samples for single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping.

High-throughput genotyping systems promise to be an efficient means of identifying susceptibility genes involved in the etiology of non-Mendelian disorders. Adequate amounts of high-quality DNA are essential, however, for large-scale genotyping studies (1). The supply of genomic DNA is frequently limited, and the quality of DNA obtained from oral buccal swabs or Guthrie cards has not been thoroughly evaluated for high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping (2)(3). Whole-genome amplification (WGA) technologies offer the opportunity to expand DNA from depleted biological samples. The first generation of WGA strategies (i.e., PCR-based methods) (4)(5), however, was limited by substantial amplification bias and incomplete coverage of genetic markers (6)(7). Recently, new strategies for WGA, such as multiple displacement amplification (MDA) or OmniPlex® WGA technology (Rubicon Genomics) have been developed. MDA is an isothermal amplification with the bacteriophage φ29 DNA polymerase (6)(8), whereas OmniPlex uses in vitro libraries with fragmented DNA (∼1.5 kb) to amplify the entire genome by PCR (9). To apply WGA technology to BeadArray™ genotyping (Illumina), the utility of MDA and/or OmniPlex on DNA samples derived from lymphoblast cells has been evaluated (9)(10). In this study, we determined the genotyping success rate and reliability of 2 MDA variants (8)(11) and OmniPlex with and without 7-deaza-dGTP, using buccal swabs, whole blood, dried blood spots, and sheared genomic DNA on 1260- and 1228-SNP BeadArray panels. The 7-deaza-dGTP nucleotide analog was included in an attempt to ensure amplification of GC-rich DNA. After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained, DNA samples were collected from participants in a study of oral clefts (12). Genomic DNA samples were prepared from peripheral blood by protein precipitation (13). Buccal cells were obtained by rubbing the inside of cheeks with a brush (Medical Packaging), and DNA …
Effects of Working Memory Training on L2 Proficiency and Working Memory Capacity

The current study examined the effects of working memory training on working memory capacity and second language ability in adult learners of Spanish. In order to maximize the effect of the training for language learners, the stimuli for the training tasks were Spanish words and sentences. While the training group did not show greater improvements on working memory assessments relative to controls, they did show more native-like patterns in a Spanish self-paced reading task. The combination of second language materials with working memory training may be helping users learn to cope with the increased processing demands associated with learning a new language, even if they are not necessarily improving their working memory.
Physico-chemical characterisation of functional electrospun scaffolds for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Introduction Electrospun fibres have received much attention for their potential application in Tissue Engineering [1]. These fibrous scaffolds are similar to native collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix both in scale and 3D arrangement. This study investigates the potential of the electrospinning technique to build a three-dimensional construct recapitulating the zonal matrix of the bone-cartilage interface. Mimicking the zonal organisation of this interface will help the production of functional osteochondral grafts for regeneration of skeletal joint defects [2,3].
Adjusting Linear Information Models for the Asymmetric Timeliness of Earnings

We provide evidence that conditional conservatism could be better captured in linear information models (LIMs), which largely rely on analysts' forecasts, if analysts would adjust their optimistic forecast for the asymmetric timeliness of earnings. Since adjusting the forecast requires information of the next period the adjusted model could be regarded as a benchmark to investigate conditional conservatism in LIMs. We demonstrate that for a joint parameter estimation of the Choi/O'Hanlon/Pope (2006) model based on adjusted forecasts valuation errors are reduced. For a market-to-book specific implementation the adjusted model improves valuation errors for the 30% highest conservative firms. Moreover, the adjustment reduces the asymmetric timeliness in the valuation error indicating that the adjusted model helps capturing conditional conservatism. Our results imply that LIMs will benefit from an adjustment for conditional conservatism particularly in the case of a joint parameter estimation and when concern is with high conservative firms.
Representing and Visualizing Travel Diary Data: A Spatio-temporal GIS Approach

Travel diary data (TDD) is an important disaggregate data source for transportation research. It is an example of multi-dimensional data that combines spatial, temporal, and attribute information. A proper representation of TDD can help researchers extract useful information from the data set. Current GIS is mainly designed to handle spatial and attribute data, lacking the representation of temporal aspect of spatial objects. In this paper, we present a time-enabled GIS design to represent and visualize TDD. Space-time path concept of time geography is adopted to organize the trips in TDD. The proposed design is implemented on the ArcGIS 8 platform. Under this approach, space-time paths can be generated from TDD and stored as a feature class in ESRI’s geodatabase data model. Using time as the third dimension, visualization of space-time path is provided in a customized ArcScene environment. This spatio-temporal GIS design offers an effective approach for representation and visualization of TDD. It also provides researchers with useful tools to explore and extract spatio-temporal information hidden in TDD.
Surface groups and 3-manifolds which fiber over the circle

Geometrization theorem, fibered case: Every three-manifold that fibers over the circle admits a geometric decomposition. Double limit theorem: for any sequence of quasi-Fuchsian groups whose controlling pair of conformal structures tends toward a pair of projectively measured laminations that bind the surface, there is a convergent subsequence. This preprint also analyzes the quasi-isometric geometry of quasi-Fuchsian 3-manifolds. This eprint is based on a 1986 preprint, which was refereed and accepted for publication, but which I neglected to correct and return. The referee's corrections have now been incorporated, but it is largely the same as the 1986 version (which was a significant revision of a 1981 version).
Susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans biofilms to photodynamic therapy: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of toluidine blue O (TBO), in combination with either a helium/neon (HeNe) laser or a light-emitting diode (LED), on the viability and architecture of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. METHODS Biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs in a constant depth film fermentor fed with artificial saliva that was supplemented with 2% sucrose four times a day, thus producing a typical 'Stephan pH curve'. Photodynamic therapy was subsequently carried out on biofilms of various ages with light from either the HeNe laser or LED using energy densities of between 49 and 294 J/cm(2). RESULTS Significant decreases in the viability of S. mutans biofilms were only observed when biofilms were exposed to both TBO and light, when reductions in viability of up to 99.99% were observed with both light sources. Overall, the results showed that the bactericidal effect was light dose-dependent and that older biofilms were less susceptible to photodynamic therapy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images suggested that lethal photosensitization occurred predominantly in the outermost layers of the biofilms. CONCLUSIONS Photodynamic therapy may be a useful approach in the treatment of dental plaque-related diseases.
Iwssip 2010 -17th International Conference on Systems, Signals and Image Processing 503 Ships Angular Position Detection Using Computer Vision Techniques and Artificial Neural Networks

—This paper presents a system for detecting angular position of warships, using features extraction techniques from acquired digital imaging and artificial neural networks. The used ships images are graphically generated by three-dimensional solid modeling software. Different groups of features are considered. They are obtained from modelled ships at different angles and zooms. Tests using neural networks were applied to three distinct characteristics groups: geometric, invariant moments and the Hu moments. The main is achieving a recognition algorithm for identification of the ship angular direction regardless of their distance from the viewer. The methodology produced good results concerning the target spatial position information. In next future this will be applied in real infrared images of Brazilian navy ships.
Safety of Bevacizumab on Extraocular Muscle in a Rabbit Model

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the myotoxicity of bevacizumab on extraocular muscles in a rabbit model. Methods Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. The animals were evenly divided into two groups. In the first group, 15 rabbits were treated with intramuscular injections of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) in the right superior rectus muscle and normal saline solution (0.05 mL) in the left superior rectus muscle. In the second group, 15 rabbits were treated with subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 mL) in the right superior subconjunctival area and normal saline solution (0.1 mL) in the left superior subconjunctival area. Five rabbits in each group were sacrificed at one day, two weeks and four weeks after the injections. Extraocular muscle samples were prepared for light microscopic (LM) and electron microscopic (EM) examination. Degrees of acute inflammation were evaluated via CD-11b immunohistochemistry, and global muscle change was investigated using hematoxylin and eosin stains. Intensity of fibrosis was evaluated using Masson trichrome stains, and ultrastructural changes were observed on EM. Results We observed no significant inflammatory cell infiltration, muscle necrosis or fibrotic change in treated and control eyes. EM findings revealed no significant damage to muscle or vascular tissue after bevacizumab injection. Conclusions We found no signs of extraocular muscle toxicity after LM and EM intramuscular and subconjunctival bevacizumab injections in a rabbit model.
Virus Infections on Prion Diseased Mice Exacerbate Inflammatory Microglial Response

We investigated possible interaction between an arbovirus infection and the ME7 induced mice prion disease. C57BL/6, females, 6-week-old, were submitted to a bilateral intrahippocampal injection of ME7 prion strain (ME7) or normal brain homogenate (NBH). After injections, animals were organized into two groups: NBH (n = 26) and ME7 (n = 29). At 15th week after injections (wpi), animals were challenged intranasally with a suspension of Piry arbovirus 0.001% or with NBH. Behavioral changes in ME7 animals appeared in burrowing activity at 14 wpi. Hyperactivity on open field test, errors on rod bridge, and time reduction in inverted screen were detected at 15th, 19th, and 20th wpi respectively. Burrowing was more sensitive to earlier hippocampus dysfunction. However, Piry-infection did not significantly affect the already ongoing burrowing decline in the ME7-treated mice. After behavioral tests, brains were processed for IBA1, protease-resistant form of PrP, and Piry virus antigens. Although virus infection in isolation did not change the number of microglia in CA1, virus infection in prion diseased mice (at 17th wpi) induced changes in number and morphology of microglia in a laminar-dependent way. We suggest that virus infection exacerbates microglial inflammatory response to a greater degree in prion-infected mice, and this is not necessarily correlated with hippocampal-dependent behavioral deficits.
Palmiwon attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation and hyperlipidemia in a menopausal rat model

ObjectiveWe examined the phytoestrogenic effects of palmiwon on breast carcinoma, lipid accumulation in methyl-&bgr;-cyclodextrin–induced HepG2 cells, and lipid-related diseases in a rat model of menopausal hyperlipidemia. MethodsE-Screen assay was used to screen for phytoestrogens, especially those with antiestrogenic activity, in MCF-7 cells. Oil Red O staining and intracellular cholesterol analyses were used to quantify cellular cholesterol levels. 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase assay was used to measure enzyme activity. The levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinases and products of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis were measured by Western blot analysis. Thirty rats were either ovariectomized or sham-operated and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5)—Sham, OVX, OVX-SV, or OVX-PMW (50, 150, or 450 mg/kg) group—for 8 weeks. A number of targets associated with lipid-related diseases were examined to confirm the estrogenic effects of palmiwon. ResultsPalmiwon showed antiestrogenic activity in MCF-7 cells. Palmiwon decreased lipid accumulation, total cholesterol levels, and low-density lipoprotein/very-low-density lipoprotein levels in HepG2 cells. Moreover, palmiwon reversed the effects of methyl-&bgr;-cyclodextrin on cholesterol synthesis regulators and inhibited the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase was stimulated by palmiwon. In ovariectomized rats, palmiwon reduced retroperitoneal and perirenal fat accumulation, serum lipids, atherogenic index, cardiac risk factor score, intima-media thickness, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis scores. ConclusionsThese results indicate that palmiwon inhibits lipid accumulation without estrogenic activity in the breast. Therefore, palmiwon may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in postmenopausal women.
Quantifier Free Definability on Infinite Algebras

An operation f : A<sup>n</sup> → A on the domain A of an algebra A is definable if there exists a first order logic formula ϕ ( x̄ , y ) with parameters from A such that for all ā ∈ A<sup>n</sup> and b ∈ A we have f(ā)=b iff 𝒜 | = ϕ(ā,b). The goal of this paper is to study definability of operations by quantifier-free formulas on countable infinite algebras from computability and model-theoretic definability points of view.
Sampling Bloom Filter-Based Detection of Unknown RFID Tags

Unknown RFID tags appear when the unread tagged objects are moved in or tagged objects are misplaced. This paper studies the practically important problem of unknown tag detection while taking both time-efficiency and energy-efficiency of battery-powered active tags into consideration. We first propose a Sampling Bloom Filter which generalizes the standard Bloom Filter. Using the new filtering technique, we propose the Sampling Bloom Filter-based Unknown tag Detection Protocol (SBF-UDP), whose detection accuracy is tunable by the end users. We present the theoretical analysis to minimize the time and energy costs. SBF-UDP can be tuned to either the time-saving mode or the energy-saving mode, according to the specific requirements. Extensive simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed protocol. The experimental results show that SBF-UDP considerably outperforms the previous related protocols in terms of both time-efficiency and energy-efficiency. For example, when 3 or more unknown tags appear in the RFID system with 30000 known tags, the proposed SBF-UDP is able to successfully report the existence of unknown tags with a confidence more than 99%. While our protocol runs 9 times faster than the fastest existing scheme and reducing the energy consumption by more than 80%.
Research on search probability and camera footprint of region coverage for UAVs

This paper investigates the search probability and camera footprint of region coverage for UAVs. Two kinds of search probability by using the UAV camera are proposed. Moreover, the relationship between the UAV altitude and the camera footprint is also studied in this paper. Some Formulars concerned with the UAV camera footprint are developed in two cases: flat flying and roll motion, and yaw motion. The formulars can be used to obtain the length and width of the camera footprint and the coordinate transformation between the UAV centroid and the footprint center respectively. Finally, the front-mounted angle of camera is discussed in this paper to ensure the region coverage more effective.
Approximation of a simple Navier-Stokes model by monotonic rearrangement

We consider a Navier-Stokes model for compressible fluids in one space dimension. We show that it can be approximated by a time-discrete scheme combining the discretization of a trivial stochastic differential equation and the application of a suitable monotonic rearrangement operator In addition, our result can be easily extended to a related Navier-Stokes-Poisson system.
An Advanced, Three-Dimensional Plotting Library for Astronomy

Abstract We present a new, three-dimensional (3D) plotting library with advanced features, and support for standard and enhanced display devices. The library — s2plot — is written in c and can be used by c, c++, and fortran programs on GNU/Linux and Apple/OSX systems. s2plot draws objects in a 3D (x,y,z) Cartesian space and the user interactively controls how this space is rendered at run time. With a pgplot-inspired interface, s2plot provides astronomers with elegant techniques for displaying and exploring 3D data sets directly from their program code, and the potential to use stereoscopic and dome display devices. The s2plot architecture supports dynamic geometry and can be used to plot time-evolving data sets, such as might be produced by simulation codes. In this paper, we introduce s2plot to the astronomical community, describe its potential applications, and present some example uses of the library.
Monitoring peripheral blood flow change using transmission photoplethysmography sensor

Perfusion monitoring plays an important role in determining tissue oxygenation. This paper presents a non-invasive method to monitor peripheral blood flow changes, as an indicator for perfusion. A transmission mode finger sensor and a vascular Doppler ultrasound monitor were used to acquire photoplethysmograph (PPG) and blood velocity data. A series of vascular occlusion tests were conducted on 7 healthy human volunteers using a pressure cuff, to induce changes in peripheral blood flow conditions. The high frequency PPG signal (PPGAC) pulse amplitude was determined as an estimate for volumetric blood flow. Results shows PPGAC amplitude can detect changes in peripheral flow, with respect to the ultrasound Doppler. The two measurements showed good positive correlation (R2=0.705/ However, this correlation may degrade with significant dynamic change in vessel diameter and/or at high blood flow conditions.
Proteomic Study of Retinal Proteins Associated with Transcorneal Electric Stimulation in Rats

Background. To investigate how transcorneal electric stimulation (TES) affects the retina, by identifying those proteins up- and downregulated by transcorneal electric stimulation (TES) in the retina of rats. Methods. Adult Wistar rats received TES on the left eyes at different electrical currents while the right eyes received no treatment and served as controls. After TES, the eye was enucleated and the retina was isolated. The retinas were analyzed by proteomics. Results. Proteomics showed that twenty-five proteins were upregulated by TES. The identified proteins included cellular signaling proteins, proteins associated with neuronal transmission, metabolic proteins, immunological factors, and structural proteins. Conclusions. TES induced changes in expression of various functional proteins in the retina.
Limit theorems on large deviations for semimartingales

We consider a sequence $X^n=(X^n_t)_{t\ge 0},n\ge 1$ of semimartingales. Each $X^n$ is a weak solution to an It\^o equation with respect to a Wiener process and a Poissonian martingale measure and is in general non-Markovian process. For this sequence, we prove the large deviation principle in the Skorokhod space $D=D_{[0,\infty)}$. We use a new approach based on of exponential tightness. This allows us to establish the large deviation principle under weaker assumptions than before.
The role of hypermethylation of thehMLH1 promoter region in HNPCC versus MSI+ sporadic colorectal cancers

INTRODUCTION Hypermethylation of the promoter region of the hMLH1 gene is associated with absent expression of MLH1 protein in sporadic colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI+), and it has been proposed that methylation may be a mechanism of inactivation in Knudson's hypothesis. The incidence of hypermethylation of thehMLH1 promoter in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) versus MSI+ sporadic colorectal cancer was investigated and compared. METHODS DNA was available from 10 HNPCC colorectal cancers (median age 58 years, range 39-67) with germline mutations in hMLH1 and 10 MSI+ sporadic colorectal cancers (mean age 79 years, range 41-85). MSI was determined by amplification of BAT26 and TGF-β RII. The methylation status of the hMLH1 promoter was studied by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) basedHpaII restriction enzyme assay technique. Evidence of allelic loss at hMLH1 was searched for in the HNPCC colorectal cancers. RESULTS All cases were confirmed to be MSI+. The promoter region of hMLH1 was hypermethylated in seven of 10 MSI+ sporadic cancers versus 0 of 10 HNPCC cancers (p<0.002). Evidence of loss of heterozygosity athMLH1 was observed in eight of the 10 HNPCC colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION While mutations and allelic loss are responsible for the MSI+ phenotype in HNPCC cancers, the majority of MSI+ sporadic cancers are hypermethylated in the promoter region of hMLH1. These data further support our argument that tumours from HNPCC patients, which almost always acquire a raised mutation rate, mostly follow a different pathway from MSI+ sporadic tumours.