Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of cyanidin 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside on hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, mainly through the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside is a natural antioxidant compound distributed in several fruits and vegetables. AIM To evaluate the effect of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside on hepatic stellate cells proliferation and collagen synthesis induced by a pro-oxidant agent. METHODS/RESULTS Oxidative stress was induced by incubation of hepatic stellate cells with a ferric nitrilotriacetate complex (100 micromol/L). Incubation with ferric nitrilotriacetate induced an increased intracellular hydroperoxide formation, which was completely inhibited by cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside at a concentration of 50mumol/L. Similarly, cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside was able to inhibit ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced hepatic stellate cells proliferation, evaluated by an ELISA method, with a maximal effect at 50mumol/L. Incubation of hepatic stellate cells with cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside inhibited ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation, evaluated by western blot, whereas it did not affect p70S6 kinase and AKT expression. Finally, cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside reduced ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced Na(+)/H(+) exchange activation, evaluated by a spectrofluorimetric method, and collagen type I synthesis, evaluated by northern blot. CONCLUSION Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside is able to modulate hepatic stellate cells proliferation and type I collagen synthesis induced by a pro-oxidant agent, thus suggesting a potential role for this antioxidant compound in the prevention of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases.
Is a visual worth more than a thousand words? An investigation into brand engagement and social shopping on visual social media

Social media networking is now the most popular online activity worldwide and a large part of social media interaction involves sharing visual content on platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. The phenomenal growth in numbers of users makes visual platforms enticing for marketers who spend ever-increasing time, effort and money on social media in the hope of generating consumer engagement for their brands. This research investigates customer behaviour for the largest visual social media platform, Instagram. It looks at users’ behavioural engagement and links engagement to brand purchase decisions through a social shopping construct. In order to evaluate the potential marketing benefits of visual social media we compared brand-generated content with user- generated content in terms of brand engagement and its effect on social shopping. Engagement was measured in four different dimensions – cognitive, emotional, personal, and behavioural. Key issues in the use of visual social media are the credibility of the source content and the user’s willingness to be the recipient of marketing interventions This mixed-method approach revealed that user-generated content created by unfamiliar users such as bloggers is most effective in influencing purchase. Conversely and surprisingly, user-generated content from close social ties are least effective in inspiring purchase behaviour. The study highlights the importance for marketers of reaching key influencers with large followings in order to engender social shopping amongst visual social media users.
V p V s and lithology

Published laboratory investigations suggest an association exists between the ratio of seismic compressional and shear‐wave velocities (Vp/Vs) and sedimentary rock lithology. Comparisons of some theoretical models with these laboratory studies suggest that crack, or pore, geometry has a stronger effect on observed Vp/Vs values than elastic constants of the minerals comprising the matrix. Further, it can be inferred that the observed association between lithology and Vp/Vs is a result of an association between lithology and distribution of pore and crack shapes. Direct observation of crack shapes for a variety of lithologies is a next step in strengthening these inferences. The present study reviews the empirical relations between Vp/Vs and lithology and examines two published theoretical models of cracked elastic media. The models suggest that seismic velocities of sandstones may be controlled by cracks and pores with aspect ratios in the range of 10-1 to 1, dolomite in the range of 10-2 to 10-1, and dens.
Ebb-Jet Dynamics and Transient Eddy Formation at Tauranga Harbour: Implications for Entrance Channel Shoaling

Abstract In 1992 the entrance channel through the tidal inlet to Tauranga Harbour, which is located along the Bay of Plenty littoral drift system, was deepened from 10 m to 14 m. The deepened channel has become a sediment trap for littoral drift bypassing and tidal current driven sediment transport through the inlet. Since 1992, there has been an increase in maintenance dredging requirements at the inlet, because of sand accumulation along the southeastern border of the entrance channel. Previous studies have identified an ebb tide–induced eddy operating on the eastern side of the ebb-jet as it exits the tidal gorge. In this article, the eddy system has been simulated with a validated two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, detailing time-varying current patterns over the ebb-tidal delta. Particular emphasis is placed on defining the trajectory of the eddy and evaluating its influence on the observed sedimentation patterns. The model results indicate the formation of opposing eddies on either side of the entrance channel, both of which are transient in nature. The centre of the eastern eddy propagates seaward along the downdrift margin of the entrance channel as the ebb-jet lengthens. Bathymetric survey residuals between 2004 and 2006 confirm significant accumulations of sediment along this downdrift margin. The evidence is consistent that the eddy system exerts a directional control over transport of sediments entrained by waves over the ebb-tidal delta.
Charge‐coupled device spectra of the Galilean satellites: Molecular oxygen on Ganymede

We have obtained 3200–7800 A CCD spectra of the Galilean satellites at a variety of orbital longitudes, with spectral resolution between 3 and 18 A and signal-to-noise ratios of up to 2000 at 6000 A. Despite the higher resolution and signal-to-noise ratio than previous published spectra, no new features are seen on Io, Europa, and Callisto. However, Ganymede shows an unusual and previously unreported shallow absorption feature at 5773 A, which is much stronger on the trailing side, and a weaker band at 6275 A. The features are apparently due to diatomic oxygen, and require simultaneous electronic transitions in two adjacent molecules: they are the strongest visible-wavelengt h absorption bands in solid or liquid oxygen. Because condensed pure oxygen is not stable at Ganymede surface temperatures and pressures, the oxygen must be trapped in other surface materials, perhaps in water ice, with the constraint that O2 molecules must be close enough together for simultaneous electronic transitions. Magnetospheric bombardment of water ice is a plausible production mechanism for the O2. Continuum shapes on all four satellites are more clearly seen than in previous spectra. The shape of the continuum is very similar on Ganymede and Callisto but is strikingly different on Europa, indicating a different origin for the nonice component on Europa. The shape of the Europa continuum suggests that allotropes or compounds of sulfur may be the dominant spectrally active materials in the visible spectrum. No convincing changes since 1978 are visible in Io's spectrum, despite the high resurfacing rates, suggesting that volcanic resurfacing tends to overpaint areas with more material of the same composition.
Right Internal Jugular Ultrasound Measurements during the Respiratory Cycle in Children

Background: Point of care ultrasound could be useful as a non-invasive objective measure of throughout the respiratory cycle. Purpose: To determine the reliability of measurements of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). Methods: We performed a prospective observation study of children aged 6–17 years. Using M-mode ultrasonography one centimeter cephalad from the clavicle, triplicate measurements were recorded during inhalation and exhalation with the head straight ahead and 45 degrees leftward. Results: Among the 40 enrolled subjects, mean diameters ± standard deviations of the RIJV (cm) were: maximum inhalation with head straight ahead (0.53 ± 0.18), leftward (0.78 ± 0.22); maximum exhalation with head straight ahead (0.54 ± 0.19), leftward (0.79 ± 0.22). Intraclass correlation coefficients were all significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The RIJV diameter can be reliably measured during the respiratory cycle; measures are larger with head turned 45 degrees leftward.
Solid Waste Management in the World’s Cities

SCHEINBERG, Anne. WILSON, David. RODIC-WIERSMA, Ljiljana et al. Solid Waste Management in the World’s Cities. Water and Sanitation in the World's Cities 2010. 2010 This publication is the third edition in the UN-HABITAT’s “State of Water and Sanitation in the World Cities” series. It aims to capture the world’s current waste management trends and draw attention to the importance of waste management. Read more about the book .
ISOLATION OF E. COLI FROM DRINKING WATER SOURCES FOR HUMANS AND FARM ANIMALS IN NYANKPALA COMMUNITY OF GHANA

The study was conducted to determine the occurrence of E. coli in drinking water sources used by humans and farm animals in Nyankpala community of Ghana. Isolation of E. coli was done using a slightly modified procedure in the US Food and Drug Administration-Bacteriological Analysis Manual (FDA-BAM). A total of 200 water samples collected from six different water sources viz. sachet water (four different brands), tap water, well water, dam water, bottle water and water from the drinking troughs (drinkers) of farm animals were analysed. The average occurrence of E. coli in the different water samples was 58 (29%). The highest occurrence of E. coli was in well water 100% (20/20), followed by water from drinkers 80% (12/15), dam water 65% (13/20), rain water 50% (10/20) and tap water 10% (3/25). All sachet (0/80) and bottle water (0/20) samples were negative for E. coli. The number of well water samples positive for E. coli was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of dam water, sachet water, rain water and tap water. This work indicated that some drinking water samples (well, drinkers, dam, rain water and tap water) in the Nyankpala Community of Ghana are contaminated with E. coli and thus humans and farm animals are at risk of foodborne infections from drinking water from such sources.
The acquisition of speech rhythm by three-year-old bilingual and monolingual children: Cantonese and English*

This study investigates the acquisition of speech rhythm by Cantonese–English bilingual children and their age-matched monolingual peers. Languages can be classified in terms of rhythmic characteristics that define English as stress-timed and Cantonese as syllable-timed. Few studies have examined the concurrent acquisition of rhythmically different languages in bilingual children. This study uses data of six Cantonese–English bilingual children around age 3;0 and compares them with six monolingual children in each language using recently developed acoustic rhythmic metrics on consonantal, vocalic and syllabic intervals. Qualitative data on syllable structure complexity and vowel quality are also included. Results on syllable duration show that monolingual children display distinct rhythmic patterns while the differences between the two languages of the bilingual children are less distinct. Bilingual English has less durational variability than monolingual English. Bilingual children have a distinct phonological developmental trajectory from monolingual children, which is manifested in acquisition delay and is influenced by language dominance. This shows that the two phonologies interact at the prosodic level.
Intelligent Diagnosis Based On Validated And Fused Data For Relilability And Safety Enhancement Of Automated Vehicles In An IVHS

Vehicles in an IVHS system rely heavily on information obtained from sensors. So far, most control systems make the implicit assumption that sensor information is always correct. However, in reality, sensor information is always corrupted to some degree by noise which varies with operating conditions, environmental conditions, and other factors. In addition, sensors can fail due to a variety of reasons. To overcome these shortcomings, sensor validation is needed to assess the integrity of the sensor information and adjust or correct as appropriate. In the presence of redundant information, sensor data must be fused, accommodating the findings from the validation process. In this report, we address the above issues. Key words: sensor validation, sensor fusion, data fusion, supervisory control, management of uncertainty, reliability, safety, Bayes networks, fault detection, Diagnosis, Influence Diagrams, risk analysis, decision making
Mixed glauconitic-carbonate-siliciclastic surficial sediments on the north Kaipara continental margin, northwestern North Island, New Zealand

Abstract A mosaic of siliciclastic and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sediments and authigenic minerals occurs at shelf and slope depths (30–1015 m water depth) on the open, wave-dominated north Kaipara continental margin (NKCM) off northern New Zealand. Texture and composition define five surficial sediment facies. Facies 1 (siliciclastic sand) comprises generally well-sorted fine sands that extend to outer shelf depths. Facies 2 (glauconitic sand) is composed of 30–95% authigenic glauconite grains at 150–400 m water depth in central to northern portions of NKCM. Facies 3 (mixed bryozoan-siliciclastic sand) occurs only in northernmost NKCM and involves a conspicuous (>40%) bryozoan carbonate content. Facies 4 (pelletal mud) occupies the mid shelf (100–150 m water depth) in northern NKCM and consists of muddy sediment with >30% mixed carbonate-siliciclastic pellets of probable fecal origin. Facies 5 (foraminiferal mud and sand) contains >30% foraminiferal tests at slope depths in southern NKCM and at both slope and mid-outer shelf depths towards the north. The siliciclastic mineralogy is consistent with mainly distant provenances to the south of the NKCM in central North Island and northern South Island, while much of the bryozoan material is likely reworked from the Three Kings carbonate platform to the north. No single shelf sedimentation model explains the complex facies distributions on the NKCM because the deposits record the interplay of several present and past hydrodynamic and sediment supply controls. While truly modern deposits may occur inshore, the bulk of NKCM surficial sediments are mainly palimpsest and/or relict deposits.
Effect of Systemic Granisetron in the Clinical Course of Spinal Anesthesia with Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Outpatient Cystoscopy

Background : The goals of this study are evaluation the effect of intravenous (IV) granisetron on the duration of sensory and motor block produced by intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine and also post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing outpatient cystoscopy. Methods : 62 patients, undergoing cystoscopy received either 3 mg IV granisetron or placebo 15 minutes before the spinal block. Sensory and motor block were assessed after the intrathecal injection of bupivacaine every 2 minutes until the maximum block was achieved and thereafter every 15 minutes until recovery from the sensory and motor block. Results : Demographic data were not statistically different in the study groups. Duration of sensory and motor block were also not statistically different between the study groups (P = 0.060 and P = 0.070 respectively). No patient in either group had vomiting. Seven patients in saline and zero patient in granisetron group had nausea that was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Time to discharge after surgery was 243 ± 21 and 239 ± 24 minutes in granisetron and control group respectively (P = 0.150). Conclusions : Systemic granisetron had no effect on the duration of sensory and motor block produced by spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine.
Geotectonic evolution of diamondiferous paragneisses, Kokchetav Complex, northern Kazakhstan: The geologic enigma of ultrahigh‐pressure crustal rocks within a Paleozoic foldbelt

The Kokchetav Complex is a tectonic mega-melange consisting of seven pre-Ordovician units (units I-VII) of contrasting lithologies and P–T conditions of metamorphism, overlain and/or intruded by four post-recrystallization entities. Most of the constituent rock types display affinities with continental crust; paraschists and paragneisses, which carry biogenically produced carbon, clearly were laid down near the surface of the Earth. Microdiamond (and rare coesite) inclusions are contained in strong, refractory garnet, zircon, clinopyroxene, and kyanite, some of the constituent neoblastic phases of this metasedimentary unit. Systematic mineral parageneses and textural relationships support the hypothesis that the metamorphic assemblages represent a close approach to chemical equilibrium at the time of formation. Metamorphism of diamond-bearing paragneisses and schists transpired at 535 ± 5 Ma; physical conditions included minimum pressures of 40 kbar and temperatures exceeding 900 °C. Other associated units contain mineralogic evidence of somewhat lower to considerably lower pressures and temperatures: observed magnesite + diopside pairs, coesite, grossular-pyropic garnet, potassic clinopyroxene, Si-rich phengite, barroisite-crossite(? ), aluminous titanite and/or Al-rutile, and the assemblage talc + kyanite + garnet all testify to relatively elevated pressures of formation. The metamorphosed lithotectonic units represent individual, discrete stages in what initially may have been a continuous P-T series, but intense post-metamorphic dislocation has resulted in the preservation of a chaotically mixed sequence rather than an unbroken gradation in preserved conditions of metamorphism. Only units I-III, and probably VIb may represent portions of a dismembered subduction zone lithologie assemblage. The uplift to mid-crustal levels and cooling of the mega-melange took place by about 515–517 Ma, at which time the complex was stabilized as a part of the Kazakhstan microcontinental collage. An hypothesized Late Vendian-Early Cambrian subduction of the Kazakhstan-North Tianshan(? ) microcontinental salient to depths exceeding 125 km, followed by decoupling from the descending oceanic crust-capped lithospheric plate is held responsible for the ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism of the Kokchetav Complex. Inasmuch as vestiges of a calc-alkaline volcanic/plutonic arc of approximately Early Cambrian age are preserved as only scattered relics in the general region, the plate-tectonic setting may have involved an intra-oceanic, Marianas-type, incipient arc which was subsequently removed through transform faulting or erosion.
Non-reversible geosystem destabilisation at 4200 cal. BP: Sedimentological, geochemical and botanical markers of soil erosion recorded in a Mediterranean alpine lake

A 144-cm-long core was obtained in Lake Petit (2200 m a.s.l., Mediterranean French Alps) in order to reconstruct past interactions between humans, the environment and the climate over the last five millennia using a multidisciplinary approach involving sedimentological, geochemical and botanical analyses. We show a complex pattern of environmental transformation. From 4800 to 4200 cal. BP, podzol-type soils progressively developed under forest cover. This stable situation was interrupted by a major detrital pulse at 4200 cal. BP that we consider as a tipping point in the environmental history. At this point, pedogenetic processes drastically regressed, leading to the development of moderately weathered soils. More frequent detrital inputs are recorded since 3000 cal. BP (ad 1050) as the human impact significantly increased in the catchment area. We conclude that destabilisation of the environment was triggered by climate and exacerbated by human activities to a stage beyond resilience.
Neighbour and traffic noise annoyance at home - Prevalence and trends among Danish adults

Neighbour and traffic noise are affecting many people in their everyday life, implying adverse effects on quality of life and health. In many countries, the most dominant noise sources disturbing people in their homes are traffic and neighbours. The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence of adult Danes that are annoyed in their home by noise from neighbours and traffic, respectively, and to examine the trends over time. Data are derived from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2013. The sample sizes were quite large (approx. 25 000 individuals per survey) with adequate response rates varying from 57% to 74%. All samples were drawn at random from the adult Danish population (16 years or older). The purpose of the surveys was to describe the status and trends in health and morbidity in the adult Danish population and the factors that influence health status. Noise annoyance was assessed by asking the respondent whether they had been annoyed by noise from traffic or noise from neighbours, respectively, in their home during the past two weeks. The possible answer categories were: ‘Yes, very annoyed’, ‘yes, slightly annoyed’, ‘no’. The prevalence of adult Danes that have been very or slightly annoyed by traffic noise have increased from 6.3% in 2000 to 9.6% in 2013. During the same period, noise annoyance from neighbours seemed to have increased significantly, but due to different survey modes, quantification is not possible. However, the prevalence varies strikingly between house types. Thus, the prevalence was 32.7% among individuals living in multi-storey housing and less than 10% among individuals living in row, double and detached houses. The paper compares the Danish results with findings from surveys in a few other European countries, and the methodologies will be discussed.