Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormal tsunamis caused by the June 13, 1984, Torishima, Japan, earthquake

An earthquake with an M_S = 5.6 (m_b=5.5) which occurred near Torishima, Japan, on June 13, 1984, generated abnormally large tsunamis (tsunami magnitude M_t = 7.3) for its relatively small earthquake magnitude. The maximum amplitude of the tsunamis is not a simple function of distance as the magnitude formula implies. In order to quantify the abnormal tsunamis, we modeled the tsunami source using a finite difference computation on the actual bathymetry. The source of these abnormal tsunamis is modeled as a water surface displacement, with a radius of 12 km and maximum water height of 13 cm. The displaced water volume is 4×10^(13) cm^3, and the potential energy is calculated as 2×10^(17) ergs. If this water displacement is due to a fault motion at 5 km depth, a moment magnitude M_w is estimated to be 6.3. This value is larger than M_w estimated from seismic waves by 0.7, but smaller than M_t by 1.0. The former difference suggests that the earthquake source is very different from an ordinary faulting. If we assume the source is a horizontally lying tensile crack at shallow depth (about 2 km), that explains both the water surface displacement and the seismic moment tensor. The tensile crack is interpreted as an injection of material, as suggested by a seismological study. The discrepancy between M_w and M_t indicates that the propagation path is responsible for the observed large tsunamis. The numerical computation shows a focusing of energy during the propagation of the tsunami along the shallow Izu-Bonin ridge system. Thus the abnormally large tsunamis from the Torishima earthquake are a result of both source and path effects.
The Impact of Back Squat and Leg-Press Exercises on Maximal Strength and Speed-Strength Parameters

Abstract Wirth, K, Hartmann, H, Sander, A, Mickel, C, Szilvas, E, and Keiner, M. The impact of back squat and leg-press exercises on maximal strength and speed-strength parameters. J Strength Cond Res 30(5): 1205–1212, 2016—Strength training-induced increases in speed strength seem indisputable. For trainers and athletes, the most efficient exercise selection in the phase of preparation is of interest. Therefore, this study determined how the selection of training exercise influences the development of speed strength and maximal strength during an 8-week training intervention. Seventy-eight students participated in this study (39 in the training group and 39 as controls). Both groups were divided into 2 subgroups. The first training group (squat training group [SQ]) completed an 8-week strength training protocol using the parallel squat. The second training group (leg-press training group [LP]) used the same training protocol using the leg press (45° leg press). The control group was divided in 2 subgroups as controls for the SQ or the LP. Two-factorial analyses of variance were performed using a repeated measures model for all group comparisons and comparisons between pretest and posttest results. The SQ exhibited a statistically significant (p ⩽ 0.05) increase in jump performance in squat jump (SJ, 12.4%) and countermovement jump (CMJ, 12.0%). Whereas, the changes in the LP did not reach statistical significance and amounted to improvements in SJ of 3.5% and CMJ 0.5%. The differences between groups were statistically significant (p ⩽ 0.05). There are also indications that the squat exercise is more effective to increase drop jump performance. Therefore, the squat exercise increased the performance in SJ, CMJ, and reactive strength index more effectively compared with the leg-press in a short-term intervention. Consequently, if the strength training aims at improving jump performance, the squat should be preferred because of the better transfer effects.
On Error Probabilities for DS-CDMA/MRC in Frequency Selective Nakagami Fading

An in-depth yet simple analysis is presented for binary direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems considering a frequency selective Nakagami fading channel and maximal ratio combining (MRC) receiver. The inevitable inter-symbol interference as well as multiple access interference from simultaneous users are modeled elegantly and their characteristic functions (CF) are developed. Utilizing the CFs, the exact bit error probabilities are developed following the CF method of error rate analysis that claims the honor to be the first-to-publish reliable result for such channel and receiver. The CF based exact error rate is less computationally intensive than that can be obtained by traditional methods of approximation. The same method also lets us develop a new simpler approximate error rate. The exact method is utilized to investigate the range of parameters where approximations (existing and the new) would be accurate.
Leishmania infantum infection rates in Phlebotomus perniciosus fed on naturally infected dogs under antimonial treatment

Abstract. Dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum Nicolle were treated with three courses of meglumine antimoniate. Changes were observed in the dogs' clinical signs, antibody titres and in infection rates of Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead fed on the dogs. A large reduction in the sandfly infection rate was observed for 4–5 months after the first treatment. The use of antimonial drugs is advocated for the control of canine leishmaniasis and to reduce risks of L.infantum transmission.
The effects of chronic amphetamine treatment on prenatal ethanol-induced changes in dopamine receptor function: electrophysiological findings.

The sensitivity of dopamine (DA) receptors in the mesoaccumbens DA system was investigated with extracellular recording and microiontophoresis techniques in adult rats that received prenatal ethanol exposure and chronic postnatal amphetamine treatment. Pregnant rats were fed with a liquid diet containing 0 or 35% ethanol-derived calories from gestation day 6 to 20. An ad libitum group received laboratory chow and water. Offspring were injected with amphetamine (2 mg/kg/day s.c.) or saline from postnatal day 22 to 10- to 12-months of age. Electrophysiological recording procedures were performed 16 to 24 hr after the last amphetamine injection. A supersensitivity of somatodendritic DA autoreceptors in the ventral tegmental area was observed in animals exposed prenatally to ethanol. This prenatal ethanol exposure-induced supersensitivity was not observed after postnatal amphetamine treatment. In control animals, postnatal amphetamine treatment did not affect the sensitivity of somatodendritic DA autoreceptors. The sensitivity of D-1 DA receptors in the nucleus accumbens was reduced by prenatal ethanol exposure. Postnatal amphetamine treatment reduced D-1 DA receptor sensitivity in control animals, but not in animals exposed prenatally to ethanol. Neither prenatal ethanol treatment nor postnatal amphetamine treatment altered the sensitivity of D-2 DA receptors in the nucleus accumbens. There were no differences between the ad libitum and 0% ethanol-derived calorie groups, indicating undernutrition did not affect DA receptor function. These results show that prenatal ethanol exposure altered DA receptor function in the mesoaccumbens DA system in adult animals. Furthermore, postnatal amphetamine treatment was able to eliminate the supersensitivity of somatodendritic DA autoreceptors in prenatal ethanol-exposed animals.
Fusion pore formation and expansion induced by Ca2+ and synaptotagmin 1

Fusion pore formation and expansion, crucial steps for neurotransmitter release and vesicle recycling in soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-dependent vesicle fusion, have not been well studied in vitro due to the lack of a reliable content-mixing fusion assay. Using methods detecting the intervesicular mixing of small and large cargoes at a single-vesicle level, we found that the neuronal SNARE complexes have the capacity to drive membrane hemifusion. However, efficient fusion pore formation and expansion require synaptotagmin 1 and Ca2+. Real-time measurements show that pore expansion detected by content mixing of large DNA cargoes occurs much slower than initial pore formation that transmits small cargoes. Slow pore expansion perhaps provides a time window for vesicles to escape the full collapse fusion pathway via alternative mechanisms such as kiss-and-run. The results also show that complexin 1 stimulates pore expansion significantly, which could put bias between two pathways of vesicle recycling.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Single-Dose Riociguat in Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment

This population pharmacokinetics (PK) analysis characterized the PK of the oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and determined whether smoking affects riociguat dosing. Two phase 1 studies were performed in patients with renal impairment (n = 72, of whom 11 were smokers), and two were performed in those with hepatic impairment (n = 64, of whom 12 were smokers). Plasma and urine samples were collected after a single oral dose of riociguat 1.0 or 0.5 mg. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to develop a combined, two-compartment population PK model for riociguat and its main metabolite, M1. Riociguat and M1 clearance was split into renal and nonrenal parts; the nonrenal part for riociguat was divided into metabolism to M1 and a metabolic (nonrenal) part. Total clearance of riociguat was 1.912 L/h. The main route of riociguat clearance is metabolism to M1 (1.2 L/h). In this model, hepatic function biomarkers or Child-Pugh classification had no significant effect on riociguat or M1 clearance. Nonrenal (nonmetabolism) riociguat clearance was similar in all groups. Renal clearance (0.242 L/h) contributed less to riociguat total clearance, mainly determined by glomerular filtration (0.174 L/h). Renal impairment reduced riociguat and M1 clearance. Hepatic or renal impairment had limited effects on total exposure to riociguat. However, individual dose adjustment of riociguat should be administered with particular care in patients with moderate hepatic or renal impairment. Riociguat is not recommended in severe hepatic or renal impairment. Smoking reduced riociguat exposure by significantly increasing metabolism to M1.
Patellar luxation as a complication of surgical intervention for the management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

Summary This retrospective study identified 32 cases of patellar luxation which occurred as a complication of surgical intervention for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The complication was recorded mostly in larger (≥20 kg) dogs with the Labrador Retriever being the most common breed. The complication followed extracapsular, intra-capsular and tibial plateau levelling surgery. The mean time from CCLR surgery to the diagnosis of patellar luxation was 14 weeks. The incidence of patellar luxation occurring as a complication of surgical intervention for CCLR was 0.18% of all CCLR corrective procedures. Corrective surgery for patellar luxation was successful in 79% of stifles. The patellar reluxation rate was significantly lower (p=0.0007) when at least one corrective osteotomy (tibial tuberosity transposition, femoral trochlear sulcoplasty or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy with tibial axial re-alignment) was performed (35%), compared to when corrective osteotomy was not performed (100% patellar reluxation rate). When performing corrective surgery for patellar luxation following CCLR surgery, at least one corrective osteotomy should be performed in order to reduce the patellar reluxation rate. The correction of patellar luxation following surgery for CCLR is challenging and carries a significant rate of failure.
Resident Ratings of Communication Skills Using the Kalamazoo Adapted Checklist.

BACKGROUND The Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist-Adapted (KEECC-A) is a well-regarded instrument for evaluating communication and interpersonal skills. To date, little research has been conducted that assesses the accuracy of resident self-ratings of their communication skills. OBJECTIVE To assess whether residents can accurately self-rate communication skills, using the KEECC-A, during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). METHODS A group of 104 residents from 8 specialties completed a multistation OSCE as part of an institutional communication skills curriculum conducted at a single institution. Standardized patients (SPs) and observers were trained in rating communication skills using the KEECC-A. Standardized patient ratings and resident self-ratings were completed immediately following each OSCE encounter, and trained observers rated archived videotapes of the encounters. RESULTS Resident self-ratings and SP ratings using the KEECC-A were significantly correlated (r104 = 0.238, P = .02), as were resident self-ratings and observer ratings (r104 = 0.284, P = .004). The correlation between the SP ratings and observer (r104 = 0.378, P = .001) ratings were larger in magnitude, but not significantly different (P > .05) from resident/SP or resident/observer correlations. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that residents, with a modicum of training using the KEECC-A, can accurately rate their own communication and interpersonal skills during an OSCE. Using trained observers to rate resident communication skills provides a unique opportunity for evaluating SP and resident self-ratings. Our findings also lend further support for the reliability and validity of the KEECC-A.
Nuclease A (Gbs0661), an extracellular nuclease of Streptococcus agalactiae, attacks the neutrophil extracellular traps and is needed for full virulence

Most bacteria of the genus Streptococcus are opportunistic pathogens, and some of them produce extracellular DNases, which may be important for virulence. Genome analyses of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) neonate isolate NEM316 revealed the presence of seven genes putatively encoding secreted DNases, although their functions, if any, are unknown. In this study, we observed that respiration growth of GBS led to the extracellular accumulation of a putative nuclease, identified as being encoded by the gbs0661 gene. When overproduced in Lactococcus lactis, the protein was found to be a divalent cation‐requiring, pH‐stable and heat‐stable nuclease that we named Nuclease A (NucA). Substitution of the histidine148 by alanine reduced nuclease activity of the GBS wild‐type strain, indicating that NucA is the major nuclease ex vivo. We determined that GBS is able to degrade the DNA matrix comprising the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). The nucAH148A mutant was impaired for this function, implicating NucA in the virulence of GBS. In vivo infection studies confirmed that NucA is required for full infection, as the mutant strain allowed increased bacterial clearance from lung tissue and decreased mortality in infected mice. These results show that NucA is involved in NET escape and is needed for full virulence.
[Impacts of atorvastatin on blood lipids and arterial media thickness in new-onset type 2 diabetes patients].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of atorvastatin on blood lipids and arterial media thickness (IMT) in new-onset type 2 diabetes patients. METHODS 333 patients, 30-70 years old and diagnosed within one year as type 2 diabetes, were selected from the Chinese Diabetes Complication Prevention Study (CDCPS) to take part in this study. Changes of blood lipids and IMT of carotid, femoral and iliac artery pre and post the administration of atorvastatin were tested and followed for 24 months. RESULTS Total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein decreased significantly (P = 0.000) and maintained at a low level. The carotid artery IMT decreased significantly (P = 0.022) at the end of this study, but the femoral and iliac artery IMT did not show any obvious change. There were no serious adverse events noticed, during the study period. CONCLUSION Long-term use of atorvastatin seemed to be safe and effective in reducing blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes thus could delay the development of atherosclerosis.
Effect of ovine conceptus secretory proteins and purified ovine trophoblast protein-1 on interoestrous interval and plasma concentrations of prostaglandins F-2 alpha and E and of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F-2 alpha in cyclic ewes.

Conceptus secretory proteins (oCSP) were obtained from medium in which sheep conceptuses, collected on Day 16 of pregnancy, were cultured for 30 h. A portion of the culture medium (500 ml) was prepared for intrauterine infusion by concentrating the proteins by Amicon ultrafiltration (Mr 500 cutoff). A second portion (500 ml medium) was used to purify sheep trophoblast protein one (oTP-1). Proteins remaining after oTP-1 purification were concentrated and then passed through an anti-oTP-1 sepharose CL-4B affinity column to remove any remaining oTP-1 (oCSP-oTP-1). Serum proteins (oSP) were collected from a Day-16 pregnant ewe and diluted for infusion. Catheters were placed in the uterus of cyclic (Day 10) ewes. The following combinations of proteins were infused: 0.75 mg oCSP + 0.75 mg oSP (5 ewes), 0.75 mg oCSP - oTP-1 + 0.75 mg oSP (4 ewes), 0.05 mg oTP-1 + 1.45 mg oSP (5 ewes) and 1.5 mg oSP only (5 ewes). Infusions were twice daily on Days 12 and 13 (08:00 and 17:00 h) and once on Day 14 (08:00 h). On Day 14, ewes were injected intravenously at 08:00 h with 0.5 mg oestradiol-17 beta. Blood sampling began 30 min before oestradiol injection and continued every 30 min for 10 h. On Day 15 ewes received 10 i.u. oxytocin intravenously (08:00 h). Blood samples were collected 10 min before oxytocin and every 10 min for 1 h after oxytocin injection. Concentrations of prostaglandin (PG) F, PGE-2/PGE-1 (PGE) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF-2 alpha (PGFM) were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Ewes treated with oTP-1 and oCSP had longer (P less than 0.05) interoestrous intervals (27 and 25 days, respectively) compared to ewes treated with oSP and oCSP--oTP-1 (19 and 19 days, respectively) (s.e.m. = 1.56 days). These results indicate that oTP-1 alone is as potent as total conceptus secretory proteins in extending luteal maintenance. Ewes treated with oTP-1 and oCSP had no increase in PGF after oestradiol injection while production of PGF did increase 6-10 h after oestradiol in ewes treated with oSP and oCSP--oTP-1. PGFM was correlated with PGF concentrations (r = 0.57, P less than 0.01) although presence or absence of increases in production of PGFM for the treatment groups were not the same as those for PGF. No effects of treatment on PGE were detected. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effects of combined ovariectomy with dexamethasone on rat lumbar vertebrae

Objective:This study investigated the effects of combined ovariectomy with dexamethasone treatment on rat lumbar vertebrae in comparison with osteoporosis induced via ovariectomy or dexamethasone alone, and analysis of the associated molecular mechanism. Methods:Sixty-two female Sprague–Dawley rats (3 months’ old) were randomly divided into five treatment groups: an untreated baseline (BL) group; those receiving a sham operation (SHAM); those receiving a dexamethasone injection alone (DEXA); those undergoing bilateral ovariectomy (OVX); and those subjected to both ovariectomy and dexamethasone injection (OVX-DEXA). Animals in the BL group were euthanized at the beginning of the experiment, whereas animals in the remaining groups were euthanized at the end of the first month (M1), second month (M2), or third month (M3). Bone mineral density, bone microarchitecture, biomechanical properties of vertebrae, and serum levels of estrogen, amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), and &bgr;-C-telopeptide of type I collagen (&bgr;-CTX) were measured. In addition, we examined biglycan, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), lipoprotein receptor-related protein-5 (LRP-5), cathepsin K (CTSK), and sclerostin mRNA expression. Results:Bone mineral content and bone mineral density were markedly lower in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the OVX group at all time points examined. The relative bone surface (BS/TV, mm–1), relative bone volume (BV/TV,%), and trabecular number (Tb.N, 1/mm) were markedly lower in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the remaining groups, whereas trabecular separation (Tb.Sp, mm) was markedly higher in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the remaining groups at M2 or M3. The OVX-DEXA group showed lower compressive strength and lower stiffness compared with the other groups at M2 and M3. Compressive displacement and energy absorption capacity were also markedly lower in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the OVX group at M3. Estradiol levels were markedly lower in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the other groups. Biglycan, runt-related transcription factor 2, osteoprotegerin, and lipoprotein receptor-related protein-5 were down-regulated in the DEXA, OVX, and OVX-DEXA groups compared with the BL and SHAM groups, whereas cathepsin K and sclerostin were up-regulated in the OVX-DEXA group compared with the DEXA and OVX groups. Conclusions:Ovariectomy combined with dexamethasone induced more serious osteoporosis in the rat lumbar spine than either ovariectomy or dexamethasone alone. The combined effect may be due to a combination of suppressed bone formation and increased bone resorption related to an estradiol deficit.
A novel current derivative measurement using recursive least square algorithms for sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous machine

The parasitic components of the VSI system cause high frequency oscillations in the motor current when an IGBT switches. To accomplish current derivative measurement for the position estimation using PWM voltage vector excitation, the one di/dt sample can be directly derived from the measurement of two motor current samples without sensors. In this paper, a proposed method is introduced, and which utilizes an advanced signal processing technique to estimate current samples during the oscillation period. With a robust and capable data acquisition system (FPGA/DSP), signal processing method can be implemented for the online current measurement, so the PWM excitation saliency tracking method can be definitely used to estimate the position without need of any additional di/dt sensors.
Pulmonary aspergillosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS Symptomatic pulmonary aspergillosis has rarely been reported in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We describe the predisposing factors, the clinical and radiologic features, and the therapeutic outcomes in 13 patients with pulmonary aspergillosis, all of whom had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and 12 of whom had AIDS. RESULTS Pulmonary aspergillosis was detected a median of 25 months after the diagnosis of AIDS, usually following corticosteroid use, neutropenia, pneumonia due to other pathogens, marijuana smoking, or the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Two major patterns of disease were observed: invasive aspergillosis (in 10 patients) and obstructing bronchial aspergillosis (in 3). Cough and fever, the most common symptoms, tended to be insidious in onset in patients with invasive disease (median duration, 1.3 months before diagnosis). Breathlessness, cough, and chest pain predominated in the three patients with obstructing bronchial aspergillosis, who coughed up fungal casts. Radiologic patterns included upper-lobe cavitary disease (sometimes mistaken for tuberculosis), nodules, pleural-based lesions, and diffuse infiltrates, usually of the lower lobe. Transbronchial biopsies were usually negative, but positive cultures were obtained from bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid or percutaneous aspirates. Dissemination to other organs occurred in at least two patients, and direct invasion of extrapulmonary sites was seen in two others. The results of treatment with amphotericin B, itraconazole, or both were variable. Ten of the patients died a median of 3 months after the diagnosis (range, 0 to 12 months). CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary aspergillosis is a possible late complication of AIDS; if diagnosed early, it may be treated successfully.