Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laboratory evaluation of an optimised internet-based speech-in-noise test for occupational high-frequency hearing loss screening: Occupational Earcheck

Abstract Objective: The “Occupational Earcheck” (OEC) is a Dutch online self-screening speech-in-noise test developed for the detection of occupational high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). This study evaluates an optimised version of the test and determines the most appropriate masking noise. Design: The original OEC was improved by homogenisation of the speech material, and shortening the test. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was performed in which the optimised OEC in five alternative masking noise conditions was evaluated. Study sample: The study was conducted on 18 normal-hearing (NH) adults, and 15 middle-aged listeners with HFHL. Results: The OEC in a low-pass (LP) filtered stationary background noise (test version LP 3: with a cut-off frequency of 1.6 kHz, and a noise floor of −12 dB) was the most accurate version tested. The test showed a reasonable sensitivity (93%), and specificity (94%) and test reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.84, mean within-subject standard deviation: 1.5 dB SNR, slope of psychometric function: 13.1%/dB SNR). Conclusions: The improved OEC, with homogenous word material in a LP filtered noise, appears to be suitable for the discrimination between younger NH listeners and older listeners with HFHL. The appropriateness of the OEC for screening purposes in an occupational setting will be studied further.
Cross-Layer Optimization of Fast Video Delivery in Cache- and Buffer-Enabled Relaying Networks

In this paper, we investigate the cross-layer optimization of caching and fast video delivery for enhanced video streaming quality of experience in two-hop relaying networks, where a base station supplies video data to multiple users with the help of relays. Different from conventional systems, each half-duplex relay node is equipped with a cache and a buffer to facilitate joint scheduling of video fetching and delivery. This introduces channel diversity gains and facilitates fast video delivery. In particular, we investigate two-stage caching and delivery control schemes for the minimization of the overall video delivery time. An offline caching and delivery optimization problem, which assumes full knowledge of user requests and channel state information (CSI), is formulated but turns out to be functional and nonconvex. However, we unveil a hidden quasi-convexity and convexity in the two layers of the decomposed problem and, hence, solve the offline problem optimally and efficiently. Moreover, online video delivery control exploiting statistical CSI is investigated under a stochastic dynamic programming (DP) framework. To mitigate the high computational complexity of DP, we further propose a low-complexity online video delivery algorithm, which achieves close-to-optimal performance in the high buffer capacity regime. Simulation results show that our offline and online schemes can significantly reduce the overall video delivery time due to the degrees of freedom enabled by caching and buffering. Besides, an interesting tradeoff between caching and buffering gains in exploiting the diversity of the wireless channel is revealed.
Towards Functional Orthogonalisation of Protein Complexes: Individualisation of GroEL Monomers Leads to Distinct Quasihomogeneous Single Rings

The essential molecular chaperonin GroEL is an example of a functionally highly versatile cellular machine with a wide variety of in vitro applications ranging from protein folding to drug release. Directed evolution of new functions for GroEL is considered difficult, due to its structure as a complex homomultimeric double ring and the absence of obvious molecular engineering strategies. In order to investigate the potential to establish an orthogonal GroEL system in Escherichia coli, which might serve as a basis for GroEL evolution, we first successfully individualised groEL genes by inserting different functional peptide tags into a robustly permissive site identified by transposon mutagenesis. These peptides allowed fundamental aspects of the intracellular GroEL complex stoichiometry to be studied and revealed that GroEL single‐ring complexes, which assembled in the presence of several functionally equivalent but biochemically distinct monomers, each consist almost exclusively of only one type of monomer. At least in the case of GroEL, individualisation of monomers thus leads to individualisation of homomultimeric protein complexes, effectively providing the prerequisites for evolving an orthogonal intracellular GroEL folding machine.
CK2 and PI3K are direct molecular targets of quercetin in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Despite the encouraging results of the innovative therapeutic treatments, complete remission is uncommon in patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which remains an essentially incurable disease. Recently, clinical trials based on BH3-mimetic drugs showed positive outcomes in subjects with poor prognostic features. However, resistance to treatments occurs in a significant number of patients. We previously reported that the multi-kinase inhibitor quercetin, a natural flavonol, restores sensitivity to ABT-737, a BH3-mimetic compound, in both leukemic cell lines and B-cells isolated from patients. To identify the molecular target of quercetin, we employed a new cell line, HG3, obtained by immortalization of B-cells from a chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patient at the later stage of disease. We confirmed that quercetin in association with ABT-737 synergistically enhances apoptosis in HG3 (combination index < 1 for all fractions affected). We also reported that the cellular uptake of quercetin is extremely rapid, with an intracellular concentration of about 38.5 ng/106 cells, after treatment with 25 μM for 5 min. We demonstrated that the activity of protein kinase CK2, which positively triggers PI3K/Akt pathway by inactivating PTEN phosphatase, is inhibited by quercetin immediately after its addition to HG3 cells (0–2 min). PI3K activity was also inhibited by quercetin within 60 min from the treatment. The combined inhibition of CK2 and PI3K kinase activities by quercetin restored ABT-737 sensitivity and increased lethality in human leukemia cells.
Modeling insurance mitigation on operational risk capital

One defines operational risk as the loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events (see Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (2004)). Operational risk quantification has become increasingly important for financial institutions since the New Basel Capital Accord first consultative paper. According to the New Basel Capital Accord (see Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (2004)), the capital charge for operational risk can be calculated using three alternative methods: the basic indicator approach (BIA), the standardized approach (TSA) and the advanced measurement approach (AMA). The first two methods are a function of gross income, while the advanced method is based on internal loss data, external loss data (see Baud et al (2002a,b) and Frachot and Roncalli (2002)), scenario analysis, business environment and internal control factors.1 A specific feature of AMA models, compared to BIA and TSA, is the potential recognition of insurance as a percentage of the operational risk
From analytics to action: how Shell digitized recruitment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share how Shell HR enabled technological change in their graduate hiring assessments. Design/methodology/approach Shell receives over 100,000 applications for their global graduate program each year for fewer than 1,000 technical and commercial positions. The foundation of the recruitment process is the assessments, providing data and insight on which to make selection decisions. The effectiveness of the assessments, along with attracting the best candidates, determines the quality of hire and long-term value to Shell. To stay competitive in the market with job seekers, Shell recruitment wanted to create a streamlined assessment approach that could be delivered through available technology. HR analytics and assessment specialists collaborated to review the current graduate assessments to enhance candidate assessment data, boost candidate experience, leverage technology and make structural changes that improve cost effectiveness, scalability and efficiency for variable hire demand levels. Focus groups, interviews, candidate experience surveys and assessment center data were examined. Findings The findings indicate that the assessment process was robust but could be streamlined, particularly by digitizing the process. For example, pre-recorded video interviewing could be utilized early in the assessment process. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the success factors of digitizing the recruitment assessment process. Information on bringing data analysis to recommendations and implementation is shared.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Discitis and Cervical Osteomyelitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Case: A fifty-six-year-old man presented with a three-month history of worsening neck pain and weakness of the right arm. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed C5-C6 osteomyelitis and discitis and a prevertebral abscess from C3 to C7. He underwent staged instrumented anterior and posterior spinal fusion from C5 to C7, with an anterior C5-C6 cervical discectomy and a C6 corpectomy. Intraoperative cultures exhibited growth of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The patient subsequently received five months of oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy. At twelve months postoperatively, he had full recovery of motor strength bilaterally. Conclusion: Osteomyelitis with S. maltophilia is associated with agricultural-machinery-related injuries. Surgical intervention for cervical osteomyelitis should be considered if the patient presents with a neurologic deficit or a paravertebral abscess.
Maximum torque per ampere control of six-phase synchronous motor

In this paper, control strategy of maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) is proposed for six-phase synchronous motor operation. The technique is simple in structure and has the straightforward goal of minimizing the stator current amplitude for a given load torque. It is shown that the resulting motor efficiency is reasonably close to optimal resulted from the minimized losses. A block diagram for the implementation technique is shown and simulated using MATLAB.
Combined Power Allocation and Coding for Compressed Image Transmission

In this paper, joint optimization of bit energy and coding is considered for improving the quality of compressed image transmission over wireless channels. The proposed scheme works iteratively to find the best combination of energy distribution among the transmitted bits as well as if coding should be used or not. The minimum mean-square error criterion is used in such optimization rather than the probability of bit error. Simulation results show that a significant gain in performance is achieved while reducing the peak-to-average power ratio and required bandwidth compared to the case of power optimization alone and coding alone, respectively
S-phase-dependent p50/NF-кB1 phosphorylation in response to ATR and replication stress acts to maintain genomic stability

The apical damage kinase, ATR, is activated by replication stress (RS) both in response to DNA damage and during normal S-phase. Loss of function studies indicates that ATR acts to stabilize replication forks, block cell cycle progression and promote replication restart. Although checkpoint failure and replication fork collapse can result in cell death, no direct cytotoxic pathway downstream of ATR has previously been described. Here, we show that ATR directly reduces survival by inducing phosphorylation of the p50 (NF-κB1, p105) subunit of NF-кB and moreover, that this response is necessary for genome maintenance independent of checkpoint activity. Cell free and in vivo studies demonstrate that RS induces phosphorylation of p50 in an ATR-dependent but DNA damage-independent manner that acts to modulate NF-кB activity without affecting p50/p65 nuclear translocation. This response, evident in human and murine cells, occurs not only in response to exogenous RS but also during the unperturbed S-phase. Functionally, the p50 response results in inhibition of anti-apoptotic gene expression that acts to sensitize cells to DNA strand breaks independent of damage repair. Ultimately, loss of this pathway causes genomic instability due to the accumulation of chromosomal breaks. Together, the data indicate that during S-phase ATR acts via p50 to ensure that cells with elevated levels of replication-associated DNA damage are eliminated.
Externalizing disorders in American Indians: Comorbidity and a genome wide linkage analysis

Alcohol dependence is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Native Americans. Externalizing disorders such as conduct disorder (CD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) have been demonstrated to have significant comorbidity with alcohol dependence in the general population. This study's aims were to: assess the comorbidity of DSM‐III‐R ASPD and CD with alcohol dependence, to map susceptibility loci for ASPD and CD, and to see if there is overlap with loci previously mapped for alcohol dependence phenotypes in 587 American Indians. Alcohol dependence was found to be comorbid with DSM‐III‐R ASPD but not CD. However, the amount of alcohol dependence in the population attributable to ASPD and/or CD is low. ASPD and the combined phenotype of participants with ASPD or CD were both found to have significant heritability, whereas no significant evidence was found for CD alone. Genotypes were determined for a panel of 791 micro‐satellite polymorphisms in 251 of the participants. Analyses of multipoint variance component LOD scores, for ASPD and ASPD/CD, revealed six locations that had a LOD score of 2.0 or above: on chromosome 13 for ASPD and on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 14, 17, and 20 for ASPD/CD. These results corroborate the importance of several chromosomal regions highlighted in prior segregation studies for externalizing diagnoses. These results also further identify new regions of the genome, that do not overlap with alcohol dependence phenotypes previously identified in this population, that may be unique to either the phenotypes evaluated or this population of American Indians. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nontraditional Risk Factors and Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanistic, Research, and Clinical Considerations for Youth A Scientific the

—The rapid increase in the prevalence and severity of obesity in children is likely to lower the age of onset and increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Understanding the pathophysiology and improving the clinical management of cardiovascular disease involve a knowledge of novel risk factors and biomarkers. The clinical and mechanistic roles of these novel biological factors during childhood are currently being investigated. The goals of this scientific statement are to present the existing knowledge and theoretical framework of nontraditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease as they relate to children and adolescents, to describe the relevance and weight of available experimental and clinical evidence and the therapeutic implications pertaining to nontraditional risk factors in the pediatric population, and to stimulate further research with a goal of developing valid and reliable approaches to identify and validate novel risk factors that will aid in the clinical evaluation and perhaps prediction of cardiovascular disease in the pediatric population. Although several biomarkers are promising, substantial research is required before nontraditional risk factors can be used to identify and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in children and adolescents. ( Circulation . 2011;123:2749-2769.)
Interseason variability of a functional movement test, the 9+ screening battery, in professional male football players

Background The Nine Plus screening battery test (9+) is a functional movement test intended to identify limitations in fundamental movement patterns predisposing athletes to injury. However, the interseason variability is unknown. Aim To examine the variability of the 9+ test between 2 consecutive seasons in professional male football players. Methods Asymptomatic Qatar Star League players (n=220) completed the 9+ at the beginning of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Time-loss injuries in training and matches were obtained from the Aspetar Injury and Illness Surveillance Program. No intervention was initiated between test occasions. Results A significant increase in the mean total score of 1.6 points (95% CI 1.0 to 2.2, p<0.001) was found from season 1 (22.2±4.1 (SD)) to season 2 (23.8±3.3). The variability was large, as shown by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.24 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.36) and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 8.7 points. Of the 220 players, 136 (61.8%) suffered a time-loss injury between the 2 tests. There was an improvement in mean total scores in the injured (+2.0±0.4 (SE), p<0.001) group but not in the uninjured group (+0.9±0.5, p=0.089). The variability from season 1 to season 2 was large both in the injured (ICC 0.25, 0.09 to 0.40, MDC 8.3) and uninjured (ICC 0.24, 0.02 to 0.43, MDC 9.1) groups. Conclusions The 9+ demonstrated substantial intraindividual variability in the total score between 2 consecutive seasons, irrespective of injury. A change above 8 points is necessary to represent a real change in the 9+ test between seasons.
Young Professionals in Transition: Family Influence and Career Related Outcomes in College and Organizational Settings

The thesis explores the impact of family career influence on the performance, satisfaction, and commitment of young professionals at college and organizational settings. Surveying 231 college juniors and seniors in diverse disciplines, Study 1 examines the role of family career expectation and career congruence on academic performance, satisfaction with major choice, and commitment to chosen major. Study 2 examines the same variables with 174 young professionals in an IT firm in India. Both studies found strong relationships between family career congruence and higher career related outcomes in both studies; family career expectation leads to mixed career related outcomes. These findings support the impact of family career influence at college and organizational settings to a large extent. Implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Effect of intraperitoneal administration of lysine and methionine on mohair yield and quality in Angora goats.

Eight mature Angora wethers (average BW 47.2 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design to evaluate responses to intraperitoneal (IP) administration of amino acids. The IP treatments consisted of saline (Control), methionine 1 g/d (Met), lysine 2 g/d (Lys), and methionine + lysine (Met + Lys). The amino acids dissolved in Control were infused continuously for the first 14 d of each 28-d period using peristaltic infusion pumps. Average d-28 grease and clean mohair yields (grams/100 square centimeters), and fiber diameter (micrometers) and length (centimeters) measurements during Control administration were 8.8, 7.6, 40, and 2.3, respectively. Mean clean mohair yield and fiber diameter increased by 5.3% (P less than .039) and 2.5% (P less than .067), respectively, with Met administration but were decreased by 9.2% (P less than .033) and 3.8% (P less than .001), respectively, by Lys administration; however, mean fiber length was increased (P less than .014) 21.7% by Lys infusion. The goats did not exhibit increased grease (P greater than .939) and clean (P greater than .477) mohair yields and fiber diameter (P greater than .619) when treated with Met+Lys. A N balance trial was conducted during d 10 through 14 of each period. Total retained N (grams per day) during Control administration was 18.4 and 24% greater than Met (P greater than .281) and Lys (P less than .061), respectively. When expressed as a proportion of N intake, retained N was lowest (P less than .127) in the Lys infusion group. Jugular blood ammonia N and plasma glucose and total protein concentrations were not affected (P greater than .10) by treatment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Clinical subtypes and genetic heterogeneity: of lumping and splitting in Parkinson disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent studies on clinical, genetic and pathological heterogeneity of Parkinson disease have renewed the old debate whether we should think of Parkinson disease as one disease with variations, or as a group of independent diseases that happen to present with similar phenotypes. Here, we provide an overview of where the debate is coming from, and how recent findings in clinical subtyping, genetics and clinico-pathological correlation have shaped this controversy over the last few years. RECENT FINDINGS New and innovative clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson disease have been proposed and await validation. Studies using functional imaging or wearable biosensors, as well as biomarker studies, provide new support for the validity of the traditional clinical subtypes of Parkinson disease (tremor-dominant versus akinetic-rigid or postural instability/gait difficulty). A recent cluster analysis (as unbiased data-driven approach to subtyping) included a wide spectrum of nonmotor variables, and showed correlation of the proposed subtypes with disease progression in a longitudinal analysis. New genetic factors contributing to Parkinson disease susceptibility continue to be identified, including rare mutations causing monogenetic disease, common variants with small effect size and risk factors (like mutations in the gene for glucocerebrosidase) that fall in between the two other categories. Recent studies show some limited correlation between genetic factors and clinical heterogeneity. Despite some variations in patterns of pathology, Lewy bodies are still the hallmark of Parkinson disease, including the vast majority of genetic subgroups. SUMMARY Evidence of clinical, genetic and pathological heterogeneity of Parkinson disease continues to emerge, but clearly defined subtypes that hold up in more than one of these domains remain elusive. For research to identify such subtypes, splitting is likely the way forward; until then, for clinical practice, lumping remains the more pragmatic approach.