Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flood maps and their potential role in local spatial planning: a case study from Slovakia

The article is focused on the creation of flood maps for ungauged basins (i.e. local spatial scale areas), using a hydrologic-hydraulic approach, geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques, and their role in local spatial planning. The case study is represented by the Turniansky potok catchment which was not mapped in the preliminary flood risk assessment (EU Floods Directive) as an area with existing potential risk. The design discharges were estimated by applying the regional formula. The design discharge with 100-year return period was chosen for hydraulic modeling using the one-dimensional HEC-RAS model. The basis for creating the flood vulnerability map for the selected hydraulic domain was the current land use. Each land use category was assigned a category of acceptable risk (low, medium, high). Furthermore, the vulnerability was defined by digitizing buildings within the hydraulic domain. The role of the created flood maps, as regulatory tools in local spatial planning (i.e. local development plan of municipality), was highlighted and discussed. The importance of flood maps is primarily seen in limiting the irresponsible expansion and densification of construction in the areas near the watercourse which were assigned the low acceptable risk.
The Effect of the Macroeconomic Determinants on Sovereign Credit Rating of Turkey

The effects of the main macroeconomic determinants on the sovereign credit rating of Turkey assigned by Standard & Poor’s are analyzed in this paper. As the main macroeconomic determinants, inflation rate, economic growth rate, foreign direct investment, external debt, current account debt and savings are taken into account in this study. The data related to Turkey in this study covers between 1992-2016. In this study, the Granger causality test and the OLS regression model are used for that correlations of the variables. Outcomes of the analysis show that just two in six macroeconomic determinants are effective on the sovereign credit rating. According to the results of the study, external debt and inflation rate have a statistically significant relationship with the sovereign credit rating of Turkey. The outcomes show that external debt and the inflation rate have negative effects on the sovereign credit rating of the country. The coefficient of the external debt and the inflation is negative which means that if the inflation or external debt increases the rating decreases in appropriate with the theory. On the other hand, the effects of the other four macroeconomic variables are not significant. The results of the study indicate that some factors other than the primary macroeconomic determinants are effective on the sovereign credit ratings of Turkey. The results also unveil the door for the criticism that the decisions of the credit rating agencies are biased.
Pathoadaptive Mutation That Mediates Adherence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O111

ABSTRACT The adherence of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to intestinal epithelium is essential for initiation of infection. The cad operon encodes the lysine decarboxylase (LDC) system responsible for metabolizing lysine, and this operon has been proposed as an antivirulence mechanism in enteroinvasive E. coli and Shigella flexneri and as a factor mediating E. coli O157:H7 adherence. We sought to determine whether the LDC activity was present in a phylogenetically characterized collection of diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) strains and to establish whether its expression was associated with their adherence to tissue culture cells. LDC activity was found in most of the pathogenic E. coli strains tested and was absent from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O111 strains (DEC pathotype 8). Analysis of the cad region in these O111 strains indicates that the operon has been rearranged and some of the genes are either missing or disrupted. A similar rearrangement was found in an E. coli O111:H8 strain recently isolated from an outbreak in Texas. Complementation of the LDC-negative strains with the cad operon in trans restored the LDC activity and resulted in a reduction in adherence to tissue culture cells. Initial analysis of the protein profiles on the surface of the O111 strains indicates that the LDC activity has an effect on the expression of the adhesin intimin. Cadaverine had a slight effect on LDC-negative strain adhesion but none on intimin expression. Our data suggest that this pathoadaptive mutation is an important mechanism to control functions potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of these organisms.
A stable 463 nucleotide variant of citrus exocortis viroid produced by terminal repeats.

An unusual variant of citrus exocortis viroid (CEV) was detected when an inoculum source from Gynura aurantiaca D.C. was used to infect a hybrid tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. x L. peruvianum). The 92 nucleotide larger variant, CEV D-92, which displayed the characteristic circular and linear viroid structural forms, contained two repeated sequences spanning the V and T2 domains. A dramatic moderation of symptom expression in Gynura accompanied the incorporation of these repeated sequences. A comparison of the sequence and structure of CEV D-92 with coconut cadang-cadang viroid revealed similarities in the regions generating the naturally occurring terminal repeats suggesting a possible preferred site for RNA recombination between viroids.
Identification and Functional Analysis of a Novel Cyclin E/Cdk2 Substrate Ankrd17*

Cyclin E/Cdk2 is a key regulator in G1-S transition. We have identified a novel cyclin E/Cdk2 substrate called Ankrd17 (ankyrin repeat protein 17) using the TAP tag purification technique. Ankrd17 protein contains two clusters of a total 25 ankyrin repeats at its N terminus, one NES (nuclear exporting signal) and one NLS (nuclear localization signal) in the middle, and one RXL motif at its C terminus. Ankrd17 is expressed in various tissues and associates with cyclin E/Cdk2 in an RXL-dependent manner. It can be phosphorylated by cyclin E/Cdk2 at 3 phosphorylation sites (Ser1791, Ser1794, and Ser2150). Overexpression of Ankrd17 promotes S phase entry, whereas depletion of Ankrd17 expression by small interfering RNA inhibits DNA replication and blocks cell cycle progression as well as up-regulates the expression of p53 and p21. Ankrd17 is localized to the nucleus and interacts with DNA replication factors including MCM family members, Cdc6 and PCNA. Depletion of Ankrd17 results in decreased loading of Cdc6 and PCNA onto DNA suggesting that Ankrd17 may be directly involved in the DNA replication process. Taken together, these data indicate that Ankrd17 is an important downstream effector of cyclin E/Cdk2 and positively regulates G1/S transition.
Proximity and multinational enterprise co-location in clusters: a multiple case study of Dutch science parks

Abstract This paper explores the role of proximity in strategic asset-seeking multinational enterprises’ (MNE) co-location in subnational knowledge/innovation intensive clusters. MNE co-location in three Dutch science parks is examined in terms of the perceived importance of geographic, cognitive, social, organisational and institutional proximity dimensions. While all five proximity dimensions are found to play a role, organisational proximity emerged as the most important factor influencing MNE co-location in the Dutch science parks. This paper argues, in contrast to expectations for a high degree of relatedness and reinforcing effects between the five proximities, that an ‘optimal’ proximity constellation of low organisational proximity together with high social and cognitive proximity fosters MNE co-location in knowledge intensive clusters, such as science parks.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the knee extensor muscles on muscle soreness and different serum parameters in young male athletes: preliminary data

Aim: To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle soreness and on a variety of serum parameters during and after NMES of knee extensor muscles of young, well trained subjects over a study period of 96 h. Methods: Five male cyclists were included in this clinical observation. NMES (biphasic, asymmetric impulses) was applied through surface electrodes to both knee extensor muscles of each subject for 30 min. To determine changes in serum concentration of muscle proteins, blood samples were drawn at defined measure points before and after NMES. Muscle soreness was evaluated using a visual analogue scale at all measure points. Results: There was a maximum (p<0.05) for “muscle pain” during stimulation but no significant changes could be detected after the stimulation period. Serum creatine kinase showed a peak with a significant increase (p<0.05) 24 h after NMES. Serum lactate levels only increased slightly (p = 0.08) during NMES. Conclusions: Although the changes of blood parameters measured in the present work correspond to those reported in the literature on eccentric strength training, no delayed onset muscle pain could be detected. Further studies should be carried out, also investigating different stimulation protocols in non-trained healthy subjects and in patients with less muscle mass.
Peripheral blood t‐cell subpopulations in the very low birth weight (less than 1,500‐g) infant

The development of monoclonal antibodies to cell‐surface antigens has provided method for characterizing distinct subpopulations of T‐cells. In the present study we have quantified peripheral blood T‐cell subpopulations in premature infants born weighing less than 1,500 g (1123 ± 223 g) and ranging in gestational age from 25 to 32 weeks. The relative proportion of T4 cells in the very low birth weight (VLBW) infants was markedly higher at l week and 1 month of age (mean ± SEM; 67.5 ± 4.1 and 59.2 ± 1.6) than in adult controls (47.2 ± 1.5). The percentage of T4 cells remained elevated until 6 months of age, when it decreased to a level comparable to that in adults. In contrast, the proportion of T8 cells was significantly lower than the adult level at 1 week and 1 month of age. The T4/T8 ratio in the VLBW infants was higher at 1 week (4.3 ± 0.5) and 1 month (3.5 ± 0.2) than in adult controls (2.0 ± 0.1). Thereafter, the T4/T8 ratio decreased but was still significantly higher than that in adult controls at 6 months of age (2.6 ± 0.2). The absolute numbers of total T‐cells (T3) and T8 and T4 cells were significantly higher in VLBW infants. The numbers of T8 cells were significantly lower in the first month of life than at 3‐6 months of age. These alterations in the T‐cell subsets in the first 6 months of life suggest that postnatal T‐cell phenotypic changes in VLBW infants may parallel the T‐cell ontogenetic process which occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy in fullterm infants.
Mapping and kinetics of microglia/neuron cell‐to‐cell contacts in the 6‐OHDA murine model of Parkinson's disease

As neuroinflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), we provide several key data describing the time‐course of microglial accumulation in relation with behavioral alterations and neurodegeneration in a murine model of PD induced by intrastriatal injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). Our study argues for a major role of microglia which accumulation is somehow early and transient in spite of the neuronal loss progression. Moreover, we observed less 6‐OHDA‐induced neurodegeneration associated with less inflammatory reaction in DAP‐12 Knock‐In mice. The direct cell‐to‐cell contacts that may support physical interactions between microglia and altered dopaminergic neurons are ill‐defined, while it is currently hypothesized that microglia support an immune‐mediated amplification of neurodegeneration by establishing a molecular cross talk with neurons. Indeed, we sought to map microglia/neuron appositions in substantia nigra (SN) of 6‐OHDA injected C57Bl/6 mice and CX3CR1/GFP/+ mice. Confocal immunofluorescence analyses followed by 3D reconstitutions reveal close appositions between the soma of TH+ neurons and microglial cell bodies and ramifications. Interestingly, some microglial ramifications penetrated TH+ somas and about 40% of GFP+ microglial cells in the injured SN harbored TH+ intracytoplasmic inclusions. These results suggest a direct cross talk between neurons and microglia that may exert a microphagocytic activity toward TH+ neurons. Altogether, these results obtained in a murine PD model may participate in the understanding of microglial cells' function in neurodegenerative diseases. GLIA 2013;61:1645–1658
Weekly vs daily iron and folic acid supplementation in adolescent Nepalese girls.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of weekly vs daily iron and folic acid supplementation for control of anemia in adolescent Nepalese girls. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING A Government Girl School in Dharan, Nepal, an urban foothill town that is 305 m above sea level. SUBJECTS Consecutive healthy adolescent girls (n = 209, median age 15 years) randomized to 3 groups matched for age, anthropometry, and personal and sociodemographic characteristics. Of 209 subjects, 181 completed the trial. Two girls had adverse reactions to treatment and were excluded. INTERVENTION Group A (n = 70) received a 350-mg ferrous sulfate and 1.5-mg folic acid combination once daily for 90 to 100 days. Group B (n = 67) received the tablet under supervision once a week for 14 weeks. Group C (n = 72) did not receive any drugs. OUTCOME VARIABLE Presupplementation and postsupplementation differences in prevalence of anemia and change in hematocrit. RESULTS Prevalence of anemia (defined as hematocrit <36%) declined from 68.6% and 70.1% in groups A and B to 20% and 13.4%, respectively, postsupplementation (P<.001), whereas the prevalence in group C changed little (68.1% to 65.3%, P =.81). There was a significant rise in the mean hematocrit of both supplemented groups (group A, 32.9% +/- 3.5% to 41.0% +/- 5.6%, P<.001; group B, 33.2% +/- 3.6% to 40.4% +/- 4.9%, P<.001) but no appreciable change in controls (34.2% +/- 2.9% to 34.1% +/- 3.3%, P =.91). Net change in mean hematocrit in both the supplementation groups was comparable (P =.57). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of anemia in adolescent Nepalese girls is high. Supervised iron and folic acid therapy once a week is an effective alternative to daily administration and helps lower the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls.
The impact of renewable and nonrenewable energy consumption on economic growth: a dynamic panel data approach

ABSTRACT The role of energy consumption in production processes has received considerable attention from academic scholars in recent years because of the new assumptions in endogamous growth theory. Yet, the real effect of energy consumption on economic growth is still a controversial and inconclusive issue in the literature. Using a dynamic panel data technique, this study aimed to provide new insights into these issues by examining the effect of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on economic growth in developing and developed countries for the period 2002 to 2014. The results suggest that the effect of energy consumption on economic growth varies according to the income levels of the economies concerned. While non-renewable energy consumption was positively correlated with growth in developing countries, non-renewable or renewable energy consumption was not found to have an effect on the economic performance of developed countries.
A two-year longitudinal study of social support following amputation

Purpose: (1) To describe one aspect of social support, social integration, longitudinally for 2 years following lower limb amputation and (2) to explore the impact of social support on depression, pain interference, life satisfaction, mobility, and occupational functioning. Method: Eighty-nine adults recruited from consecutive admissions to an orthopaedic surgery service completed telephone interviews 1, 6, 12 and 24 months following amputation surgery. Dependent variables included the Social Integration (SI) sub-scale of the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: There was a high level of SI among most persons following lower limb amputations that was relatively unchanged in the 2 years following surgery. However, mean levels of SI were lower in this group compared to a sample without disabilities. MSPSS scores were highly variable, ranging from almost no support to the maximum amount of support. MSPSS was an important concurrent predictor of pain interference, life satisfaction, and mobility, controlling for demographic and amputation-related factors. Baseline MSPSS predicted mobility and occupational functioning 6 months post-amputation, controlling for demographic and amputation-related factors. Conclusions: Findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving the quality of social relationships after amputation may facilitate participation in activities.
Vegetation ecology and conservation on Tuscan ultramafic soils

This article provides a review of studies concerning the floristics, vegetation description and ecology of the ultramafic (serpentine) soils of Tuscany, central Italy. After a concise history of geobotanical research on Tuscan ultramafic outcrops since the end of sixteenth century, the features of the flora are summarized. The most significant vegetation types are concisely described and their ecology discussed in the following section. The role of soil nickel toxicity in limiting vegetation development is reconsidered and appears less important than are drought and nutrient stress. Drought stress also has a special role during exceptionally dry summers, which can occasionally occur and significantly reduce vegetation structure by causing the local extinction of many late-successional species. Nutrient-addition experiments and permanent plot monitoring provided additional evidence supporting the drought and nutrient stress hypothesis. The last section of this article discusses the main threats to the conservation of the unique plant diversity of Tuscan ultramafic environments, the most significant of which are quarrying and pine plantations. Pine plantations, mostly established for soil amelioration and erosion control, determine not only the increase in vegetation cover and diversity but also a trend for serpentine endemic and rare species to disappear.
Factors Determining Desirability of Entrepreneurship in Romania

Studies in entrepreneurship have identified that a positive entrepreneurial attitude and willingness to start a business influence future entrepreneurial intention. In the study of entrepreneurial intention, there is a growing interest in understanding the factors that determine desirability of entrepreneurship. Earlier studies have identified that there is a significant correlation between individuals’ perceived desirability of entrepreneurship and their entrepreneurial intention. This study addressed the question of what factors determine the desirability of entrepreneurship and how these different factors affect the desire to become an entrepreneur. We discussed the key determinants of the desirability of entrepreneurship in Romania. Using the Amway Global Entrepreneurship Report (AGER) dataset for 2016, we examined the desirability of entrepreneurship among Romanian respondents by considering multiple factors indicated by the theory as being significant predictors of entrepreneurship: feasibility, social stability, and comfort with acquiring customers, as well as socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, education, income level and working status. The results of our regression analysis demonstrate that social stability and feasibility have the most impact on the desirability of entrepreneurship. In addition, we document that comfort with acquiring customers is perceived as an important factor in increasing the desirability of entrepreneurship. These results suggest that a good understanding of individuals’ social environment and their need for skills and capabilities may lead to greater entrepreneurial efficacy, which is fundamental to sustaining economic growth. Future research should be grounded on testing if level of education, working status and income influence desirability of entrepreneurship as our existing data did not prove that it did.
Hepatitis B virus basal core promoter mutation and DNA load correlate with expression of hepatitis B core antigen in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND Expression of intrahepatic hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is related to the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study investigated the role that HBV genotype and basal core promoter (BCP) mutation play in the expression of HBcAg. METHODS A total of 70 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with chronic hepatitis (genotype B in 52 patients and genotype C in 18 patients; BCP mutation T1762/A1764 in 16 patients) were enrolled. Clinical, virologic, and histologic features were compared with regard to localization and expression of intrahepatic HBcAg. The effects that HBV genotype and BCP mutation T1762/A1764 had on expression of HBcAg were further evaluated by in vitro assays. RESULTS Cytoplasmic, mixed cytoplasmic/nuclear, and nuclear localization of intrahepatic HBcAg was found in 38 (56.7%), 25 (37.3%), and 4 (6.0%) patients, respectively; HBcAg was not discernible in 3 patients. A total of 58 (82.9%) of these patients expressed a high level of HBcAg. In multivariate analysis, cytoplasmic localization of HBcAg correlated only with a low HBV load in serum (P = .045) and BCP mutation (P = .04). A high expression level of HBcAg also correlated with a high HBV load in serum (P = .015) and with BCP wild-type sequence (P = .037). In vitro assays indicated that the HBV BCP mutant strain had lower subcellular expression of HBcAg than did the BCP wild-type strain. CONCLUSIONS HBV BCP mutation and HBV load, but not genotype, contribute to the expression of intrahepatic HBcAg.
Structural characterization of the core of the paired helical filament of Alzheimer disease.

The paired helical filament, the principal constituent of the neurofibrillary tangles characteristic of Alzheimer disease, is shown to consist of two structurally distinct parts. An external fuzzy region can be removed by Pronase treatment to leave a Pronase-resistant morphologically recognizable core. Scanning transmission electron microscopy gives an estimate for the mass per unit length as 79 kDa.nm-1 before Pronase treatment and 65 kDa.nm-1 after treatment. The fuzzy region carries all the epitopes recognized by two different antisera against microtubule-associated protein tau. By contrast, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) we have raised to paired helical filament cores (mAb 423) decorates Pronase-treated filaments much more strongly than it does untreated ones. We have shown in previous papers that the epitope recognized by mAb 423 is carried by a central 9.5-kDa fragment of tau protein, which therefore forms part of the Pronase-resistant core structure. The remainder of the tau protein incorporated into the filaments must contribute part, if not all, of the fuzzy region. The mass per unit length measurements imply that the three-domain structural subunit of the core that we visualized previously by image reconstruction has a molecular mass of approximately equal to 100 kDa.