Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predisposition for and Prevention of Subjective Tinnitus Development

Dysfunction of the inner ear as caused by presbyacusis, injuries or noise traumata may result in subjective tinnitus, but not everyone suffering from one of these diseases develops a tinnitus percept and vice versa. The reasons for these individual differences are still unclear and may explain why different treatments of the disease are beneficial for some patients but not for others. Here we for the first time compare behavioral and neurophysiological data from hearing impaired Mongolian gerbils with (T) and without (NT) a tinnitus percept that may elucidate why some specimen do develop subjective tinnitus after noise trauma while others do not. Although noise trauma induced a similar permanent hearing loss in all animals, tinnitus did develop only in about three quarters of these animals. NT animals showed higher overall cortical and auditory brainstem activity before noise trauma compared to T animals; that is, animals with low overall neuronal activity in the auditory system seem to be prone to develop tinnitus after noise trauma. Furthermore, T animals showed increased activity of cortical neurons representing the tinnitus frequencies after acoustic trauma, whereas NT animals exhibited an activity decrease at moderate sound intensities by that time. Spontaneous activity was generally increased in T but decreased in NT animals. Plastic changes of tonotopic organization were transient, only seen in T animals and vanished by the time the tinnitus percept became chronic. We propose a model for tinnitus prevention that points to a global inhibitory mechanism in auditory cortex that may prevent tinnitus genesis in animals with high overall activity in the auditory system, whereas this mechanism seems not potent enough for tinnitus prevention in animals with low overall activity.
Combination of near-infrared and thermal imaging techniques for the remote and simultaneous measurements of breathing and heart rates under sleep situation

To achieve the simultaneous and unobtrusive breathing rate (BR) and heart rate (HR) measurements during nighttime, we leverage a far-infrared imager and an infrared camera equipped with IR-Cut lens and an infrared lighting array to develop a dual-camera imaging system. A custom-built cascade face classifier, containing the conventional Adaboost model and fully convolutional network trained by 32K images, was used to detect the face region in registered infrared images. The region of interest (ROI) inclusive of mouth and nose regions was afterwards confirmed by the discriminative regression and coordinate conversions of three selected landmarks. Subsequently, a tracking algorithm based on spatio-temporal context learning was applied for following the ROI in thermal video, and the raw signal was synchronously extracted. Finally, a custom-made time-domain signal analysis approach was developed for the determinations of BR and HR. A dual-mode sleep video database, including the videos obtained under environment where illumination intensity ranged from 0 to 3 Lux, was constructed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system and algorithms. In linear regression analysis, the determination coefficient (R2) of 0.831 had been observed for the measured BR and reference BR, and this value was 0.933 for HR measurement. In addition, the Bland-Altman plots of BR and HR demonstrated that almost all the data points located within their own 95% limits of agreement. Consequently, the overall performance of the proposed technique is acceptable for BR and HR estimations during nighttime.
Cognitive impairment has no impact on hospital‐associated dysphagia in aspiration pneumonia patients

Hospital‐associated dysphagia, characterized by deconditioning of swallowing as a result of hospitalization, is sometimes observed in patients with aspiration pneumonia (AP). Cognitive impairment is known as a negative factor in dysphagia rehabilitation. The present study aimed to examine the association between cognitive impairment and hospital‐associated dysphagia in patients with AP receiving dysphagia rehabilitation.
Endosymbiont Tolerance and Control within Insect Hosts

Bacterial endosymbioses are very common in insects and can range from obligate to facultative as well as from mutualistic to pathogenic associations. Several recent studies provide new insight into how endosymbionts manage to establish chronic infections of their hosts without being eliminated by the host immune system. Endosymbiont tolerance may be achieved either by specific bacterial adaptations or by host measurements shielding bacteria from innate defense mechanisms. Nevertheless, insect hosts also need to sustain control mechanisms to prevent endosymbionts from unregulated proliferation. Emerging evidence indicates that in some cases the mutual adaptations of the two organisms may have led to the integration of the endosymbionts as a part of the host immune system. In fact, endosymbionts may provide protective traits against pathogens and predators and may even be required for the proper development of the host immune system during host ontogeny. This review gives an overview of current knowledge of molecular mechanisms ensuring maintenance of chronic infections with mutualistic endosymbionts and the impact of endosymbionts on host immune competence.
Maturation of astrocytes in the rat hippocampus: Potential behavioral implications

Several studies have shown that astroglia plays an important role on the physiology of the central ner vous system. However, still little research has focused on the analysis of the astroglial population du ring the postnatal development, and the possible influence of biological factors like sex. Using stereo logical methods, the total number of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive (GF AP-ir) astrocytes and their morphology, were estimated in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal areas from 21 and 90day-old male and female rats. The number of GFAP-ir astrocytes were significantly increased accor ding to age in both hippocampal areas from females, but the same result was obtained only in the CA3 area of males. In addition, no gender dif ferences were found in both hippocampal areas at 21 days of age, but the opposite result was found at 90 days of age. Numerical changes and gender dif ferences in the developing hippocampal astrocyte population are discussed as related to their possible functional meaning.
Approximate mean value analysis technique for non-product form solution stochastic Petri nets: an application to stochastic marked graphs

An iterative technique for the computation of approximate performance indices of a class of stochastic Petri nets models is presented. The proposed technique is derived from the Mean Value Analysis algorithm for product form solution stochastic Petri nets. We apply the approximation technique to stochastic marked graphs. Several examples are presented in order to validate the approximate results.
Analysis of Smart Piezo-Magneto-Thermo-Elastic Composite and Reinforced Plates: Part II – Applications

Abstract A comprehensive micromechanical model for the analysis of a smart composite piezo-magneto-thermoelastic thin plate with rapidly varying thickness is developed in Part I of thiswork. The asymptotichomogenization model is developed using static equilibrium equations and the quasi-static approximation of Maxwell’s equations. The work culminates in the derivation of general expressions for effective elastic, piezoelectric, piezomagnetic, dielectric permittivity and other coefficients. Among these coefficients, the so-called product coefficients are determined which are present in the behavior of the macroscopic composite as a result of the interactions between the various phases but can be absent from the constitutive behavior of some individual phases of the composite structure. The model is comprehensive enough to also allow for calculation of the local fields of mechanical stresses, electric displacement and magnetic induction. The present paper determines the effective properties of constant thickness laminates comprised of monoclinic materials or orthotropic materials which are rotated with respect to their principal material coordinate system. A further example illustrates the determination of the effective properties of wafer-type magnetoelectric composite plates reinforced with smart ribs or stiffeners oriented along the tangential directions of the plate. For generality, it is assumed that the ribs and the base plate are made of different orthotropic materials. It is shown in this work that for the purely elastic case the results of the derived model converge exactly to previously established models. However, in the more general case where some or all of the phases exhibit piezoelectric and/or piezomagnetic behavior, the expressions for the derived effective coefficients are shown to be dependent on not only the elastic properties but also on the piezoelectric and piezomagnetic parameters of the constituent materials. Thus, the results presented here represent a significant refinement of previously obtained results.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a Child Successfully Treated with Infliximab

A 7‐year‐old boy developed severe toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) secondary to carbamazepine and was transferred to our center after further deterioration despite receiving one dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. After administration of one dose of infliximab, there was a clear halting of progression of blistering and an apparent dramatic improvement. We consider it likely that the administration of infliximab led to the improvement in this child and that anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha therapy may be a logical treatment for TEN, given the possible underlying pathologic process. Well‐conducted studies on the safety and efficacy of any such treatment are urgently required.
A new perspective on the genetics of keratoconus: why have we not been more successful?

ABSTRACT Twin studies and family studies suggest an important genetic basis for keratoconus (KC). Involvement and association of several genes with the disease has been reported. Additionally, genes associated with central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) via genome-wide association studies (GWAS), also potentially underlie KC. Although a long list of genes has been reported for KC, the evidence for a pathogenic role for most genes remains limited. Furthermore, if the involvement of the reported genes in KC development can be proven, they only account for a limited number of patients. VSX1, ZNF469, SOD1, and miR184 have been most frequently investigated, but only mutations in miR184 indisputably underlie corneal abnormalities. For the three other genes, analysis of the minor allele frequencies (MAF) in public databases argues against a pathogenic role for most reported variants. For the remainder of variants, functional evidence is needed to prove their contribution to the pathogenesis. Despite the large amount of studies, clear results remain rare. A possible explanation for the cumbersome gene-identification is that genetic defects underlying KC are located in regions that are understudied (such as non-coding regions) or that KC is not as monogenic (= one gene with large effect size) as initially considered. Since many of the applied research strategies can only identify large effect mutations, strategies to identify variants with smaller effect sizes might lead to more progress in KC research.
Tramadol versus Methadone for Treatment of Opiate Withdrawal: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tramadol versus methadone for treatment of opiate withdrawal. Seventy patients randomly were assigned in two groups to receive either prescribed methadone (60 mg/day) or tramadol (600 mg/day). The withdrawal syndrome of patients was evaluated before and after rapid opiate detoxification using the Objective Opioid Withdrawal Scale (OOWS). No significant differences existed in overall OOWS scores between two groups (P = 0.11). Dropout rates were similar in both groups. Side effects in the tramadol group were as or less common than in the methadone group, with the exception of perspiration. Tramadol may be as effective as methadone in the control of withdrawal and could be considered as a potential substitute for methadone to manage opioids withdrawal.
Microparticle Vaccines Against Toxoplasma gondii

Significant information indicates that future investigations on Toxoplasma vaccine devel opment have to include adjuvants for enhancing protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii . Especially, safe and effective adjuvants capable of fulfilling Th1‐dependent cell‐ mediated immunity appear to be more likely to be allowed to use for anti Toxoplasma vaccine development. Recently, biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, such as poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLG) polymers, have been utilized as safe and efficacious adju vants to encapsulate antigens for producing long‐term release microparticle‐based vac - cines. PLG microencapsulation allows the sustained release of antigens and facilitates antigen uptake via antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to favorably generate Th1 cell‐medi - ated immunity, which is required for the prevention of T. gondii infection. In our recent work, recombinant surface antigens (rSAGs), including rSAG1, rSAG2, and rSAG1/2, have been, respectively, encapsulated with the PLG polymer for production of PLG‐encapsu lated rSAG1 (PLG‐rSAG1), PLG‐encapsulated rSAG2 (PLG‐rSAG2), or PLG‐encapsulated rSAG1/2 (PLG‐rSAG1/2) microparticles. This chapter describes adjuvant effect of PLG microparticles, controlled release of PLG microparticles, PLG microparticles‐immune system interaction, Toxoplasma SAG‐loaded PLG microparticles, protective immunity by Toxoplasma SAG‐loaded PLG microparticles, and future prospects. PLG microparticle vaccines would be advantageous for their application in the development of long‐lasting vaccines against T. gondii for future use in humans and animals.
Indirect adaptive formation control with nonlinear dynamics and parametric uncertainty

This paper focuses on coordination of multi-agent systems with agents having holonomic nonlinear dynamics and uncertain system parameters. An indirect adaptive control scheme composed of a parameter estimator and a feedback-linearization based control law is designed based on the certainty equivalence principle. (i) Simple linear and (ii) sliding mode control structures are used in the outer control loop. The controllers successfully satisfy the objectives of formation maintenance and trajectory tracking. Simulation results for a sample two-dimensional formation are presented, demonstrating the performance of the proposed control scheme.
Wicking mechanisms in yarns—the key to fabric wicking performance

Abstract In view of the interest in wicking as an alleged comfort feature for active and leisure wear an analysis of the wicking and liquid retention properties of nylon 6.6 continuous and textured filament yarns commonly used for lightweight high performance woven fabrics was carried out taking into consideration the effects of yarn structure and static tension. The yarn wicking performance was significantly affected by the tension applied and the twist inserted. The heterogeneity of pore size, shape and orientation affected the penetration of the liquid into the yarn structure and hence its liquid retention properties as exhibited by the textured continuous filament yarns. Microscopic examination of the yarns showed unsaturated, saturated and dry zones.
Transport and Processing of Staphylococcal Alpha-Toxint

Two larger precursors to staphylococcal alpha-toxin were identified and partially characterized. Both precursor proteins were present on the cell membrane at very low levels and appeared to be rapidly processed to the mature form. Dinitrophenol inhibited processing such that the two precursors accumulated in the membranes, whereas little extracellular (mature) alpha-toxin is formed. The peptide maps of the 35S-labeled peptides from extracellular alpha-toxin and the two precursors were almost identical. The larger precursor protein contained four additional peptides and the smaller precursor protein contained three additional peptides not found in the extracellular toxin.
Patient Perceptions of Text Messaging to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence: A Qualitative Study of Patients in a Ryan White Clinic

Evidence on the use of short message service (SMS) to improve medication adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is mounting, yet qualitative research on patient perceptions regarding SMS content and utility for HIV/AIDS remains nascent. To explore the experience of receiving medication reminders via SMS among PLHIV, 45 uninsured and underinsured PLHIV nested within the intervention arm of a larger study received daily, 1-way SMS adherence reminders. Qualitative data were collected by face-to-face, structured interview and were analyzed using conventional content analysis methods. Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) reminders helping with adherence, (2) concerns about delivery modes, and (3) the need for confidentiality. Study findings offer enhanced focus on an emerging strategy in patient-centered HIV care: Equipped with greater context on the experiences of PLHIV using SMS adherence reminders, health-care providers can offer more targeted support and thereby maximize the benefits of this popular and powerful technology.
Finite Element Analysis of Multi-axis Strain Sensitivities of Bragg Gratings in PM Fibers

This article presents a numerical analysis of the sensitivity of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors written into polarization maintaining fibers to transverse and thermal loading. These sensors are typically applied for the measurement of multiple strain components for the monitoring of civil structures. The finite element analysis includes both the optical and mechanical variations in the optical fiber. Five fiber types typically used in FBG sensors (elliptical core, D-fiber, elliptical core SAP, Bow-Tie, and Panda) are compared. It is shown that when only the fiber geometry is considered while the material parameters are approximately the same, the D-fiber demonstrates the highest sensitivity to transverse loading. In addition, it is shown that reducing the fiber cladding diameter significantly improves the sensitivities of the FBG sensor to transverse loads. All fiber types exhibit approximately the same sensitivity to thermal loading.
Exposure to mutagenic aldehydes and particulate matter during panfrying of beefsteak with margarine, rapeseed oil, olive oil or soybean oil.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to see if a cook could be exposed to mutagenic aldehydes in fumes from frying of beefsteak using margarine, rapeseed oil, soybean oil or virgin olive oil as frying fat. In addition, levels of particle exposure were measured to make the results comparable to other studies. METHODS The levels of higher aldehydes and total particles were measured in the breathing zone of the cook during the panfrying of beefsteak with the four different frying fats. In addition, the number of particles in the size intervals 0.3-0.5, 0.5-0.7 and 0.7-1.0 microm in the kitchen was registered. RESULTS Measured levels of mutagenic aldehydes were between non-detectable and 25.33 microg m(-3) air. The exposure level of total aerosol was between 1.0 and 11.6 mg m(-3). CONCLUSIONS Higher aldehydes were detected in all samples from this study, and mutagenic aldehydes were detected in most of the samples. Frying with margarine gave statistically significantly higher levels of mutagenic aldehydes and particles in all three size fractions than frying with the three different kinds of oil.
Representativity error for temperature and humidity using the Met Office high‐resolution model †

The observation‐error covariance matrix used in data assimilation contains contributions from instrument errors, representativity errors and errors introduced by the approximated observation operator. Forward model errors arise when the observation operator does not correctly model the observations or when observations can resolve spatial scales that the model cannot. Previous work to estimate the observation‐error covariance matrix for particular observing instruments has shown that it contains signifcant correlations. In particular, correlations for humidity data are more significant than those for temperature. However it is not known what proportion of these correlations can be attributed to the representativity errors. In this article we apply an existing method for calculating representativity error, previously applied to an idealised system, to NWP data. We calculate horizontal errors of representativity for temperature and humidity using data from the Met Office high‐resolution UK variable resolution model. Our results show that errors of representativity are correlated and more significant for specific humidity than temperature. We also find that representativity error varies with height. This suggests that the assimilation scheme may be improved if these errors are explicitly included in a data assimilation scheme.
Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review

Abstract Ismaeel, A. Effects of betaine supplementation on muscle strength and power: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2338–2346, 2017—Betaine (BET) has recently gotten much attention for its potential role as an ergogenic aid and has become a common ingredient in peri-workout dietary supplements. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to investigate the effects of BET supplementation on muscular strength and power. A computerized literature search of 3 databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus) was performed. Included in the review were randomized controlled trials that measured muscle strength, power, or both measures in healthy participants. Quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seven trials were identified, and quality assessment showed that all were of “excellent quality. ” Only 2 of the studies reported increases in strength or power after supplementation with BET. The remaining 5 studies showed no change in any strength or power outcome measures with BET supplementation. This review highlights the lack of evidence for a clear ergogenic effect of BET supplementation on strength and power performance. However, because 2 studies did identify increases of up to 24.61% on strength and power as a result of BET supplementation, additional studies are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness.