Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seismic Interaction Characteristics of an Inclined Straight Alternating Pile Group-Soil in Liquefied Ground

In this paper, the pile-soil interaction of a low-rise pile cap foundation of an inclined straight alternating pile on two or three layers of a soil liquefaction site under seismic load is studied. By inputting the 0.5 g El Centro seismic wave in FLAC3D, the pile-soil interaction rule of the pile foundation of the inclined and straight pile groups of the low-pile cap under seismic action is simulated. By analyzing the soil acceleration, the pore pressure ratio, the horizontal displacement of the pile body, the vertical displacement, and the pile body bending moment, the law of pile-soil interaction between the pile and soil when the lower part of the pile is embedded in the clay layer is studied, and the low-rise pile cap inclined straight alternating group pile foundation on the two-layer soil and the three-layer soil free field is compared and analyzed. The results show that, under seismic load, the maximum acceleration of soil mass in the two-layer soil and three-layer soil model is discrete, and the pore pressure ratio of sand soil increases from bottom to top. By analyzing the displacement and bending moment of pile body, the bending moment at the joint between the pile cap and the top of pile body is the largest and the most vulnerable to damage. The maximum value of pile displacement and bending moment in the three-layer soil is less than the maximum value of the two-layer soil, indicating that the pile group foundation in the three-layer soil free site model is safer.
The relationship between the Five-Factor Model and latent DSM-IV personality disorder dimensions

This study compared the latent structure of the DSM-IV personality disorders to the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of general personality dimensions. The subjects in the study were 742 community-residing individuals who participated in the Hopkins Epidemiology of Personality Disorder Study. DSM-IV personality disorder traits were assessed by psychologists using the International Personality Disorder Examination, and personality disorder dimensions were derived previously using dichotomous factor analysis. The NEO-PI(R), a measure of the FFM, was administered to all subjects. The relationship between the two sets of personality-related constructs was examined using a construct validity framework and also using Pearson’s correlation coefficients, multiple linear regression models, and spline regression models. The five personality disorder factors each exhibited small to moderate correlations with several NEO dimensions; together, the NEO domain and facet scores “explained” a fifth to a third of the variance in personality disorder dimensions. Examples of non-linear relationships between the personality dimensions were identified. There is a modest correspondence between the personality disorder dimensions and FFM traits, and the traits of FFM only partially explain the variance of the personality disorders. Dimensional measures of general personality may be a suitable alternative to the DSM-IV. Whether additional maladaptive traits would better define the domain of personality disorders remains an important objective for future research.
The Effects of Amplification on Listening Self-Efficacy in Adults With Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate listening self-efficacy ratings between aided and unaided conditions in different communication environments and to determine what patient- and device-centered variables were associated with individual differences. Method: An observational, cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate 165 older adults with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss who wore hearing aids at least 8 hr per week. Listening self-efficacy for both unaided and aided listening was measured using the Listening Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (LSEQ; Smith, Pichora-Fuller, Watts, & La More, 2011), consisting of a global score and subscales of Dialogue in Quiet, Directed Listening, and Complex Listening. Metrics to explain variability in the degree of improvement in LSEQ ratings with aided listening included patient-centered variables of age, pure-tone average, and personality and device-centered variables of hearing aid use, speech intelligibility index, directionality, and noise reduction. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Costa & McCrae, 1985) was used to measure 5 personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness). Associations were evaluated between LSEQ ratings and patient- and device-centered variables using a linear mixed-model analysis. Results: Statistically significant improvements in LSEQ ratings were found for aided conditions (relative to unaided conditions), easier listening environments, lower pure-tone averages, and lower levels of neuroticism. Furthermore, the improvement in listening self-efficacy with hearing aids did not depend on the listening environment but did alter with severity of hearing loss, length of hearing aid use, and levels of conscientiousness. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that wearing hearing aids is associated with improved listening self- efficacy in a variety of communication environments. Aural rehabilitation and counseling may focus on improving listening self-efficacy to address the challenges of consistent hearing aid use and reduced quality of life related to hearing loss.
Gamma Delta T Cell Receptors Confer Autonomous Responsiveness To The Insulin Peptide B:9–23 1

The range and physical qualities of molecules that act as ligands for the γδ T cell receptors (TCRs) remain uncertain. Processed insulin is recognized by αβ T cells, which mediate diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Here, we present evidence that γδ T cells in these mice recognize processed insulin as well. Hybridomas generated from NOD spleen and pancreatic lymph nodes included clones expressing γδ TCRs that responded specifically to purified islets of Langerhans and to an insulin peptide, but not to intact insulin. The γδ TCRs associated with this type of response are diverse, but a cloned γδ TCR was sufficient to transfer the response. The response to the insulin peptide was autonomous as demonstrated by stimulating single responder cells in isolation. This study reveals a novel specificity for γδ TCRs, and raises the possibility that γδ T cells become involved in islet-specific autoimmunity.
Influence of seawater ageing on the mechanical and damage self-sensing capability of glass fiber-MWCNT/epoxy laminates subjected to flexural loading by means of the electrical resistance approach

The self-sensing capability of multiscale composite laminates exposed to seawater ageing was investigated under monotonic and cyclic flexural loading. To this end, glass fiber fabrics were coated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using different contents and then infused with epoxy resin under vacuum pressure. Dynamic mechanical analysis and three-point bending tests showed that the thermo-mechanical and flexural properties of composites were significantly affected due to seawater ageing as a consequence of plasticization of the matrix. However, the composites with 0.75 wt% MWCNTs help the composite to retain mayor part of its strength and strain to failure compared to the neat composite. Electromechanical tests of dry and wet composites under monotonic and cyclic flexural loading revealed that seawater ageing reduces the piezoresistive sensitivity, although the still were able to detect matrix cracking, fiber/matrix failure, delamination and fiber breakage. Cumulative counts of the residual change in resistance after each cycle were associated with plastic deformation for composites exposed to seawater ageing. Thus, the results demonstrated that electrical networks produced by spray-coated MWCNTs has good self-sensing capabilities for in situ damage detection and strain monitoring of composite laminates even after their exposition to seawater ageing, providing a feasible real-time monitoring technique of marine structures.
Advancing algorithms, pipelines, and end-user control for analyzing billions of microbial sequences

The vast number of microbial sequences resulting from sequencing efforts using new technologies require us to re-assess currently available analysis methodologies and tools. Here we describe trends in the development and distribution of software for analyzing microbial sequence data. We then focus on one widely used set of methods, dimensionality reduction techniques, which allow users to summarize and compare these vast datasets. We conclude by emphasizing the utility of formal software engineering methods for development of computational biology tools, and the need for new algorithms for comparing microbial communities. Such large-scale comparisons will allow us to fulfill the dream of rapid integration and comparison of microbial sequence data sets, in a replicable analytical environment, in order to describe the microbial world we inhabit.
Localization and action of Dragon (RGMb), a novel BMP co-receptor, throughout the reproductive axis.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in reproduction including primordial germ cell (PGC) formation, follicular development, spermatogenesis and FSH secretion. Dragon, a recently identified glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored member of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family, is also a BMP co-receptor. In the present study, we determined the tissue and cellular localization of Dragon in reproductive organs using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Among reproductive organs, Dragon was expressed in testis, epididymis, ovary, uterus, and pituitary. In the testis of early postnatal mice, Dragon was found in gonocytes and spermatogonia while in immature testes, Dragon was only weakly expressed in spermatogonia. Interestingly, PMSG treatment of immature mice robustly induced Dragon production in spermatocytes. In adult testis, Dragon was found in spermatocytes and round spermatids. In the ovary, Dragon was detected exclusively within oocytes and primarily those within secondary follicles. In the pituitary, Dragon expressing cells overlapped FSH expressing cells. Dragon was also expressed in a number of cell lines originating from reproductive tissues including Ishikawa, Hela, L β T2, MCF-7 and JEG3 cells. Immunocytochemistry and gradient sucrose ultracentrifugation studies showed Dragon was localized in lipid rafts within the plasma membrane. In reproductive cell lines, Dragon expression enhanced signaling of exogenous BMP2 or BMP4. The present studies demonstrate that Dragon expression is dynamically regulated throughout the reproductive tract and that Dragon protein modulates BMP signaling in cells from reproductive tissues. The overlap between Dragon expression and the functional BMP signaling system suggests that Dragon may play a role in mammalian reproduction.
TNF- a , ine(cid:129)cient by itself, potentiates IL-1 b -induced PGHS-2 expression in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells: requirement of NF- k B and p38 MAPK pathways

1 Prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2), is an inducible enzyme involved in various inﬂammatory responses. We established here that interleukin-1 b (IL-1 b ) but not tumour necrosis factor- a (TNF- a ) increased its expression in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC). However, associated with IL-1 b , TNF- a greatly potentiated this enzyme induction. 2 Although unable to induce PGHS-2 expression by itself, TNF- a promoted a similar transcription nuclear factor- k B (NF- k B) activation to IL-1 b . This e(cid:128)ect was more pronounced when cells were co-exposed to both cytokines. HPMEC pre-treatment with MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, prevented NF- k B activation as well as more distal signalling response, indicating that NF- k B activation is required but not su(cid:129)cient for PGHS-2 expression. 3 Both IL-1 b and TNF- a failed to activate c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). In addition, PD98059, a p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation inhibitor, did not decrease PGHS-2 expression. However, SB 203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, suppressed PGHS-2 induction by IL-1 b alone or combined with TNF- a , demonstrating that p38 MAPK but not p42/44 MAPK or JNK cascades are required for PGHS-2 up-regulation. 4 Finally, TNF- a , unlike IL-1 b , was unable to promote p38 MAPK phosphorylation, indicating that the failure of TNF- a to induce PGHS-2 expression is linked, at least in part, to its inability to activate p38 MAPK signalling pathway. Altogether, these data enhanced our understanding of PGHS-2 regulation in HPMEC and emphasize the heterogeneity of cellular responses to proinﬂammatory cytokines. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 136, 1005 promote p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These data explain, at least in part, the inability of TNF- a alone to induce PGHS-2 expression.Insummary, our results indicate that NF- k B activation by TNF- a is a necessary but not su(cid:129)cient event to promote PGHS-2 up-regulation in HPMEC. The failure of this cytokine to enhance PGHS-2 expression may be attributed to its inability to activate p38 MAPK pathway. This study enhances our understanding of TNF- a signalling pathway, and its role in PGHS-2 gene induction and outlines the heterogeneity of cellular response to the same agonist.
Impact of Short-Term Complications on Mortality and Quality of Life after TAVR

Background: Prior studies have examined the mortality and cost implications of various complications of TAVR. However, many of these complications may primarily impact patients’ quality of life after TAVR, which has not been previously studied. Objective: To examine the independent association of short-term complications of TAVR with survival and quality of life at 1 year. Methods: Among patients at intermediate or high surgical risk who underwent TAVR as part of the PARTNER 2 studies and survived 30 days, we examined the association between complications within the 30 days after TAVR and mortality and quality of life at 1 year. Quality of life was assessed with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and the Short ABSTRACT Among 3763 TAVR patients, major stroke and kidney injury were both independently associated with a markedly increased risk of 1-year mortality and a large reduction in quality of life (among survivors). Bleeding and paravalvular leak were associated with a smaller increase in the risk of death and reduction in late quality of life. Pacemakers, minor stroke, and vascular complications, on the other hand, had no significant impact on long-term outcomes (in the absence of other complications). These data provide insights into the complications that have the greatest impact on patients’ recovery after TAVR and should help focus future efforts to improve care.
TlEl EFFECT OF ACETYLCHOLINE UPON RvESL'IlRA\'TORY GAS EXCHANGE IN MITRAL STENOSIS

Most patients with mitral stenosis show hemodynamic evidence of an increased resistance to blood flow through the lungs. Structural abnormalities in the small pulmonary arteries are seen in such patients, with increased thickness of the vessel wall and narrowing of the lumen. The increased resistance is also in part due to active vasoconstriction in many patients, and this can be released by acetylcholine (1-3). Soderholm and Werko (4) also observed that the oxygen saturation of arterial blood decreased during the infusion of acetylcholine in patients with mitral stenosis. They suggested that this was probably due to the increased perfusion of poorly ventilated alveoli which had previously been poorly perfused. The present studies were undertaken in order to investigate the above possibility further by the measurement of blood gas tensions. Observations have been made while the patients breathed a gas mixture containing from 45 to 50 per cent oxygen. this level of oxygen being selected for two reasons. Firstly, the magnitude of the difference between alveolar and arterial oxygen tension (A-a difference) is greater, and hence it can be measured with a relatively greater precision. Secondly, with this concentration of inspired oxygen the "membrane component" is negligible. A subsidiary purpose of the study was the comparison of the pulmonary hemodynamics in these patients when they breathed air and when they breathed 45 to 50 per cent oxygen.
Free energy rhythms in S. cerevisiae A dynamic perspective with implications for ribosomal biogenesis

To describe the time course of cellular systems we integrate ideas from thermodynamics and information theory to discuss the work needed to change the state of the cell. The biological example analyzed is experimental microarray transcription level oscillations of yeast at the different phases as characterized by oxygen consumption. Surprisal analysis was applied to identify groups of transcripts that oscillate in concert and thereby to compute changes in the free energy with time. Three dominant transcript groups were identified by surprisal analysis. The groups correspond to the respiratory, early and late reductive phases. Genes involved in ribosome biogenesis, peaked at the respiratory phase. The work to prepare the state is shown to be the sum of the contributions of these groups. We paid particular attention to work requirements during ribosomal building, and the correlation with ATP levels and dissolved oxygen. The suggestion that cells in the respiratory phase likely build ribosomes, an energy intensive process, in preparation for protein production during S-phase of the cell cycle is validated by an experiment. Surprisal analysis thereby provided a useful tool to determine the synchronization of transcription events and energetics in a cell in real time.
Surface work-hardening optimization of cold roll-beating splines based on an improved double-response surface-satisfaction function method

The work hardening of a spline during cold roll-beating is used as an indicator to evaluate the mechanical properties of the surface. To further optimize the work-hardening degree of a cold roll-beating spline surface, weight theory and satisfaction functions are used to improve the double-response surface-satisfaction function model. The model describes the involute spline based on the cold roll-beating speed and feed rate. The generalized reduced-order gradient method is applied to optimize the optimal combination of processing parameters. The experiments validate the optimization results of the improved double-response surface-satisfaction function method and the conventional response surface method based on the cold roll-beating spline test and a comparative analysis of the spline surface metallographic structure. The results show that the satisfaction degree of the improved response model is 0.87384, indicating that the model is robust and reliable. The optimized processing parameters are a cold roll speed of 1448.21 r/mm, a feed rate of 41.71 mm/min, and a degree of work hardening of 144.79%. The spline surface work-hardening degree based on the revised model is higher than that of the conventional model. Thus, the improved double-response surface-satisfaction function model provides better accuracy.
Health and Disease at Age 100 Findings From the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study

Background: Centenarian studies from around the world have shown that reaching age 100 typically involves substantial health issues. The present study adds to the existing knowledge from other countries by describing health conditions in German centenarians. Methods: A total of 112 centenarians or their primary contacts provided information on acute and chronic health conditions and pain in the context of the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study (mean age = 100.45 years, standard deviation [SD] = 0.47, 89% females). Results: Participants showed high comorbidity, with an average of five illnesses (mean = 5.3; SD = 2.20). Health conditions with highest prevalence were sensory (vision, hearing; 94%), mobility (72%) and musculoskeletal conditions (60%). Cardiovascular conditions (57%) and urinary system ailments (55%) were also common. Pain was experienced often by 30% of the participants. Of those reporting any pain, 36% indicated pain exceeding bearable levels. Conclusion: German centenarians experienced a substantial number of ill nesses, dominated by sensory and mobility conditions. Cardiovascular diseases were the only potentially lethal illnesses with high prevalence. Evidence of unaddressed pain seems alarming, requiring future research. Emerging health profiles indicate that even in very advanced age, quality of life may be improved by enhanced diagnostics and optimal disease management. Mobility limitations may be addressed with preventive efforts.
Mechanisms for inhibition of colon cancer cells by sulforaphane through epigenetic modulation and hTERT down-regulation

Epigenetic modulations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications are becoming increasingly important for their ability to upregulate, down-regulate or silence genes without altering the DNA sequence. Many bioactive compounds have been shown to modify genetic and epigenetic profiles in various forms of cancers. Of the many dietary phytochemicals, sulforaphane (SFN), found in cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts has been documented to have some of the most potent effects on cancer cells. Due to the importance of colon cancer as a major health problem, we evaluated the molecular mechanism of dietary SFN in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and its impact on the regulatory gene telomerase, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which is elevated in about 90% of cancers and essential for their continued proliferation. At physiologically relevant concentrations of dietary SFN in both HCT 116 and RKO CRC cells. We show for the first time, that SFN treatment changed the morphology, significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of the CRC cells. In addition, we also showed that SFN regulates HDAC1 and in turn affects hTERT mRNA levels. We also demonstrate that SFN down-regulated telomerase protein and enzymatic activity in both HCT 116 and RKO cell types. These findings suggest that HDAC1 is a promising target to delaying and/or preventing CRC and this may be accomplished via consumption of SFN in cruciferous vegetables through modulation of the regulatory subunit of telomerase.
Structural and Dynamic Study of the Tetramerization Region of Non-Erythroid α -Spectrin: A Frayed Helix Revealed by Site-Directed Spin Labeling EPR

The N-terminal region of α -spectrin is responsible for its association with β -spectrin in a heterodimer to form functional tetramers. Non-erythroid alpha spectrin ( α II-spectrin) has significantly higher association affinity with β -spectrin than the homologous erythroid alpha spectrin ( α I-spectrin). We have previously determined the solution structure of the N-terminal region of α I-spectrin by NMR methods, but currently no structural information is available for α II-spectrin. We have now used cysteine scanning, spin labeling EPR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) methods to study the tetramerization region of α II-spectrin. EPR data clearly showed that, in α II-spectrin, the first 9 N-terminal residues were unstructured, followed by an irregular helix (Helix C ′ ), frayed at the N-terminal end, but rigid at the C-terminal end, which merges into the putative triple helical structural domain. The region corresponding to the important unstructured junction region linking Helix C ′ to the first structural domain in α I-spectrin was clearly structured. Based on the published model for aligning Helices A ′ , B ′ and C ′ , important interactions amongst residues in Helix C ′ of α I/II-spectrin and Helices A ′ and B ′ of β I/II-spectrin are identified, suggesting similar coiled coil helical bundling for spectrin I and II in forming tetramers. The differences in affinities are likely due to the differences in the conformation of the junction regions. Equilibrium dissociation constants of spin labeled α II and β I complexes from ITC measurements indicate that residues 15, 19, 37 and 40 are functionally important residues in α