Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cortical Processing of Frequency Changes Reflected by the Acoustic Change Complex in Adult Cochlear Implant Users

The purpose of this study was to examine neural substrates of frequency change detection in cochlear implant (CI) recipients using the acoustic change complex (ACC), a type of cortical auditory evoked potential elicited by acoustic changes in an ongoing stimulus. A psychoacoustic test and electroencephalographic recording were administered in 12 postlingually deafened adult CI users. The stimuli were pure tones containing different magnitudes of upward frequency changes. Results showed that the frequency change detection threshold (FCDT) was 3.79% in the CI users, with a large variability. The ACC N1’ latency was significantly correlated with the FCDT and the clinically collected speech perception score. The results suggested that the ACC evoked by frequency changes can serve as a useful objective tool in assessing frequency change detection capability and predicting speech perception performance in CI users.
Super‐achromatic optical coherence tomography capsule for ultrahigh‐resolution imaging of esophagus

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive technology allowing for imaging of tissue microanatomies of luminal organs in real time. Conventional endoscopic OCT operates at 1300 nm wavelength region with a suboptimal axial resolution limited to 8‐20 μm. In this paper, we present the first ultrahigh‐resolution tethered OCT capsule operating at 800 nm and offering about 3‐ to 4‐fold improvement of axial resolution (plus enhanced imaging contrast). The capsule uses diffractive optics to manage chromatic aberration over a full ~200 nm spectral bandwidth centering around 830 nm, enabling to achieve super‐achromaticity and an axial resolution of ~2.6 μm in air. The performance of the OCT capsule is demonstrated by volumetric imaging of swine esophagus ex vivo and sheep esophagus in vivo, where fine anatomic structures including the sub‐epithelial layers are clearly identified. The ultrahigh resolution and excellent imaging contrast at 800 nm of the tethered capsule suggest the potential of the technology as an enabling tool for surveillance of early esophageal diseases on awake patients without the need for sedation.
Fire as a Removal Mechanism of Pyrogenic Carbon From the Environment: Effects of Fire and Pyrogenic Carbon Characteristics

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC, charcoal) is produced during vegetation fires at a rate of ~ 116–385 Tg C yr-1 globally. It represents one of the most degradation-resistant organic carbon pools, but its long-term fate and the processes leading to its degradation remain subject of debate. A frequently highlighted potential loss mechanism of PyC is the consumption of PyC in subsequent fires, however, only three studies to date have tested this hypothesis with reported losses of 300C. Mass losses also showed a significant negative correlation (r=-0.38, p=0.05) with thermal recalcitrance (T50) determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Tmax with charcoal reflectance (Ro) determined after the fires (r=0.46, p=0.05). Losses in the high-intensity fire were significantly higher (p=0.05) than in the low-intensity fire, but the latter had a higher rate of conversion of fuel to PyC. Our results demonstrate that exposure to fire can indeed be a significant removal mechanism for PyC that remains exposed on the ground fires. The losses found, however, are likely to represent an extreme upper range as most PyC produced in a fire would not remain exposed on the ground surface by the time the next fire occurs. Our data also demonstrate, for real wildfire conditions, the (i) contrasting resistance of different PyC types to combustion and (ii) contrasting net PyC losses between different fire intensities. The DSC and reflectance results support the usefulness of these analyses in reflecting thermal degradation resistance and temperature exposure under actual
Calculating Intake of Dietary Risk Components Used in the Global Burden of Disease Studies from the What We Eat in America/National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) is a health burden metric that combines years of life lost due to disease disability and premature mortality. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) has been using DALYs to determine the health burden associated with numerous health risks, including risks associated with dietary intakes, at the global and national level. To translate such information at the food level in the U.S., variables in What We Eat in America (WWEIA) need to be aligned with those in the GBD. In this paper, we develop the necessary new variables needed to account for differences in definitions and units between WWEIA and the GBD. We use the Food Patterns Equivalents Database, Food Patterns Equivalents Ingredient Database, Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, and Standard Reference databases that provide data for WWEIA to develop food group and nutrient variables that align with definitions and units used in the GBD. Considerable effort was needed to disaggregate mixed dishes to GBD components. We also developed a new “non-starchy” vegetable variable, since the GBD vegetables do not include potatoes and corn, and we report fruits and vegetables in grams instead of household measures. New fiber variables were created to avoid double counting of fiber from legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Regression analyses were used to predict trans-fat content for foods in WWEIA with missing or incomplete information. The majority of foods in various U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) categories contain multiple GBD food groups (e.g., vegetables, whole grains, and processed meat). For most nutrients considered in the GBD, composition is more evenly distributed across the main food categories; however, seafood omega-3 fats were predominantly from either protein foods or mixed dishes and sugar sweetened beverages were from a single category. Dietary intakes in the U.S. fall short of recommendations for all food groups/nutrients with established theoretical minimum-risk targets in GBD. To our knowledge, this is the first approach that aligns WWEIA intake variables with those used in the health burden-based GBD reports. These methods will facilitate researchers to begin comparing data from the U.S. with that from other countries, as well as assess food sustainability performances by concomitantly evaluating DALYs for environmental and nutritional impacts.
Expression of TLE1 in Malignant Melanoma With Spindle Cell Morphology: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

Objectives. Transducer-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) immunohistochemistry is widely used as a biomarker of synovial sarcoma. Spindle cell or desmoplastic melanoma can morphologically mimic synovial sarcoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TLE1 in melanomas with a spindle cell morphology. Methods. A search of the surgical pathology files resulted in 57 cases of melanomas diagnosed with a spindle cell or desmoplastic component. After review, 8 cases had no definitive dermal spindle cell component and 7 cases had insufficient tissue remaining and were excluded from the study. A total of 42 melanomas were examined for TLE1 immunohistochemistry using a mouse monoclonal antibody (Cell Marque, clone 1F5). Strength and percentage of nuclear TLE1 positivity was graded on a scale from 0 to 3+. Staining for TLE1 was considered positive for 2 to 3+ and negative for 0 to 1+. Results. Nuclear TLE1 expression was identified in 24 (57%) of the 42 melanoma cases with spindle cell morphology (2+, n = 14; 3+, n = 10). TLE1 was considered negative in 18 cases (43%), of which most contained weak staining (1+, n = 14 [33%]) and only a small subset did not show any staining (0, n = 4 [10%]). Conclusion. TLE1 frequently highlights melanomas with spindle cell morphology and is a potential diagnostic pitfall. Therefore, when evaluating spindle cell tumors in which the differential may include both a melanoma and synovial sarcoma, TLE1 expression should be interpreted with caution and in conjunction with an immunohistochemical panel.
[ROBIS: a new tool to assess risk of bias in systematic reviews was developed.]

OBJECTIVE To develop ROBIS, a new tool for assessing the risk of bias in systematic reviews (rather than in primary studies). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We used four-stage approach to develop ROBIS: define the scope, review the evidence base, hold a face-to-face meeting, and refine the tool through piloting. RESULTS ROBIS is currently aimed at four broad categories of reviews mainly within health care settings: interventions, diagnosis, prognosis, and etiology. The target audience of ROBIS is primarily guideline developers, authors of overviews of systematic reviews ("reviews of reviews"), and review authors who might want to assess or avoid risk of bias in their reviews. The tool is completed in three phases: 1) assess relevance (optional), 2) identify concerns with the review process, and 3) judge risk of bias. Phase 2 covers four domains through which bias may be introduced into a systematic review: 1) study eligibility criteria; 2) identification and selection of studies; 3) data collection and study appraisal; and 4) synthesis and findings. Phase 3 assesses the overall risk of bias in the interpretation of review findings and whether this considered limitations identified in any of the phase 2 domains. Signaling questions are included to help judge concerns with the review process (phase 2) and the overall risk of bias in the review (phase 3); these questions flag aspects of review design related to the potential for bias and aim to help assessors judge risk of bias in the review process, results, and conclusions. CONCLUSIONS ROBIS is the first rigorously developed tool designed specifically to assess the risk of bias in systematic reviews.
Climate Change and Sea Ice: Local Observations from the Canadian Western Arctic

Can local observations and indigenous knowledge be used to provide information that complements research on climate change? Using participatory research methodology and semi-directed interviews, we explored local and traditional knowledge about changes in sea ice in the area of Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories. In this small Inuvialuit community, we interviewed all of the 16 community members and elders considered to be local experts on sea ice to ask about their observations. We organized their comments under the headings multiyear ice, first-year ice, fractures and pressure ridges, breakup and freeze-up seasons, and other climate-related variables that influence sea ice (such as changes in winter, spring and summer temperatures, wind, rain, and thunderstorms). Observations were remarkably consistent in providing evidence of local change in such variables as multiyear ice distribution, first-year ice thickness, and ice breakup dates. The changes observed in the 1990s were said to be without precedent and outside the normal range of variation. In assessing the relevance of Inuvialuit knowledge to scientific research on climate change, we note some of the areas in which sharing of information between the two systems of knowledge may be mutually beneficial. These include the analysis of options for adapting to climate change and the generation of research questions and hypotheses for future studies.
Alien shades of grey: new occurrences and relevant spread of Sciurus carolinensis in Italy

Abstract The eastern grey squirrel is listed among the worst invasive species throughout the world. This species of American origin is currently replacing the native Eurasian red squirrel in most of the Great Britain, as well as in parts of Ireland and Italy. It may debark trees and exert damages to woodlands and tree plantations. Therefore, its spread may be deleterious for biodiversity and environment, emphasising the need for a rapid detection in new areas of occurrence. In this work, we reported for the first time, the presence of new populations of this invasive species in Tuscany (Central Italy) and some updates and analyses regarding the status of this species in Veneto (North-Eastern Italy). Occurrences were collected through citizen-science contributory approach supported by photos, road-kills, and/or hair-tube sampling. Field investigations ad hoc were carried out in Veneto and Tuscany to confirm the repeated reports in the surroundings of Arezzo and in the province of Siena. Although records can be possibly related to erratic or single individuals escaped from captivity, reproductive nuclei have also been detected in both regions, with the observations of juveniles and/or lactating females. The occurrence of the species in these regions is still scarce and localised, but considering the surrounding favourable wooded habitats, a rapid removal of the animals would be required to prevent their spread.
Forecast Density Combinations of Dynamic Models and Data Driven Portfolio Strategies

A dynamic asset-allocation model is specified in probabilistic terms as a combination of return distributions resulting from multiple pairs of dynamic models and portfolio strategies based on momentum patterns in US industry returns. The nonlinear state space representation of the model allows efficient and robust simulation-based Bayesian inference using a novel non-linear filter. Combination weights can be cross-correlated and correlated over time using feedback mechanisms. Diagnostic analysis gives insight into model and strategy misspecification. Empirical results show that a smaller flexible model-strategy combination performs better in terms of expected return and risk than a larger basic model-strategy combination. Dynamic patterns in combination weights and diagnostic learning provide useful signals for improved modeling and policy, in particular, from a risk-management perspective.
Revision of the Crematogaster brevis complex in Asia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The Crematogaster brevis complex is revised and seven species and one subspecies, including one new species, are recognized.Two species groups are established based on the worker caste. The C. brevis group contains two species: brevis Emery, 1887;and overbecki Viehmeyer, 1916. The C. treubi group contains five species and one subspecies: bouvardi Santschi, 1920. stat. nov.; kojimai sp. nov.; treubi Emery, 1896; treubi apilis Forel, 1913; walshi Forel, 1902; and yappi Forel, 1901. The followingnew synonymies are proposed: C. treubi Emery, 1896 = C. millardi Forel, 1902 = C. treubi vastatrix Forel, 1911. A key to the species based on the worker caste is given. Crematogaster jacobsoni Forel, 1911 is transferred to the subgenus Crematogaster.
The Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture Treatment with Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

Anahtar Kelimeler: Köpek, kraniyal, çapraz, bağ, TPDO Abstract Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is one of the tibial osteotomy techniques for canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinically and radiologically findings of the patients with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated by tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. In our clinical study, treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in 18 dogs with a total of 20 stifles was performed. Cases were diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, technical measurements for the operations are determined and the cases were prepared for the operation during the preoperative period of the clinical and radiological examinations. Following the operation, postoperative clinical and radiological evaluations were performed on the 10th, 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th days. At the end of the study, it was observed that the dogs retained stifle joint motion ability, early healing of the osteotomy side in the postoperative period, all stifle joint functions were retained after a period. It was determined that this method of operation can securely (in regards to joint stabilization) be performed on especially in large breed dogs.
Survey of Intrusion Detection Research

The literature holds a great deal of research in the intrusion detection area. Much of this describes the design and implementation of specific intrusion detection systems. While the main focus has been the study of different detection algorithms and methods, there are a number of other issues that are of equal importance to make these systems function well in practice. I believe that the reason that the commercial market does not use many of the ideas described is that there are still too many unresolved issues. This survey focuses on presenting the different issues that must be addressed to build fully functional and practically usable intrusion detection systems (IDSs). It points out the state of the art in each area and suggests important open research issues.
Global Perspectives of Entrepreneurial Environment

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have been identified as one of the crucial driving force for the economic growth of any country. MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), constitute a major source of employment and generate significant domestic and export earnings in developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. SMEs are alleviating poverty around the world as well as increasing the social and economic participation of women, youth and minorities. The increasing importance of MSME sector has been complemented with higher budget allocations and external aid for the SME sector. The performance of the small business sector is affected by environmental factors. Numerous opportunities and challenges have been opened up for this sector and to understand this it is essential to have an overall knowledge of the environment within which entrepreneur operating their business. The purpose of this study is to determine the critical factors of environment which influence the overall performance of Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This may be conjectured that entry and exit from small & medium industries in any country is determined by the overall environmental mapping which is explicitly reflected through several parameters such as entrepreneurial financing, government support & policies for business incubation, governmental programmes, taxes and bureaucracy, basic-school entrepreneurial education and training, postschool entrepreneurial education and training, research and development transfer, commercial and professional infrastructure, internal market dynamics, internal market openness, physical and services infrastructure and cultural and social norms. In the conclusion this study shows the role of some important parameters in creating favourable environment for small business and this may further be used for indexing the entrepreneurial mapping in global perspective. The research is based on the longitudinal study of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) of 66 countries of the year 2015. The objective of the present research study is to develop a model to examine the nature of relationship between environment and growth rate of new venture as well as the sustenance of Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises.
L-band CYTOP Bragg gratings for ultrasound sensing

Polymer optical fibre (POF) has been receiving increasing attention for sensing applications. The fundamental properties of POF such as PMMA deliver at least an order of magnitude in improvements over silica fibres, though practical difficulties create additional complexity. POF has the potential to deliver lower acoustic impedance, a reduced Young’s Modulus and a higher acoustic sensitivity within the megahertz region. In contrast, existing piezo-electric transducers have an inherent narrow acoustic bandwidth and a proportionality to size that causes difficulties for applications such as endoscopy within the biomedical domain. POF generally suffers high attenuation per kilometre at telecommunications wavelengths, limiting fibre lengths to mere centimetres. However, CYTOP, a graded index perfluorinated polymer, is a commercially certified product allowing the use of telecoms region technology and tens of meters of fibre without exceeding acceptable losses. With an effective refractive index between 1.32 and 1.33, it is fundamentally better placed for applications using water or a similar media for acoustic coupling. We demonstrate ultrasonic detection at 5,10 and 15 MHz using a TFBG within a CYTOP fibre in the telecoms region and the latest knowledge in POF handling and connectorisation. This first step in the use of CYTOP demonstrates the viability of the sensor and paves the way towards further advances towards its eventual application.
Free and immobilized thermophilic alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase for arabinose production

In the present study, the immobilization in calcium alginate beads of the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from the extremophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus expressed in Escherichia coli was described. The biochemical properties and the capability to release L-arabinose from L-arabinose-containing substrates were investigated as well. Since the recombinant activity was localized in the cytosol and in the cell membranes, alginate beads entrapping E. coli whole cells were also prepared. The immobilization was carried out by mixing the enzyme and the cells with 3% (w/v) sodium alginate, and then adding 0.15 mol/L CaCl2. The immobilization yield was high, with 100% and 98% of recovery for the enzyme and the cells, respectively. The optimal pH was shifted to a lower value and the thermophilicity was increased, reaching 85°C for the enzyme and 95°C for the cells. The immobilized preparations showed enhanced thermal stability with half-lives of 16 h and 20 h at 90°C for the enzyme and the cells, respectively. The efficiency of the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase in producing L-arabinose was tested by using L-arabinose-containing substrates. The enzyme was not active toward polymeric substrates such as arabinan and debranched arabinan, whereas 1,5-alpha-L-arabinooligosaccharides were hydrolysed giving 68% of L-arabinose after 24 h of incubation at 80°C with the immobilized enzyme.
Endothelin 1, NF-κB, and ADAM-15 expression in diabetic foot wounds.

OBJECTIVES The diabetic foot is an important and destructive complication of diabetes. This study examined 65 individuals (35 males, 30 females) diagnosed with diabetic foot with open wounds on their feet. METHODS After washing the foot with isotonic solution, the wound was debrided and the excised tissues (diabetic dermis) were fixed with neutral buffered 10 % formalin solution. Specimens stained with haematoxylin-eosin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and ADAM 15 antibodies were used to examine angiogenesis, cytokine activity, and the extracellular matrix, respectively. RESULTS Histopathologically, in the diabetic feet of males, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages were spread diffusely throughout the lesion, with inflammatory cells invading all layers of blood vessels. In the diabetic feet of females, dilation and congestion of the blood vessels, degenerative changes in the subendothelial layer, and perivascular infiltration by lymphocytes were observed. ET-1 was expressed in inflammatory cells around pre-capillary vessels in the stromal area. NF-κB was expressed in macrophages around blood vessels, and in nodular organised cells distributed throughout the perivascular space. ADAM 15 were expressed in fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells. Blood parameters differed significantly between diabetic and non-diabetic patients (Significant at p < 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001)Conclusion: ET-1 expression in the endothelial cells of diabetic foot ulcers is an important determinant of insulin resistance at the onset of disease and induces macrophages to produce NF-κB, which regulates inflammation. It is thought that ADAM 15 contributes to angiogenic effects as a means of stimulating endothelial cells (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 31).