Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usability of Individualized Head-Related Transfer Functions in Virtual Reality: Empirical Study With Perceptual Attributes in Sagittal Plane Sound Localization

Background In order to present virtual sound sources via headphones spatially, head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) can be applied to audio signals. In this so-called binaural virtual acoustics, the spatial perception may be degraded if the HRTFs deviate from the true HRTFs of the listener. Objective In this study, participants wearing virtual reality (VR) headsets performed a listening test on the 3D audio perception of virtual audiovisual scenes, thus enabling us to investigate the necessity and influence of the individualization of HRTFs. Two hypotheses were investigated: first, general HRTFs lead to limitations of 3D audio perception in VR and second, the localization model for stationary localization errors is transferable to nonindividualized HRTFs in more complex environments such as VR. Methods For the evaluation, 39 subjects rated individualized and nonindividualized HRTFs in an audiovisual virtual scene on the basis of 5 perceptual qualities: localizability, front-back position, externalization, tone color, and realism. The VR listening experiment consisted of 2 tests: in the first test, subjects evaluated their own and the general HRTF from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research database and in the second test, their own and 2 other nonindividualized HRTFs from the Acoustics Research Institute HRTF database. For the experiment, 2 subject-specific, nonindividualized HRTFs with a minimal and maximal localization error deviation were selected according to the localization model in sagittal planes. Results With the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the first test, analysis of variance for the second test, and a sample size of 78, the results were significant in all perceptual qualities, except for the front-back position between own and minimal deviant nonindividualized HRTF (P=.06). Conclusions Both hypotheses have been accepted. Sounds filtered by individualized HRTFs are considered easier to localize, easier to externalize, more natural in timbre, and thus more realistic compared to sounds filtered by nonindividualized HRTFs.
Decoding vagal contributions to fetal heart rate variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important indicator of health and disease, yet its physiological origins are poorly understood. The exact neural contributions to HRV are not well understood. In near-term fetal sheep, we aimed to identify fetal HRV measures reflecting the vagus nerve contributions to HRV. Fetal HRV was recorded during surgery and 72 hours later without (n=24) and with intra-surgical bilateral cervical vagotomy (n=15). We report the most encompassing set of fetal HRV measures known to-date and identify those HRV measures that are specific to the vagal modulation of HRV and show recovery dynamic due to fetal surgery. Our findings have clinical significance for ​in utero monitoring of fetal health during surgery. We provide a systematic delineation of vagal contributions to HRV across signal-analytical domains which should be relevant for the emerging field of bioelectronic medicine and the deciphering of the “vagus code”.
Sarcopenia and its relation to protein intake across older ethnic populations in the Netherlands: the HELIUS study

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with protein intake in men and women in a multi-ethnic population. Design: We used cross-sectional data from the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study, which includes nearly 25,000 participants (aged 18–70 years) of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan, and Ghanaian ethnic origin. For the current study, we included 5161 individuals aged 55 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the EWGSOP2. In a subsample (N = 1371), protein intake was measured using ethnic-specific Food Frequency Questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were performed to study sarcopenia prevalence across ethnic groups in men and women, and logistic regression analyses were used to study associations between protein intake and sarcopenia. Results: Sarcopenia prevalence was found to be sex- and ethnic-specific, varying from 29.8% in Turkish to 61.3% in South-Asian Surinamese men and ranging from 2.4% in Turkish up to 30.5% in South-Asian Surinamese women. Higher protein intake was associated with a 4% lower odds of sarcopenia in the subsample (OR = 0.96, 95%-CI: 0.92–0.99) and across ethnic groups, being only significant in the South-Asian Surinamese group. Conclusion: Ethnic differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with protein intake suggest the need to target specific ethnic groups for prevention or treatment of sarcopenia.
Impaired frontal‐parietal control network in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome revealed by graph theoretical analysis: A DTI study

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by chronic pain in pelvic area and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Previous neuroimaging studies demonstrated that chronic pain was associated with the altered brain activity. However, the pathological mechanisms associated with altered brain control of CP/CPPS are not well‐understood. Therefore, we sought to investigate the topological properties of white matter brain networks in patients with CP/CPPS and whether the topological configuration of frontal‐parietal control network was disrupted. We collected 19 patients with CP/CPPS and 32 matched healthy controls (HCs). Diffusion tensor imaging data of all participates were used to map the white matter structural networks. Graph theoretical method was applied to investigate the alterations of topological properties of brain network in patients. Moreover, we also investigated whether the alerted brain regions might be correlated with any clinical features of patients by the method of Pearson correlation analysis. Both CP/CPPS patients and HCs exhibited a ‘small‐world’ behavior or economical small‐world architecture of the white matter brain networks. In addition, CP/CPPS had a lower global efficiency in the right middle frontal gyrus (orbital part) and a higher global efficiency in the left middle cingulate and paracingulate gyri. CP/CPPS also showed increased local efficiency in the left middle cingulate and paracingulate gyri and paracentral lobule. Moreover, the local efficiency of the left middle cingulate gyrus was positively correlated with the scores of the influence of symptoms on the quality of life. The local efficiency of the left precuneus and right supplementary motor area were positively correlated with the total scores of NIH‐CPSI and the scores of pain and discomfort symptoms, respectively. Together, we found that patients with CP/CPPS had alterations of connections within the frontal‐parietal control network, which suggested that the altered connectivity involved in the executive control processing procedures might contribute to the pathogenesis of the pelvic pain and LUTS in CP/CPPS. Thus these results provided new insights into the understanding of CP/CPPS.
Contralateral effects of eccentric resistance training on immobilized arm

This study compared the effects of contralateral eccentric‐only (ECC) and concentric‐/eccentric‐coupled resistance training (CON‐ECC) of the elbow flexors on immobilized arm. Thirty healthy participants (18‐34 y) were randomly allocated to immobilization only (CTRL; n = 10), immobilization and ECC (n = 10), or immobilization and CON‐ECC group (n = 10). The non‐dominant arms of all participants were immobilized (8 h·day−1) for 4 weeks, during which ECC and CON‐ECC were performed by the dominant (non‐immobilized) arm 3 times a week (3‐6 sets of 10 repetitions per session) with an 80%‐120% and 60%‐90% of one concentric repetition maximum (1‐RM) load, respectively, matching the total training volume. Arm circumference, 1‐RM and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, biceps brachii surface electromyogram amplitude (sEMGRMS), rate of force development (RFD), and joint position sense (JPS) were measured for both arms before and after immobilization. CTRL showed decreases (P < .05) in MVIC (−21.7%), sEMGRMS (−35.2%), RFD (−26.0%), 1‐RM (−14.4%), JPS (−87.4%), and arm circumference (−5.1%) of the immobilized arm. These deficits were attenuated or eliminated by ECC and CON‐ECC, with greater effect sizes for ECC than CON‐ECC in MVIC (0.29: +12.1%, vs −0.18: −0.1%) and sEMGRMS (0.31:17.5% vs −0.15: −5.9%). For the trained arm, ECC showed greater effect size for MVIC than CON‐ECC (0.47 vs 0.29), and increased arm circumference (+2.9%), sEMGRMS (+77.9%), and RDF (+31.8%) greater (P < .05) than CON‐ECC (+0.6%, +15.1%, and + 15.8%, respectively). The eccentric‐only resistance training of the contralateral arm was more effective to counteract the negative immobilization effects than the concentric‐eccentric training.
Visceral adiposity index and cervical arterial atherosclerosis in northeast China: a population based cross‐sectional survey

The burden of cervical arterial atherosclerosis, which is an important risk factor of stroke, is huge in China. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a convenient index that is related to a series of metabolic abnormalities and a variety of diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the relationship between VAI and cervical arterial atherosclerosis.
Genome duplication in Leishmania major relies on persistent subtelomeric DNA replication

DNA replication is needed to duplicate a cell’s genome in S phase and segregate it during cell division. Previous work in Leishmania detected DNA replication initiation at just a single region in each chromosome, an organisation predicted to be insufficient for complete genome duplication within S phase. Here, we show that acetylated histone H3 (AcH3), base J and a kinetochore factor co-localise in each chromosome at only a single locus, which corresponds with previously mapped DNA replication initiation regions and is demarcated by localised G/T skew and G4 patterns. In addition, we describe previously undetected subtelomeric DNA replication in G2/M and G1-phase-enriched cells. Finally, we show that subtelomeric DNA replication, unlike chromosome-internal DNA replication, is sensitive to hydroxyurea and dependent on 9-1-1 activity. These findings indicate that Leishmania’s genome duplication programme employs subtelomeric DNA replication initiation, possibly extending beyond S phase, to support predominantly chromosome-internal DNA replication initiation within S phase.
Detailed study of heavy precipitation events in the Alpine region using ERA40 driven RCMs

This report evaluates fifteen regional climate models (RCMs) from the European Commission’s ENSEMBLES project, with regard to their simulation of daily precipitation in the region of the European Alps. Model integrations, having a spatial resolution of 25km, have been driven for “present-day” (1961-1990) climate by boundary conditions from the ERA-40 re-analysis. The E-OBS gridded dataset, which has been produced as part of the ENSEMBLES project, serves as observational reference for the evaluation. Focus is placed on extreme events diagnosed via multiyear return values of daily precipitation amounts, using techniques from extreme value theory for their estimation. Most models tend to overestimate these extreme precipitation diagnostics. Domain mean biases generally exceed +10% and can reach values of up to several tens of percent, particularly in winter. In summer and in the southern part of the evaluation area, however, a general underestimation of precipitation intensity causes a deviation from this tendency, and so a notable number of models achieve a reasonable performance. Characteristic model deficiencies with regard to the spatial representation of extreme precipitation in dynamically active seasons such as autumn and winter involve, on one hand, overestimation of return values along and over the Alpine mountain rims and, on the other hand, underestimation (in part also realistic simulation) of return values in a zone of inner-alpine areas. The mechanisms underlying these error patterns are thought to be overestimation of topographic precipitation enhancement and overestimation of rain shadowing, respectively. Overall, there is a slight tendency for models to less realistically simulate extreme precipitation than average precipitation. This finding, however, may be viewed with a certain degree of reservation given know issues in E-OBS with regard to smoothing of extremes due to gridding of station data, and the relative sparsity of this data over the Alpine region. Nevertheless, in spite of substantial deviations, the models are able to capture observed mesoscale structures of extreme precipitation over this region and thus to refine climate information from General Circulation Models (GCMs) in areas of complex topography.
Veiled and Unveiled University Faculty: A Comparison on their Needs for Effective Classroom Management in Relevance with the Islamic Perspective

Received: 19 August 2019 Accepted: 04 June 2020 Abstract. Religion is one of the most important source of beliefs and values, which play a pivotal role in shaping behavior, while its implications particularly for consumers’ psychology remain nascent. Grounding on Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study will address the impact of antecedents on brand loyalty in the presence of religiosity. For the purpose, total 460 consumers responded to the survey questionnaire. Based on Structural Equation Modeling, the study found that religious values play a major part in shaping consumer’s brand loyalty and develop theoretical linkages in previously neglected area. AS regards practical implications of the study, managers can make better customer engagement programs like involving them in social causes. Study also highlights some future avenues.
Effect of Msi1 siRNA on proliferation of SW-480 cell line

Purpose To investigate the effect of silencing Msi1 gene with siRNA on cell proliferation of SW-480 cell line.Methods Msi1-specific siRNA was designed and synthesized,and the small interfering RNA was transfected into SW-480 cells to knockdown the Msi1 expression.mRNA levels of Msi1 was detected by RT-PCR,MTT assay,cell average doubling time analysis and plate cloning experiment were employed to confirm Msi1 siRNA-induced cell growth inhibition in cell line SW-480.Results RNA interference efficiently suppressed the Msi1 expression in SW-480 cell line.After SW-480 cells transfected with Msi1 siRNA with 24 h,48 h and 72 h,proliferation rate was reduced(P0.05);average doubling time retarded from 22.15 hours in normal cultured SW-480 cells to 37.76 hours in Msi1 siRNA experimented SW-480 cells(P0.05). Plate cloning experiment showed the growth rate of Msi1 siRNA group was lower than that in other groups.Conclusions Downregulation of Msi1 results in significant inhibition of tumor growth in the SW-480 cell line.
Elucidating the Impact of Immunogenicity Assessment Postapproval: A Targeted Analysis of Immunogenicity Postmarketing Requirements and Commitments

Insufficient availability of data to evaluate immunogenicity incidence or clinical impact during regulatory review could require further evaluation postapproval. Through a keyword search of all postmarketing requirements and commitments (PMRs/PMCs) associated with products with their original US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals between 2009 and 2018, we identified products that had PMRs/PMCs established to address concerns or uncertainty related to immunogenicity. Of the 113 relevant products, 50% had an immunogenicity‐related PMR/PMC; of these, 68% were related to developing immunogenicity assays and 48% requested an assessment of clinical impact. Fifty‐five percent of the products with a fulfilled PMR/PMC had a change in the immunogenicity information in their labeling immediately following fulfillment. This work highlights that there are often unknowns associated with immunogenicity incidence and/or impact at the time of approval. Earlier regulatory discussions on immunogenicity assessments in premarket development could improve the understanding and communication of the risk/benefit profile and reduce the need for some immunogenicity PMRs/PMCs.
IDENTIFICATION AND COMPARISON OF ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION AND MINERAL CHANGES IN DIFFERENT PHENOLOGICAL STAGES OF SATUREJA HORTENSIS L.

Satureja hortensis L. , (summer savory) is an annual, herbaceous aromatic and well-known medicinal plant. S. hortensis essential oil has a high percentage of carvacrol which is responsible mainly for its biological activity. The biomass production, essential oil composition and mineral content of Satureja hortensis are known to be dependent on its growth and development conditions. The aim of this work was, therefore, to evaluate the essential oil composition as well as minerals content at different stages of growth of Satureja hortensis. The growth media was 10 cm diameter pots containing perlite watered using Hoagland nutrient solution. Plants were harvested at different stages of growth (before flowering and after flowering period) and dry weights were measured. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-MS. Before flowering stage and in full flowering stage, 29 compounds were characterized. In both stages, carvacrol showed the highest rates of the compounds an increasing trend from before flowing to flowering so that it changed from 47.77% to 49.96% whereas α-terpinene and cymene had a decreasing trend from before flowing to flowering stage. There was a rapid uptake of minerals during early growth and gradual dilution as the plant matured. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations increased with expansion of growth and development in shoots and roots.
Host cell death during infection with Chlamydia: a double-edged sword

ABSTRACT The phylum Chlamydiae constitutes a group of obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a remarkably diverse range of host species. Some representatives are significant pathogens of clinical or veterinary importance. For instance, Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading infectious cause of blindness and the most common bacterial agent of sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydiae are exceptionally dependent on their eukaryotic host cells as a consequence of their developmental biology. At the same time, host cell death is an integral part of the chlamydial infection cycle. It is therefore not surprising that the bacteria have evolved exquisite and versatile strategies to modulate host cell survival and death programs to their advantage. The recent introduction of tools for genetic modification of Chlamydia spp. , in combination with our increasing awareness of the complexity of regulated cell death in eukaryotic cells, and in particular of its connections to cell-intrinsic immunity, has revived the interest in this virulence trait. However, recent advances also challenged long-standing assumptions and highlighted major knowledge gaps. This review summarizes current knowledge in the field and discusses possible directions for future research, which could lead us to a deeper understanding of Chlamydia’s virulence strategies and may even inspire novel therapeutic approaches.
Coprophilous discomycetes from the Azores

Summary. Coprophilous discomycetes from the Azores obtained in the field or from dung samples later incubated in the laboratory are reported based on two visits to the Islands in 1995 and 1996. Other species previously known from the Islands are also noted, making a total of 31 species, of which all except Coprotus, Lasiobolus and Thelebolus belong in the order Pezizales. and later incubated in damp chambers to study the succession of fungi present. In addition, coprophilous fungi were collected directly in the field when encountered on older dung samples, particularly those of cow. The present paper discusses the discomycetes obtained, all of which except Coprotus, Lasiobolus and Thelebolus belong to the order Pezizales. Other coprophilous species previously known from the Islands are also noted, making a total of 31 species. The Azores archipelago, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge some 1250 km west of the nearest part of Europe, is of tertiary age and comprises nine main islands. These are volcanic in origin and have never been connected to any land mass. Colonisation by European settlers took place during the 15th century, since when the inevitable influence of human activity has had a significant and often severe influence on the native flora and fauna, including the mycological composition of the Islands (Dennis et al. 1977). The Islands have no native herbivorous mammals, although the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has long been established (see Godman 1870) and is evidently now widely naturalised and fairly common. Dung samples obtained during these visits were, therefore, mainly from domesticated species, viz. donkey, horse, cow, goat and sheep, with several samples of rabbit dung and two of uncertain identification, perhaps either goat or sheep (samples no. 4 & 14 below).
Contribution of the Renal Nerves to Hypertension in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Kidney Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and high blood pressure are implicated in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and independently predict cardiovascular events in end-stage renal disease. To assess the role of renal nerves, we determined whether renal denervation (RDN) altered the hypertension and sympathoexcitation associated with a rabbit model of CKD. The model involves glomerular layer lesioning and uninephrectomy, resulting in renal function reduced by one-third and diuresis. After 3-week CKD, blood pressure was 13±2 mm Hg higher than at baseline (P<0.001), and compared with sham control rabbits, renal sympathetic nerve activity was 1.2±0.5 normalized units greater (P=0.01). The depressor response to ganglion blockade was also +8.0±3 mm Hg greater, but total norepinephrine spillover was 8.7±3.7 ng/min lower (both P<0.05). RDN CKD rabbits only increased blood pressure by 8.0±1.5 mm Hg. Renal sympathetic activity, the response to ganglion blockade and diuresis were similar to sham denervated rabbits (non-CKD). CKD rabbits had intact renal sympathetic baroreflex gain and range, as well as normal sympathetic responses to airjet stress. However, hypoxia-induced sympathoexcitation was reduced by −9±0.4 normalized units. RDN did not alter the sympathetic response to hypoxia or airjet stress. CKD increased oxidative stress markers Nox5 and MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) in the kidney, but RDN had no effect on these measures. Thus, RDN is an effective treatment for hypertension in this model of CKD without further impairing renal function or altering the normal sympathetic reflex responses to various environmental stimuli. Graphic Abstract— A graphic abstract is available for this article.
Energetic Requirements for Growth of the Jackass Penguin

AbstractEnergetic requirements for growth of the jackass penguin (Sphenisaa demersus) were studied by hand-rearing captive chicks, and by observing growth rates, feeding rates and meal sizes in the field. Daily gain in mass was highest in the period of linear growth (23-55 days). Daily relative growth decreased with age. Food intake and guano production increased from 20-40 days and thereafter remained constant. Relative food intake decreased with age. Digestive efficiency increased with age, and energetic content of guano decreased with age. Chicks in the field grew at a slower rate than the hand-reared birds and were estimated to have consumed approximately half as much food by time of fledging. Feeding of chicks in the field occurred mainly in the afternoon and daily food intake increased with age. It is possible that the slower growth rates in the field may be due to the necessity for parents to guard chicks from predators, after the onset of the chicks' full thermoregulatory abilities.