Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Virtual Reality Lab: Realization and Application of Virtual Sound Environments

To assess perception with and performance of modern and future hearing devices with advanced adaptive signal processing capabilities, novel evaluation methods are required that go beyond already established methods. These novel methods will simulate to a certain extent the complexity and variability of acoustic conditions and acoustic communication styles in real life. This article discusses the current state and the perspectives of virtual reality technology use in the lab for designing complex audiovisual communication environments for hearing assessment and hearing device design and evaluation. In an effort to increase the ecological validity of lab experiments, that is, to increase the degree to which lab data reflect real-life hearing-related function, and to support the development of improved hearing-related procedures and interventions, this virtual reality lab marks a transition from conventional (audio-only) lab experiments to the field. The first part of the article introduces and discusses the notion of the communication loop as a theoretical basis for understanding the factors that are relevant for acoustic communication in real life. From this, requirements are derived that allow an assessment of the extent to which a virtual reality lab reflects these factors, and which may be used as a proxy for ecological validity. The most important factor of real-life communication identified is a closed communication loop among the actively behaving participants. The second part of the article gives an overview of the current developments towards a virtual reality lab at Oldenburg University that aims at interactive and reproducible testing of subjects with and without hearing devices in challenging communication conditions. The extent to which the virtual reality lab in its current state meets the requirements defined in the first part is discussed, along with its limitations and potential further developments. Finally, data are presented from a qualitative study that compared subject behavior and performance in two audiovisual environments presented in the virtual reality lab—a street and a cafeteria—with the corresponding field environments. The results show similarities and differences in subject behavior and performance between the lab and the field, indicating that the virtual reality lab in its current state marks a step towards more ecological validity in lab-based hearing and hearing device research, but requires further development towards higher levels of ecological validity.
TriTag: an integrative tool to correlate chromatin dynamics and gene expression in living cells

Abstract A wealth of single-cell imaging studies have contributed novel insights into chromatin organization and gene regulation. However, a comprehensive understanding of spatiotemporal gene regulation requires developing tools to combine multiple monitoring systems in a single study. Here, we report a versatile tag, termed TriTag, which integrates the functional capabilities of CRISPR-Tag (DNA labeling), MS2 aptamer (RNA imaging) and fluorescent protein (protein tracking). Using this tag, we correlate changes in chromatin dynamics with the progression of endogenous gene expression, by recording both transcriptional bursting and protein production. This strategy allows precise measurements of gene expression at single-allele resolution across the cell cycle or in response to stress. TriTag enables capturing an integrated picture of gene expression, thus providing a powerful tool to study transcriptional heterogeneity and regulation.
Atmospheric deposition of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc near an operating and an abandoned lead smelter.

Atmospheric deposition samples were collected over 15 mo at several locations near an operating smelter and an abandoned Pb smelter to investigate the contribution of Pb smelting to depositional fluxes and potential local air quality degradation. Samples were analyzed for As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Concentrations of Cd and Pb at both sites were greater than at the control site (p < .05), and significant correlations existed between Cd and Pb concentrations at both sites (p < .05). Monthly depositional flux variations at both sites were similar, with greater deposition during cold and dry periods. Heavy metal(loid)s deposition during these periods was correlated with wind speed. Greater Cd depositional flux differences were found between the smelter and control sites compared with other elements. The SEM images suggested that some particles at the operating smelter site were from Pb smelting material. However, most particles at both sites had no characteristics of smelting, suggesting reactions occurred between the smelter-emitted particles and soil components. The EDS results indicated that atmospheric deposition from both sites had lower Pb concentrations than smelting material or ash. The main atmospheric deposition source at the operating and abandoned sites was likely from the resuspension of heavy metal(loid)-enriched soil particles. Greater risk of air pollution from historical Pb smelting facilities exists years after closing down. Reducing soil wind erosional losses may help reduce heavy metal(loid)s dispersion across environments.
Effect of wastewater irrigation on mineral composition of corn and sorghum plants in a pot experiment

Abstract Effect of wastewater irrigation was investigated on mineral composition of corn and sorghum plants in a pot experiment. The ranges for the concentration of different minerals in corn plants were 0.67–0.89% calcium (Ca), 0.38–0.58% magnesium (Mg), 0.09–1.29% sodium (Na), 0.81–1.87% nitrogen (N), 1.81–2.27% potassium (K), 0.12–0.16% phosphorus (P), 190–257 mg/kg iron (Fe), 3.5–5.6 mg/kg copper (Cu), 37.1–44.5 mg/kg manganese (Mn), 21.6–33.6 mg/kg zinc (Zn), 1.40–1.84 mg/kg molydbenum (Mo), 11.0–45.7 mg/kg lead (Pb), and 2.5–10.8 mg/kg nickel (Ni). Whereas for sorghum plants, the ranges were: 0.56–0.68% Ca, 0.19–0.32% Mg, 0.02–0.27% Na, 0.69–1.53% N, 1.40–1.89% K, 0.10–0.14% P, 190–320 mg/kg Fe, 3.8–6.0 mg/kg Cu, 29.2–37.6 mg/kg Mn, 21.1–29.9 mg/kg Zn, 2.2–3.7 mg/kg Mo, 12.3–59.0 mg/kg Pb, and 2.5–15.2 mg/kg Ni. Heavy metals such as cobalt (Co) and cadmium (Cd) were below detection limits at mg/kg levels. The concentrations of Ca, N, K, P, Cu, and Mn in corn plants were in the deficient range except.
Optimization of IMU Sensor Placement for the Measurement of Lower Limb Joint Kinematics

There is an increased interest in using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) in clinical contexts for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of gait pathologies. Despite this interest, there is a lack of research regarding optimal sensor placement when measuring joint kinematics and few studies which examine functionally relevant motions other than straight level walking. The goal of this clinical measurement research study was to investigate how the location of IMU sensors on the lower body impact the accuracy of IMU-based hip, knee, and ankle angular kinematics. IMUs were placed on 11 different locations on the body to measure lower limb joint angles in seven participants performing the timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. Angles were determined using different combinations of IMUs and the TUG was segmented into different functional movements. Mean bias and root mean square error values were computed using generalized estimating equations comparing IMU-derived angles to a reference optical motion capture system. Bias and RMSE values vary with the sensor position. This effect is partially dependent on the functional movement analyzed and the joint angle measured. However, certain combinations of sensors produce lower bias and RMSE more often than others. The data presented here can inform clinicians and researchers of placement of IMUs on the body that will produce lower error when measuring joint kinematics for multiple functionally relevant motions. Optimization of IMU-based kinematic measurements is important because of increased interest in the use of IMUs to inform diagnose and rehabilitation in clinical settings and at home.
Two-year outcome after implantation of a full magnetically levitated left ventricular assist device: results from the ELEVATE Registry.

AIMS The ELEVATE Registry was designed to study long-term outcomes with the Heartmate 3 (HM3), a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal ventricular assist device, in a real-world population following CE-mark approval. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 540 patients, implanted in Europe and the Middle East were followed in ELEVATE. The registry included 463 patients receiving the HM3 as primary implant (Primary Implant Cohort), 19 patients underwent a pump upgrade from another device (Pump Exchange Cohort) and 58 patients who had experienced an outcome before having the possibility to sign the Informed Consent, for which only outcome data were collected (Anonymized Cohort). Data collection included demographics, survival, adverse events, EQ-5D Visual Analog Score quality of life (EQ-5D VAS QOL) questionnaire, and 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Mean age was 55.6 ± 11.7 years (89% male, 48% ischaemic cardiomyopathy). Seventy per cent of patients were in INTERMACS Profile 1-3 and 12.7% were on temporary mechanical circulatory support. Primary Implant Cohort survival was 83% after 2 years. In the Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation Primary Implant Cohort, strokes were observed in 10.2%, gastrointestinal bleedings in 9.7%, pump thrombosis in 1.5%, and outflow graft twists in 3.5%. Heartmate 3 implantation resulted in a significant and sustained improvement of functional capacity and QOL. CONCLUSION In a real-world population, cohort implanted with the HM3 left ventricular assist device we demonstrate good long-term survival, sustained improvement of functional capacity, and low rates of adverse events (including pump thrombosis). CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02497950.
The role of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in endocrine cells

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease characterized by insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Disturbed beta-cell function is the final culprit that leads to the development of T2D. In addition, impaired incretin effect is likely a part of the pathogenesis of T2D. The aim of this thesis was to study the role of CART in beta-cells and incretin producing L- and K-cells.Endogenous beta-cell CART was found to regulate insulin secretion and production, ATP levels and beta-cell exocytosis in INS-1 (832/13) cells. CART silencing (KD) decreased expression of genes important for exocytosis, glucose sensing, and insulin processing, likely as a consequence of reduced expression of beta-cell transcription factors Mafa, Pdx-1, Isl1, NeuroD1, Nkx2.2 and Nkx6.1. Moreover, in human islets, CARTPT expression correlated with insulin, exocytosis genes and beta-cell transcription factors. To increase our understanding of the function of CART in beta-cells, we performed RNAseq on CART-silenced INS-1 (832/13) cells. Differential expression analysis revealed that CART KD affected expression of 25.5% of all detected genes, including genes with important roles for insulin secretion and exocytosis. The most strongly upregulated and downregulated genes after CART KD were AABR07068253.1, Jun, Srp14 and Adam11, Pak3, Ppp1r17 respectively. Stxa1, Gnas and Stxbp1 were the top differentially expressed genes related to insulin secretion. In a follow-up study, we established the role of one of the strongest CART-regulated genes, SCRT1 in beta-cell function. SCRT1 expression was found in rodent and human beta-cells. SCRT1 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytosol in diabetic DEX rats and SCRT1 mRNA expression was reduced by increasing glucose concentrations in vitro. SCRT1 KD in INS-1 (832/13) cells resulted in decreased insulin expression and secretion, as well as reduced expression of Tcf7l2, Pdx-1, Isl1, Neurod1 and Mafa. In human islets, SCRT1 expression correlated with insulin, glucagon, beta-cell transcription factors and exocytotic genes. Finally, we established CART expression in K- and L-cells in the human duodenum and jejunum and CART plasma levels were increased after a meal in humans. In incretin-producing GLUTag and STC-1 cells, CART mRNA was increased by fatty acids and GIP. In addition, CART KD in GLUTag cells reduced GLP-1 expression and secretion. CART also increased GLP-1 and GIP secretion during an oral glucose-tolerance test in vivo in mice. Collectively, our data imply that CART is an important regulator of insulin and incretin-producing cell function and glucose homeostasis. Thus, the therapeutic potential of CART-based therapy for treatment of T2D should be evaluated. (Less)
Integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Transtheoretical Model of Change for Prediction of Intentions to Reduce or Stop Alcohol Use among Thai Adolescents

Abstract Background: Alcohol use among Thai adolescents has been increasing over the past few decades, and efforts to control consumption by underaged youth have proven largely ineffective. Objectives: This study tested components of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Readiness to Change, based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), to identify useful constructs for developing alcohol use interventions for youth. Methods: A sample of 825 Thai student drinkers (65% female), between the ages of 14 and 19, were recruited in Bangkok, Thailand. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test components of the TPB and Readiness to Change as predictors of intention to reduce/stop alcohol use while controlling for age, gender and alcohol use. Results: The model accounted for 58% of the variance of intentions. The TPB components accounted for a significant increase in variance beyond that explained by age, gender and alcohol use, ΔR 2 = . 23, p < . 001; Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) was the strongest predictor (β =.41, p < .001), followed by Attitudes (β=.13, p < .001), and Subjective Norms (β =.09, p = .002). Readiness to Change composite scores (β=.54, p < .001) were added last and accounted for a further significant increase, ΔR 2 = . 24, p < . 001. Conclusions: The findings suggest that interventions should assess Readiness to Change and utilize effective processes in facilitating change at each stage. Other suggestions are to improve participants’ PBC and to further examine the role of specific social norms and attitudes regarding perceived benefits and disadvantages of alcohol use.
Nfkb2 variants reveal a p100-degradation threshold that defines autoimmune susceptibility

Mice with Nfkb2 mutations that cause accumulation of the inhibitory NF-κB2/p100 (p100) precursor protein relative to the active NF-κB2/p52 (p52) product develop severe autoimmunity, whereas mice lacking p100 and p52 do not, indicating a role for p100 in pathogenesis.
Radiation of nitrogen‐metabolizing enzymes across the tree of life tracks environmental transitions in Earth history

Nitrogen is an essential element to life and exerts a strong control on global biological productivity. The rise and spread of nitrogen-utilizing microbial metabolisms profoundly shaped the biosphere on the early Earth. Here we reconciled gene and species trees to identify birth and horizontal gene transfer events for key nitrogen-cycling genes, dated with a time-calibrated tree of life, in order to examine the timing of the proliferation of these metabolisms across the tree of life. Our results provide new insights into the evolution of the early nitrogen cycle that expand on geochemical reconstructions. We observed widespread horizontal gene transfer of molybdenum-based nitrogenase back to the Archean, minor horizontal transfer of genes for nitrate reduction in the Archean, and an increase in the proliferation of genes metabolizing nitrite around the time of the Mesoproterozoic (∼1.5 Ga). The latter coincides with recent geochemical evidence for a mid-Proterozoic rise in oxygen levels. Geochemical evidence of biological nitrate utilization in the Archean and early Proterozoic may reflect at least some contribution of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) rather than pure denitrification to N2. Our results thus help unravel the relative dominance of two metabolic pathways that are not distinguishable with current geochemical tools. Overall, our findings thus provide novel constraints for understanding the evolution of the nitrogen cycle over time and provide insights into the bioavailability of various nitrogen sources in the early Earth with possible implications for the emergence of eukaryotic life.
The “Sociological Equation”: Intersections Between Street Sex Workers’ Agency and Their Theories about Their Customers

ABSTRACT Street sex work is deeply stratified, embedded in power imbalances and inequities; workers are multiply marginalized, relative to customers, in terms of race, class and gender. At the same time, these imbalances should not be equated with worker powerlessness. In this paper, we seek to counter the existing limited and polarized conceptualizations of agency that dominate the sex work literature by providing an assessment of the ways in which female street sex workers seek to realize and exercise agency and enact strategies of resistance despite the violence ubiquitous in their work. We draw from worker narratives collected through individual and focus group interviews in five Canadian cities to highlight the nuanced and layered ways in which workers, collectively and individually, apply reasoning and argumentation to the risks represented by customers, as well as to other aspects of their working environment. Workers offered three significant theories related to which men buy sex on the street and why (some) men buy sex; we describe how they employ these to negotiate the conditions of their work, nesting our findings within a broader socio-cultural analysis of the risks workers experience as they navigate complex, highly politicized working environments. Finally, we show how workers appropriate hegemonic masculinity discourses as well as intersecting race, class and gender discourses to inform their rationales for choosing some customers over others, setting our discussion within existing literature on male sex work customers.
State of Fragility Fractures Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Osteoporosis is a public health concern all over the world. As a chronic condition, it generally requires prolonged medical interventions to limit the risks of further bone loss, impaired skeletal integrity and the onset of fractures. This problem is further complicated by the fact that the abrupt cessation of some therapies may be associated with an increased risk of harm. It is in this context that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption to the provision of healthcare worldwide, exceeding our worst expectations in terms of the number of lives lost and the rapidity at which consolidated economies and healthcare systems are being significantly damaged. In this review, we assessed the challenges and strategies used in the management of osteoporosis and fragility fracture care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined the available evidence and provided clinical recommendations that will require reassessment as the worldwide response to COVID-19 evolves.
Development in the Surgical Treatment of Acute Appendicitis: A Single-center Experience

Purpose: Laparoscopy has become the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis. The aim of the study was to compare open (OA) and laparoscopic (LA) approaches in all forms of acute appendicitis. Methodology: Two hundred and ninety-two children underwent appendectomy (238 LA/54 OA). 3/238 patients required conversion. LA surgical technique has been modified by closing also the distal stump of appendix (DSC) before removing it. Results: Early experience: 130 appendectomy, 44 by OA (34%), and 86 by LA (66%). The mean operative time was similar for both techniques. Complicated appendicitis (CA) was observed in 14 patients (11%). 10 patients treated with OA (10/14 = 71%) and 4 with LA (4/14 = 29%). Complications occurred mainly in the LA group without statistical significance. Late Experience: One hundred and sixty-two appendectomy, 10 OA (6.17%), and 152 LA (93.8%). Thirty-eight children (23.4%) had CA. The mean operative time was lower in LA group without reaching statistical significance. Total complication rate (CR) was 7.4%. CR in patients with DSC was null and significantly lower when compared to patients without DSC. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that nearly all cases of appendicitis may be managed by laparoscopy. Ligature of distal appendiceal stump is a trick that may significantly improve outcomes during LA appendectomy.
Influence of Release Timing on Survival and Movements of Translocated Mule Deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) in Utah

Influence of Release Timing on Survival and Movements of Translocated Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Utah David C. Smedley Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, BYU Master of Science Translocation of wildlife has become common practice for wildlife managers charged with management of animals on increasingly modified landscapes. Translocation can be used to reduce population density in the source area, supplement existing populations, reestablish extirpated populations, and establish new populations. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are a species of great interest to the public in western North America. Although translocations have been used to manage mule deer, very little has been done to document the outcomes of this management practice. The purpose of this research was to evaluate movement, site fidelity, space use, and survival of translocated mule deer in relation to the timing of release (early versus late winter) and to provide managers with information useful in judging the relative value of translocation as a management strategy for this species. We captured 102 mule deer in January and March 2013 and translocated them from winter range near Parowan, UT, to winter range along the Pahvant Mountain Range near Holden, UT (approximately 144 km north of the capture location). Each deer was fitted with a radio transmitter (21 GPS collars, 81 VHF collars) prior to release to document outcomes. In January 2013 and 2014 we also captured and marked a total of 70 resident deer (non-translocated deer; 9 GPS collars, 61 VHF collars) to serve as a reference group within our study area. Following release, we monitored deer weekly through March 2015. We found that translocated deer had lower annual survival rates than resident deer during the first year following release, but similar annual survival rates to resident deer during the second year following release. Additionally, we found that age strongly influenced the survival of translocated deer; young deer (e.g., 2.5 year olds) were more than twice as likely to survive the initial year following translocation than old deer (e.g., 7.5 year olds). We also found that translocated deer had larger home ranges compared to resident deer during the first and second years following release. However, the average size of translocated deer home ranges decreased from year 1 to year 2 following release. Despite these large home ranges and extended movements during the summer months, most surviving deer (96 %) returned (within < 30 km) to winter range where they were released. We found no difference in movement, site fidelity, or survival for transplanted deer released in January and March. Based on our findings, wildlife managers that elect to translocate mule deer should not expect a difference in survival between early and late winter releases, but will likely see high site fidelity, higher survival rates during the second year following translocation (compared to the first year), and higher survival rates for younger deer compared to older deer.