Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurophysiological Correlates of the Critical Bandwidth in the Human Auditory System

Neurophysiological Correlates of the Critical Bandwidth in the Human Auditory System Grace Ann Bentley Department of Communication Disorders, BYU Master of Science The critical bandwidth (CBW) is an auditory phenomenon that has been used to study various aspects of auditory processing, including auditory masking, complex tone processing, and loudness perception. Although the psychoacoustic aspects of the CBW have been well studied, the underlying neurophysiology of the CBW has not been as thoroughly examined. The current study examined the neurophysiology of the CBW in young adults, as well as loudness perception in response to the CBW. Auditory stimuli consisting of complex tones of varying bandwidths were presented to 12 individuals (6 male and 6 female, ages 18-26 years). Complex tones were presented around center frequencies (CFs) of 250, 500, 1000, and 3000 Hz at bandwidths of 2, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Participants made loudness perception judgments while electroencephalography measured and recorded components of the event related potentials (ERPs) in response to the acoustic stimuli. Reaction time (RT) was recorded for each behavioral response, and the latencies of the N1, P2, C3, and C4 components of the ERPs were obtained. The results showed that RT increased with increasing bandwidth followed by a decrease in RT corresponding approximately with the CBW. This indicated that participants perceived a change in loudness at bandwidths greater than the CBW. Significant differences, p < . 05, in RT were observed in bandwidths of 5 Hz and greater, although there was not complete consistency in this observation across all CFs and bandwidths. No significant critical band-like behavior amongst ERP latencies was observed. The results indicated that responses to acoustic stimuli originating in the superior temporal gyrus progressed to areas of higher neural function in the mid-temporal lobe. It was observed that each response must be processed temporally and independently to determine if a frequency difference is present for each stimulus. This observation is significant because this type of processing had not been identified prior to the current study.
Anodic electro‐fermentation: Anaerobic production of L‐Lysine by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum

Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) are promising to drive metabolic processes for the production of chemicals of interest. They provide microorganisms with an electrode as an electron sink or an electron source to stabilize their redox and/or energy state. Here, we applied an anode as additional electron sink to enhance the anoxic metabolism of the industrial bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum through an anodic electro‐fermentation. In using ferricyanide as extracellular electron carrier, anaerobic growth was enabled and the feedback‐deregulated mutant Corynebacterium glutamicum lysC further accumulated L‐lysine. Under such oxidizing conditions we achieved L‐lysine titers of 2.9 mM at rates of 0.2 mmol/L/hr. That titer is comparable to recently reported L‐lysine concentrations achieved by anaerobic production under reductive conditions (cathodic electro‐fermentation). However unlike other studies, our oxidative conditions allowed anaerobic cell growth, indicating an improved cellular energy supply during anodic electro‐fermentation. In that light, we propose anodic electro‐fermentation as the right choice to support C. glutamicum stabilizing its redox and energy state and empower a stable anaerobic production of L‐lysine.
Prevalence and significance of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria carriage in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQR) bacteria carriage in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx), and the relationship between the risk factors and FQR carriers as well as infections after prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rectal swabs were obtained from 158 patients undergoing TRUS-Bx. The FQR organisms were isolated using selective media, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined. Moreover, after prostate biopsy, blood and urine samples were collected from patients with post-biopsy infection (PBI) during 30days of follow up. RESULTS In total, 73 (46.2%) patients were positive for ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in rectal cultures. The most dominant isolates were Escherichia coli (95.9%). The antibiotic susceptibility patterns for the FQR rectal and clinical isolates showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (94%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (89.5%), while the resistance to amikacin, fosfomycin and imipenem remained very low. The multivariate analysis showed that previous use of FQs (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.17-5.49; P = .019) and history of hospitalization (OR, 7.85; 95% CI, 2.075-29.744; P = .002) were significantly risk factors for the FQR carriage. On the other hand, the risk of PBI was higher among intestinal carriers of fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria compared with noncarriers, that this difference was statistically significant (24% versus 3.5%, P < .001). The rates of PBI and hospitalization after TRUS-Bx were 12.5%, and 4.43%, respectively. CONCLUSION An increase in the rectal FQR bacteria carriage is associated with elevated PBI, which strongly recommendsthe need for an appropriate prophylaxis to reduce infections in patients undergoing TRUS-Bx.
Perceptual Spaces Induced by Cochlear Implant All-Polar Stimulation Mode

It has been argued that a main limitation of the cochlear implant is the spread of current induced by each electrode, which activates an inappropriately large range of sensory neurons. To reduce this spread, an alternative stimulation mode, the all-polar mode, was tested with five participants. It was designed to activate all the electrodes simultaneously with appropriate current levels and polarities to recruit narrower regions of auditory nerves at specific intracochlear electrode positions (denoted all-polar electrodes). In this study, the all-polar mode was compared with the current commercial stimulation mode: the monopolar mode. The participants were asked to judge the sound dissimilarity between pairs of two-electrode pulse-train stimuli that differed in the electrode positions and were presented in either monopolar or all-polar mode with pulses on the two electrodes presented either sequentially or simultaneously. The dissimilarity ratings were analyzed using a multidimensional scaling technique and three-dimensional stimulus perceptual spaces were produced. For all the conditions (mode and simultaneity), the first perceptual dimension was highly correlated with the position of the most apical activated electrode of the electrical stimulation and the second dimension with the position of the most basal electrode. In both sequential and simultaneous conditions, the monopolar and all-polar stimuli were significantly separated by a third dimension, which may indicate that all-polar stimuli have a perceptual quality that differs from monopolar stimuli. Overall, the results suggest that both modes might successfully represent spectral information in a sound processing strategy.
Pathogenicity study of Iranian genotype of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IR-1)

Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major cause of economic losses in poultry industry. The IB virus primarily affects respiratory tract, but various strains differ in their tropism for other target organs such as kidney and alimentary tract. The objective of this study was to estimate the pathogenicity of Iranian IBV variant (IR-1), which is limited exclusively to Iran. Specific pathogen free chicks were inoculated intranasally. Sera, fecal swabs and different tissue samples were collected on different days post infection (DPI). Clinical signs, gross pathology and histological changes were recorded. The viral load was quantified in the RNA extractions from different tissue samples using real-time PCR. Anti-IBV antibodies were detected in serum samples. The IgG antibody were found on 21 and 28 DPI. Severe histological lesions were observed in the trachea and lung while the lesions in kidney were appeared to be milder. Viral RNA was detected in all tested tissues from 1 DPI to the last day of the experiment. The highest viral load was measured in the trachea and feces on 1st and 5th DPI, respectively. It can be concluded the IR-1 had broad tropism for respiratory tract, digestive system, and renal tissue, reflecting its epitheliotropic nature, but it caused the most severe lesions in the respiratory tract. This was the first pathogenicity study of Iranian IR-1 IBV. Further knowledge of IBV pathogenesis provides the groundwork to inform more effective prevention practices.
The impact of genetic selection on greenhouse-gas emissions in Australian dairy cattle

In Australia, dairy cattle account for ~12% of the nation’s agricultural greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Genetic selection has had a positive impact, reducing GHG emissions from dairy systems mainly due to increased production per cow, which has led to (1) requiring fewer cows to produce the same amount of milk and (2) lowering emissions per unit of milk produced (emission intensity). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the consequences of previous and current genetic-selection practices on carbon emissions, using realised and predicted responses to selection for key traits that are included in the Australian national breeding objective. A farm model was used to predict the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂-eq) emissions per unit change of these traits, while holding all other traits constant. Estimates of the realised change in annual CO₂-eq emissions per cow over the past decade were made by multiplying predicted CO₂-eq emissions per unit change of each trait under selection by the realised rates of genetic gain in each of those traits. The total impact is estimated to be an increase of 55 kg CO₂-eq/cow.year after 10 years of selection. The same approach was applied to future CO₂-eq emissions, except predicted rates of genetic gain assumed to occur over the next decade through selection on the Balanced Performance Index (BPI) were used. For an increase of AU$100 in BPI (~10 years of genetic improvement), we predict that the increase of per cow emissions will be reduced to 37 kg CO₂-eq/cow.year. Since milk-production traits are a large part of the breeding goal, the GHG emitted per unit of milk produced will reduce as a result of improvements in efficiency and dilution of emissions per litre of milk produced at a rate estimated to be 35.7 g CO₂-eq/kg milk solids per year in the past decade and is predicted to reduce to 29.5 g CO₂-eq/kg milk solids per year after a conservative 10-year improvement in BPI (AU$100). In fact, cow numbers have decreased over the past decade and production has increased; altogether, we estimate that the net impact has been a reduction of CO₂-eq emissions of ~1.0% in total emissions from the dairy industry per year. Using two future scenarios of either keeping the number of cows or amount of product static, we predict that net GHG emissions will reduce by ~0.6%/year of total dairy emissions if milk production remains static, compared with 0.3%/year, if cow numbers remain the same and there is genetic improvement in milk-production traits.
Mexican Propolis: A Source of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds, and Isolation of a Novel Chalcone and ε-Caprolactone Derivative

The propolis produced by bees are used in alternative medicine for treating inflammation, and infections, presumably due to its antioxidant properties. In this context, five propolis from México were investigated to determine their inhibitory lipid peroxidation properties. The ethyl acetate extract from a red propolis from Chiapas State (4-EAEP) was the most potent (IC50 = 1.42 ± 0.07 μg/mL) in the TBARS assay, and selected for further studies. This extract afforded two new compounds, epoxypinocembrin chalcone (6), and an ε-caprolactone derivative (10), as well as pinostrobin (1), izalpinin (2), cinnamic acid (3), pinocembrin (4), kaempherol (5), 3,3-dimethylallyl caffeate in mixture with isopent-3-enyl caffeate (7a + 7b), 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (8), rhamnetin (9) and caffeic acid (11). The HPLC profile, anti-mycobacterial, and antioxidant properties of this extract was also determined. Most of the isolated compounds were also tested by inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in challenged mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), and DPPH. Their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by TPA, and MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity by ear edema test in mice. The most potent compounds were 7a + 7b in the TBARS assay (IC50 = 0.49 ± 0.06 μM), and 2 which restored the ROS baseline (3.5 μM). Our results indicate that 4-EAEP has anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties due to its active compounds, suggesting it has anti-allergy and anti-asthma potential.
Clinical Trials Investigating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor overall survival that accounts for up to 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. The use of immunotherapy in the form of checkpoint inhibition, to enhance the immune system's ability to attack malignant cells, has been a promising addition to treatment options in advanced NSCLC. RESULTS Such therapeutic agents aimed at the Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) receptor or Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) have revealed promising results against many types of cancer including NSCLC. Examples of these agents include nivolumab, pembrolizumab, BMS-936559, atezolizumab, and MEDI4736, of which the first two are approved by US FDA in the second line treatment of advanced NSCLC. DISCUSSION Impressive improvements in objective responses from PD-1 blockade were found in both first line therapy as well as treatment after progression on platinum based therapy. In addition, the safety profile is favorable with significantly lower grade 3-4 adverse events compared to standard of care. The optimal selection criteria and factors that show an increased response to therapy are still being determined.
Endothelial Monocyte-Activating Polypeptide-II Induces BNIP3-Mediated Mitophagy to Enhance Temozolomide Cytotoxicity of Glioma Stem Cells via Down-Regulating MiR-24-3p

Preliminary studies have shown that endothelial-monocyte-activating polypeptide-II (EMAP-II) and temozolomide (TMZ) alone can exert cytotoxic effects on glioma cells. This study explored whether EMAP-II can enhance the cytotoxic effects of TMZ on glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the possible mechanisms associated with Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)-mediated mitophagy facilitated by miR-24-3p regulation. The combination of TMZ and EMAP-II significantly inhibited GSCs viability, migration, and invasion, resulting in upregulation of the autophagy biomarker microtubule-associated protein one light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I but down-regulation of the proteins P62, TOMM 20 and CYPD, changes indicative of the occurrence of mitophagy. BNIP3 expression increased significantly in GSCs after treatment with the combination of TMZ and EMAP-II. BNIP3 overexpression strengthened the cytotoxic effects of EMAP-II and TMZ by inducing mitophagy. The combination of EMAP-II and TMZ decreased the expression of miR-24-3p, whose target gene was BNIP3. MiR-24-3p inhibited mitophagy and promoted proliferation, migration and invasion by down-regulating BNIP3 in GSCs. Furthermore, nude mice subjected to miR-24-3p silencing combined with EMAP-II and TMZ treatment displayed the smallest tumors and the longest survival rate. According to the above results, we concluded that EMAP-II enhanced the cytotoxic effects of TMZ on GSCs' proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo.
Caregiver experiences of racism and child healthcare utilisation: cross-sectional analysis from New Zealand

Objectives Children’s exposure to racism via caregiver experience (vicarious racism) is associated with poorer health and development. However, the relationship with child healthcare utilisation is unknown. We aimed to investigate (1) the prevalence of vicarious racism by child ethnicity; (2) the association between caregiver experiences of racism and child healthcare utilisation; and (3) the contribution of caregiver socioeconomic position and psychological distress to this association. Design Cross-sectional analysis of two instances of the New Zealand Health Survey (2006/2007: n=4535 child–primary caregiver dyads; 2011/2012: n=4420 dyads). Main outcome measures Children’s unmet need for healthcare, reporting no usual medical centre and caregiver-reported dissatisfaction with their child’s medical centre. Results The prevalence of reporting ‘any’ experience of racism was higher among caregivers of indigenous Māori and Asian children (30.0% for both groups in 2006/2007) compared with European/Other children (14.4% in 2006/2007). Vicarious racism was independently associated with unmet need for child’s healthcare (OR=2.30, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.20) and dissatisfaction with their child’s medical centre (OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.16). Importantly, there was a dose–response relationship between the number of reported experiences of racism and child healthcare utilisation (eg, unmet need: 1 report of racism, OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.67; 2+ reports of racism, OR=3.06, 95% CI 1.27 to 7.37). Adjustment for caregiver psychological distress attenuated the association between caregiver experiences of racism and child healthcare utilisation. Conclusions Vicarious racism is a serious health problem in New Zealand disproportionately affecting Māori and Asian children and significantly impacting children’s healthcare utilisation. Tackling racism may be an important means of improving inequities in child healthcare utilisation.
Characterization and processing of Biodegradable polymer blends of poly(lactic acid) with poly(butylene succinate adipate)

We investigated thermal, rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of a binary blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA). The blends were extruded and their molded properties were examined. DSC thermograms of blends indicated that the thermal properties of PLA did not change noticeably with the amount of PBSA, but thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal stability of the blends was lower than that of pure PLA and PBSA. Immiscibility was checked with thermal data. The rheological properties of the blends changed remarkably with composition. The tensile strength and modulus of blends decreased with PBSA content. Interestingly, however, the impact strength of PLA/ PBSA (80/20) blend was seriously increased higher than the rule of mixture. Morphology of the blends showed a typical sea and island structure of immiscible blend. The effect of the blend composition on the biodegradation was also investigated. In the early stage of the degradation test, the highest rate was observed for the blend containing 80 wt% PBSA.
Understanding how prevocational training on care farms can lead to functioning, motivation and well-being

Abstract Purpose: Prevocational training aims to improve basic vocational and social skills, supporting return to work for people who have been out of work for a long time. Care farms provide prevocational training; the aim of the study was to use the self-determination theory to gain an understanding of how these programmes can lead to healthy functioning and motivation for clients. Method: A total of 194 participants in prevocational training on care farms answered questions about demographic information, their perception of being a colleague, the social community on the farm, experiencing nature and animals and need satisfaction. A cross-sectional design resulting in a structural equation model was used to understand how elements of the care farm context influence satisfaction of three psychological needs. Results: The results showed that a feeling of being a useful colleague led to competence, experiencing a sense of group belonging led to relatedness and autonomy, while receiving social support from the farmer led to satisfaction of all three needs for the participants. Conclusions: The results explain how prevocational training can stimulate participants’ functionality, motivation and well-being. This understanding enables initiators and managers of prevocational training to understand and further strengthen the need–supportive elements of such programmes. Implications for Rehabilitation Prevocational training on care farms can facilitate motivation, functioning and well-being for clients. Making clients feel like useful colleagues that belong to a client group will strengthen the positive qualities of these programmes. Support, understanding and acknowledgement from the farmer are the most important elements for a positive development for the clients.
Intimate partner violence, health, sexuality, and academic performance among a national sample of undergraduates

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and academic performance among heterosexual and sexual minority undergraduates, including whether health mediates this relationship. Participants: A national sample of undergraduate students aged 18–24 years old who completed the 2011–2014 National College Health Assessment IIb (N = 85,071). Methods: We used structural equation modeling to create a latent variable of IPV victimization (stalking, physical, sexual, and emotional violence) in order to test its relationship with health (physical and mental) and two indicators of academic performance (GPA and perceived academic difficulties), according to participants’ sexual identity (heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and unsure). Results: Regardless of sexual identity, undergraduates who reported IPV were more likely to have lower GPA and increased academic difficulties. Health mediates this relationship, such that IPV reduces health, which negatively affects performance. Conclusions: IPV poses a serious threat to undergraduates’ health and educational success. Findings warrant universal prevention and intervention.
Physicochemical and sensory qualities of complemenatry meal made from sprouted and unsprouted sorghum, Irish potato and groundnut

Abstract Weaning food was produced from the blends of sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–Irish potato, and groundnut flour. In the developed weaning foods, moisture content ranged from 8.44% to 12.70%, crude protein (7.40%–14.53%) crude ash (1.53%–1.77%), crude fiber (6.65%–6.88%), crude fat (3.31%–3.73%) and carbohydrate content (65.10%–69.15%). Sprouting and protein supplementation with groundnut improved the protein content of the formulated meals with values comparable to commercial sample (cereals). Mineral content reduced with sprouting, whereas the addition of Irish potato and groundnut increased the mineral content. Calcium ranged from 91.00% to 121.33% and potassium (487.33%–956.67%). Sample NSIG2 had the highest potassium. Tannin ranged from 0.11 to 0.64 mg/100 g; phytate (4.98–7.42 mg/100 g); and oxalate (0.36–0.98 mg/100 g). Peak viscosity ranged from 43.08 to 23.57 RVU, trough (41.08–22.50 RVU), breakdown viscosity (61–14), final viscosity (84.33–52.53 RVU), setback viscosity (41.33–89.00 RVU), and peak time (5.07–7.00) in both the sprouted and unsprouted sorghum–irish potato–groundnut flour, respectively. The pasting temperature of the weaning food blends ranged between 87.25 and 89.60°C with SIG0 and NSIG2 having the lowest and highest values, respectively. The study showed that complementary food products formulated from this locally available food commodities is a promising food and has good nutritive value.