Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TMC-pattern: holistic trajectory extraction, modeling and mining

Mobility data is Big Data. Modeling such raw big location data is quite challenging in terms of quality and runtime efficiency. Mobility data emanating from smart phones and other pervasive devices consists of a combination of spatio-temporal dimensions, as well as some additional contextual dimensions that may range from social network activities, diseases to telephone calls. However, most existing trajectory models focus only on the spatio-temporal dimensions of mobility data and their regions of interest depict only the popularity of a place. In this paper, we propose a novel trajectory model called Time Mobility Context Correlation Pattern (TMC-Pattern), which considers a wide variety of dimensions and utilizes subspace clustering to find contextual regions of interest. In addition, our proposed TMC-Pattern rigorously captures and embeds infrastructural, human, social and behavioral patterns into the trajectory model. We show theoretically and experimentally, how TMC-Pattern can be used for Frequent Location Sequence Mining and Location Prediction with real datasets.
Providing IoT host-based datasets for intrusion detection research ∗

The high number of vulnerabilities in Internet of Things devices has created malware-prone networks. A type of malware that imposes a serious threat to the Internet security is known as botnets. This malware exploits some vulnerabilities of IoT devices to infect them and perform large-scale Distributed Denial of Service attacks, affecting many users who depend on their services. This work presents the construction of an experimental environment to generate a dataset that contains data from a real IoT device that was infected by botnet malware in a laboratory. The dataset can be used to support the development of defence tools for IoT devices to identify botnets, as it contains network traffic and host-based features, such as, CPU and memory usage. The dataset and network environment files are available for the research community.
Running CLEF-IP Experiments using a Graphical Query Builder

The CWI submission for the CLEF-IP track shows results for out-of-the-box querying using a graphical strategy design interface. This domain-independent search platform has been enriched with patent-specific information, which was then readily available to the query interface. The search strategies for the 4 runs submitted have been constructed by simple drag&drop operations in this graphical interface, subsequently compiled into probabilistic relational algebra (PRA) [3] and SQL, and then executed on a relational high-performance database system [2]. The four search strategies compare boolean search, ranked retrieval, and categorybased re-ranking. The main lesson learned is that using selection on category only yields a high recall.
Social fabric fitness: the design and evaluation of wearable E-textile displays to support group running

Group exercise has multiple benefits including greater adherence to fitness regimens, increased enjoyment among participants, and enhanced workout intensity. While a large number of technology tools have emerged to support real-time feedback of individual performance, tools to support group fitness are limited. In this paper, we present a set of wearable e-textile displays for running groups called Social Fabric Fitness (SFF). SFF provides a glanceable, shared screen on the back of the wearer's shirt to increase awareness and motivation of group fitness performance. We discuss parallel prototyping of three designs-one flexible e-ink and two flexible LED-based displays; the selection and refinement of one design; and two evaluations'a field study of 10 running groups and two case studies of running races. Our qualitative findings indicate that SFF improves awareness of individual and group performance, helps groups stay together, and improves in-situ motivation. We close with reflections for future athletic e-textile displays.
Effect of composition and proteolysis on textural characteristics of Croatian cheese ripen in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz mišine)

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of composition and proteolysis on textural characteristics of Croatian cheese in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz mišine) over a ripening period of 30 days. Ten ovine milk cheese batches were manufactured according to the traditional manufacturing procedures. The content of total solids, fat, proteins (P<0.05) and salt (P<0.01) significantly increased during cheese ripening. Results of this research showed that αs1-casein hydrolysed more rapid in comparison to the β-casein. An extensive and significant (P<0.05) degradation of αs1-casein was accompanied by significant (P<0.05) accumulation of αs1-I-casein. Although β-casein degradation occurred in cheese to a moderate degree, these changes were not statistically significant. However, the level of γ-casein increased significantly (P<0.01) in cheese throughout ripening. Due to the extensive proteolysis, both TCA-SN (P<0.01) and WSN (P<0.05) significantly increased throughout ripening time. Results showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in hardness, cohesiveness and springiness during cheese ripening along with progress of proteolysis. Weakening effect of caseinolysis predominated over the strengthening effect of moisture loss in the texture development of cheese, which could be attributed to the specific conditions in the animal skin sack during ripening.
Interaction with Caveolin-1 Modulates G Protein Coupling of Mouse β3-Adrenoceptor*

Background: Caveolins affect signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Results: Interaction between β3a-adrenoceptors and caveolin-1 facilitates Gs-mediated responses but prevents the receptor from coupling to inhibitory Gi/o proteins. Conclusion: Association of the β3a-adrenoreceptor with caveolin-1 is important in determining the selectivity and efficiency of G protein coupling and signaling. Significance: We demonstrate the functional impact of a GPCR-caveolin association. Caveolins act as scaffold proteins in multiprotein complexes and have been implicated in signaling by G protein-coupled receptors. Studies using knock-out mice suggest that β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) signaling is dependent on caveolin-1; however, it is not known whether caveolin-1 is associated with the β3-AR or solely with downstream signaling proteins. We have addressed this question by examining the impact of membrane rafts and caveolin-1 on the differential signaling of mouse β3a- and β3b-AR isoforms that diverge at the distal C terminus. Only the β3b-AR promotes pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive cAMP accumulation. When cells expressing the β3a-AR were treated with filipin III to disrupt membrane rafts or transfected with caveolin-1 siRNA, the cyclic AMP response to the β3-AR agonist CL316243 became PTX-sensitive, suggesting Gαi/o coupling. The β3a-AR C terminus, SP384PLNRF389DGY392EGARPF398PT, resembles a caveolin interaction motif. Mutant β3a-ARs (F389A/Y392A/F398A or P384S/F389A) promoted PTX-sensitive cAMP responses, and in situ proximity assays demonstrated an association between caveolin-1 and the wild type β3a-AR but not the mutant receptors. In membrane preparations, the β3b-AR activated Gαo and mediated PTX-sensitive cAMP responses, whereas the β3a-AR did not activate Gαi/o proteins. The endogenous β3a-AR displayed Gαi/o coupling in brown adipocytes from caveolin-1 knock-out mice or in wild type adipocytes treated with filipin III. Our studies indicate that interaction of the β3a-AR with caveolin inhibits coupling to Gαi/o proteins and suggest that signaling is modulated by a raft-enriched complex containing the β3a-AR, caveolin-1, Gαs, and adenylyl cyclase.
Effects of preoperative endoanal ultrasound on functional outcome after anal fistula surgery

Objective Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is a recommended preoperative investigation for fistula-in-ano (FiA) which aims to provide the best chance of healing and preservation of continence function. This study aims are (1) to assess effect of EAUS on functional outcome and (2) to determine factors associated with clinical outcomes after FiA surgery. Design Retrospective analysis of subjects with cryptogenic FiA between January 2011 and December 2016, in a tertiary hospital, was performed by comparing EAUS and no-EAUS groups. Postoperative change in St. Mark’s faecal incontinence severity score (cFISS=FISS at 6 months after surgery–FISS before surgery) were compared. General linear model was used to determine factors associated with cFISS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors related to clinical outcomes. A p-value of <0.05 is considered significant. Results We enrolled 339 subjects; 109 (M:F 91:18, mean age 41.7±13.6 years) of 115 in EAUS group and 230 in no-EAUS group (M:F 195:35, mean age 42.6±13.0 years). There were higher proportions of recurrent cases (24.8% vs 13.9%, p=0.014) and complex FiA (80.7% vs 50.4%, p=0.001) in EAUS group. Postoperative FISS (mean±SE) were increased in both groups; preoperative versus postoperative FISS were 0.36±0.20 versus 0.59±0.25 in EAUS group (p=0.056) and 0.31±0.12 versus 0.76±0.17 in no-EAUS group (p<0.001). EAUS had significant effects on cFISS in both univariate analysis, F(1,261)=4.053, p=0.045; and multivariate analysis, F(3,322)=3.147, p=0.025, Wilk’s Lambda 0.972. Other associated factors included recurrent fistula (F(3,322)=0.777, p=0.007, Wilk’s Lambda 0.993) and fistula classification (F(3,322)=16.978, p<0.001, Wilk’s Lambda 0.863). After a mean follow-up of 33.6±28.6 weeks, success rate was 63.3%(EAUS) and 60% (no-EAUS), p=0.822. Factors associated with clinical outcomes were fistula complexity, number of tracts, recurrence, number of previous surgery and type of operations. Accuracy of EAUS was 90.8% and not related to clinical outcomes (p=0.522). Conclusion EAUS had favourable effects on functional outcome after FiA surgery while multiple factors were associated with clinical outcomes. EAUS is useful, accurate, inexpensive and can be the first tool for planning of complex and recurrent FiA.
Selecting object-oriented source code metrics to improve predictive models using a parallel genetic algorithm

Predictive models can be used to discover potentially problematic components. Source code metrics can be used as input features to predictive models, however, there are many structural and design measures that capture related metrics of coupling, cohesion, inheritance, complexity and size. Feature selection is the process of identifying a subset of attributes that improves the performance of a predictive model. This paper presents a prototype that implements a parallel genetic algorithm as a search-based feature selection method that enhances a predictive model's ability to identify cognitively complex components in a Java application.
Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Decreases GAP‐43 Phosphorylation and Protein Kinase C Activity in the Hippocampus of Adult Rat Offspring

Abstract: Consumption of moderate quantities of ethanol during pregnancy produces deficits in long‐term potentiation in the hippocampal formation of adult offspring. Protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated phosphorylation of the presynaptic protein GAP‐43 is critical for the induction of long‐term potentiation. We tested the hypothesis that this system is affected in fetal alcohol‐exposed (FAE) rats by measuring GAP‐43 phosphorylation and PKC activity in the hippocampus of adult offspring of rat dams that had consumed one of three diets throughout gestation: (a) a 5% ethanol liquid diet, which produced a maternal blood ethanol concentration of 83 mg/dl (FAE); (b) an isocalorically equivalent 0% ethanol diet (pair‐fed); or (c) lab chow ad libitum. Western blot analysis using specific antibodies to PKC‐phosphorylated GAP‐43 revealed that FAE rats had an ∼50% reduction in the proportion of phosphorylated GAP‐43. Similarly, we found that PKC‐mediated incorporation of 32P into GAP‐43 was reduced by 85% in hippocampal slices from FAE rats compared with both control groups. FAE animals also showed a 50% reduction in total hippocampal PKC activity, whereas the levels of six major PKC isozymes did not change in any of the diet groups. These results suggest that GAP‐43 phosphorylation deficits in rats prenatally exposed to moderate levels of ethanol are not due to alterations in the expression of either the enzyme or substrate protein, but rather to a defect in kinase activation.
Dimensions of peri-implant mucosa: an evaluation of maxillary anterior single implants in humans.

BACKGROUND Attempts have been made to evaluate the biologic dimension of osseointegrated implants, however, most are histologic studies in animals, and the effect of soft tissue support from adjacent teeth on the interproximal dimension of the peri-implant mucosa for anterior single implants has not been addressed. This study clinically evaluated the dimensions of the peri-implant mucosa around 2-stage maxillary anterior single implants in humans after 1 year of function. The influence of the peri-implant biotype was also examined. METHODS Forty-five patients (20 males and 25 females) with a mean age of 47.3 years were included in this study. A total of 45 maxillary anterior single implant crowns with a mean functional time of 32.5 months (range, 12 to 78) were evaluated. The dimensions of peri-implant mucosa were measured by bone sounding using a periodontal probe at the mesial (MI), mid-facial (F), and distal (DI) aspects of the implant restoration and the proximal aspects (MT, DT) of adjacent natural teeth. In addition, the peri-implant biotype was evaluated and categorized as thick or thin. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t test (P<0.05). RESULTS The means and standard deviations of the dimensions of peri-implant mucosa at MT, MI, F, DI, and DT were 4.20 +/- 0.77 mm, 6.17 +/- 1.27 mm, 3.63 +/- 0.91 mm, 5.93 +/- 1.21 mm, and 4.20 +/- 0.64 mm, respectively. The dimensions of peri-implant mucosa in the thick biotype were significantly greater than the thin biotype at MT, MI, and DT (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The mean facial dimension of peri-implant mucosa of 2-stage implants is slightly greater than the average dimension of the dentogingival complex. The level of the interproximal papilla of the implant is independent of the proximal bone level next to the implant, but is related to the interproximal bone level next to the adjacent teeth. Greater peri-implant mucosal dimensions were noted in the presence of a thick peri-implant biotype as compared to a thin biotype.
The tail of the ParG DNA segregation protein remodels ParF polymers and enhances ATP hydrolysis via an arginine finger-like motif

The ParF protein of plasmid TP228 belongs to the ubiquitous superfamily of ParA ATPases that drive DNA segregation in bacteria. ATP-bound ParF polymerizes into multistranded filaments. The partner protein ParG is dimeric, consisting of C-termini that interweave into a ribbon–helix–helix domain contacting the centromeric DNA and unstructured N-termini. ParG stimulates ATP hydrolysis by ParF ≈30-fold. Here, we establish that the mobile tails of ParG are crucial for this enhancement and that arginine R19 within the tail is absolutely required for activation of ParF nucleotide hydrolysis. R19 is part of an arginine finger-like loop in ParG that is predicted to intercalate into the ParF nucleotide-binding pocket thereby promoting ATP hydrolysis. Significantly, mutations of R19 abrogated DNA segregation in vivo, proving that intracellular stimulation of ATP hydrolysis by ParG is a key regulatory process for partitioning. Furthermore, ParG bundles ParF-ATP filaments as well as promoting nucleotide-independent polymerization. The N-terminal flexible tail is required for both activities, because N-terminal ΔParG polypeptides are defective in both functions. Strikingly, the critical arginine finger-like residue R19 is dispensable for ParG-mediated remodeling of ParF polymers, revealing that the ParG N-terminal tail possesses two separable activities in the interplay with ParF: a catalytic function during ATP hydrolysis and a mechanical role in modulation of polymerization. We speculate that activation of nucleotide hydrolysis via an arginine finger loop may be a conserved, regulatory mechanism of ParA family members and their partner proteins, including ParA-ParB and Soj-Spo0J that mediate DNA segregation and MinD-MinE that determine septum localization.
A new specimen of Platypterygius sachicarum (Reptilia, Ichthyosauria) from the Early Cretaceous of Colombia and its phylogenetic implications

ABSTRACT Platypterygius sachicarum is one of the few Lower Cretaceous ichthyosaurian species described from the Hauterivian–Aptian-aged Paja Formation, the most complete Lower Cretaceous sedimentary sequence in northern South America. To date, P. sachicarum has been described only from a single skull, limiting morphological, stratigraphic, and phylogenetic comparisons. Here, we describe a new skull and associated postcranium of upper Barremian age from Villa de Leyva, Colombia, which represent the first documented postcranial remains of this species and enable detailed comparison with other Early Cretaceous ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs. Platypterygius sachicarum shares many morphological similarities with contemporaneous taxa from Europe but differs in both skull and tooth morphology from coeval South American species from northern South America and from the eastern Pacific. The additional data provide new diagnostic characters for this species and resolve the position of P. sachicarum as part of a polytomy of other species historically referred to Platypterygius. However, as with previous analyses, all recovered clades are poorly supported. The rich vertebrate fossil record of the Paja Formation provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore paleobiogeographic and paleoecological questions pertaining to Cretaceous marine reptiles; however, in most cases, a robust stratigraphic and phylogenetic framework remains elusive.
On integration of event-based estimation and robust MPC in a feedback loop

The main purpose of event-based control, if compared to periodic control, is to minimize data transfer or processing power in networked control systems. Current methods have an (implicit) dependency between triggering the events and the control algorithm. To decouple these two, we introduce an event-based state estimator in between the sensor and the controller. The event-based estimator is used to obtain a state estimate with a bounded covariance matrix in the estimation error at every synchronous time instant, under the assumption that the set in the measurement-space that is used for event generation is bounded. The estimation error is then translated into explicit polytopic bounds that are fed into a robust MPC algorithm. We prove that the resulting MPC closed-loop system is input-to-state stable (ISS) to the estimation error. Moreover, whenever the network requirements are satisfied, the controller could explicitly request for an additional measurement in case there is a desire for a better disturbance rejection.
The Role of Cadmium and Nickel in Estrogen Receptor Signaling and Breast Cancer: Metalloestrogens or Not?

During the past half-century, incidences of breast cancer have increased globally. Various factors—genetic and environmental—have been implicated in the initiation and progression of this disease. One potential environmental risk factor that has not received a lot of attention is the exposure to heavy metals. While several mechanisms have been put forth describing how high concentrations of heavy metals play a role in carcinogenesis, it is unclear whether chronic, low-level exposure to certain heavy metals (i.e., cadmium and nickel) can directly result in the development and progression of cancer. Cadmium and nickel have been hypothesized to play a role in breast cancer development by acting as metalloestrogens—metals that bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the actions of estrogen. Since the lifetime exposure to estrogen is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, anything that mimics its activity will likely contribute to the etiology of the disease. However, heavy metals, depending on their concentration, are capable of binding to a variety of proteins and may exert their toxicities by disrupting multiple cellular functions, complicating the analysis of whether heavy metal-induced carcinogenesis is mediated by the estrogen receptor. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro studies that show a link between the heavy metals, cadmium and nickel, and breast cancer development. We will particularly focus on the studies that test whether these two metals act as metalloestrogens in order to assess the strength of the data supporting this hypothesis.
Women With Eating Disorder Tendencies Display Altered Cardiovascular, Neuroendocrine, and Psychosocial Profiles

Objective Cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and psychosocial profiles were investigated in women with eating disorder tendencies, but who had never met clinical criteria for an eating disorder, and in healthy controls. Methods Twenty-six women who scored in the highest distribution of the Eating Disorder Inventory bulimia subscale (HEDI women) and 27 women who scored in the lowest distribution (LEDI women) completed psychosocial questionnaires, underwent a speech reactivity task for measures of blood pressure and heart rate reactivity, and also underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and urinary neuroendocrine collection. Results The HEDI women exhibited increased blood pressure and heart rate reactivity to the speech task and increased 24-hour urinary cortisol, but decreased 24-hour urinary norepinephrine compared with LEDI women. There were no overall group differences in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure levels, but negative mood and tension were associated with greater systolic blood pressures for all women. Finally, HEDI women reported greater depressive symptoms and anxiety, lower self-esteem and sense of mastery, less social support, poor coping skills, and greater emotional impact of daily stressors relative to LEDI women. Conclusions These results indicate that the same pattern of neuroendocrine and psychosocial profiles seen in prior studies of bulimia nervosa are also present in women with eating disorder tendencies.
Dissipative Process as a Mechanism of Differentiating Internal Structures between Dwarf and Normal Elliptical Galaxies in a Cold Dark Matter Universe

We simulate the dynamical, chemical, and spectrophotometric evolution of dwarf and normal elliptical galaxies embedded in a dark matter halo using a three-dimensional N-body/smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulation code. For the forming dwarf elliptical galaxies, supernova-driven winds propagating outward from inside the system collide with the infalling gas and produce the supershell in which stars are formed. The resulting stellar system forms a loosely bound virialized system due to the significant mass loss and has a large velocity dispersion and a large core. Consequently the surface brightness distribution shows an exponential profile and the color distribution shows a positive gradient such that the colors become redder away from the galaxy center in agreement with observations. On the other hand, for the normal elliptical galaxies with deep gravitational potential, the mass loss out of the system does not have a significant dynamical effect on the stellar system. The resulting surface brightness distribution has a large central concentration like de Vaucouleurs' r1/4 profile and the color distribution shows a negative gradient as observed. Our simulation shows that different features between dwarf and normal elliptical galaxies stem from different cooling efficiencies for their respective protogalaxies in a standard cold dark matter universe.