Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frequency Shifts in a Local Oscillator Model for the Generation of Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions by the Lizard Ear

Introduction: In order to understand human hearing, it helps to understand how the ears of lower vertebrates, like, for instance, lizards, function. A key feature in common is that the ears of both humans and lizards emit faint, pure tones known as spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs). More than four decades after their discovery, the mechanism underlying these emissions is still imperfectly understood, although it is known that they are important for improving the sensitivity and sharpness of hearing. In both humans and lizards, the frequencies of SOAEs change by a few percent when static pressure is applied to the tympanic membrane. For the human ear, this observation is normally explained by a so-called global oscillator model (such as with Shera’s coherent reflection model), in which the emissions result from standing waves, and external pressure changes the boundary conditions – the stiffness of the oval and round windows – which then has a global effect on the SOAE frequencies. Methods: Here we investigate how changing parameters of an earlier developed local oscillator model for the lizard ear can change the frequencies of the SOAEs. A major feature of the model is that each oscillator is coupled only to its immediate neighbours. The oscillators then cluster into groups of identical frequency, and each of these so-called frequency plateaus can be taken to represent an SOAE. Results: Even though the natural (unperturbed) frequencies of all the oscillators remain fixed, here we find for several model parameters that by slightly changing their value the frequency plateaus – the SOAEs – shift by a few percent. Plots of how these changes alter SOAE frequencies are given, and their magnitude corresponds well with observations of SOAE changes in lizards. Discussion: Investigation of the influence of the change of parameters in an earlier developed local oscillator model for the lizard ear shows that a local oscillator model can explain small SOAE frequency changes as well as a global oscillator model.
Using native fish in eco-genotoxic assessment of heavy metal contamination pollution arising from nearby large Brazilian rivers

ABSTRACT Worldwide water quality has declined progressively due to continuous pollution of aquatic resources by agrochemicals in particular heavy metals. Fish genotoxicity biomarkers are vital to identify and complement chemical parameters for determining environmental risk of adverse effects. Therefore, it was of interest to examine the eco-genotoxicity attributed to water pollution over different stream sections of Brazilian rivers by using Cichlasoma paranaense (Teleostei: Cichlidae), a neotropical freshwater cichlid ﬁsh, as a biological model. Chemical analysis of water and sediments collected from different Brazilian rivers sites demonstrated contamination by metals. Cichlasoma paranaense were collected at a reference location (a permanent water preservation area), maintained in the lab under standard conditions (controlled temperature, lighting, daily feeding, and constant aeration) and exposed to environmental samples of water and sediments. Subsequently, micronucleus (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) frequencies were assessed in erythrocytes obtained from the caudal and gill regions. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in samples from river sites with forest fragmentation attributed to intensive agriculture practices. Similarly, exposure of fish to samples from agricultural areas induced significantly higher number of genotoxic effects. There was no marked difference between the tissues (tail and gill) regarding the observed frequencies of MN and NA. Thus C. paranaense fish served as a reliable model for detecting genotoxic effects, especially when water samples were collected near the discharge of agrochemicals. Evidence indicates that this method be considered for other global river sites which are also exposed to agrochemicals discharges containing Cu.
Hybrid zone or hybrid lineage: a genomic reevaluation of Sibley's classic species conundrum in Pipilo towhees.

Hybrid zones can be studied by modeling clines of trait variation (e.g., morphology, genetics) over a linear transect. Yet, hybrid zones can also be spatially complex, can shift over time, and can even lead to the formation of hybrid lineages with the right combination of dispersal and vicariance. We reassessed Sibley's (1950) gradient between Collared Towhee (Pipilo ocai) and Spotted Towhee (P. maculatus) in Central Mexico to test whether it conformed to a typical tension-zone cline model. By comparing historical and modern data, we found that cline centers for genetic and phenotypic traits have not shifted over the course of 70 years. This equilibrium suggests that secondary contact between these species, which originally diverged over 2 million years ago, likely dates to the Pleistocene. Given the amount of mtDNA divergence, parental ends of the cline have very low autosomal nuclear differentiation (FST = 0.12). Dramatic and coincident cline shifts in mtDNA and throat color suggest the possibility of sexual selection as a factor in differential introgression, while a contrasting cline shift in green back color hints at a role for natural selection. Supporting the idea of a continuum between clinal variation and hybrid lineage formation, the towhee gradient can be analyzed as one population under isolation-by-distance, as a two-population cline, and as three lineages experiencing divergence with gene flow. In the middle of the gradient, a hybrid lineage has become partly isolated, likely due both to forested habitat shrinking and fragmenting as it moved upslope after the last glacial maximum and a stark environmental transition. The towhee system offers a window into the potential outcomes of hybridization across a dynamic landscape including the creation of novel genomic and phenotypic combinations and incipient hybrid lineages.
Cytospora paraplurivora sp. nov. isolated from orchards with fruit tree decline syndrome in Ontario, Canada

A new species of Cytospora was isolated from cankered wood of Prunus spp. during a survey of orchards exhibiting symptoms of fruit tree decline syndrome in southern Ontario, Canada. We found isolates that are morphologically similar to species in the Cytosporaceae family, which is characterized by single or labyrinthine locules, filamentous conidiophores or clavate to elongate obovoid asci and allantoid, hyaline conidia. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of ITS, LSU, act and tef1- α showed that the isolates form a distinct clade, sister to Cytospora plurivora. Morphologically, our isolates showed differences in the length of conidia and culture characteristics compared to C. plurivora, suggesting the establishment of a new species. The species is described as Cytospora paraplurivora sp. nov. and placed in the family Cytosporaceae of Diaporthales. Additionally, we sequenced, assembled and characterized the genome of the representative isolate for this new species. The phylogenomic analysis confirms the species order and family level classification. C. paraplurivora sp. nov. has the potential to severely affect stone fruits production, causing cankers and dieback in stressed trees, and eventually leads to tree decline. Pathogenicity tests show that the species is pathogenic to Prunus persica var. persica.
Optic neuritis: current challenges in diagnosis and management

Purpose of review The primary aim of this review is to describe the clinical course, salient imaging features, and relevant serological profiles of common optic neuritis (ON) subtypes. Key diagnostic challenges and treatment options will also be discussed. Recent findings ON is a broad term that describes an inflammatory optic nerve injury arising from a variety of potential causes. ON can occur sporadically, however there is particular concern for co-associated central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory syndromes including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorders (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disease (MOGAD). The ON subtypes that often herald MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD differ with respect to serological antibody profile and neuroimaging characteristics, yet there is significant overlap in their clinical presentations. A discerning history and thorough examination are critical to rendering the correct diagnosis. Summary Optic neuritis subtypes vary with respect to their long-term prognosis and accordingly, require different acute treatment strategies. Moreover, delays in identifying MOGAD, and certainly NMOSD, can be highly detrimental because affected individuals are vulnerable to permanent vision loss and neurologic disability from relapses.
Optical waveguide biosensor based on cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer and ring resonator with Vernier effect

Optical waveguide biosensors based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) have been extensively investigated owing to its various advantages and many potential applications. In this article, we demonstrate a novel highly sensitive biosensor based on cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) and ring resonator with the Vernier effect using wavelength interrogation. The experimental results show that the sensitivity reached 1,960 nm/RIU and 19,100 nm/RIU for sensors based on MZI alone and cascaded MZI-ring with Vernier effect, respectively. A biosensing application was also demonstrated by monitoring the interaction between goat and antigoat immunoglobulin G (IgG) pairs. This integrated high sensitivity biosensor has great potential for medical diagnostic applications.
Synthesis, kinetic studies and in-silico investigations of novel quinolinyl-iminothiazolines as alkaline phosphatase inhibitors

Abstract Deposition of hydroxyapatite (HA) or alkaline phosphate crystals on soft tissues causes the pathological calcification diseases comprising of end-stage osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), medial artery calcification and tumour calcification. The pathological calcification is symbolised by increased concentration of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). An efficient therapeutic strategy to eradicate these diseases is required, and for this the alkaline phosphatase inhibitors can play a potential role. In this context a series of novel quinolinyl iminothiazolines was synthesised and evaluated for alkaline phosphatase inhibition potential. All the compounds were subjected to DFT studies where N-benzamide quinolinyl iminothiazoline (6g), N-dichlorobenzamide quinolinyl iminothiazoline (6i) and N-nitrobenzamide quinolinyl iminothiazoline (6j) were found as the most reactive compounds. Then during the in-vitro testing, the compound N-benzamide quinolinyl iminothiazoline (6g) exhibited the maximum alkaline phosphatase inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.337 ± 0.015 µM) as compared to other analogues and standard KH2PO4 (IC50 = 5.245 ± 0.477 µM). The results were supported by the molecular docking studies, molecular dynamics simulations and kinetic analysis which also revealed the inhibitory potential of compound N-benzamide quinolinyl iminothiazoline (6g) against alkaline phosphatase. This compound can be act as lead molecule for the synthesis of more effective inhibitors and can be suggested to test at the molecular level. Graphical abstract
Cyber risk assessment in small and medium‐sized enterprises: A multilevel decision‐making approach for small e‐tailors

The role played by information and communication technologies in today's businesses cannot be underestimated. While such technological advancements provide numerous advantages and opportunities, they are known to thread organizations with new challenges such as cyberattacks. This is particularly important for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that are deemed to be the least mature and highly vulnerable to cybersecurity risks. Thus, this research is set to assess the cyber risks in online retailing SMEs (e‐tailing SMEs). Therefore, this article employs a sample of 124 small e‐tailers in the United Kingdom and takes advantage of a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. Indeed, we identified a total number of 28 identified cyber‐oriented risks in five exhaustive themes of “security,” “dependency,” “employee,” “strategic,” and “legal” risks. Subsequently, an integrated approach using step‐wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and best–worst method (BWM) has been employed to develop a pathway of risk assessment. As such, the current study outlines a novel approach toward cybersecurity risk management for e‐tailing SMEs and discusses its effectiveness and contributions to the cyber risk management literature.
Malnutrition-related parasite dissemination from the skin in visceral leishmaniasis is driven by PGE2-mediated amplification of CCR7-related trafficking of infected inflammatory monocytes

People are infected with Leishmania donovani when the parasite is deposited in the dermis during the blood meal of the sand fly vector. Most infected people develop a subclinical latent infection, but some develop progressive visceral leishmaniasis. Malnutrition is a risk factor for the development of active VL. We previously demonstrated increased parasite dissemination from the skin to visceral organs in a murine model of malnutrition. Here we investigated the mechanism of early parasite dissemination. After delivery of L. donovani to the skin, we found enhanced capture of parasites by inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in the skin of malnourished mice. However, parasite dissemination in malnourished mice was driven primarily by infected inflammatory monocytes, which showed increased CCR7 expression, greater intrinsic migratory capacity, and increased trafficking from skin to spleen. PGE2 production, which was increased at the site of skin infection, increased monocyte CCR7 expression and promoted CCR7-related monocyte-mediated early parasite dissemination in malnourished mice. Parasite dissemination in monocytes was reduced by inhibition of PGE2, knockdown or silencing of CCR7 in monocytes, and depletion of inflammatory monocytes through administration of diphtheria toxin to CSFR1-DTR transgenic mice that have monocyte-specific DT receptor expression. CCR7-driven trafficking of infected inflammatory monocytes through the lymph node was accompanied by increased expression of its ligands CCL19 and CCL21. These results show that the CCR7/PGE2 axis is responsible for the increased trafficking of L. donovani-infected inflammatory monocytes from the skin to the spleen in the malnourished host. Undernutrition and production of PGE2 are potential targets to reduce the risk of people developing VL. Nutritional interventions that target improved immune function and reduced PGE2 synthesis should be studied in people at risk of developing VL.
SCN9A variant in a family of mixed breed dogs with congenital insensitivity to pain

Abstract Background Congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are a rare group of genetic disorders causing inability to feel pain. Three different associated variants have been identified in dogs: 1 in Border Collies, 1 in mixed breed dogs, and 1 in Spaniels and Pointers. Objectives To clinically and genetically characterize CIP in a family of mixed breed dogs. Animals Two mixed breed dogs from the same litter were independently presented: 1 for evaluation of painless fractures, and the other for chronic thermal skin injuries. Methods Physical, neurological, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Whole genome sequencing of 1 affected dog was used to identify homozygous protein‐changing variants that were not present in 926 control genomes from diverse dog breeds. Results Physical and neurological examinations showed the absence of superficial and deep pain perception in the entire body. Histopathological evaluations of the brain, spinal cord and sensory ganglia were normal. Whole genome sequencing identified a homozygous missense variant in SCN9A, XM_038584713. 1:c.2761C>T or XP_038440641. 1:(p.Arg921Cys). Both affected dogs were homozygous for the mutant allele, which was not detected in 926 dogs of different breeds. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We confirmed the diagnosis of CIP in a family of mixed breed dogs and identified a likely pathogenic variant in the SCN9A gene. The clinical signs observed in these dogs mimic those reported in humans with pathogenic SCN9A variants causing CIP. This report is the first of a spontaneous pathogenic SCN9A variant in domestic animals.
The impact of assistive living technology on perceived independence of people with a physical disability in executing daily activities: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE People with physical disabilities often require lifetime support and experience challenges to maintain or (re)define their level of independence. Assistive living technologies (ALT) are promising to increase independent living and execution of activities of daily living (ADL). This paper provides a systematic literature review that aims to analyse the present state of the literature about the impact of ALT on perceived independence of people with a physical disability receiving long-term care. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases Embase, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies from 2010 or later. RESULTS Nine studies were included, of which seven qualitative, one quantitative, and one mixed methods. Quality was generally high. ALT enabled participants to execute ADL. We found six themes for the impact of ALT on perceived independence: feeling enabled, choice and control, feeling secure, time alone, feeling less needy, and participation. CONCLUSIONS ALT appears to impact perceived independence in many ways, exceeding merely the executional aspect of independence. Existing research is limited and quite one-sided. More large-scale studies are needed in order to inform care organisations how to implement ALT, especially considering societal developments and challenges impacting long-term care.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPeople with a physical disability receiving long-term care experience that assistive living technology impacted their independence.Their independence is increased by making them feel enabled, secure, and less needy and increasing their choice and control, time alone, and participation.Most studies focused on the use of environmental control systems by people with spinal cord injury.More research is needed to evaluate long-term effects of diverse assistive living technologies used by people with a physical disability receiving long-term care.
The Frenet–Serret representation of the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation

A proper representation of the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation is important to obtain useful parameters and characteristics of the system and its dynamics and for speeding up the calculations. In this paper, we report the successful use of the Frenet–Serret system of tangent, normal and binormal vectors, allowing one to extract important information about the curvature and torsion of the phase portrait trajectories describing the dynamics of the magnetization vector. For comparison, we also present the spherical representation of the same equation.
A Surgical and Clinical Approach to Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome: Laparoscopic, Histological, and Molecular Findings

Background: Persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is characterized by the persistence of müllerian duct derivatives in otherwise normally virilized 46,XY males. Biallelic mutations of the anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2) genes lead to PMDS type 1 and 2, respectively. Aim: The aims of the study were to report the clinical, hormonal, and genetic findings in a patient with PMDS and discuss surgical strategies to achieve successful orchidopexy. Results: A 4-year-old boy was evaluated after the incidental finding of müllerian derivates during laparoscopy for nonpalpable gonads. Karyotype was 46,XY and laboratory tests revealed normal serum gonadotropin and androgen levels but undetectable serum AMH levels. PMDS was suspected. Molecular analysis revealed a novel variant c. 902_929del in exon 5 and a previously reported mutation (c.367C>T) in exon 1 of the AMH gene. Successful orchidopexy was performed in two sequential surgeries in which the müllerian duct structure was preserved and divided to protect the vascular supply to the gonads. Histological evaluation of the testicular biopsy showed mild signs of dysgenesis. Doppler ultrasound showed blood flow in both testes positioned in the scrotum 1.5 years after surgery. Conclusion: PMDS is a rare entity that requires a high index of suspicion (from surgeons) when evaluating a patient with bilateral cryptorchidism. Surgical treatment is challenging and long-term follow-up is essential. Histological evaluation of the testis deserves further investigation.
Physico‐chemical and optical properties of Sahelian and Saharan mineral dust: in situ measurements during the GERBILS campaign

This paper presents new results on the composition, size and shape of mineral dust particles from African sources which were obtained by analysis of bulk filter samples collected in June 2007 onboard the BAe‐146 research aircraft of the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM). The aircraft was operated over Mauritania, Mali and Niger during the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget Intercomparisons of Longwave and Shortwave radiation (GERBILS) campaign. Dust sampled during the campaign originated from various sources, including locally in the Sahel as a result of large‐scale convective activity.
Shrinkage-induced cuspal deformation and strength of three different short fiber-reinforced composite resins.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to assess the shrinkage-induced cuspal deformation and strength of large MOD restorations using three different short fiber-reinforced composite resins (SFRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven typodont teeth #30 (Columbia) received a standardized slot-type preparation (5-mm by 5-mm depth and bucco-palatal width). Three types of SFRCs (everX Posterior, everX Flow, and a 50/50 mixture of both materials) were used with the Optibond FL bonding system. The intercuspal distance of each specimen (n = 9) was measured after preparation, immediately after restoration and at 3, 18, and 24 h. Each specimen was then subjected to simulated mastication (30° angulation with cyclic loading of buccal cusp at 5 Hz), starting at 100 N with 100 N increase every 100 cycles until fracture. Failure mode was determined as re-restorable versus nonrestorable failures. Cusp deformation data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and the fracture performance by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS Shrinkage-induced cuspal deformation ranged from 27-34 microns (immediately) to 33-43 microns (24 h). The largest deformations were observed for everX Flow and the 50/50 mixture (up to 43 microns at 24 h), which also demonstrated the lowest average strength (1456 to 1511 N). everX Posterior demonstrated the least amount of shrinkage-induced cuspal deformation (27 microns, up 33 microns at 24 h) and the higher average strength (1744 N). everX Flow tended to demonstrate more repairable partial fractures while everX Posterior induced mainly catastrophic failures. CONCLUSIONS Large direct MOD restorations were most favorably restored with everX Posterior (less shrinkage, higher strength) at the expense of failure mode. everX Flow induced more friendly failure modes but more shrinkage-induced cuspal deformation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE When a low-cost restoration must be chosen, EverX Posterior will significantly improve the performance but not the failure mode of directly layered restorations. Because of its increased shrinkage values, everX Flow is best indicated as a limited liner to cover the IDS layer and improve geometry for semi-(in)direct restorations.