Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binaural spectral selectivity in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Interaktion zwischen der Frequenzselektivitat des menschlichen Gehors und binauralem Horen durch psychoakustische Verdeckungsexperimente zu untersuchen. Im allgemeinen wird ein diotischer Verdecker benutzt, wohingegen das Signal entweder ebenfalls diotisch ist (diotische Kondition) oder einen interauralen Phasenunterschied von 180 Grad aufweist (dichotische Kondition). Die Schwellen zeigen eine schlechtere Frequenzselektivitat in dichotischen verglichen mit diotischen Konditionen fur Signale von 250 Hz bis 2 kHz. Ein Modell, das in dichotischen Konditionen einen verschlechternden Mehrkanalprozess annimmt, kann die Daten vorhersagen. Bei Normal- und Schwerhorenden ergibt sich ein ahnliches Verhaltnis von diotischer zu dichotischer Frequenzselektivitat; dies deutet darauf hin, dass es keine zusatzliche retrocochleare Beeintrachtigung der binauralen Verarbeitung bei Schwerhorenden gibt.
Po 2measurements in the rat intestinal microcirculation.

Microvascular partial oxygen pressure (Po 2) data measured with the quenched phosphorescence of palladium-porphyrin (Pd-porphyrin) with the use of optical fibers have provided new insight into the behavior of the microvascular oxygenation in models of shock. However, the actual microcirculatory compartment measured by this fiber technique has not yet been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Po 2 of the intestines, as measured using a fiber phosphorometer, reflects the microvascular compartment. To this end, a new intravital phosphorometer with an improved sensitivity to high-Po 2levels (up to 180 mmHg) was developed and validated. With this setup, Po 2 values were measured at different inspired oxygen fractions (15, 25, and 50% oxygen) in first-order arterioles, capillaries, and venules of the ileum of rats. Simultaneously, the Po 2 was measured with an optical fiber attached to another phosphorometer. Po 2 measurements with the fiber phosphorometer show excellent correlation with the Po 2 in the capillaries and first-order venule vessels ( r 2 = 0.94, slope 0.99). We therefore conclude that values measured with the fiber phosphorometer correlate with the capillary and venular Po 2.
Schistosoma mansoni: migration and attrition of irradiated and challenge schistosomula in the mouse

SUMMARY The fate of irradiated, immunizing cercariae and challenge schistosomula was investigated in mice using a quantitative, histological technique which would appear to be more efficient in estimating parasite numbers in skin and lungs than does the tissue mincing and incubation recovery technique used previously by other workers. There was evidence for slight retardation of irradiated (20 krad.) parasite migration in skin, but death of schistosomula in the skin appeared negligible. It was observed that the majority of irradiated parasites remained in the lungs until at least day 21 after infection, and that most schistosomula observed at this time were dead. In mice immunized with irradiated cercariae there was no evidence of attrition of the challenge infection in the skin. The migration profile of challenge parasites in the lungs of immunized animals was not significantly different from that of normal parasites in the lungs of naive animals. Dead challenge parasites were observed in the lungs but their numbers were not considered great enough to account for the final attrition measured by perfusion. It is suggested that the remainder of the attrition of challenge schistosomula may occur in the systemic and/or hepatic portal circulation.
Fast and Robust Triangle-Triangle Overlap Test Using Orientation Predicates

Abstract This paper presents an algorithm for determining whether two triangles in three dimensions intersect. The general scheme is identical to the one proposed by Moller [Möller 97]. The main difference is that our algorithm relies exclusively on the sign of 4 × 4 determinants and does not need any intermediate explicit constructions which are the source of numerical errors. Besides the fact that the resulting code is more reliable than existing methods, it is also more efficient. The source code is available online.
Prophylactic treatment of retinal breaks – a systematic review

Prophylactic treatment of retinal breaks has been examined in several studies and reviews, but so far, no studies have successfully applied a systematic approach. In the present systematic review, we examined the need of follow‐up after posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) – diagnosed by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy or Goldmann 3‐mirror examination – with regard to retinal breaks as well as the indication of prophylactic treatment in asymptomatic and symptomatic breaks. A total of 2941 publications were identified with PubMed and Medline searches. Two manual search strategies were used for papers in English published before 2012. Four levels of screening identified 13 studies suitable for inclusion in this systematic review. No meta‐analysis was conducted as no data suitable for statistical analysis were identified. In total, the initial examination after symptomatic PVD identified 85–95% of subsequent retinal breaks. Additional retinal breaks were only revealed at follow‐up in patients where a full retinal examination was compromised at presentation by, for example, vitreous haemorrhage. Asymptomatic and symptomatic retinal breaks progressed to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in 0–13.8% and 35–47% of cases, respectively. The cumulated incidence of RRD despite prophylactic treatment was 2.1–8.8%. The findings in this review suggest that follow‐up after symptomatic PVD is only necessary in cases of incomplete retinal examination at presentation. Prophylactic treatment of symptomatic retinal breaks must be considered, whereas no unequivocal conclusion could be reached with regard to prophylactic treatment of asymptomatic retinal breaks.
Structural and Functional Interaction between the Human DNA Repair Proteins DNA Ligase IV and XRCC4

ABSTRACT Nonhomologous end-joining represents the major pathway used by human cells to repair DNA double-strand breaks. It relies on the XRCC4/DNA ligase IV complex to reseal DNA strands. Here we report the high-resolution crystal structure of human XRCC4 bound to the carboxy-terminal tandem BRCT repeat of DNA ligase IV. The structure differs from the homologous Saccharomyces cerevisiae complex and reveals an extensive DNA ligase IV binding interface formed by a helix-loop-helix structure within the inter-BRCT linker region, as well as significant interactions involving the second BRCT domain, which induces a kink in the tail region of XRCC4. We further demonstrate that interaction with the second BRCT domain of DNA ligase IV is necessary for stable binding to XRCC4 in cells, as well as to achieve efficient dominant-negative effects resulting in radiosensitization after ectopic overexpression of DNA ligase IV fragments in human fibroblasts. Together our findings provide unanticipated insight for understanding the physical and functional architecture of the nonhomologous end-joining ligation complex.
Children's adrenocortical responses to classroom activities and tests in elementary school.

&NA; Levels of free‐cortisol excreted by second‐grade children during two morning hours on regular school days were compared with levels on days that achievement tests were administered. Cortisol excretion was significantly higher on test days than on normal school days but was not related to the children's self‐reports of test anxiety. Children who were slightly above average in intelligence and children who were low achievers were found to have elevated cortisol levels. Sixty‐eight percent of the variance in free‐cortisol excretion was accounted for by the child's popularity with peers, hostility to the teacher, and on‐task behaviors. The usefulness of measuring adrenocortisol responses to stress in the classroom was demonstrated.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction induces molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations in rat respiratory and limb skeletal muscle

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is a key mechanism contributing to exercise intolerance (i.e. breathlessness and fatigue) in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We therefore used an animal model to elucidate potential molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations induced by HFpEF in the diaphragm and soleus, while also determining the possible benefits associated with exercise training.
Structure and regulation of cytoplasmic adapter proteins involved in innate immune signaling

Summary: Initiation of the innate immune response requires agonist recognition by a pathogen recognition receptor. Following ligand binding, conformational rearrangement of the receptor creates a molecular scaffold from which signal transduction is propagated via complex cellular signaling pathways. This in turn leads to the induction of a pro‐inflammatory immune response. A critical component of these signaling pathways is the homotypic interaction of receptor and adapter proteins via specific protein interaction domains. Within the innate immune signaling cascade, homotypic interactions between members of the death domain family and the Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor domain are particularly important. Here we discuss the current understanding of the molecular basis of these homotypic receptor:adapter interactions and their role in innate immune signal transduction.
Endoscopic Revision Surgery for Recurrent Epiphora Occurring after External Dacryocystorhinostomy

Recurrent epiphora after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) can be a frustrating experience for both the patient and the physician. We present the results of a retrospective study of 18 patients with epiphora recurring after external DCR who were operated upon to recreate lacrimal drainage through an endoscopic endonasal approach. The procedure was successful in 83.3% of cases, with no major complications. The results are comparable to those of an external approach, but the cosmetic advantages are clear. It is a 1-stage procedure that permits correction of associated intranasal disease that may be a causative factor in the recurrence of lacrimal obstruction. The endoscopic endonasal approach is a relatively safe and reliable option in the management of recurrent epiphora.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and its Expression in Lupus Nephritis

Objective: the aim of this study was to access the potential involvement of MIF in SLE, its relationship with corticosteroid dose, also, to measure serum and urinary MIF levels in SLE as well as detecting renal MIF expression in SLE GN. Methods: Serum and urine MIF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 SLE female patients with lupus nephritis , World Health Organization class II, III, IV, with mean age of 35.15? 10.42 years and in 10 normal healthy, age matched, female volunteers. All patients were subjected to detailed clinical assessment and laboratory investigations. Serum and urinary MIF concentrations were measured by ELISA technique. Renal MIF expression was assessed by immunostaining of biopsy tissue. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to examine the associations between serum and urine MIF concentrations, renal MIF expression, disease-related indices of SLE and corticosteroid use. Results: A statistically significant 2.98-fold-increase was detected in mean urinary MIF (U MIF) levels in SLE patients compared to controls. While, mean Serum MIF (S MIF) showed no significant difference between cases & control. Both S & U MIF concentrations were positively correlated with SLICC/ACR DI but not with SLEIDAI. Corticosteroid doses showed a highly positive correlation with S MIF, serum creatinine & SLICC/ACR DI. Also a positive correlation was found between the different histopathologic grades of renal affection & the U MIF. Immunohistochemistry staining of all normal kidney specimens showed that MIF is constitutively weakly expressed by some glomerular & parietal epithelial cells & by most tubular epithelial cells. In contrast, there was a significant increase in glomerular & tubular MIF protein staining in SLE nephropathy. This increased MIF expression correlated positively with both S MIF and U MIF, SLICC/ACR DI & the daily steroid dose Conclusion: This study shows that serum MIF is over-expressed in SLE patients and that the urine MIF concentration is significantly increased in SLE World Health Organization class IV patients and correlates with the degree of renal injury. Thus, urine MIF levels reflect MIF expression within the kidney.
Sensory and autonomic nerve changes in the monosodium glutamate‐treated rat: a model of type II diabetes

Rats that had been injected with monosodium glutamate (MSG) neonatally were studied for up to 70 weeks and compared with age‐matched control rats to study changes in glucose tolerance and in sympathetic and sensory nerves. At 61 and 65 weeks of age, there were significant differences in glucose tolerance between the MSG and control groups, and the MSG group had raised fasting blood glucose. These changes were not associated with changes in the number of β‐cells in the islets of Langerhans. In addition, the diabetic MSG‐treated rats had central obesity and cataracts. Hypoalgesia to thermal stimuli was present in MSG‐treated rats as early as 6 weeks and persisted at 70 weeks. However, no differences were observed in the distribution of substance P, the neurokinin‐1 receptor or calcitonin gene‐related peptide in the dorsal horn of L3–L5 at this age (70 weeks). Diabetic MSG‐treated animals at 65 and 70 weeks of age had significantly reduced noradrenaline concentrations in the heart, tail artery and ileum, while concentrations in the adrenal gland and corpus cavernosum were significantly increased. There was also a significant increase in adrenal adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, largely attributable to changes in weight of the adrenal gland in the MSG‐treated animals. The results indicate that MSG‐treated animals develop a form of type II diabetes by about 60 weeks of age, and that there are significant changes in amine levels in various tissues associated with these developments.
Effects of cocaine and withdrawal on the mouse nucleus accumbens transcriptome

Genetic association studies, pharmacological investigations and analysis of mice‐lacking individual genes have made it clear that Cocaine administration and Withdrawal have a profound impact on multiple neurotransmitter systems. The GABAergic medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) exhibit changes in the expression of genes encoding receptors for glutamate and in the signaling pathways triggered by dopamine binding to G‐protein‐coupled dopamine receptors. Deep sequence analysis provides a sensitive, quantitative and global analysis of the effects of Cocaine on the NAc transcriptome. RNA prepared from the NAc of adult male mice receiving daily injections of Saline or Cocaine, or Cocaine followed by a period of Withdrawal, was used for high‐throughput sequence analysis. Changes were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. On the basis of pathway analysis, a preponderance of the genes affected by Cocaine and Withdrawal was involved in the cadherin, heterotrimeric G‐protein and Wnt signaling pathways. Distinct subsets of cadherins and protocadherins exhibited a sustained increase or decrease in expression. Sustained down‐regulation of several heterotrimeric G‐protein β‐ and γ‐subunits was observed. In addition to altered expression of receptors for small molecule neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and endocannabinoids, changes in the expression of plasma membrane transporters and vesicular neurotransmitter transporters were also observed. The effects of chronic Cocaine and Withdrawal on the expression of genes essential to cholinergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, peptidergic and endocannabinoid signaling are as profound as their effects on dopaminergic transmission. Simultaneous targeting of multiple Withdrawal‐specific changes in gene expression may facilitate development of new therapeutic approaches that are better able to prevent relapse.
Porous bovine bone mineral in healing of human extraction sockets. Part 1: histomorphometric evaluations at 9 months.

BACKGROUND Extraction socket wound healing is characterized by resorption of the alveolar bone at the extraction site. This produces a decrease in ridge volume, deformations of ridge contours, and, thus, difficulties in delayed placement of root-form implants in an ideal position. Cancellous porous bovine bone mineral (PBBM) applied to fresh extraction sockets has recently been proposed to minimize the reduction in ridge volume. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of PBBM grafted particles on the histopathologic pattern of the intrasocket regenerated bone and to evaluate histomorphometrically the healed PBBM grafted extraction socket site at 9 months' post-extraction. METHODS PBBM particles (250 to 1,000 microns in size) were grafted in 15 fresh human extraction sockets in 15 patients. Socket wall bone height was measured from the crestal ridge level before the mineral particles were inserted. Primary soft tissue closure was performed to protect the grafted particles via a pediculated split palatal flap. At 9 months, socket bone walls were remeasured and cylinder bone samples of the previously PBBM-grafted sites were obtained. Decalcified specimens were sectioned at a cross-horizontal plane and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathologic and histomorphologic examination. Tissue area percentage of bone, PBBM, and connective tissue (CT) was calculated for each specimen from the crestal to the apical region and changes in values compared. RESULTS Average clinical overall bone fill of the augmented socket sites was 82.3%. Histologically, PBBM particles were observed in all specimens. Newly formed bone was characterized by abundance of cellular woven-type bone in the coronal area, while lamellar arrangements could be identified only in the more apical region. New osseous tissue adhered to the PBBM. Histomorphometric measurements showed an increase of mean bone tissue area along the histological sections from 15.9% in the coronal part to 63.9% apically (average 46.3%). CT fraction decreased from 52.4% to 9.5% (average 22.9%) from the crestal to the apical region. PBBM area fraction varied from 26.4% to 35.1% (average 30.8%). Statistical analysis of the comparison between areas of bone, CT, and PBBM was performed in different points along the coronal-apical axis. Differences were significant (P <0.01) at the most crestal, middle, and apical section cut areas, but not at the cervical section cuts. Bone area fraction increased in the apical direction as much as CT correlatively decreased. Unlike CT and bone, PBBM retained constant relative volume (approximately 30%), regardless of the depth of the specimen cores. CONCLUSIONS PBBM particles are an appropriate biocompatible bone derivative in fresh extraction sockets for ridge preservation. The resorbability of this xenograft could not be recognized in a 9-month period. Further investigation is needed to clarify the resorptive mechanisms of PBBM.
Anemia in adults with tuberculosis is associated with HIV and anthropometric status in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

SETTING Tuberculosis (TB) infected adults attending out-patient TB clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of anemia with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, indicators of socio-economic status (SES) and anthropometric status in TB-infected adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional data collection during screening for a clinical trial. RESULTS Overall, 750 females and 1693 males participated in this study, of whom respectively 49% and 24% were co-infected with HIV-1. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in females than in males and in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative participants. HIV co-infection in this antiretroviral-naïve population was also associated with severe anemia (hemoglobin < 85 g/l) in both women (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.07, 95%CI 1.65-2.59) and men (PR 3.45, 95%CI 2.66-4.47). Although severe anemia was negatively associated with indicators of SES, especially in males, adjustment for SES indicators only marginally changed its association with HIV co-infection. In both sexes, anemia was inversely associated with anthropometric status, independently of HIV infection and SES. CONCLUSION Among TB-infected adults, anemia is strongly associated with HIV co-infection and anthropometric status, independently of SES indicators. As anemia is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in both infections, the management of anemia in TB-HIV co-infected patients warrants special attention.
Quel cognitif retenir en didactique des mathématiques

Le fonctionnement cognitif implique par l'acquisition de connaissances mathematiques est-il different de celui implique par l'acquisition de connaissances dans d'autres disciplines? Deux caracteristiques au moins sont typiques de l'activite cognitive impliquee dans les demarches mathematiques. D'une part, on y recourt a plusieurs registres de representations semiotiques, dont certains ont ete specifiquement developpes pour effectuer des traitements mathematiques. D'autre part, les objets mathematiques ne sont jamais des objets accessibles par la perception comme cela peut l'etre pour la plupart des objets dans les autres disciplines. D'ou les deux questions que l'on retrouve au coeur de l'apprentissage: comment apprend-on a changer de registre et comment apprendre a ne pas confondre un objet avec la representation que l'on en propose ? Beaucoup de difficultes dans l'apprentissage des mathematiques ont leur origine dans la meconnaissance, par l'enseignement, des phenomenes relatifs a ces deux questions. Dans cet article, nous presentons quelques points-cles pour une analyse de fonctionnement cognitif qui prenne en compte les caracteristiques de l'activite mathematique et les difficultes recurrentes d'apprentissage qui subsistent a des niveaux et dans des contextes d'enseignement tres differents. De cette maniere nous pouvons degager des variables intrinseques au fonctionnement de la pensee humaine. Cette description de quelques points-cles entraine deux deplacements theoriques, par rapport aux approches classiques de la cognition, celles issues des travaux piagetiens et celles issues des modelisations du traitement de l'information
Thermoregulation in the Angolan Free‐Tailed Bat Mops condylurus: A Small Mammal That Uses Hot Roosts

The Angolan free‐tailed bat (Mops condylurus) uses roosts that often exceed 40°C, an ambient temperature (Ta) that is lethal to many microchiropterans. We measured the physiological responses of this species at Ta's from 15° to 45°C. Torpor was commonly employed during the day at the lower Ta, but the bats generally remained euthermic at night, with a mean body temperature (Tb) of 35.2°C. Metabolic rate reflected the pattern of Tb, increasing with falling Ta at night but decreasing during the day. Metabolic rate and evaporative losses were lower in torpid than in euthermic bats. Body temperature increased at each Ta >35°C and was 43°C at Ta of 45°C. At Ta of 40°C bats increased dry thermal conductance and evaporative heat loss compared to lower Ta. At 45°C dry thermal conductance was lower than at 40°C and evaporative heat loss was 132% of metabolic heat production. At high Ta there was only a slight increase in metabolic rate despite the employment of evaporative cooling mechanisms and an increase in Tb. Collectively our results suggest that M. condylurus is well suited to tolerate high Ta, and this may enable it to exploit thermally challenging roost sites and to colonise habitats and exploit food sources where less stressful roosts are limiting.