Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
AxiSEM: broadband 3-D seismic wavefields in axisymmetric media

Abstract. We present a methodology to compute 3-D global seismic wavefields for realistic earthquake sources in visco-elastic anisotropic media, covering applications across the observable seismic frequency band with moderate computational resources. This is accommodated by mandating axisymmetric background models that allow for a multipole expansion such that only a 2-D computational domain is needed, whereas the azimuthal third dimension is computed analytically on the fly. This dimensional collapse opens doors for storing space–time wavefields on disk that can be used to compute Frechet sensitivity kernels for waveform tomography. We use the corresponding publicly available AxiSEM ( www.axisem.info ) open-source spectral-element code, demonstrate its excellent scalability on supercomputers, a diverse range of applications ranging from normal modes to small-scale lowermost mantle structures, tomographic models, and comparison with observed data, and discuss further avenues to pursue with this methodology.
Therapy and prevention of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy: A clinical study of 16 pregnancies

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a severe multisystem disorder of unknown pathogenesis, with preference to women. The mortality rate of patients with TTP was 90% until the introduction of plasma therapy that increased the survival rate to 70–80%, with minimal or no sequelae. Of the survivors, 30–60% suffer from relapses, often in association with precipitating factors such as infections, surgery, and pregnancy. Women who are either pregnant or in the postpartum period make up 10–25% of TTP patients, and once the disease occurs during a pregnancy, it tends to recur in subsequent ones. We treated five women who suffered at least one TTP episode during pregnancy. They had a total of 16 pregnancies, eight of which were complicated by TTP. They suffered seven additional TTP episodes that were not associated with pregnancy. We assessed the severity of each TTP episode with a scoring system used in our previous studies. Presented is the course of their disease and their pregnancies, and guidelines for the management and prevention of TTP during pregnancy are provided. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical Applications in Genetics and Molecular Biology Repeated Measures Semiparametric Regression Using Targeted Maximum Likelihood Methodology with Application to Transcription Factor Activity Discovery

In longitudinal and repeated measures data analysis, often the goal is to determine the effect of a treatment or aspect on a particular outcome (e.g., disease progression). We consider a semiparametric repeated measures regression model, where the parametric component models effect of the variable of interest and any modification by other covariates. The expectation of this parametric component over the other covariates is a measure of variable importance. Here, we present a targeted maximum likelihood estimator of the finite dimensional regression parameter, which is easily estimated using standard software for generalized estimating equations. The targeted maximum likelihood method provides double robust and locally efficient estimates of the variable importance parameters and inference based on the influence curve. We demonstrate these properties through simulation under correct and incorrect model specification, and apply our method in practice to estimating the activity of transcription factor (TF) over cell cycle in yeast. We specifically target the importance of SWI4, SWI6, MBP1, MCM1, ACE2, FKH2, NDD1, and SWI5. The semiparametric model allows us to determine the importance of a TF at specific time points by specifying time indicators as potential effect modifiers of the TF. Our results are promising, showing significant importance trends during the expected time periods. This methodology can also be used as a variable importance analysis tool to assess the effect of a large number of variables such as gene expressions or single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Retail tobacco outlet density and youth cigarette smoking: a propensity-modeling approach.

OBJECTIVES We examined whether retail tobacco outlet density was related to youth cigarette smoking after control for a diverse range of neighborhood characteristics. METHODS Data were gathered from 2116 respondents (aged 11 to 23 years) residing in 178 census tracts in Chicago, Ill. Propensity score stratification methods for continuous exposures were used to adjust for potentially confounding neighborhood characteristics, thus strengthening causal inferences. RESULTS Retail tobacco outlets were disproportionately located in neighborhoods characterized by social and economic disadvantage. In a model that excluded neighborhood confounders, a marginally significant effect was found. Youths in areas at the highest 75th percentile in retail tobacco outlet density were 13% more likely (odds ratio [OR]=1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.99, 1.28) to have smoked in the past month compared with those living at the lowest 25th percentile. However, the relation became stronger and significant (OR=0.21; 95% CI=1.04, 1.41) after introduction of tract-level confounders and was statistically significant in the propensity score-adjusted model (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.001, 1.44). Results did not differ significantly between minors and those legally permitted to smoke. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in retail tobacco outlet density may reduce rates of youth smoking.
Cooperation between 4-1BB and ICOS in the Immune Response to Influenza Virus Revealed by Studies of CD28/ICOS-Deficient Mice1

CD28, ICOS, and 4-1BB each play distinct roles in the CD8 T cell response to influenza virus. CD28−/− mice are severely impaired in primary CD8 T cell expansion and fail to mount a secondary response to influenza. Influenza-specific CD8 T cells expand normally in ICOS−/− mice, with only a small and transient defect late in the primary response and an unimpaired secondary response. Conversely, 4-1BB/4-1BBL interaction is dispensable for the primary CD8 T cell response to influenza, but maintains CD8 T cell survival and controls the size of the secondary response. Previous results showed that a single dose of agonistic anti-4-1BB Ab at priming allowed partial restoration of primary CD8 T cell expansion and full recovery of the secondary CD8 T cell responses to influenza in CD28−/− mice. In this study we show that anti-4-1BB fails to correct the CD8 T cell defect in CD28−/−ICOS−/− mice, suggesting that ICOS partially compensates for CD28 in this model. In support of this hypothesis, we found that anti-4-1BB enhances ICOS expression on both T cell subsets and that anti-4-1BB and anti-ICOS can synergistically activate CD4 and CD8 T cells. Furthermore, ICOS and 4-1BB can cooperate to directly stimulate isolated CD28−/− CD8 T cells. These results reveal a novel interaction between the ICOS and 4-1BB costimulatory pathways as well as unexpected redundancy between CD28 and ICOS in primary CD8 T cell expansion. These findings have implications for costimulation of human T cell responses in diseases such as AIDS or rheumatoid arthritis, in which CD28− T cells accumulate.
Novel series of 1,2,4-trioxane derivatives as antimalarial agents

Abstract Among three series of 1,2,4-trioxane derivatives, five compounds showed good in vitro antimalarial activity, three compounds of which exhibited better activity against P. falciparum resistant (RKL9) strain than the sensitive (3D7) one. Two best compounds were one from aryl series and the other from heteroaryl series with IC50 values of 1.24 µM and 1.24 µM and 1.06 µM and 1.17 µM, against sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. Further, trioxane derivatives exhibited good binding affinity for the P. falciparum cysteine protease falcipain 2 receptor (PDB id: 3BPF) with well defined drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties based on Lipinski’s rule of five with additional physicochemical and ADMET parameters. In view of having antimalarial potential, 1,2,4-trioxane derivative(s) reported herein may be useful as novel antimalarial lead(s) in the discovery and development of future antimalarial drug candidates as P. falciparum falcipain 2 inhibitors against resistant malaria.
Correlation of Range of Motion and Glenohumeral Translation in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Background Altered mobility patterns in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers have been reported. Most published reports examining glenohumeral laxity have not used an objective testing device. Objective Quantify and compare glenohumeral translation and rotational range of motion between the throwing and non-throwing shoulders in professional baseball pitchers. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Force-displacement and range of motion measures were performed bilaterally on 43 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure glenohumeral translations under stressed and unstressed conditions. Results No significant difference in translation was found between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders. For both shoulders, posterior translation (5.38 ± 2.7 mm) was significantly greater (P < .001) than was anterior translation (2.81 ± 1.6 mm). External rotation in the throwing shoulder was significantly greater than that in the nonthrowing shoulder (P < .001), whereas internal rotation in the throwing shoulder was significantly less than that in the nonthrowing shoulder (P < .001). The total arc of rotation for the throwing shoulder was not significantly different than that for the nonthrowing shoulder, and correlation coefficients were poor between rotational and translational range of motion in the throwing shoulder, ranging from r = 0.232 to 0.209 between variables. Conclusion No significant difference in glenohumeral translation exists between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders in asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers, posterior translation is significantly greater than anterior translation in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers, and glenohumeral translation is not related to rotational range of motion in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers. Clinical Relevance Altered mobility patterns in asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers may be due to factors other than capsular adaptive changes.
THE IMPACT OF UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS COURSES ON COLLEGE STUDENT’S GEOMETRIC REASONING STAGES

The purpose of this study is to investigate possible effects of different college level mathematics courses on college students' van Hiele levels of geometric understanding. Particularly, since logical reasoning is an important aspect of geometric understanding, it would be interesting to see whether there are differences in van Hiele levels of students who have taken non-geometry courses that emphasize or focus on logic and proofs (Category I) and those that don't (Category II). We compared geometric reasoning stages of students from the two categories. One hundred and forty nine college students taking various courses from the two categories have been involved in this study. The Van Hiele Geometry Test designed to find out students' van Hiele levels was used to collect data. After the collection and analysis of the quantitative data, the participants' van Hiele levels are reported and the reasoning stages of two groups are compared. The results show that students taking logic/proof based courses attain higher reasoning stages than students taking other college level mathematics courses, such as calculus. The results may have implications that are of particular interest to teacher education programs. Finally, the results also confirm a previous assertion about correlation between van Hiele levels and proof writing.
PRIMARY EXTRASKELETAL MYXOID CHONDROSARCOMA DIAGNOSED BY FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY A CASE REPORT

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. We report one such case where a diagnosis of EMC was made based on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). A 75 year-old male presented to our FNAC clinic with a mass in the right thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of a malignant soft tissue neoplasm and showed no bone involvement. A diagnosis of a myxoid sarcoma favouring an EMC was made. Subsequent excision of the mass followed by histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed this diagnosis. EMC has distinctive cytological features that are helpful in reaching the diagnosis but it has to be differentiated from other myxoid sarcomas.
The first case of Kawasaki disease in a 20-month old baby following immunization with rotavirus vaccine and hepatitis A vaccine in China: A case report

Kawasaki disease (KD) after rotavirus and hepatitis A vaccination has not previously been reported in a baby in China. Herein, we describe a 20-month-old child who developed Kawasaki disease after receiving her second dose of Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine (LLR) and her first dose of freeze-dried live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine. The case report was conducted by collecting and analyzing the hospital in-patient medical records and reviewing both the domestic and foreign pertinent literature. These findings will be important to note this possible side effect and to further investigate the association between the above 2 vaccines and Kawasaki disease.
Synthesis , Structure , Thermoelectric Properties , and Band Gaps of Alkali Metal Containing Type I Clathrates : A 8 Ga 8 Si 38 ( A = K , Rb , Cs ) and K 8 Al 8 Si 38

A series of alkali metal containing compounds with type I clathrate structure, A8Ga8Si38 (A = K, Rb, Cs) and K8Al8Si38, were synthesized and characterized. Room temperature lattice parameters of A8Ga8Si38 (A = K, Rb, Cs) and K8Al8Si38 were determined to be 10.424916(10), 10.470174(13), 10.535069(15), and 10.48071(2) Å, respectively. The type I clathrate structure (cubic, Pm3 ̅n) was confirmed for all phases, and in the case of K8Al8Si38 and K8Ga8Si38, the structures were also refined using synchrotron powder diffraction data. The samples were consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) for thermoelectric property characterization. Electrical resistivity was measured by four probe AC transport method in the temperature range of 30 to 300 K. Seebeck measurements from 2 to 300 K were consistent with K8Al8Si38 and K8Ga8Si38 being n-type semiconductors, while Rb8Ga8Si38 and Cs8Ga8Si38 were p-type semiconductors. K8Al8Si38 shows the lowest electrical resistivity and the highest Seebeck coefficient. This phase also showed the largest thermal conductivity at room temperature of ∼1.77 W/Km. K8Ga8Si38 provides the lowest thermal conductivity, below 0.5 W/Km, comparable to the type I clathrate with heavy elements such as Ba8Ga16Ge30. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy on films shows that these compounds are semiconductors with band gaps in the range 1.14 to 1.40 eV.
Assessment of Barriers to Utilization of Poison Centers by Hispanic/Latino Populations

Previous research suggests that Spanish-speaking parents and residents of areas with large Hispanic and Latino populations are likely to underutilize the assistance that is available through poison control centers (PCCs). In order to examine any real and perceived barriers to utilization of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES), the only poison control center in the state, an intercept survey was conducted with self-identified Hispanics/Latinos at Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) centers and in nearby grocery stores, bus stops, and public laundromats. Only 38% of the study sample (n = 206) had heard of NJPIES. Common ways to have heard of NJPIES included school or church bulletins, family members, and friends. Twenty-three percent knew the NJPIES's toll-free phone number; 23% knew it was available 24 h per day; and 22% knew that Spanish-speaking personnel were available for assistance. Potential barriers to utilization included not knowing the phone number of the poison center, not speaking English, and not knowing if the poison center could offer any help. Respondent-recommended strategies for increasing awareness of NJPIES among Hispanics/Latinos included advertising on TV, and distributing information through school and church bulletins.
EFFECTS OF KETAMINE/XYLAZINE ON EXPRESSION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR‐&agr;, INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE, AND CYCLO‐OXYGENASE‐2 IN RAT GASTRIC MUCOSA DURING ENDOTOXEMIA

&NA; —Some anesthetics attenuate expression of endotoxin‐induced production of proinflammatory genes. The anesthetic combination of ketamine/xylazine (K/X) decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced liver injury in rats. However, the effects of K/X on gut function and gene expression are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of K/X on LPS‐induced gastric fluid accumulation, and gastric tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐&agr;, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 expression, as well as serum TNF‐&agr; protein levels over time. We hypothesized that K/X would attenuate these LPS‐induced endpoints. Rats were given either intraperitoneal saline or K (70 mg/kg) and X (6 mg/kg) 1 h before saline or LPS (20 mg/kg i.p.) treatment of 1, 3, or 5 h. Serum and gastric fluid and mucosa were collected and TNF‐&agr;, iNOS, and COX‐2 expression were determined. LPS caused a significant increase in early serum and gastric mucosal TNF‐&agr; protein expression at 1 h, an effect that was significantly attenuated by K/X pretreatment. LPS caused significant gastric stasis and increased iNOS and COX‐2 mRNA expression and iNOS protein expression in the stomach when compared with controls. K/X attenuated LPS‐induced gastric fluid accumulation and upregulation of iNOS mRNA and protein, but not COX‐2. These data indicate that K/X inhibits some proinflammatory genes and pathophysiologic responses in the serum and stomach during endotoxemia. The effects of K/X appear to inhibit transcriptional events in iNOS expression, which may be dependent on K/X‐induced inhibition of early TNF‐&agr; expression. Furthermore, in rat models of endotoxemia, especially those evaluating the stomach, careful consideration needs to be given if anesthetic combinations with ketamine and/or xylazine are used, as they alter LPS‐induced responses.
Analysis of RNA for transcripts for catalase and SP71 in rat hearts after in vivo hyperthermia.

Hyperthermic stress induces synthesis of the major inducible (heat) stress protein (SP71) in all rat tissues. In addition, there is an increase in catalase activity in hearts at 24 and 48 h after the induction of the heat shock response. To more precisely define some of the molecular aspects of the induction of the heat shock response in hearts, we examined mRNA levels for the catalase, SP71 and HSP27. RNA was isolated from control hearts and at various time periods (0-24 h) of recovery after brief hyperthermic treatment and was analyzed by Northern blot analysis using as probes cDNA sequences for rat liver catalase, human HSP70 (inducible), and human HSP27. There was no detectable change in mRNA for catalase after heat shock or during recovery. Hyperthermic stress has no apparent effect on the regulation of transcription of mRNA coding for catalase, indicating that the increase in catalase activity is either translationally or post-translationally regulated. The human HSP70 cDNA did not hybridize to control heart RNA, but did hybridize to SP71 transcripts at 0, 1.5, and 3 h post heat shock. The mRNA level for SP71 peaked at 1.5 h, was reduced at 3 h, and became almost undetectable at 6 h post heat shock. Similarly, the human HSP27 cDNA did not hybridize to control heart RNA, but did hybridize to transcripts for HSP27 at 0, 1.5, 3, and up to 15 h post heat shock. Maximal signal for HSP27 was at 3 h post heat shock and was sharply reduced at 6 h post heat shock. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vitrification of human blastocysts using cryoloops: clinical outcome of 223 cycles.

BACKGROUND The need to cryopreserve human blastocysts is increasing. The successful birth has been reported of a baby from a blastocyst vitrified using the cryoloop technique. The present study expands on this earlier report to confirm the effectiveness of this vitrification procedure. METHODS In patients undergoing IVF at one of three clinics, supernumerary blastocysts on day 5 or 6 at various stages of development were vitrified using cryoloops. RESULTS Of 725 vitrified blastocysts, 583 (80.4%) survived. After the transfer of 493 blastocysts in 207 cycles, 76 women (37%) became clinically pregnant. Among these women, 21 pregnancies ended in miscarriage, 23 healthy babies were born in 18 deliveries, and 37 pregnancies are ongoing. The survival rate of day 5 blastocysts (87%) was higher than that of day 6 blastocysts (55%), but implantation rates and pregnancy rates were not statistically significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Clinical outcomes with 725 blastocysts and 207 transfers showed that vitrification using cryoloops is effective and practical for the cryopreservation of human blastocysts. Early blastocysts on day 5 seem to be the most suitable in terms of stage and age for cryopreservation, but developed and day 6 blastocysts can also be cryopreserved.
[Umbilical acid-base status of term infants: correlation with delivery mode].

OBJECTIVE To determine possible relations between Apgar score, umbilical artery haemogasanalysis and delivery mode. METHODS 948 babies were considered; preterm infants and charts with incomplete data were excluded. 762 newborns and their respective umbilical artery blood gas parameters at delivery were evaluated. The collected Data were related to mode of delivery: vaginal with and without analgesia, elective caesarean section (CS), CS after labour, emergency CS for non reassuring trace. RESULTS Mean pH (+/- DS) was 7.26 (+/- 0.08). The comparison vaginal delivery vs. CS was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Analyzing the CS only, the babies born by emergency CS for non reassuring trace had pH statistically lower (ANOVA p < 0.004) and, in the latter group, there was a statistically difference between Italian newborns and those from other ethnicities (p < 0.02). No difference were found on Apgar score, excluding babies by vaginal delivery with analgesia that showed lower scores both at 1 (p < 0.02) and 5 (p < 0.002) minutes versus newborns without analgesia. CONCLUSIONS Normal labour causes frequently a mild degree of acidosis, but it is not always related to neonatal asphyxia. The differences found between different delivery modes are, probably, the expression of causes related to the obstetric choice. That is also remarked by the statistically difference found in emergency CS for non reassuring trace in Italian population and in other ethnicities, showing a probably different cultural level, mainly about the "obstetric emergency" poorly understood by the pregnant. In vaginal deliveries the analgesia does not modify the neonatal metabolism, but can be a reason of delayed adaptation of extrauterine life.