Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Musical Experience and Hearing Loss on Solving an Audio-Based Gaming Task

We conducted an experiment using a purposefully designed audio-based game called the Music Puzzle with Japanese university students with different levels of hearing acuity and experience with music in order to determine the effects of these factors on solving such games. A group of hearing-impaired students (n = 12) was compared with two hearing control groups with the additional characteristic of having high (n = 12) or low (n = 12) engagement in musical activities. The game was played with three sound sets or modes; speech, music, and a mix of the two. The results showed that people with hearing loss had longer processing times for sounds when playing the game. Solving the game task in the speech mode was found particularly difficult for the group with hearing loss, and while they found the game difficult in general, they expressed a fondness for the game and a preference for music. Participants with less musical experience showed difficulties in playing the game with musical material. We were able to explain the impacts of hearing acuity and musical experience; furthermore, we can promote this kind of tool as a viable way to train hearing by focused listening to sound, particularly with music.
Prostate cancer ablation with transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound: assessment of tissue destruction with contrast-enhanced US.

PURPOSE To assess contrast material-enhanced ultrasonographic (US) findings seen after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of prostate cancer and correlate the US findings with post-HIFU biopsy findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was ethics committee approved. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Twenty-eight patients referred for HIFU prostate cancer ablation underwent contrast-enhanced prostate US before treatment, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and repeat contrast-enhanced US 1-3 days after treatment, and contrast-enhanced US-guided biopsy 30-45 days after treatment. The contrast-enhanced US enhancement patterns of the biopsy sites--assigned a score of S0 for no enhancement, S1 for mild and/or patchy enhancement, or S2 for marked enhancement--were compared with corresponding biopsy findings, which were assigned a score of B0 for necrosis and/or fibrosis without viable prostate gland tissue, B1 for vascularized tissue without viable gland tissue, or B2 for viable gland tissue (benign or malignant). Then, six additional patients underwent contrast-enhanced prostate US 15-30 minutes and 1 day after HIFU ablation, and the results of these two US examinations were compared. RESULTS Contrast-enhanced US performed on days 1-3 and days 30-45 after HIFU ablation depicted a large devascularized zone with peripheral enhancing areas that were localized anteriorly in all 28 patients, posteriorly in nine, laterally in five, and at the apex in 20 patients. MR findings were concordant. At biopsy, viable gland tissue was found at nine (6.2%) of 146 S0 sites, 10 (34%) of 29 S1 sites, and 44 (60%) of 73 S2 sites. The odds ratios for finding viable tissue (score B1 or B2) at S1 and S2 sites as opposed to S0 sites were 21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6, 71) and 73 (95% CI: 22, 243), respectively (P < .0001). Contrast-enhanced US performed 15-30 minutes and 1 day after treatment in the six additional patients had similar findings. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced US is a promising tool for distinguishing between ablated (devascularized) and viable (enhancing) tissue immediately after HIFU treatment.
Role of Kupffer cells in the outgrowth of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest malignancies in the “developed” world. The liver constitutes the main host organ for its distant metastases which, when present, augur a bad prognosis for the disease. Kupffer cells (KCs) are macrophages that constantly reside within the liver and form an effective first line defence against multiple harmful agents which reach the hepatic sinusoids via the portal circulation. KCs remove chemical compounds and dead or damaged cells, eliminate bacteria and protect against invading tumour cells. They may play a crucial tumouricidal role, exerting cytotoxic and cytostatic functions through the release of multiple cytokines and chemokines. Subsequently, colorectal metastasising cells are destroyed either by KC‐performed phagocytosis or via the stimulation of other immune cells which migrate into the sinusoids and act accordingly. On the contrary, KC products, including cytokines, growth factors and matrix‐degrading enzymes may promote liver metastasis, supporting tumour cell extravasation, motility and invasion. Current research aims to exploit the antineoplastic properties of KCs in new therapeutic approaches of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Numerous agents, such as the granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor, interferon gamma, muramyl peptide analogues and various antibody based treatments, have been tested in experimental models with promising results. Future trials may investigate their use in everyday clinical practice and compare their therapeutic value with current treatment of the disease.
Electrical conductivity properties of MWCNT buckypaper and MWCNT buckypaper/epoxy composites: Effect of loading and pressure

Since the discoveries of the carbon nanotubes, numerous methods have been employed to take advantage of the superb mechanical and electrical properties of the carbon nanotubes in the fabrication of composites. Buckypaper has been found to be one of the suitable methods to be utilizedin the production of nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electrical performance. In this study, buckypapers with different loading has been fabricated using filtration technique under two different pressures. Increasing loading of the carbon nanotubes caused significant reduction in the electrical conductivity of the buckypaper. It is found that pressure did not affect the electrical conductivity as much as the loading. Agglomerations are found to be the main reason of the diminution in the electrical conductivity properties of MWCNT buckypaper and MWCNT buckypaper/epoxycomposites.
Microemulsion-based novel transdermal delivery system of tetramethylpyrazine: preparation and evaluation in vitro and in vivo

Objective To deliver 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in a relatively large dose through a transdermal route and facilitate the practical application of microemulison in transdermal drug delivery. Methods The pseudo-ternary phase diagram for microemulsion regions was constructed using isopropyl myristate as oil phase, Labrasol® as surfactant, and Plurol® Oleique CC 497 as cosurfactant. A uniform experimental design was applied for formulation optimization. In vitro skin permeation experiments of six formulations were undertaken with TMP transdermal patch (EUDRAGIT® E100 as matrix) and TMP saturated solution as controls. We prepared TMP-oil dispersed in water-ethylene vinyl acetate-transdermal therapeutic system (TMP-O/W-EVA-TTS) with microemulsion as reservoir and EVA membrane as release liner; pharmacokinetic and brain distribution studies in rats were conducted with TMP transdermal patches as control. Results The skin fluxes of TMP from microemulsions were 8.2- to 26.7-fold and 0.9- to 4.7-fold higher than those of TMP transdermal patch and TMP saturated solution, respectively, and were strongly affected by the microemulsion composition. The improvement in TMP solubility as well as the skin permeation enhancement effect of microemulsion components contributed mainly to transdermal delivery facilitation. In the pharmacokinetic study, the relative bioavailability of TMP-O/W-EVA-TTS was 350.89% compared with the TMP transdermal patch. Higher and more stable TMP contents in rat plasma were obtained after administration of TMP-O/WEVA- TTS than after application of TMP transdermal patch. In the brain distribution study, higher rate and extent of TMP distribution to brain, and lower rate of TMP clearance from brain were observed after transdermal administration of TMP-O/W-EVA-TTS than after application of TMP transdermal patch. Conclusion The novel transdermal delivery system prepared in this study showed a remarkable skin permeation improvement of microemulsion and facilitated its practical application in transdermal drug delivery. With this system as a vehicle, a relatively large dose of TMP could enable successful drug delivery via the transdermal route.
A three-dimensional transient model to predict interfacial phenomena during chemical mechanical polishing using computational fluid dynamics

Interfacial phenomena between the wafer and the polishing pad during chemical mechanical polishing are an area of great interest as they affect post-chemical mechanical polishing wafer topographies. Traditionally, the Reynolds equation has been used to predict the fluid pressure between the wafer and the polishing pad. However, with computational fluid dynamics it is possible to predict the fluid pressure and obtain insight into the fluid motion at the leading edge and trailing edge of the wafer. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics allows for the added ability to increase the resolution of the fluid physics to the asperity scale. In this study, a model is developed to predict phenomena related to mixed lubrication chemical mechanical polishing using computational fluid dynamics. Contact mechanics between the wafer and the pad are resolved through a Winkler elastic foundation formulation. The wafer is mounted on a ball joint which allows free rotation to occur. Friction between the wafer and the polishing pad causes the wafer to assume a position which produces a sub-ambient pressure distribution similar to that obtained from experiments. The effects of different table speeds on the interfacial fluid pressure, as predicted by the computational fluid dynamics are presented.
Zika Virus Alters DNA Methylation of Neural Genes in an Organoid Model of the Developing Human Brain

Scientific research on human neural stem cells and cerebral organoids has confirmed the congenital neurotropic and neurodestructive nature of the Zika virus. However, the extent to which prenatal ZIKV infection is associated with more subtle brain alterations, such as epigenetic changes, remains ill defined. Here, we address the question of whether ZIKV infection induces DNA methylation changes with the potential to cause brain disorders later in life. ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during early pregnancy can cause microcephaly and associated defects at birth, but whether it can induce neurologic sequelae that appear later in life remains unclear. Using a model of the developing brain based on embryonic stem cell-derived brain organoids, we studied the impact of ZIKV infection on the DNA methylation pattern across the entire genome in selected neural cell types. The virus unexpectedly alters the DNA methylome of neural progenitors, astrocytes, and differentiated neurons at genes that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of brain disorders, most prominently mental retardation and schizophrenia. Our results suggest that ZIKV infection during fetal development could lead to a spectrum of delayed-onset neuropsychiatric complications. IMPORTANCE Scientific research on human neural stem cells and cerebral organoids has confirmed the congenital neurotropic and neurodestructive nature of the Zika virus. However, the extent to which prenatal ZIKV infection is associated with more subtle brain alterations, such as epigenetic changes, remains ill defined. Here, we address the question of whether ZIKV infection induces DNA methylation changes with the potential to cause brain disorders later in life.
Decision-making algorithms for safe robotic disassembling of randomly piled objects

Abstract The task of disassembling a pile of objects in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) sites often requires taking into consideration pile disturbances in order to keep the safety of the survivors, the USAR teams, or the safety of the site’s environment. This work compares four decision-making algorithms (DMAs) for the autonomous pile disassembling process. The DMA must elect a single block for removal. The Volume Height Algorithm (VHA) removes the object with the highest potential energy; the Filtered Volume Height Algorithm (FVHA) removes the object with the highest potential energy that does not support any other objects from below; the Kinematic Based Algorithm (KBA) decides to remove the least encapsulated object; and lastly, the Filtered Volume Height Kinematic Based Algorithm (FVHKBA) is a combination of FVHA and KBA. All algorithms were simulated and analysed under full knowledge conditions and the more realistic, partial knowledge conditions. In partial knowledge mode, the algorithm processes the knowledge of only the objects which can be seen from outside viewing points. Additionally, the effect of the pile homogeneity was examined by disassembling piles of identical blocks and of different sized blocks. The FVHA shows the most impressive performances regardless of knowledge conditions and pile homogeneity.
Delirium is a strong risk factor for dementia in the oldest-old: a population-based cohort study

Recent studies suggest that delirium is associated with risk of dementia and also acceleration of decline in existing dementia. However, previous studies may have been confounded by incomplete ascertainment of cognitive status at baseline. Herein, we used a true population sample to determine if delirium is a risk factor for incident dementia and cognitive decline. We also examined the effect of delirium at the pathological level by determining associations between dementia and neuropathological markers of dementia in patients with and without a history of delirium. The Vantaa 85+ study examined 553 individuals (92% of those eligible) aged ≥85 years at baseline, 3, 5, 8 and 10 years. Brain autopsy was performed in 52%. Fixed and random-effects regression models were used to assess associations between (i) delirium and incident dementia and (ii) decline in Mini-Mental State Examination scores in the whole group. The relationship between dementia and common neuropathological markers (Alzheimer-type, infarcts and Lewy-body) was modelled, stratified by history of delirium. Delirium increased the risk of incident dementia (odds ratio 8.7, 95% confidence interval 2.1–35). Delirium was also associated with worsening dementia severity (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.3) as well as deterioration in global function score (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4–5.5). In the whole study population, delirium was associated with loss of 1.0 more Mini-Mental State Examination points per year (95% confidence interval 0.11–1.89) than those with no history of delirium. In individuals with dementia and no history of delirium (n = 232), all pathologies were significantly associated with dementia. However, in individuals with delirium and dementia (n = 58), no relationship between dementia and these markers was found. For example, higher Braak stage was associated with dementia when no history of delirium (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.5, P = 0.02), but in those with a history of delirium, there was no significant relationship (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 0.2–6.7, P = 0.85). This trend for odds ratios to be closer to unity in the delirium and dementia group was observed for neuritic amyloid, apolipoprotein ε status, presence of infarcts, α-synucleinopathy and neuronal loss in substantia nigra. These findings are the first to demonstrate in a true population study that delirium is a strong risk factor for incident dementia and cognitive decline in the oldest-old. However, in this study, the relationship did not appear to be mediated by classical neuropathologies associated with dementia.
Functional activation of CRH neurons and expression of the genes encoding CRH and its receptors in food-deprived lean (Fa/?) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats.

The time course of the action of food deprivation on the functional activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons and on the expression of the genes encoding CRH and its receptors of type 1 (CRH1-R) and 2alpha (CRH2-R) in the brain were assessed in lean (Fa/? ) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Fa/? and fa/fa rats were assigned to food deprivation periods of 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Measurements of Fos immunoreactivity and CRH mRNA were carried out on the same brain sections to assess the state of activation of CRH neurons. In situ hybridization histochemistry was employed to measure the mRNAs encoding CRH and its receptors. In fa/fa rats, food deprivation induced a rapid expression of Fos in CRH cells of several brain regions that include the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the anterodorsal preoptic nucleus, the medial preoptic nucleus, the substantia innominata and Barrington's nucleus. The colocalization of Fos immunoreactivity and CRH mRNA was particularly noticeable in the PVN of fa/fa rats, where the majority of the CRH cells of the parvocellular division of the nucleus displayed Fos-positive nuclei, 12 h after the onset of fasting. In obese rats, food deprivation also produced an increase in the CRH mRNA levels in the BNST as well as high and low expressions of the CRH1-R in, respectively, the PVN and the anterior lobe of the pituitary. The expression of CRH1-R in the PVN of obese rats occurred 12 h after the onset of the deprivation. In Fa/? rats, food deprivation induced no marked activation of the CRH cells, a slow decrease in the CRH mRNA levels in the BNST and the central nucleus of the amygdala, and a gradual decrease in the expression of CRH2-R gene in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. These results demonstrate that food deprivation is capable of generating in obese Zucker rats a stress-like response that translates into a particularly striking activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This response contrasts with that observed in Fa/? rats, in which the action of food deprivation on the CRH system seems more compatible with the known effects of CRH in the regulation of energy balance.
THERMAL RADIATION OF NONISOTHERMAL PARTICLES IN COMBINED HEAT TRANSFER PROBLEMS

Thermal radiation of large semi-transparent spherical particles is modeled on the basis of differential approximation suggested earlier by the author. This approach is employed to solve transient radiative-conductive problems for nonisothermal particles. Two applied problems for metal oxide particles are considered: the diagnostics of particle temperature in plasma spraying and solidification of core melt droplets during fuel-coolant interaction. It is shown that effect of particle semi-transparency in the near-infrared spectral range may be significant for both thermal radiation intensity and the physical picture of the particle solidification.
A Localization-Free Interference and Energy Holes Minimization Routing for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Interference and energy holes formation in underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) threaten the reliable delivery of data packets from a source to a destination. Interference also causes inefficient utilization of the limited battery power of the sensor nodes in that more power is consumed in the retransmission of the lost packets. Energy holes are dead nodes close to the surface of water, and their early death interrupts data delivery even when the network has live nodes. This paper proposes a localization-free interference and energy holes minimization (LF-IEHM) routing protocol for UWSNs. The proposed algorithm overcomes interference during data packet forwarding by defining a unique packet holding time for every sensor node. The energy holes formation is mitigated by a variable transmission range of the sensor nodes. As compared to the conventional routing protocols, the proposed protocol does not require the localization information of the sensor nodes, which is cumbersome and difficult to obtain, as nodes change their positions with water currents. Simulation results show superior performance of the proposed scheme in terms of packets received at the final destination and end-to-end delay.
Terahertz All‐Optical Molecule‐ Plasmon Modulation

Surface-plasmon (SP) optics is considered to be a very promising area for new devices and the miniaturization of photonic circuits. [1] So far much attention has been focused on realizing passive devices to control the path of the SP as it travels on a metal surface. [2–4] To achieve functional SP circuits active devices will be necessary, and, among the various possibilities, fast all-optical control is the most attractive. One way to realize such devices is to combine the SP-related extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) phenomenon of subwave-length hole arrays and the transient properties of excited molecules. The EOT is extremely sensitive to refractive-index changes
Impact of broad regulatory regions on Gdf5 expression and function in knee development and susceptibility to osteoarthritis

Objectives Given the role of growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) in knee development and osteoarthritis risk, we sought to characterise knee defects resulting from Gdf5 loss of function and how its regulatory regions control knee formation and morphology. Methods The brachypodism (bp) mouse line, which harbours an inactivating mutation in Gdf5, was used to survey how Gdf5 loss of function impacts knee morphology, while two transgenic Gdf5 reporter bacterial artificial chromosome mouse lines were used to assess the spatiotemporal activity and function of Gdf5 regulatory sequences in the context of clinically relevant knee anatomical features. Results Knees from homozygous bp mice (bp/bp) exhibit underdeveloped femoral condyles and tibial plateaus, no cruciate ligaments, and poorly developed menisci. Secondary ossification is also delayed in the distal femur and proximal tibia. bp/bp mice have significantly narrower femoral condyles, femoral notches and tibial plateaus, and curvier medial femoral condyles, shallower trochlea, steeper lateral tibial slopes and smaller tibial spines. Regulatory sequences upstream from Gdf5 were weakly active in the prenatal knee, while downstream regulatory sequences were active throughout life. Importantly, downstream but not upstream Gdf5 regulatory sequences fully restored all the key morphological features disrupted in the bp/bp mice. Conclusions Knee morphology is profoundly affected by Gdf5 absence, and downstream regulatory sequences mediate its effects by controlling Gdf5 expression in knee tissues. This downstream region contains numerous enhancers harbouring human variants that span the osteoarthritis association interval. We posit that subtle alterations to morphology driven by changes in downstream regulatory sequence underlie this locus’ role in osteoarthritis risk.