Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Geographic Information Systems to Improve Real Estate Analysis

Geographic information systems (GIS) technology provides users with the ability to improve real estate analysis. First, we describe GIS in general and then discuss some GIS real estate applications. Next, we illustrate how GIS can be used to calculate a shortest-path algorithm that produces a location variable superior to the traditionally used straight-line distance variable. Our sample provides empirical evidence of a statistically significant relationship between residential sales prices and the additional information provided by the GIS-created variable.
Butyrate upregulates the TLR4 expression and the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NK-κB in colon cancer cell in vitro

Microbiota and its induced inflammation in colorectal mucosa have been considered risk factors for the development of colorectal carcinogenesis. Previous studies demonstrated that the coexisting elements of microbiota in the gut, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which exhibited regulatory effects on the intestinal epithelial cells individually. Unfortunately, the association between butyrate and the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in the development of colon cancer is not fully elucidated. In the present study, by culturing human colon cancer SW480 cells or mouse colon cancer CT26 cells with butyrate and/or TLR4 ligand LPS in vitro, it was identified that butyrate suppressed the growth and promoted apoptosis of these cancer cells. Notably, the expression levels of TLR4 and CD14 were markedly increased on these butyrate-treated cells, but not on LPS-alone treated cells. Additionally, butyrate treatment induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, tumor protein 38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, and then promoted the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, but not interleukin 6 secretion in SW480 and CT26 cells. Therefore, butyrate treatment regulates the expression of TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB signal pathway activation and pro-inflammatory response in vitro. Although the exact mechanisms have not been fully explored, these results suggested that butyrate and LPS-TLR4 signaling mediated innate immunity in colon cancer cells through two distinct but inter-regulated pathways. Thus, butyrate can further initiate innate immunity against tumor cells by upregulating the TLR4 expression and activation to preserve intestinal homeostasis.
Caffeine Mediated Dissociation of a Potential Mutagen from DNA Mimetics, DNA and Cellular Nuclei: Ultrafast Spectroscopic Studies

We present femtosecond to nanosecond-resolved studies of the dynamics of aqueous solvation within self-assembled dimeric structure of caffeine molecules. We have extended our studies in various temperatures in order to explore structural evolution of the self assemblies and consequently the dynamics of solvation in the interior of the dimer. Furthermore, we report a systematic investigation of caffeine induced dissociation of ethidium (Et) cation, a potential mutagen from nucleic acids and biomimetic systems. Time-resolved fluorescence studies are consistent with a mechanism where caffeine-Et complex formation in bulk solution drives the dissociation of DNA-bound Et. Temperature dependent picosecond resolved studies show the caffeine-Et complex to be stable over a wide range of temperature, within and beyond the normal physiological limit. A combination of NMR spectroscopy and DLS experiments allowed us to propose a molecular model of caffeine-Et complex. Caffeine induced extraction of Et from whole cells were also performed on squamous epithelial cells collected from the inner lining of the human mouth, A549 (lung carcinoma), A375 (human skin), RAW (macrophage) and Vero (African green monkey kidney epithelium) cell lines. Interestingly, the efficiency of caffeine in extracting Et has been found to be dependent on cell types. Our steady state and picosecond resolved spectroscopic studies on the detachment of Et from various biomimicking micelles of different charges reveal the specificity of caffeine molecule for carrying out such dissociation. The picosecond resolved Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies between a DNA minor groove binder dye Hoeschst 33258 (H258, donor) and Et (acceptor) have been employed to investigate the alteration in their association in presence of caffeine in the molecular level. Finally, our fluorescence micrographs of epithelial cells validate the alteration of FRET efficiency between the donor and the acceptor due to the caffeine mediated release of the latter. Our results both in-vitro as well as ex-vivo provide important clues about efficiency and role of caffeine as a potential anti-mutagenic therapeutic agent
Preliminary phytochemical, analgesic and anti- inflammatory studies of the methanol extract of Anisopus mannii (N.E.Br) (Asclepiadaceae) in rodents

The methanol extract of the aerial parts of Anisopus mannii was evaluated for its analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. The analgesic effect was studied using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test in mice, while the anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. The results of the study showed that the extract (40 mg/Kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.01) analgesic effect. It also exhibited significant (P < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. The extract was found to have an intraperitoneal LD50 of 282.8 mg/kg in mice. The results showed that the extract contains some pharmacologically active principles and lend pharmacological credence to the ethnomedical use of the plant in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.
Estrogen‐mediated neuroprotection against β‐amyloid toxicity requires expression of estrogen receptor α or β and activation of the MAPK pathway

It is well documented that estrogen can activate rapid signaling pathways in a variety of cell types. These non‐classical effects of estrogen have been reported to be important for cell survival after exposure to a variety of neurotoxic insults. Since direct evidence of the ability of the estrogen receptors (ERs) α and/or β to mediate such responses is lacking, the hippocampal‐derived cell line HT22 was stably transfected with either ERα (HTERα) or ERβ (HTERβ). In HTERα and HTERβ cells, but not untransfected cells, an increase in ERK2 phosphorylation was measured within 15 min of 17β‐estradiol treatment. The ER antagonist ICI 182, 780 (1 µm) and the MEK inhibitor, PD98059 (50 µm) blocked this increase in ERK2 phosphorylation. Treatment of HT22, HTERα and HTERβ cells with the β‐amyloid peptide (25–35) (10 µm) resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability. Pre‐treatment for 15 min with 10 nm 17β‐estradiol resulted in a 50% increase in the number of living cells in HTERα and HTERβ cells, but not in HT22 cells. Finally, ICI 182, 780 and PD98059 prevented 17β‐estradiol‐mediated protection. This study demonstrates that both ERα and ERβ can couple to rapid signaling events that mediate estrogen‐elicited neuroprotection.
Did the Voluntary Price Reporting System Fail to Provide Price Transparency in the Cash Market for Dressed Steers: Evidence from South Dakota

The information value of the former USDA voluntary price reporting system is investigated for dressed weight slaughter steers. The ability of the former system to promote market transparency and price discovery in the cash market is evaluated with state level mandatory price reporting data collected from September 1999 to April 2001. The empirical framework evaluates the informational value of public price reports according to the criteria established in the market integration literature. The empirical results indicate that in the cash market for dressed weight steers, in South Dakota and Nebraska the former voluntary price reporting system did foster market transparency and aided in the price discovery process.
Genetic population structure of two migratory freshwater fish species (Brycon orthotaenia and Prochilodus argenteus) from the São Francisco River in Brazil and its significance for conservation

Previous genetic studies conducted with migratory fish populations from downstream of the Tres Marias dam in the Sao Francisco River Basin (Brazil) have documented the occurrence of population structuring, as reported for Brycon orthotaenia and Prochilodus argenteus, two commercially important species in this basin. We revisited the genetic structure of these species using microsatellites. B. orthotaenia was sampled during the spawning season and was analyzed using five heterologous microsatellites. P. argenteus was collected in the non-reproductive season and genetic analysis was conducted using ten species- specific microsatellites. For both species, genetic diversity between collection sites was similar. Considering B. orthotaenia, FST and RST estimates and the Bayesian analysis demonstrated significant differences between sites. Two well-defined populations were identified in the study area, indicating population structuring for this species. No significant differences were found for P. argenteus. These data provide information for knowledge regarding genetic structure of migratory fish species, which may contribute toward the conservation besides the understanding the biology and ecology of these important fishery resources.
Plant N Fluxes and Modulation by Nitrogen, Heat and Water Stresses: A Review Based on Comparison of Legumes and Non Legume Plants

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most limiting mineral elements for plant growth and yield (Davidson et al., 2007). This element is an essential component of plant cells at the structural, genetic and metabolic levels, getting involved in many processes of plant growth and development which finally lead to yield as well as the quality of harvested organs (seeds or shoot biomass). While soil N availability can be enhanced in agricultural areas through fertilizers supply, under natural conditions mineral N generally limits plant growth because of spatial and temporal fluctuations in its availability in the soil. Moreover, in the context of climate change, plants will experience more abiotic stresses, including those impacting water availability (drought, flooding), extreme temperatures (chilling, heat), presence of heavy metals, nutrients availability, and soil structure, which can have dramatic consequences on yield and quality, as they directly or indirectly modify plant N acquisition and utilization. Among plants species, legumes have the capacity to acquire soil N via roots and, in addition atmospheric dinitrogen through symbiosis with bacteria. While in legumes both these N retrieval ways interact (the interaction being mediated by soil nitrate availability), they also complement for an optimum N nutrition. However, even in legumes, because of the high energy cost of N2 fixation (Voisin et al., 2003b) and the high sensitivity of nodules to environmental factors (Salon et al., 2001; Serraj et al., 1999), N acquisition is also very frequently spatially and temporally limited. Hence, details concerning the differences between legumes and non-legume plants can set the foundation for the understanding of the stress impacts on plants. One of the biggest challenge for European agronomy in the next years will be to cope with the necessary reduction/optimization of fertilizer use in order to minimize agricultural detrimental impacts on the environment (reducing fossil use energy and greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining/enhancing biodiversity through pesticides/herbicide use reduction) while producing more feed/food for the ever growing population. One way to solve this dilemma consists in the identification/selection of crops having enhanced N use efficiency
Pluvial flood risk and opportunities for resilience

The risk presented by pluvial flooding has emerged as a critical issue in urban water management. Pluvial flooding occurs when precipitation intensity exceeds the capacity of natural and engineered drainage systems, and it is expected to increase in frequency, severity and impact through the 21st century due to the combined effects of climate change and urbanization. Although there have been recent advances in approaches to assess the risk presented pluvial flooding and to enhance the resilience of cities to its impacts, they have not been broadly implemented and there are many opportunities for additional research. We provide case studies of pluvial flooding in six cities in the continental United States, which serve as examples of the current vulnerability of cities that have not developed comprehensive pluvial flood management plans and the challenges in conducting pluvial flood research in light of existing data gaps. We also identify key research challenges that should be prioritized by the interdisciplinary water research community to better support urban resilience practice.
Maternal attendance patterns of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from stable and declining populations in Alaska

Maternal attendance patterns of Alaskan Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were compared during the summer breeding seasons in 1994 and 1995 at Sugarloaf Island (a declining population) and Lowrie Island (a stable population). Our goal was to determine whether there were differences in maternal attendance between the two popula- tions that were consistent with the hypothesis that lactating Steller sea lions in the area of decline were food-limited during summer. Our a priori expectations were based on well-documented behavioural responses of otariids to reduced prey availability. We found that foraging trips were significantly shorter in the area of population decline, counter to initial predictions. The mean length of foraging trips in the declining area was 19.5 h compared with 24.9 h in the sta - ble area. In contrast, the mean perinatal period (time between parturition and first feeding trip) was significantly longer in the area of decline (9.9 versus 7.9 days), again countering initial predictions. The mean length of shore visits for the declining population was also significantly longer (27.0 h compared with 22.6 h where the population was stable). For both populations, the mean time that mothers foraged increased as pups grew older, whereas the time that they spent on shore with their pups became shorter. Behavioural observations of maternal attendance patterns are inconsistent with the hypothesis that lactating Steller sea lions from the declining population had difficulty obtaining prey during summer.
International High-Performance Built Environment Conference – A Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2016 Series ( SBE 16 ) , iHBE 2016 Mass customization with additive manufacturing : new perspectives for multi performative building components in architecture

Innovative production methods and advanced manufacturing techniques slowly but certainly seem to find a way to be introduced in Architecture thanks to the progressive tools for computational design which enhance digital fabrication processes and programming. In this context Mass Customization refers to the possibility to evolve from already existing systems to the novel ones that can be personalized, without increasing their cost and causing the new technologies to emerge. Among various manufacturing techniques, Additive Manufacturing (AM) is considered a revolutionary technology that offers a new freedom in Architecture and expands the range of possibilities for design, production and performances of novel architectural forms, construction systems and materials employed. The main advantage of Additive Manufacturing is the quasi total freedom in organizing material deposition, where the matter can be placed only where structurally needed and in that way provide interesting scenarios in the optimization of construction components and new forms of printed tectonics. This paper will analyse an experimental case study of a 3d printed clay brick designed and manufactured with innovative technologies in order to respond to the new requirements of market and introduce new perspectives of Mass Customization with Additive Manufacturing for the design of Multi Performative Building Components. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee iHBE 2016.
¿Existe relación entre el ángulo crítico del hombro y los resultados funcionales tras la reparación del manguito rotador? Resultados preliminares

RESUMEN Objetivo: el ángulo crítico del hombro es una medida radiológica que se ha relacionado con la patología degenerativa del manguito rotador. El objetivo fue investigar la relación existente entre este ángulo y los resultados funcionales tras la reparación artroscópica de las roturas del manguito rotador. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo sobre 100 pacientes intervenidos por roturas degenerativas completas del manguito rotador. Las variables evaluadas fueron: ángulo crítico del hombro preoperatorio, edad, lateralidad, tipo de rotura, tipo de reparación, complicaciones y el test de Constant preoperatorio, al mes, 3 y 6 meses postoperatorio. Resultados: la media del ángulo crítico fue de 37,19 ± 3,12° (32-46°) (prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov). El test de Constant preoperatorio obtuvo una media de 52,18 ± 11, al mes de 54,20 ± 9,50 (25-80), a los 3 meses de 65,86 ± 8,96 (3085) y a los 6 meses de 79,58 ± 8,86 (40-95). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre el tamaño de la rotura y el Constant preoperatorio (p = 0) y al mes (p = 0,013) (prueba T y de Mann-Whitney). Se observó ABSTRACT Is there an association between critical shoulder angle and functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair? Preliminary results
Zero Downtime Reconfiguration of Distributed Automation Systems : The ε CEDAC Approach

Future manufacturing is envisioned to be highly flexible and adaptable. New technologies for reconfigurable systems and their adaptations are preconditions for this vision. Without such solutions, engineering adaptations of Industrial Process Measurement and Control Systems (IPMCS) will exceed the costs of engineered systems by far and the reuse of equipment will become inefficient. Especially the reconfiguration of control applications is not sufficiently solved. This paper gives an overview of the use of reconfiguration applications for downtimeless system evolution of control applications on basis of the standard IEC 61499. A new approach for the reconfiguration of IEC 61499 based control application and the corresponding modeling is discussed. This new method significantly increases engineering efficiency and reuse in componentbased IPMCS.
Barometer logging reveals new dimensions of individual songbird migration

Recent advances in tracking technology are based on the use of miniature sensors for recording new aspects of individual migratory behaviour. In this study, we have used activity data loggers with barometric and temperature sensors to record the flight altitudes as well as ground elevations during stationary periods of migratory songbirds. We tracked one individual of red-backed shrike and one great reed warbler along their autumn migration from Europe to Africa. Both individuals performed their migration stepwise in travel segments and climbed most metres during the passage across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert and least metres during the first flight segment in Europe. The great reed warbler reached its highest flight altitude of 3950 m a.s. l. during the travel segment from Europe to west Africa, while the red-backed shrike reached 3650 m a.s. l as maximum flight altitude during its travel segment from Sahel to southern Africa. Both individuals used both lowlands and highlands for resting periods along their migrations. Furthermore, temperature decreased with increasing altitude during migratory flights for both individuals, highlighting the potential to determine flight duration from temperature measurements. Finally, we discuss how barometric data could be used to investigate birds’ responses to changes in air pressure as a cue for departures on migratory flights. This new technique, i.e. using a miniature data logger with barometric pressure sensor to estimate flight altitudes and ground elevations, will open up new avenues for research and importantly advance our understanding on how small birds behave during migratory flights. (Less)
The Relationship Between the Burden of Caregiving and Loneliness in Primary Caregivers of Patıents with Schizophrenia

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the burden of caregiving, and loneliness in primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Method: The study was conducted at the Community Mental Health Center of a university hospital. The sample of the study was found to be 58 primary caregivers. The data were collected using an introductory information form that was prepared by the researchers to inquire about socio-demographic characteristics. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results and Discussion: Participants’ burden of care and loneliness scores are higher than average. Due to the burden of care, women, marriages, literate and mothers have formed a risk group? There is a weak correlation between the burden of care and loneliness in the direction of the results obtained from study, and the burden of the caregivers has reached the result that they feel more alone. Conclusion: There is a weak correlation between the burden of care and loneliness in the direction of the results obtained without the work, and the burden of the caregivers has reached the result that they feel more alone.
ANTI-PLUGIN : DON ’ T LET YOUR APP PLAY AS AN ANDROID PLUGIN

The Android plugin technology is an innovative applicationlevel virtualization framework that allows a mobile application to dynamically load and launch another app without installing the app. This technology was originally developed for purposes of hot patching and reducing the released APK size. The primary application of this technology is to satisfy the growing demand for launching multiple instances of a same app on the same device, such as log in two Twitter accounts for the personal and business simultaneously. The most popular app powered by this technology, Parallel Space, has been installed 50 million times in Google Play. However, as we know, it never takes malware authors long to catch on to new mobile trends. In the wild, by applying the plugin technology, a newly discovered Android malware “Dual-instance” dynamically loads and launches the original Twitter app’s APK file within itself and also hijacks user’s inputs (e.g. password) to launch the phishing attack. Besides, after we have comprehensively analyzed security risks of the Android plugin technology, we find that the data stored by the plugin app can be stolen by the malicious host app or other plugin apps. In our Wildfire product, we have captured 119, 898 samples using the Android plugin technology, among which 114, 630 samples are malicious or grey. Thus, the Android plugin technology is becoming a new security threat to normal Android apps. Our proposal demystifies the Android plugin technology in depth, explains the underlying attack vector and investigates fundamental security problems. We propose a lightweight defense mechanism and release a library, named PluginKiller, which prevents an Android app from being launched by the host app using the Android plugin technology. Once a benign Android app embeds the library, the app can detect the potential threats from virtual environment and terminates itself when it is launched.