Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance Outcomes for Borderline Cochlear Implant Recipients With Substantial Preoperative Residual Hearing

Objective This study examined whether cochlear implant (CI) recipients with substantial preoperative residual hearing obtained more benefit from a CI than from a hearing aid (HA). Study Design Retrospective records review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Thirty-seven CI recipients (11 children/teens, 26 adults) were identified that met the following inclusion criteria: preimplant sentence recognition scores greater than 50% correct in the implanted ear or greater than 60% in the best-aided/binaural condition (Group 1, n = 18); audiometric thresholds less than 70 dB HL at 2 or more frequencies (i.e., better than a severe-profound hearing loss; Group 2, n = 13 ears in 12 recipients), or those that met both the audiometric and sentence-recognition criteria (Group 3, n = 7). Main Outcome Measure Postimplant speech-perception scores. Results Postimplant speech perception was substantially better than the preimplant performance for 12 of 18 recipients in Group 1, 10 of 12 recipients (11/13 ears) in Group 2, and 5 of 7 recipients in Group 3 (total, 73.7%). Five recipients (13.1%) showed no change from preimplant performance levels. Results were inconclusive for 2 recipients (5.3%) because preimplant versus postimplant testing was conducted in different conditions. Three recipients (7.9%) exhibited decreased performance postimplant. Conclusion For most recipients whose hearing was better than that defined by traditional candidacy criteria, performance improved with the CI. These results may help clinicians guide candidates in the decision-making process by providing information on the range of outcomes for recipients with similar preimplant performance levels, identify the need for additional preimplant counseling regarding expectations, and recognize the importance of systematizing preimplant and postimplant testing for longitudinal assessment of performance.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 4a Protein Is a Double-Stranded RNA-Binding Protein That Suppresses PACT-Induced Activation of RIG-I and MDA5 in the Innate Antiviral Response

ABSTRACT Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging pathogen that causes severe disease in human. MERS-CoV is closely related to bat coronaviruses HKU4 and HKU5. Evasion of the innate antiviral response might contribute significantly to MERS-CoV pathogenesis, but the mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we characterized MERS-CoV 4a protein as a novel immunosuppressive factor that antagonizes type I interferon production. MERS-CoV 4a protein contains a double-stranded RNA-binding domain capable of interacting with poly(I·C). Expression of MERS-CoV 4a protein suppressed the interferon production induced by poly(I·C) or Sendai virus. RNA binding of MERS-CoV 4a protein was required for IFN antagonism, a property shared by 4a protein of bat coronavirus HKU5 but not by the counterpart in bat coronavirus HKU4. MERS-CoV 4a protein interacted with PACT in an RNA-dependent manner but not with RIG-I or MDA5. It inhibited PACT-induced activation of RIG-I and MDA5 but did not affect the activity of downstream effectors such as RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, TBK1, and IRF3. Taken together, our findings suggest a new mechanism through which MERS-CoV employs a viral double-stranded RNA-binding protein to circumvent the innate antiviral response by perturbing the function of cellular double-stranded RNA-binding protein PACT. PACT targeting might be a common strategy used by different viruses, including Ebola virus and herpes simplex virus 1, to counteract innate immunity. IMPORTANCE Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging and highly lethal human pathogen. Why MERS-CoV causes severe disease in human is unclear, and one possibility is that MERS-CoV is particularly efficient in counteracting host immunity, including the sensing of virus invasion. It will therefore be critical to clarify how MERS-CoV cripples the host proteins that sense viruses and to compare MERS-CoV with its ancestral viruses in bats in the counteraction of virus sensing. This work not only provides a new understanding of the abilities of MERS-CoV and closely related bat viruses to subvert virus sensing but also might prove useful in revealing new strategies for the development of vaccines and antivirals.
Enhanced semantic refinement gate for RNN-based neural language generator

Natural language generation (NLG) plays an important role in a Spoken Dialogue System. Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)-based approaches have shown promising in tackling NLG tasks. This paper presents approaches to enhance gating mechanism applied for RNN-based natural language generator, in which an attentive dialog act representation is introduced, and two gating mechanisms are proposed to semantically gate input sequences before RNN computation. The proposed RNN-based generators can be learned from unaligned data by jointly training both sentence planning and surface realization to produce natural language responses. The model was extensively evaluated on four different NLG domains. The results show that the proposed generators achieved better performance on all the NLG domains in comparison to the previous generators.
Sensitivity loss of digital optical receivers caused by intersymbol interference

This paper describes studies of the dependence of optical receiver sensitivity on the launched-pulse width, pulse rise and fall times, and fiber dispersion for nonequalizing receivers. For pulse widths less than a time slot T in the return-to-zero (RZ) format and for small fiber dispersion σf, it is shown that the receiver sensitivity depends principally on the number of photons received per time slot and only weakly on the pulse width and rise and fall times of the launched pulses. For pulse widths equal to or greater than a time slot and/or with increased fiber dispersion (σf/T > 0.2), the receiver sensitivity degrades rapidly. Thus the sensitivity of receivers improves by use of reduced-width launched pulses in RZ format, particularly if the fiber dispersion is large. For example, for a receiver with equal thermal∗∗∗noise and shot-noise levels, a situation approximating the use of an avalanche photodiode, the measured peak-power sensitivity penalty increased 2.5 dB as the launched pulse width was increased from 0.6T to 1.1T for σf/T = 0.4. Since the peak-power sensitivity penalty has a broad minimum for pulse width between 0.5T to 1.0T, the use of reduced-width pulses in RZ format is also advantageous if the pulse width varies with temperature or varies among transmitters due to product variations.
Addressing Nurse Shortages: What Can Policy Makers Learn from the Econometric Evidence on Nurse Labour Supply?

This paper provides a detailed review of the international studies that have used formal econometric models to investigate the labour supply decision of Registered Nurses (RNs). The main finding is that, at least in the short-run, RN labour supply appears to be fairly unresponsive to wage changes. Consequently, even large wage increases are unlikely to be successful in tackling current and predicted nurse shortages. This finding points to the importance of non-pecuniary job aspects in influencing labour supply. However, the paper concludes by arguing that these empirical findings should be viewed with some caution given both theoretical and econometric limitations.
A REFERRAL IS WORTH A THOUSAND ADS: THE ROLE OF JOB SEARCH NETWORKS IN THE MARKET FOR POSTDOCS

The theory of social networks strongly suggests that personal connections for job searches are beneficial for turnover, satisfaction, and productivity outcomes, but empirical evidence is more limited. Using data on U.S. postdocs from the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, we explore the impact of job search methods on these outcomes. Postdocs are an appropriate population since the ad hoc placement process and large fraction of foreign postdocs generate plausibly exogenous variation in search methods. We find evidence of weaker networks for foreign postdocs, who more often resort to “impersonal” searches. The resulting difference in job match quality is related to differences in turnover, satisfaction, and productivity.
Export Pathway Selectivity of Escherichia coli Twin Arginine Translocation Signal Peptides*

The Escherichia coli genome encodes at least 29 putative signal peptides containing a twin arginine motif characteristic of proteins exported via the twin arginine translocation (Tat) pathway. Fusions of the putative Tat signal peptides plus six to eight amino acids of the mature proteins to three reporter proteins (short-lived green fluorescent protein, maltose-binding protein (MBP), and alkaline phosphatase) and also data from the cell localization of epitope-tagged full-length proteins were employed to determine the ability of the 29 signal peptides to direct export through the Tat pathway, through the general secretory pathway (Sec), or through both. 27/29 putative signal peptides could export one or more reporter proteins through Tat. Of these, 11 signal peptides displayed Tat specificity in that they could not direct the export of Sec-only reporter proteins. The rest (16/27) were promiscuous and were capable of directing export of the appropriate reporter either via Tat (green fluorescent protein, MBP) or via Sec (PhoA, MBP). Mutations that conferred a ≥+1 charge to the N terminus of the mature protein abolished or drastically reduced routing through the Sec pathway without affecting the ability to export via the Tat pathway. These experiments demonstrate that the charge of the mature protein N terminus affects export promiscuity, independent of the effect of the folding state of the mature protein.
Characteristics of men and women who complete or exit from an on‐line internet sexuality questionnaire: A study of instrument dropout biases

This study compared respondents who completed an Internet sexuality questionnaire and those who dropped out before completion. The study was in Swedish and comprised 3,614 respondents over a 2‐week period (53% males, 47% females). There were significant differences between males, of whom 51% dropped out before completion of the 175‐item questionnaire, and females, of whom 43% dropped out. Dropout in both genders followed a curve of negative acceleration. The data suggest that dropout is likely to be significant and gender and demographically biased, and to occur significantly earlier for men than for women. Geography, education, sexual orientation, age, relationship status, living arrangements, and Internet connection speed were related to dropout for men, while only relationship status and living arrangements, which were in the opposite direction from men, were related to dropout in women.
Transmural Distribution of Isomyosin in Rabbit Ventricle during Maturation Examined by Immunofluorescence and Staining for Calcium‐Activated Adenosine Triphosphatase

Mammalian ventricle contains two major isomyosins, V1 and V3, which differ in the primary structure of their heavy chains (HCα and HCββ, respectively) and in their adenosine triphosphatase activity. The distribution of the HCα isomyosin in the left ventricle of the rabbit was followed as a function of age and transmural location. HCα was detected with a monoclonal antibody found to be specific for the hinge region of V1 myosin molecules when viewed in the electron microscope after low-angle rotary shadowing. Frozen sections were observed with indirect immunofluorescence developed to this anti-HCα hinge antibody. Serial sections were observed with the histochemical assay for calcium-activated myosin adenosine triphosphatase, using preincubation at various pH levels. Results show that all the ventricular myocytes in baby rabbits (2 weeks) are stained by the HCα-antibody from the epi- to endocardium. The isomyosin content of myocytes varies through the epi- to endocardium of the right ventricular wall of the adult (1-year-old) rabbit, with the HCα form predominating in the outer epicardial third of the wall and the lowest amount of HCα in the middle third of the wall. A mixture of stained and unstained myocytes is seen in the endo- and subendocardial regions. The spatial distribution of HCα in 4- month-old rabbits varies between that of the baby and adult. There is good agreement between myocyte classifications made by histochemical and antibody staining methods. A rabbit ventricular myocyte with HCα detected by antibody has high adenosine triphosphatase activity, and a myocyte without HCα has a low adenosine triphosphatase activity. Myocytes with similar staining properties appear in large clusters, long strands, and major anatomical regions. However, heterogeneous myocytes are also seen connected by an intercalated disc.
Fight Fungi with Fungi: Antifungal Properties of the Amphibian Mycobiome

Emerging infectious diseases caused by fungal taxa are increasing and are placing a substantial burden on economies and ecosystems worldwide. Of the emerging fungal diseases, chytridomycosis caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter Bd) is linked to global amphibian declines. Amphibians have innate immunity, as well as additional resistance through cutaneous microbial communities. Despite the targeting of bacteria as potential probiotics, the role of fungi in the protection against Bd infection in unknown. We used a four-part approach, including high-throughput sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities, cultivation of fungi, Bd challenge assays, and experimental additions of probiotic to Midwife Toads (Altyes obstetricans), to examine the overlapping roles of bacterial and fungal microbiota in pathogen defense in captive bred poison arrow frogs (Dendrobates sp.). Our results revealed that cutaneous fungal taxa differed from environmental microbiota across three species and a subspecies of Dendrobates spp. frogs. Cultivation of host-associated and environmental fungi realved numerous taxa with the ability to inhibit or facilitate the growth of Bd. The abundance of cutaneous fungi contributed more to Bd defense (~45% of the fungal community), than did bacteria (~10%) and frog species harbored distinct inhibitory communities that were distinct from the environment. Further, we demonstrated that a fungal probiotic therapy did not induce an endocrine-immune reaction, in contrast to bacterial probiotics that stressed amphibian hosts and suppressed antimicrobial peptide responses, limiting their long-term colonization potential. Our results suggest that probiotic strategies against amphibian fungal pathogens should, in addition to bacterial probiotics, focus on host-associated and environmental fungi such as Penicillium and members of the families Chaetomiaceae and Lasiosphaeriaceae.
Therapeutic Effects of Anti‐FGF23 Antibodies in Hypophosphatemic Rickets/Osteomalacia

X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), characterized by renal phosphate wasting, is the most common cause of vitamin D‐resistant rickets. It has been postulated that some phosphaturic factor plays a causative role in XLH and its murine homolog, the Hyp mouse. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a physiological phosphaturic factor; its circulatory level is known to be high in most patients with XLH and Hyp mice, suggesting its pathophysiological role in this disease. To test this hypothesis, we treated Hyp mice with anti‐FGF23 antibodies to inhibit endogenous FGF23 action. A single injection of the antibodies corrected the hypophosphatemia and inappropriately normal serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D. These effects were accompanied by increased expressions of type IIa sodium‐phosphate cotransporter and 25‐hydroxyvitamin‐D‐1α‐hydroxylase and a suppressed expression of 24‐hydroxylase in the kidney. Repeated injections during the growth period ameliorated the rachitic bone phenotypes typically observed in Hyp mice, such as impaired longitudinal elongation, defective mineralization, and abnormal cartilage development. Thus, these results indicate that excess actions of FGF23 underlie hypophosphatemic rickets in Hyp mice and suggest a novel therapeutic potential of the FGF23 antibodies for XLH.
The Mechanisms of Action of Lithium: II. Effects on Adenylate Cyclase Activity and β-Adrenergic Receptor Binding in Normal Subjects

• As part of a study of the effects of lithium carbonate on neurochemical function in man, platelet and lymphocyte adenylate cyclase activity and lymphocyte β-adrenergic receptor binding characteristics were determined before and after 2 weeks of lithium treatment in 10 normal volunteers. Lithium had differential effects on platelet and lymphocyte adenylate cyclase activity. In platelets, basal and stimulated (guanyl imidodiphosphate [Gpp[NH]p] or cesium fluoride) adenylate cyclase activity was significantly augmented by lithium treatment. By contrast, in lymphocytes, Gpp(NH)p- and cesium fluoride—stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was unaffected, while basal activity was decreased modestly after lithium. These results are consistent with preclinical studies that suggest that lithium's effects on adenylate cyclase activity are specific with respect to tissue and brain region and that lithium may interfere with guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein function. Lithium treatment significantly increased the ratio of low- to high-affinity dissociation constants for agonist displacement of antagonist binding to lymphocyte β-adrenergic receptors (thought to reflect coupling between the β-adrenergic receptor and stimulatory G protein). Lithium had significant effects on measures associated with signal transduction that might be contrasted to its more subtle effects on neuronal function (norepinephrine release) and neuroendocrine systems (responses to serotoninergic challenge) in these same subjects (reported in a companion article). Lithium's primary site of action may be on signal transduction mechanisms. These effects subsequently may be manifested in changes in neurotransmitter function that may be important to lithium's mood-stabilizing actions.
Exchange-rate arrangements and financial integration in East Asia: on a collision course?

Financial integration in East Asia is actively being pursued and will in due course lead to substantial mobility of capital between economies in the region. Plans for monetary cooperation as a prelude to monetary integration and ultimately monetary unification are also proposed. These plans often suggest that central banks should adopt some form of common exchange rate policy in the transition period towards full monetary union. This paper argues that this is a dangerous path in the context of highly integrated financial markets. An alternative approach is proposed where independent central banks coordinate their monetary policies through the adoption of common objectives and by building an appropriate institutional framework. When this coordination process has progressed to the point where interest rate developments are similar across the region, and if in the meantime the required institutional infrastructure has been build, the next step towards monetary unification can be taken among those central banks that so desire. The claim is that this transition path is likely to be robust and will limit the risk of currency crises.
Overreliance on the Core—Periphery Model? The Case of Israel

In the field of national and regional development planning considerable use has been made of the core–periphery model as a means of generalising the spatial structure of a national economy. The general argument of the paper is that under certain conditions such a model may represent an unsatisfactory characterization of actual conditions which, in turn, may cause decisionmakers to make an inaccurate diagnosis of a regional problem, leading to an inappropriate policy response. After considering the core–periphery model and its recent extensions, this general argument is examined with respect to the Southern region of Israel, a region customarily viewed as one of the nation's peripheries. It is demonstrated that in several important respects the region does not conform to the usual stereotype of the periphery. The impact of public policy on the development of the region is also considered, and it is argued that the particular form of intervention has not always been in the best interests of the region. Two alternative policy emphases for the future development of the Southern region are outlined.
Toxoplasmosis in Humans: Discussion Paper

Acquired infection A variety of factors in modern living can produce an increase in toxoplasma infections. Changes in eating habits with greater consumption of undercooked meat or unpasteurized goat's milk may produce more infection among the healthy. Medical practice is also resulting in more individuals with suppressed immune systems either because of aggressive Paper read to Section of Comparative Medicine, 21 February 1990
Reviewing the Working Time Directive: rationale, implementation and case law

In November 1993 the Social Affairs Council of the EU adopted the Directive on the Organisation of Working Time. The EU Commission is committed to a review of the operation of this Directive in 2003. In this paper we re-examine the economic rationale for such regulations, assess the different legal arrangements for the implementation of the Directive and summarise recent case law. In conclusion, we suggest that the forthcoming review is likely to provide an important indicator of any EU reassessment of economic and social priorities.
Abnormalities in the male reproductive system after exposure to diesel and biodiesel blend

Altering the fuel source from petroleum‐based ultralow sulfur diesel to biodiesel and its blends is considered by many to be a sustainable choice for controlling exposures to particulate material. As the exhaust of biodiesel/diesel blends is composed of a combination of combustion products of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters, we hypothesize that 50% biodiesel/diesel blend (BD50) exposure could induce harmful outcomes because of its ability to trigger oxidative damage. Here, adverse effects were compared in murine male reproductive organs after pharyngeal aspiration with particles generated by engine fueled with BD50 or neat petroleum diesel (D100). When compared with D100, exposure to BD50 significantly altered sperm integrity, including concentration, motility, and morphological abnormalities, as well as increasing testosterone levels in testes during the time course postexposure. Serum level of luteinizing hormone was significantly depleted only after BD50 exposure. Moreover, we observed that exposure to BD50 significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and testes on Day 7 postexposure when compared with D100. Histological evaluation of testes sections from BD50 exposure indicated more noticeable interstitial edema, degenerating spermatocytes, and dystrophic seminiferous tubules with arrested spermatogenesis. Significant differences in the level of oxidative stress assessed by accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and depletion of glutathione were detected on exposure to respirable BD50 and D100. Taken together, these results indicate that exposure of mice to inhalable BD50 caused more pronounced adverse effects on male reproductive function than diesel. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:265–276, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.