Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can listening-related fatigue influence well-being? Examining associations between hearing loss, fatigue, activity levels and well-being

Abstract Objective Well-being is influenced by the activities we undertake. Hearing loss may reduce well-being directly through increased listening-related fatigue due to cognitive and emotional strain in challenging situations. Hearing loss and hearing device use may also indirectly impact fatigue and well-being by altering the frequency and type of daily-life activities. This review examines the available literature to help understand the relationships. Design We provide (i) a summary of the extant literature regarding hearing loss, hearing device use and fatigue in adults, as well as regarding fatigue and daily-life activity (work, social and physical) and (ii) a systematic search and narrative review of the relationships between hearing loss, hearing device use and activity. Study sample The systematic search resulted in 66 eligible texts. Results Data examining well-being in persons with hearing loss are limited. Our literature review suggests that well-being can be related directly and indirectly to hearing loss, hearing device use, activity level and listening-related fatigue. Conclusions Variations and interactions between hearing loss, hearing device use, fatigue and activity levels can be expected to impact well-being in persons with hearing loss in direct and indirect ways. Future research linking hearing and daily-life fatigue should take account of activity levels.
VELOCITY DISPERSION AND VISCOUS RELAXATION IN SUPERCOOLED WATER

Brillouin scattering spectra of water from T=30 °C down to supercooling temperatures of about T=−26 °C have been measured, at different scattering angles and for different exciting wavelengths, covering exchanged wave vector values from 0.0137 to 0.0351 nm−1. A fit of the spectra using the hydrodynamic line shape for a simple fluid confirms the existence of a relevant dispersion in the wave vector dependence of the hypersonic sound velocity. The parameters obtained fitting the data with a relaxing hydrodynamic model indicate the ratio between volume and shear viscosity is almost temperature independent also in the supercooled regime and that a single relaxation process, involving almost entirely both shear and volume viscosities, accounts for the observed dispersion. The infinite frequency sound velocity is found to be of about 2150 m/s almost independently on temperature. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time is discussed and compared with that of other relaxation times available in the liter.
Fast GaN based Schottky diodes on Si(111) substrate with low onset voltage and strong reverse blocking

GaN-based heterostructure lateral Schottky barrier diodes (SBD) grown on Si(111) substrate are presented in this work. These SBDs own very low onset-voltage, VF = 0.50 V, high reverse blocking VBR > 600 V for LAC > 8 µm, very low capacitive charge of 0.415 nC/A and a very fast recovery time of 6 ps extracted under large signal operation conditions. These unique qualities are achieved by combining lateral topology, AlGaN back-barrier epitaxial structure, fully recessed Schottky anode (ϕB = 0.62 eV) and anode field plate extension (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Application of Artificial Intelligence to Address Issues Related to the COVID-19 Virus

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a major role in addressing novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)-related issues and is also used in computer-aided synthesis planning (CASP). AI, including machine learning, is used by artificial neural networks such as deep neural networks and recurrent networks. AI has been used in activity predictions like physicochemical properties. Machine learning in de novo design explores the generation of fruitful, biologically active molecules toward expected or finished products. Several examples establish the strength of machine learning or AI in this field. AI techniques can significantly improve treatment consistency and decision making by developing useful algorithms. AI is helpful not only in the treatment of COVID-19-infected patients but also for their proper health monitoring. It can track the crisis of COVID-19 at different scales, such as medical, molecular, and epidemiological applications. It is also helpful to facilitate the research on this virus by analyzing the available data. AI can help in developing proper treatment regimens, prevention strategies, and drug and vaccine development. Combination with synthesis planning and ease of synthesis are feasible, and more and more automated drug discovery by computers is expected in the near future to eradicate the COVID-19 virus.
Molecular dynamics simulation of ion selectivity process in nanopores

The behaviour of cations in nanopores plays an important role in transport processes in the biological and industrial membranes, porous electrodes, ion channels, and nanomaterials in general. Molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out to study the selectivity mechanism of nanopores by studying the ion permeation events through non-charged carbon nanotubes (10,0) which have an effective diameter of 0.4374 nm. We have investigated pure NaCl, pure KCl and equimolar mixture of NaCl and KCl (50/50) aqueous solutions. Our results show that a membrane of uncharged nanotubes of the appropriate diameter can select K+ against Na+ without the presence of external electric field or surface charges. The key to the ion selectivity is that Na+-H2O clusters are more stable than K+-H2O clusters, and Na+ ions have higher desolvation energy than K+ ions. When both Na+ and K+ are present in the same solution, there is a competition between the two types of cations and the nanotubes select K+ over Na+. We also studied the effects of temperature and pressure to find the conditions, which permit Na+ to permeate through the nanotubes.
Synthesis of Poly(arylene vinylene)s Containing Carbazole, Triphenylamine, and Phenothiazine Rings in the Backbone by Cascade Suzuki-Heck Reactions

Three new conjugated poly(arylene vinylene) structures containing triphenylamine, carbazole, or phenothiazine as aromatic units in the main chain and connected by vinyl segments have been synthesized by a cascade Suzuki-Heck reactions. The best reaction yields were obtained by coupling of the dibromoarylamines with vinyl segments via Suzuki-Heck reaction cascade using Pd(OAc)2 as catalyst and triethylamine as solvent. The polymers were obtained as fully or partially soluble materials in chlorinated or aprotic polar solvents. They were characterized by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry characteristics were studied in solution and as solid thin films deposited on the electrode surface.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 activation inhibits the delayed rectifier potassium channels in hippocampal pyramidal neurons: An implication in pathological changes following pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus

Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) can increase hippocampal neuronal excitability. TRPV4 has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Voltage‐gated potassium channels (VGPCs) play an important role in regulating neuronal excitability and abnormal VGPCs expression or function is related to epilepsy. Here, we examined the effect of TRPV4 activation on the delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and on the Kv subunits expression in male mice. We also explored the role of TRPV4 in changes in Kv subunits expression in male mice following pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (PISE). Application of TRPV4 agonists, GSK1016790A and 5,6‐EET, markedly reduced IK in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and shifted the voltage‐dependent inactivation curve to the hyperpolarizing direction. GSK1016790A‐ and 5,6‐EET‐induced inhibition of IK was blocked by TRPV4 specific antagonists, HC‐067047 and RN1734. GSK1016790A‐induced inhibition of IK was markedly attenuated by calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) antagonist. Application of GSK1016790A for up to 1 hr did not change the hippocampal protein levels of Kv1.1, Kv1.2, or Kv2.1. Intracerebroventricular injection of GSK1016790A for 3 d reduced the hippocampal protein levels of Kv1.2 and Kv2.1, leaving that of Kv1.1 unchanged. Kv1.2 and Kv2.1 protein levels as well as IK reduced markedly in hippocampi on day 3 post PISE, which was significantly reversed by HC‐067047. We conclude that activation of TRPV4 inhibits IK in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, possibly by activating CaMKII. TRPV4‐induced decrease in Kv1.2 and Kv2.1 expression and IK may be involved in the pathological changes following PISE.
Comments on ‘preoperative risk factors associated with chronic pain profiles following total knee arthroplasty’ by Lindberg and colleagues

Profiling recovery following knee replacement (KR) is a focus of substantial research interest because KR surgery has become one of the most common major surgical procedures. In the United States, for example, approximately one million KRs are performed annually. Additionally, there is substantial clinical practice and research interest in the study of poor pain outcome and predictors of poor pain outcome following KR.
Artificial Intelligence, Social Media and Depression. A New Concept of Health-Related Digital Autonomy

Abstract The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine raises fundamental ethical issues. As one example, AI systems in the field of mental health successfully detect signs of mental disorders, such as depression, by using data from social media. These AI depression detectors (AIDDs) identify users who are at risk of depression prior to any contact with the healthcare system. The article focuses on the ethical implications of AIDDs regarding affected users’ health-related autonomy. Firstly, it presents the (ethical) discussion of AI in medicine and, specifically, in mental health. Secondly, two models of AIDDs using social media data and different usage scenarios are introduced. Thirdly, the concept of patient autonomy, according to Beauchamp and Childress, is critically discussed. Since this concept does not encompass the specific challenges linked with the digital context of AIDDs in social media sufficiently, the current analysis suggests, finally, an extended concept of health-related digital autonomy.
Efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial biopsy without guide sheath for small peripheral pulmonary lesions (≤15 mm): A retrospective cohort study

Endobronchial ultrasonography‐guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS‐TBB) with guide sheath (GS) is an effective procedure for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) (≤20 mm in the largest diameter). However, samples obtained using EBUS‐TBB with GS are small, and the diagnostic yield of small PPLs biopsied using EBUS‐TBB with GS is unsatisfactory.
Dual amplifying fluorescence anisotropy for detection of respiratory syncytial virus DNA fragments with size-control synthesized metal–organic framework MIL-101

In order to eliminate the scattered light induced by the signal amplifier in fluorescence anisotropy (FA) assays, a nanosized metal–organic framework MIL-101, ranging from 80–500 nm, has been synthesized through a hydrothermal method with the addition of glycerol. We chose the 100 nm MIL-101 to enhance FA for label-free detection of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gene sequence and the DNA-intercalating dye SYBR Green I (SGI) as the fluorophore, based on the different affinities of MIL-101 toward ssDNA and dsDNA. The nanosized MIL-101 has a negligible scattering effect owing to its smaller particle size, so all of the experimental data of FA values were smaller than the maximum initial anisotropy of 0.4. As a specific advantage, a dual amplification result of not only an increase in the FA value of SGI/ssDNA (r1) but also a decrease in the FA value of SGI/dsDNA (r2) was presented at the same time. Consequently, a larger FA value change Δr (Δr, Δr = r1 − r2) was obtained and contributed to improve the sensitivity. In addition, the quantitative detection of the target DNA (T) was achieved according to the relationship between Δr and the concentration of T. In the presence of MIL-101, the Δr is 7-fold higher than that without MIL-101 and achieved the sensitive and selective detection of RSV DNA.
Solvent-Induced Forces between Two Hydrophilic Groups

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to calculate the force between two simple hydrophilic solutes in dilute aqueous solution. The «solutes» were two water molecules in the same relative orientation as the next-nearest neighbors in hexagonal ice I. Both the direct and solvent-induced contributions to the force were calculated as a function of separation distance. The total force between the solutes was found to be most attractive at 5.0 A (-1.6 kcal/mol/A). The potential of mean force had a minimum at 4.3 A, which is 0.2 A closer than the next-nearest-neighbor distance in ice. A parallel set of simulations were conducted with the partial charges on the «solutes» removed to examine hydrophobic analogs
EPIC estimates of soil water, nitrogen and carbon under semiarid temperate conditions

The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model is an important support tool for environmental management. Previous tests of the model have determined that it is suitable for long-term yield estimation, but it is less precise in assessing annual yield variability. To determine the reasons for the discrepancies between estimated and measured yields, we tested the ability of EPIC version 5300 to predict soil water and soil nitrogen dynamics, using data from a long-term spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation experiment in the semiarid prairie region of Canada. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) estimates varied among methods tested: Priestley-Taylor and Penman-Monteith methods resulted in PET means that were about twice those obtained with the Hargreaves and Baier-Robertson methods. The higher PET means were associated with an excessive estimation of net radiation. We used the Baier-Robertson method to generate the other estimates reported herein. EPIC generally overestimated total soil water,.
Risk Factors for Assault and Physical Aggression Among Medically Hospitalized Adult Patients Who Had a Behavioral Emergency Call: A Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND: Health care settings are a primary location for workplace violence that involves clients, but risk factors for behavioral emergencies in medical settings are largely unknown. AIM: This study proposed to identify risk factors for assault and physical aggression among medically hospitalized patients who needed a behavior emergency response team. METHOD: This descriptive study, conducted at a large Midwestern academic medical center, used univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess relationships between demographic, medical, mental health, and contextual variables with assault and physical aggression. Predictive ability was summarized using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Among patients who received a behavior emergency response (N = 820), 86 (10%) were assaultive. Physical aggression was the most significant predictor of assault. Physical aggression was predicted by older age, male gender, and verbal threats to others. Conversely, internalizing mental health conditions of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation were significant for decreased risk of assault and/or physical aggression. Contextual factors, identified as wanting to smoke or leave the hospital, were significantly associated with decreased risk of both assault and physical aggression. CONCLUSION: Health care providers are encouraged to (1) consider the demonstration of physical aggression as a sign to urgently implement precautionary measures for safety, (2) avoid predicting violent situations based on particular medical or mental health conditions alone, and (3) understand that not all disruptive behavior leads to violent situations.
Functional morphology of vertebrate claws investigated using functionally based categories and multiple morphological metrics

The link between claw morphology and function has been historically difficult to quantify, analyze, and interpret. In this study, the functional morphology of vertebrate claws is analyzed using measurements taken from 80 modern claw specimens spanning birds, mammals, and one reptile. Claw measurements were chosen for their potential biomechanical significance and a revised, expanded categorization of claw function is defined and used. This categorization scheme is the result of an extensive literature review and is based on the observed mechanics of claw function rather than the animal's overall ecology, an important departure from the norm followed in previous studies. A principal component analysis of the claw measurements reveals that some of the morphological disparity is related to functional differences; however, different functional categories are not clearly separated based solely on morphology. A linear discriminant analysis successfully classifies 81.25% of the claw specimens to their documented functional categories. When the posterior probabilities of each classification are examined, and the next highest probabilities are considered, the analysis is able to successfully classify 96.25% of the claw specimens. Expressing angle measurements in terms of lengths prior to analysis and incorporating cross‐sectional shape data both serve to reduce the misclassification rate. The use of biomechanically meaningful claw measurements and categories based on function (rather than ecology) improves confidence in the ability to infer claw function based on morphology using discriminant analysis methods. While overall claw morphology is most certainly the result of multiple factors (e.g., growth, size, etc.), this study establishes that it reflects mechanical function more than previously demonstrated.
Design and Synthesis of New CDK2 Inhibitors Containing Thiazolone and Thiazolthione Scafold with Apoptotic Activity.

Cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibition is a well-established strategy for treating cancer. Different series of novel thiazolone (1, 7-9) together with fused thiazolthione (2-6, and 10) derivatives were designed, then synthesized and evaluated for their biological inhibitory activity against CDK2. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the new compounds was explored against breast and colon cancer cell lines. The novel thiazolone and the fused thiazolthione derivatives exhibited potent CDK2/cyclin A2 inhibitory effect of an IC50 values ranging 105.39-742.78 nM. Amongst them compounds 4 and 6 revealed highest IC50 of 105.39 and 139.27 nM, respectively. Most compounds showed significant inhibition on both breast cancer and colon cancer cell lines with IC50 range 0.54-5.26 and 0.83-278 µM, respectively. Further investigations involved flow cytometry analysis on MCF-7 cancer cell line for compounds 5 and 7 which resulted in arrest cell-cycle at two phases Pre G1/G2-M and re-enforced apoptosis via activation of caspase-7. Molecular modeling simulation of the designed compounds revealed that they were well fitted into CDK2 active site and their complexes were stabilized through the essential hydrogen bonding. Three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D QSAR) pharmacophore, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were also carried out showing proper pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness which aided in the prediction of the structure requirements responsible for the observed antitumor activity.
A host-based whole genome sequencing study reveals novel risk loci associated with severity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection

ABSTRACT Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has remained in a seasonal circulation since being recognized in 2009. Although it followed a mild course in most patients, in others it caused a series of severe clinical illnesses. Epidemiologic studies have implicated that host factors have a major influence on the disease severity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection. However, an understanding of relevant genetic variations and the underlying mechanisms is still limited. In this present study, we used a host-based whole genome sequencing (WGS) method to comprehensively explore the genetic risk loci associated with severity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection. From the common single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) analysis, we identified the abnormal nominally significant (P < 1 × 10−4) common SNVs enriched in PTBP3 gene. The results of rare functional SNVs analysis supported that there were several novel candidate genes might confer risk of severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 diseases, such as FTSJ3, CPVL, BST2, NOD2 and MAVS. Moreover, our results of gene set based analysis indicated that the HIF-1 transcription factor and IFN-γ pathway might play an important role in the underlying mechanism of severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. These findings will increase our knowledge about biological mechanism underlying the severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and facilitate to design novel personalized treatments.
Laboratory Investigation of Renoxification from the Photolysis of Inorganic Particulate Nitrate.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) play a key role in regulating the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere through controlling the abundance of O3, OH, and other important gas and particle species. Some recent studies have suggested that particulate nitrate, which is conventionally considered as the ultimate oxidation product of NOx, can undergo "renoxification" via photolysis, recycling NOx and HONO back to the gas phase. However, there are large discrepancies in estimates of the importance of this channel, with reported renoxification rate constants spanning three orders of magnitude. In addition, previous laboratory studies derived the rate constant using bulk particle samples collected on substrates instead of suspended particles. In this work, we study renoxification of suspended submicron particulate sodium and ammonium nitrate through controlled laboratory photolysis experiments using an environmental chamber. We find that, under atmospherically relevant wavelengths and relative humidities, particulate inorganic nitrate releases NOx and HONO less than 10 times as rapidly as gaseous nitric acid, putting our measurements on the low end of recently reported renoxification rate constants. To the extent that our laboratory conditions are representative of the real atmosphere, renoxification from the photolysis of inorganic particulate nitrate appears to play a limited role in contributing to the NOx and OH budgets in remote environments. These results are based on simplified model systems; future studies should investigate renoxification of more complex aerosol mixtures that represent a broader spectrum of aerosol properties to better constrain the photolysis of ambient aerosols.
Exchange Reactions Between Phosphates and Soils: Hydroxylic Surfaces of Soil Minerals1

I SOTOPIC tracers are of value in following exchange reactions between surfaces and components of contiguous solutions. They were first used in this way by Paneth (13)* for determining specific surfaces of insoluble lead salts by exchange with the radioactive isotope of lead known as Th B, which is 82Pb and is hereinafter referred to as Pb*. Kolthoff and his students (8, 9) greatly extended work with this isotope and formulated clear concepts of the surface of PbSO4. The basic reaction is, PbSO4 (solid surface) + Pb* (solution) *=? Pb*SO4 (solid surface) + Pb (solution) The equilibrium constant for this isotopic exchange reaction is, of course, equal to i; hence,