Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction Equations for Significant Duration of Earthquake Ground Motions considering Site and Near-Source Effects

For engineering systems having a potential for degradation under cyclic loading (e.g., landslides, soil profiles subject to liquefaction, some structural systems), the characterization of seismic demand should include the amplitude and duration of strong shaking within the system. This article is concerned with significant-duration parameters, which are defined as the time interval across which a specified amount of energy is dissipated (as measured by the integral of the square of the ground acceleration or velocity). We develop ground-motion prediction equations for significant-duration parameters as a function of magnitude, closest site-source distance, site parameters that reflect shallow geologic conditions as well as deep basin structure, and near-source parameters. The relations are developed using a modern database and a random-effects regression procedure. We find significant duration to increase with magnitude and site-source distance (effects that had been identified previously), but also to decrease with increasing shear-wave velocity of near-surface sediments and to increase with increasing basin depth. Parameters that principally measure the duration of body waves were also found to decrease in near-fault areas subject to forward rupture directivity, although such effects were not apparent for other duration parameters that tend to reflect the combined duration of body and surface waves.
Horse meat consumption affects iron status, lipid profile and fatty acid composition of red blood cells in healthy volunteers

This study investigated the effect of moderate consumption of horse meat on iron status, lipid profile and fatty acid composition of red blood cells in healthy male volunteers. Fifty-two subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 26 subjects each: a test group consuming two portions of 175 g/week of horse meat, and a control group that abstained from eating horse meat during the 90 days trial. Before and after 90 days, blood samples were collected for analysis. Horse meat consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced serum levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( − 6.2% and − 9.1%, respectively) and transferrin ( − 4.6%). Total n − 3, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n − 3 and docosahexeanoic acid content in erythrocytes increased (p ≤ 0.05) by about 7.8%, 8% and 11%, respectively. In conclusion, the regular consumption of horse meat may contribute to the dietary intake of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may improve lipid profile and iron status in healthy subjects.
IFN‐γ production in human NK cells through the engagement of CD8 by soluble or surface HLA class I molecules

The engagement of CD8 on NK cell surface by either surface or soluble HLA class I (sHLA‐I) molecules induces synthesis and secretion of IFN‐γ. HLA‐I‐mediated effects were inhibited by the covering of CD8 with specific anti‐CD8 monoclonal antibodies, indicating a direct interaction of HLA‐I and CD8. That CD8 ligation induces IFN‐γ production was further supported by the finding that cross‐linking of CD8 led to release of IFN‐γ at similar levels to those obtained with HLA‐I. The sHLA‐I‐induced IFN‐γ production via CD8 was strongly down‐regulated by the engagement of the inhibitory isoforms of either CD94/NKG2 complex by sHLA‐I‐non‐(A,B,C,G) (putative sHLA‐E) or CD158b by sHLA‐I‐Cw3 allele. Ligation of CD8 did not elicit, different from other activating NK cell surface molecules such as CD16 or CD69, triggering of NK cell‐mediated cytolysis. Cyclosporin A, but not concanamycin A, an H+‐ATPase vacuolar inhibitor which affects perforin and granzyme release, strongly reduced the sHLA‐I‐mediated CD8‐dependent IFN‐γ production but did not affect cytolytic activity of NK cells, suggesting that different biochemical pathways are involved. Altogether, these findings indicate that CD8 engagement by sHLA‐I activates a cyclosporin A‐dependent pathway leading to production and secretion of IFN‐γ which may play a role in the regulation of innate immune responses in humans.
Mechanism for retardation of amyloid fibril formation by sugars in Vλ6 protein

Sugars, which function as osmolytes within cells, retard the amyloid fibril formation of the amyloidosis peptides and proteins. To examine the mechanism of this retardation in detail, we analyzed the effect of sugars (trehalose, sucrose, and glucose) on the polypeptide chains in 3Hmut Wil, which is formed by the mutation of three His residues in Wil mutant as a cause of amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis, at pH 2, a pH condition under which 3Hmut Wil was almost denatured. Sugars caused the folding of 3Hmut Wil so that its polypeptide chains adopted a native‐like rather than a denatured conformation, as suggested by tryptophan fluorescence, CD spectroscopy, and heteronuclear NMR. Furthermore, these sugars promoted the folding to a native‐like conformation according to the effect of preferential hydration rather than direct interaction. However, the type of sugar had no effect on the elongation of amyloid fibrils. Therefore, it was concluded that sugar affected the thermodynamic stability of 3Hmut Wil but not the elongation of amyloid fibrils.
Antenatal screening for fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: an evaluation using the criteria of the uk national screening committee

Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is the commonest cause of severe neonatal thrombocytopenia and is analogous to the fetal/neonatal anaemia caused by haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Fetomaternal incompatibility for a fetal human platelet alloantigen (HPA) inherited from the father and absent in the mother may cause maternal alloimmunization, and fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia may result from placental transfer of IgG antibodies; the incompatibility is usually for HPA-1a. Most cases are diagnosed after birth, hence the commonly used terminology, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. However, there may be severe effects on the fetus in utero and this may be emphasized through the use of an alternative term for the condition, fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT). In contrast to HDN, FMAIT frequently occurs in first pregnancies (Mueller-Eckhardt et al, 1989; Kaplan et al, 1991a). Considerable progress has been made in the laboratory aspects of platelet immunology since FMAIT was first recognized in the 1950s (Harrington et al, 1953), allowing more precise diagnosis of the condition. There have been advances in fetal and transfusion medicine, resulting in improvements in the management of FMAIT, particularly in the antenatal management of women with a previous history of pregnancies affected by FMAIT. These advances in laboratory diagnosis and antenatal management have drawn attention to the fact that the first affected fetus/ neonate in a family is only recognized after bleeding has occurred and this has raised the question of whether routine screening for FMAIT would be advantageous. An important initial question is whether to carry out screening antenatally or postnatally. The advantages of antenatal screening are that alloimmunized women can be identified during pregnancy, allowing time for antenatal intervention if this is agreed to be appropriate. Even if no antenatal intervention is undertaken, the mode and timing of delivery can be planned to ensure minimal trauma to the baby's head and that compatible platelets are available, if needed. Postnatal screening can be achieved by simply carrying out a platelet count on a cord blood sample, but the major drawback of this approach is that the key objective of screening, to prevent morbidity and mortality from intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), is unlikely to be achieved in the index pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to consider the case for antenatal screening for FMAIT against the criteria for screening programmes set by the UK National Screening Committee, and to highlight areas where knowledge is still lacking and where research effort should be directed.
An influence of constant magnetic field on the electrical resistance of blood serum of cancer patients during the treatment with nanocomplex and electromagnetic irradiation

The article describes a study of electric resistance in blood serum of cancer patient during the treatment with magneto-sensitive nanocomplex and irradiation by inhomogeneous constant magnetic and alternating electromagnetic field. The kinetics of electrical resistance in blood serum of cancer patient with magneto-sensitive nanocomplex non-linearly depends on the magnitude of constant magnetic field. Nanoparticles of iron oxide and Fe2+ ions have different kinetics of electrical resistance during the influence of constant magnetic and electromagnetic field. The results can be used for the improvement of the technology of cancer magnetic nanotherapy.
Degree of Collaterals and Not Time Is the Determining Factor of Core Infarct Volume within 6 Hours of Stroke Onset

Ninety-one patients were scanned by MR at 0–3 hours from stroke onset, and 70 patients within 3–6 hours. Collateral status, but not time from stroke onset to imaging, was a predictor of the size of core infarct in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Growth of the core infarct during the first hours of ischemia onset is not well-understood. We hypothesized that factors other than time from onset of ischemia contribute to core infarct volume as measured by MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected clinical and imaging data of consecutive patients with stroke presenting between March 2008 and April 2013 with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and MR imaging performed within 6 hours from the time of onset were reviewed. The association of time from onset, clinical, and radiographic features with DWI volume was assessed by using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Of 91 patients, 21 (23%) underwent MR imaging within 0–3 hours from onset, and 70 (76%), within 3–6 hours. Median MR imaging infarct volume was similar in both timeframes, (24.7 versus 29.4 mL, P = .906), and there was no difference in the proportion of patients with large infarct volumes (≥70 mL, 23.8% versus 22.8%, P = .928). Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, we detected no association between the time from onset and MR imaging infarct volume (area under the curve = 0.509). In multivariate analysis, CTA collaterals (>50% of the territory) (adjusted OR, 0.192; 95% CI, 0.04–0.9; P = .046), CTA ASPECTS (adjusted OR, 0.464; 95% CI, 0.3–0.8; P = .003), and a history of hyperlipidemia (adjusted OR, 11.0; 95% CI, 1.4–88.0; P = .023) (but not time from stroke onset to imaging) were independent predictors of MR imaging infarct volume. CONCLUSIONS: Collateral status but not time from stroke onset to imaging was a predictor of the size of core infarct in patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion presenting within 6 hours from onset.
Classification of the regular oriented hypermaps with prime number of hyperfaces

Regular oriented hypermaps are triples (G;a,b) consisting of a finite 2-generated group G and a pair a , b of generators of G , where the left cosets of , and describe respectively the hyperfaces, hypervertices and hyperedges. They generalise regular oriented maps (triples with ab of order 2) and describe cellular embeddings of regular hypergraphs on orientable surfaces. Previously, we have classified the regular oriented hypermaps with a prime number of hyperfaces and with no non-trivial regular proper quotients with the same number of hyperfaces (i.e. primer hypermaps with prime number of hyperfaces), which generalises the classification of regular oriented maps with prime number of faces and underlying simple graph. Now we classify the regular oriented hypermaps with a prime number of hyperfaces. As a result of this classification, we conclude that the regular oriented hypermaps with prime p hyperfaces have metacyclic automorphism groups and the chiral ones have cyclic chirality groups; of these the "canonical metacyclic" (i.e. those for which is normal in G ) have chirality index a divisor of n (the hyperface valency) and the non "canonical metacyclic" have chirality index p . We end the paper by counting, for each positive integer n and each prime p , the number of regular oriented hypermaps with p hyperfaces of valency n .
Postprandial triglyceride response in visceral obesity in men.

Although metabolic disturbances are often observed in obese patients, increased accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (AT) has been shown to be more closely associated with high fasting triglyceride (TG) and insulin levels as well as with low HDL cholesterol concentrations than with excess body fatness per se. Interestingly, the fasting concentration of plasma TGs has been shown to be an important determinant of the magnitude and duration of the postprandial TG response. Yet little is known about the respective contributions of obesity versus excess visceral AT to the variation in postprandial TG clearance. In the present study, we examined potential differences in postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) responses in subjects characterized by high versus low levels of visceral AT. In a sample of 43 men (mean age: 41.3 +/- 9.6 years), we found that both excess body fat and visceral obesity were associated with increased postprandial TG responses in total TRL (r = 0.33-0.45). We also found a strong relationship between fasting plasma TG levels and postprandial total TRL-TG concentrations (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001). When matched for total body fat mass, individuals with high levels of visceral AT (> or =130 cm2; n = 10) as assessed by computed tomography were characterized by increased medium- and small-TRL-TG responses (P < 0.05) compared with subjects with low visceral AT accumulation (<130 cm2; n = 10). Moreover, this elevated response of small-TRL triglycerides noted in men with high levels of visceral AT was not accompanied by a concomitant increased retinyl palmitate response in this TRL fraction, suggesting that visceral obesity in men is accompanied by higher postprandial VLDL production than is found in obese men with lower levels of visceral AT. Increased postprandial insulin and free fatty acid (FFA) responses were also noted in men with high levels of visceral AT. Finally, postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity was negatively correlated with the total-TRL-TG response in a subsample of 32 individuals (r = -0.37, P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that visceral obesity is associated with an impaired postprandial TG clearance. Furthermore, the exaggerated postprandial FFA response observed in subjects with high visceral AT suggests that visceral obesity may contribute to fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia by altering FFA metabolism in the postprandial state.
Characterization of EspC, a 110-kilodalton protein secreted by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli which is homologous to members of the immunoglobulin A protease-like family of secreted proteins

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) secretes at least five proteins. Two of these proteins, EspA and EspB (previously called EaeB), activate signal transduction pathways in host epithelial cells. While the role of the other three proteins (39, 40, and 110 kDa) remains undetermined, secretion of all five proteins is under the control of perA, a known positive regulator of several EPEC virulence factors. On the basis of amino-terminal protein sequence data, we cloned and sequenced the gene which encodes the 110-kDa secreted protein and examined its possible role in EPEC signaling and interaction with epithelial cells. In accordance with the terminology used for espA and espB, we called this gene espC, for EPEC-secreted protein C. We found significant homology between the predicted EspC protein sequence and a family of immunoglobulin A (IgA) protease-like proteins which are widespread among pathogenic bacteria. Members of this protein family are found in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (Tsh), Haemophilus influenzae (Hap), and Shigella flexneri (SepA). Although these proteins and EspC do not encode IgA protease activity, they have considerable homology with IgA protease from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and H. influenzae and appear to use a export system for secretion. We found that genes homologous to espC also exist in other pathogenic bacteria which cause attaching and effacing lesions, including Hafnia alvei biotype 19982, Citrobacter freundii biotype 4280, and rabbit diarrheagenic E. coli (RDEC-1). Although these strains secrete various proteins similar in molecular size to the proteins secreted by EPEC, we did not detect secretion of a 110-kDa protein by these strains. To examine the possible role of EspC in EPEC interactions with epithelial cells, we constructed a deletion mutant in espC by allelic exchange and characterized the mutant by standard tissue culture assays. We found that EspC is not necessary for mediating EPEC-induced signal transduction in HeLa epithelial cells and does not play a role in adherence or invasion of tissue culture cells.
A new approach for phoneme segmentation of speech signals

In this paper, we present a new method for segmenting speech at the phoneme level. For this purpose, we use the short-time Fourier transform of the speech signal. The goal is to recognize the locations of main energy changes in frequency over time, which can be described as phoneme boundaries. We apply a sub-band analysis and search for energy changes in individual bands as well to obtain further precision. Moreover, we employ the modiﬁed group-delay function to achieve a more clear representation of the locations of boundaries, and smooth out the undesired ﬂuctuations of the signal. We also study the use of an auditory spectrogram instead of a regular spectrogram in the segmentation process. Since this method merely utilizes the power spectrum of the signal for segmentation, there is no need for any adaptation of the parameters or training for different speakers in advance. In addition, no transcript information such as the phonemes themselves or voiced/unvoiced decision making is required. The method was tested over the phonetically-diverse part of the Timit database, and the results show that 87% of the boundaries are successfully recognized.
Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Air Temperature Lapse Rates in Alpine Regions

Abstract Air temperature decrease with altitude was estimated by simple linear regression for several regions around northern Italy for minimum, maximum, and mean monthly temperatures. The comparison of the gradients with previous works revealed the absence of a lapse rate seasonal pattern in most earlier studies. Such inconsistencies in other analyses were demonstrated to be largely due to insufficient climatic stations in each area, and incomplete temporal coverage. These problems were solved here by using 269 stations in northern Italy, 205 in the Tyrol area, and 166 in the Trentin–Upper Adige region, covering a wide range of elevations and based on at least 30-yr means. Yearly lapse rates ranging from −0.54° to −0.58°C (100 m)−1 were obtained. As hypothesized, a seasonal pattern in monthly gradient variations was observed, regardless of location, and with higher lapse rates during summer. Weather stations on valley bottoms were distinguished from those located on slopes, the former group being heavily.
The (pro)renin receptor: therapeutic consequences

It is generally assumed that the beneficial effects of renin–angiotensin system blockers in cardiovascular disease are due to blockade of the generation or action of angiotensin at tissue sites. Such generation depends on the uptake of renin and/or its inactive precursor prorenin from the circulation. Recently, a (pro)renin receptor has been cloned that might perform this task. Unexpectedly, this receptor also induced angiotensin-independent effects, suggesting that renin and/or prorenin may act as agonists for this receptor. Ultimately, this could lead to the development of (pro)renin receptor blockers (i.e., drugs that not only prevent tissue angiotensin generation but also inhibit renin- or prorenin-induced effects).
Evidence for the role of 34‐kDa galactoside‐binding lectin in transformation and metastasis

The endogenous M, 34,000 galaictoside‐binding lectin (L‐34) is found at elevated levels in a wilde variety of neoplastic cells and correlative evidence suggests that it is involved in tumor metastasis in vivo and in transformation in vitro. We demonstrate here that introduction of recombinant L‐34 into tumorigenic, weakly metastatic UV‐2237‐cl‐ I 5 fibrosarcoma cells results in an increased incidence of experimental lung metastases in syngeneic and nude mice. Transfection of normal BALB/c‐A3 I cloned fibroblasts with functional L‐34 results in acquisition of anchorage‐independent growth and in morphological transformation in vitro but not in tumorigenicity in vivo. These results provide direct evidence that the cellular expression of L‐34 is associated with some aspects of transformation and with metastasis, but not with tumorigenicity per se.
Equilibrium Selection in Common-Value Second-Price Auctions

This note considers equilibrium selection in common-value second-price auctions with two bidders. We show that for each ex post equilibrium in continuous and undominated strategies, a sequence of “almost common-value” auctions can be constructed such that each of them possesses a unique undominated and continuous equilibrium and the corresponding sequence of equilibria converges to that ex post equilibrium. As an implication, no equilibrium selection of this model based on perturbations seems to be more convincing than others.
Charcoal combined with silver for the treatment of chronic wounds

Actisorb TM dressing with silver (Systagenix Wound Management) consists principally of activated carbon impregnated with metallic silver. The carbonised fabric is enclosed in a sleeve of spun-bonded non-woven nylon, sealed along all four edges, to facilitate handling and reduce particle and fibre loss. When applied to a wound the dressing adsorbs locally released toxins and the products of wound degradation. Bacteria present in wound exudate are also attracted to the surface of the dressing where they are killed by the antimicrobial activity of the silver, which is active against a wide range of pathogenic organisms. This dressing has been used clinically for many years and, in the author’s opinion, was one of the first dressings to efficiently and favourably modulate the microenvironment of chronic wounds. The ActisorbTM dressing is marketed as ACTISORBTM Silver 220 in the United Kingdom and ACTISORBTM Ag+ in France.
Gastric Ulcer Healing and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor: Effects of Lansoprazole and Famotidine

We examined the effects of lansoprazole and famotidine on gastric basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels and ulcer healing in patients with gastric ulcer. Sixteen patients with active gastric ulcer were divided into two groups and received treatment with lansoprazole 30 mg/day or famotidine 40 mg/day. They were examined endoscopically at 2, 4, and 8 weeks to measure gastric bFGF levels at the ulcer margin and to assess ulcer healing. Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by a rapid urease test. The two groups were comparable with regard to age, male:female ratio, H. pylori infection rates, and bFGF levels. During treatment, bFGF levels did not change significantly in the famotidine group, whereas they increased by a factor of 2.2 to 2.6 in the lansoprazole group. Cumulative healing rates were also significantly lower in the famotidine group than in the lansoprazole group. These results indicate that lansoprazole increases tissue bFGF levels and promotes gastric ulcer healing in humans.