Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss In Vivo: Continuous Application of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Its Effect on Inner Ear Synapses, Auditory Function and Perilymph Proteins

As noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a leading cause of occupational diseases, there is an urgent need for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions. To avoid user-compliance-based problems occurring with conventional protection devices, the pharmacological prevention is currently in the focus of hearing research. Noise exposure leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cochlea. This way antioxidant agents are a promising option for pharmacological interventions. Previous animal studies reported preventive as well as therapeutic effects of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the context of NIHL. Unfortunately, in patients the time point of the noise trauma cannot always be predicted, and additive effects may occur. Therefore, continuous prevention seems to be beneficial. The present study aimed to investigate the preventive potential of continuous administration of low concentrations of IGF-1 to the inner ear in an animal model of NIHL. Guinea pigs were unilaterally implanted with an osmotic minipump. One week after surgery they received noise trauma, inducing a temporary threshold shift. Continuous IGF-1 delivery lasted for seven more days. It did not lead to significantly improved hearing thresholds compared to control animals. Quite the contrary, there is a hint for a higher noise susceptibility. Nevertheless, changes in the perilymph proteome indicate a reduced damage and better repair mechanisms through the IGF-1 treatment. Thus, future studies should investigate delivery methods enabling continuous prevention but reducing the risk of an overdosage.
Quisqualis indica extract for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Quisqualis indica in men with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Materials and Methods A total of 135 subjects with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 8–19 were randomized in 2 centers from June 2018 to April 2019. Patients were assigned into one of the three groups: a low-dose group (LG, 1,000 mg Q. indica), a high-dose group (HG, 2,000 mg Q. indica) or a placebo group (PG). The primary endpoint was the change of IPSS at the end of treatment from baseline. Secondary end points included the changes of prostate specific antigen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), with drug safety. Results 113 patients were able to finish the study. Compared to the PG, total IPSS in the LG and the HG was significantly improved at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. For IPSS subscores, LG showed improvements in all except for urgency and quality of life at 6 weeks. HG showed improvements in incomplete emptying and frequency at 6 weeks and 12 weeks along with improvements in intermittency, straining, and quality of life at 12 weeks. For IIEF-5 subscores, orgasmic function and overall satisfaction improved in HG when compared to PG at 12 weeks. Lastly, increase of Qmax and decrease of PVR was observed at 6 weeks in LG. Conclusions 12-week treatment with Q. indica has a therapeutic effect and is well tolerated in patients with LUTS.
POLYMER LIGHT-EMITTING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS WITH FROZEN P-I-N JUNCTION

The p-i-n junction in a polymer light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) is stabilized by cooling the device below the glass transition temperature of the ion-transport polymer. LECs with frozen p-i-n junctions exhibit typical light emitting diode (LED) behavior including diode rectification, unipolar light emission (same polarity as that used for generating the junction), and fast response. The freezeout of ion motion allows polymer LECs to be driven at bias voltages well beyond the electrochemical stability window, and thereby extends the potential applications of polymer LECs to high pixel density, column-row addressable displays.
Optimal Route Network Design for Transit Systems Using Genetic Algorithms

The paper proposes a technique for the development of "optimal" transit route networks (for example, a bus route network) given the information on link travel times and transit demand. The proposed method, unlike previous techniques, primarily uses optimization tools for the development of the transit route network--the reliance on heuristics is minimal. In the proposed method, genetic algorithms, an evolutionary optimization technique, is used to develop the "optimal" set of routes. Results show that the proposed procedure performs better than the existing techniques.
In Vitro and In Situ Characterization of Psychrotrophic Spoilage Bacteria Recovered from Chilled Chicken

Spoilage bacteria play a remarkable role in the spoilage of chilled chicken. In this paper, a total of 42 isolates belonging to 16 species of four genera were isolated from chilled chicken and displayed different characterizations of psychrotrophic spoilage. Six isolates of J7, J8, Q20, Q23, R1, and R9 with differences in proteolytic capabilities were further characterized for in situ spoilage potential evaluation. Pseudomonas lundensis J8 exhibited the strongest spoilage potential in situ, displaying a fast growth rate, increased pH velocity, high total volatile basic nitrogen, and high peptide content in the chicken samples. The volatile flavor analysis of chicken samples via electronic nose indicated that the content of characteristic odors representing spoilage, including sulfides, organic sulfide, and hydride, increased during storage. Additionally, the principle component and correlation analyses revealed that the spoilage odors produced by different species of bacteria were significantly different and positively correlated with the results of protease activity in vitro. The characteristics of spoilage bacteria in chilled chicken provided a comprehensive insight into microbial assessment during storage.
Evidence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bats and Its Planetary Health Impact for Surveillance of Zoonotic Spillover Events: A Scoping Review

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other outbreaks, such as SARS and Ebola, bats are recognized as a critical species for mediating zoonotic infectious disease spillover events. While there is a growing concern of increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally during this pandemic, knowledge of AMR circulating between bats and humans is limited. In this paper, we have reviewed the evidence of AMR in bats and discussed the planetary health aspect of AMR to elucidate how this is associated with the emergence, spread, and persistence of AMR at the human–animal interface. The presence of clinically significant resistant bacteria in bats and wildlife has important implications for zoonotic pandemic surveillance, disease transmission, and treatment modalities. We searched MEDLINE through PubMed and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant studies (n = 38) that provided data on resistant bacteria in bats prior to 30 September 2022. There is substantial variability in the results from studies measuring the prevalence of AMR based on geographic location, bat types, and time. We found all major groups of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in bats, which are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The most alarming issue is that recent studies have increasingly identified clinically significant multi-drug resistant bacteria such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ESBL producing, and Colistin resistant Enterobacterales in samples from bats. This evidence of superbugs abundant in both humans and wild mammals, such as bats, could facilitate a greater understanding of which specific pathways of exposure should be targeted. We believe that these data will also facilitate future pandemic preparedness as well as global AMR containment during pandemic events and beyond.
Wearing Is Caring: An Investigation of the Adoption of Black Lives Matter Apparel and Accessories by Non-Blacks

Social movements that involve a variety of individuals from various backgrounds, such as Black Lives Matter, have made social justice (SJ) a prominent factor when purchasing. Although clothing is an influential communication tool and identity construction mechanism, very little research has explored the relationship between dress and SJ activism. Using Identity theory, this study proposed a model of non-Blacks’ adoption of BLM apparel/accessories which included repurchase intention and need for uniqueness as a moderating factor. The model was verified using structural equation modeling for the data obtained from a sample of 405 non-Black participants who purchased BLM apparel/accessories in the past 12 months. The results show a positive relationship exists between SJ commitment and SJ social identity salience and identity salience positively influences SJ behavior. The study also validated that SJ behavior positively influences repurchase intention. The findings improve our understanding of the motivations of non-Black BLM supporters.
Maximum lingual pressure impacts both swallowing safety and efficiency in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Although reduced lingual strength is a confirmed early manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), its functional impact on swallowing remains unclear. We therefore sought to examine relationships between maximum anterior isometric lingual pressure (MAIP) with swallowing safety, swallowing efficiency, and swallowing timing metrics in a large cohort of individuals with ALS.
A Comparison of Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Employee Attrition

Employee attrition is a major problem that causes many companies to incur in significant costs to find and hire new personnel. The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to predict the likelihood of resignation of an employee, and the quitting causes, can provide HR departments with a valuable decision support system and, as a result, prevent a large waste of time and resources. In this paper, we propose a preliminary exploratory analysis of the application of machine learning methodologies for employee attrition prediction. We compared several classification models with the goal of finding the one that not only performs best, but is also well interpretable, in order to provide companies with the possibility of improving those aspects that have been shown to produce the quitting of their employees. Among the proposed methods, Logistic Regression performs the best, with an accuracy of 88% and an AUC-ROC of 85%.
Procedural Tools and Technics for Transcatheter Paravalvular Leak Closure: Lessons from a Decade of Experience

Prosthetic paravalvular leaks (PVLs) are associated with congestive heart failure and hemolysis. Surgical PVL closure carries high risks. Transcatheter implantation of occluding devices in PVL is a lower risk but challenging procedure. Of the available devices, only two have been specifically approved in Europe for transcatheter PVL closure (tPVLc): the Occlutech® Paravalvular Leak Device (PLD) and Amplatzer™ ParaValvular Plug 3 (AVP 3). Here, we review the various tools and devices used for tPVLc, based on three observational registries including 748 tPVLc procedures performed in 2005–2021 at 33 centres in 11 countries. In this case, 12 registry investigators with over 20 tPVLc procedures each described their practical tips and tricks regarding imaging, approaches, delivery systems, and devices. They considered three-dimensional echocardiography to be the cornerstone of PVL assessment and procedure guidance. Anterograde trans-septal mitral valve and retrograde aortic approaches were used in most centres, although some investigators preferred the transapical approach. Hydrophilic-coated low-profile sheaths were used most often for device deployment. The AVP 3 and PLD devices were chosen for 89.0% of procedures. Further advances in design and materials are awaited. These complex procedures require considerable expertise, and experience accumulated over a decade has no doubt contributed to improve practices.
A model for the simulation of nonequilibrium line transfer in laboratory plasmas

A numerical model for the simulation of emission spectra of laboratory plasmas is presented. A special attention has been focused on the coupling between the line transfer and the ionic populations. This coupling is carried out by an iterative procedure, where, given the temperature, density, and velocity profiles of a plasma, the populations are obtained by linearization while the line transfer is computed within the core saturation approximation and with complete frequency redistribution. This procedure has been developed along with a collisional‐radiative model for K‐shell spectroscopy. As an application, the emission of a laser‐created aluminum plasma was calculated, and the spectra of radiation emerging from different emission zones were accordingly computed. It is found that an accurate evaluation of line intensities involves a computation of line transfer, taking into account the macroscopic Doppler shift.
The Role of LINC01564, RAMS11, CBX4 and TOP2A in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common histologic type of primary liver cancers worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major risk factor for chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and HCC. To understand the molecular pathogenesis of HCC in chronic HCV infection, many molecular markers are extensively studied, including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA). Objective: To evaluate the expression levels of lncRNAs (LINC01564, RAMS11), CBX4, and TOP2A in patients with chronic HCV infection and patients with HCC on top of chronic HCV infection and correlate these levels with the clinicopathological features of HCC. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty subjects were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups: group I included 50 patients with HCC on top of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), group II included 50 patients with CHC only, and group III included 50 healthy individuals as a control group. LncRNAs relative expression level was determined by RT-PCR. Results: lncRNA (LINC01564, RAMS11), CBX4, and TOP2A relative expression levels were upregulated in both patient groups compared to controls (p < 0.001*), with the highest levels in the HCC group compared with the CHC group. Additionally, these levels were significantly positively correlated with the clinicopathological features of HCC. Conclusions: The lncRNA (LINC01564, RAMS11), CBX4, and TOP2A relative expression levels were upregulated in CHC patients—in particular, patients with HCC. Thus, these circulatory lncRNAs may be able to serve as promising noninvasive diagnostic markers for HCC associated with viral C hepatitis.
Trans-differentiation of trophoblast stem cells: implications in placental biology

Formation of trophendothelial cells is associated with trophoblast differentiation and is regulated by HES1. Trophoblast differentiation–induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity, aiding trophoblast vasculogenic mimicry. Trophoblast invasion is a hallmark of hemochorial placentation. Invasive trophoblast cells replace the endothelial cells of uterine spiral arteries. The mechanism by which the invasive trophoblast cells acquire this phenotype is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, during differentiation, a small population of trophoblast stem (TS) cells trans-differentiate into a hybrid cell type expressing markers of both trophoblast (TC) and endothelial (EC) cells. In addition, a compendium of EC-specific genes was found to be associated with TS cell differentiation. Using functional annotation, these genes were categorized into angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, and apoptosis-related genes. HES1 repressed transcription of EC genes in TS cells. Interestingly, differentiated TCs secrete TRAIL, but its receptor DR4 is expressed only in ECs and not in TCs. TRAIL induced apoptosis in EC but not in TC. Co-culture of ECs with TC induced apoptosis in ECs via extrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results highlight that (a) TS cells possess the potential to trans-differentiate into “trophendothelial” phenotype, regulated by HES1 and (b) trophoblast differentiation-induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity. Graphical Abstract
A just-in-time learning-based compensation prediction method for hull plate welding

ABSTRACT The accuracy of plate welding substantially impacts the quality of the final hull and the hull construction efficiency. To control the accuracy of plate welding, one effective method is to estimate the extent of plate welding compensation for planning a reasonable accuracy management plan. This paper proposes a method that utilizes a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and just-in-time learning (JITL) for this purpose. To develop the method, the raw data collected by the shipyard were used to perform accuracy judgment and missing value processing. Then, correlation analysis of various parameters and feature extraction methods were implemented to extract features that can be used to predict the compensation of plate welding. The plate welding process can be divided into different stages by using GMM to cluster the different data distributions. To track the welding process, the local models should be established based on the JITL principle. By comparing the performance of different models, the support vector regression model optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm was applied as the local model of the JITL model. The results demonstrated that the proposed model yields excellent compensation prediction performance.
Self-similar recoil of inviscid drops

After capillary pinchoff of a fluid thread or drop, the newly created drop tips recoil due to the large local curvature. Similarity solutions for the postpinchoff recoil of an axisymmetric inviscid fluid of density ρ1 and surface tension γ immersed in a surrounding fluid of density ρ2 are obtained over a range of the density ratio D=ρ2/ρ1. The far-field shape of the two new drops and the far-field dipole potentials are prescribed from known prepinching solutions [D. Leppinen and J. R. Lister, Phys. Fluids 15, 568 (2003)] and the positions and self-similar shape of the two recoiling tips are calculated. The momentum of the prepinching flow makes a significant difference to the recoiling shapes. Capillary waves are observed, in agreement with previous two-dimensional studies and analytical calculations, and the wave frequency is found to increase with D. The recoil of a single axisymmetric drop (with a conical far-field shape) under surface tension is also studied as a function of D and the far-field cone a.
The effects of typical grass cover combined with biocrusts on slope hydrology and soil erosion during rainstorms on the Loess Plateau of China: An experimental study

Biological soil crust (BSC), as a groundcover, is widely intergrown with grass. The effects of grass combined with BSCs on slope hydrology and soil erosion during rainfall are still unclear. In this study, simulated rainfall experiments were applied to a soil flume with four different slope cover treatments, namely, bare soil (CK), grass cover (GC), BSC, and GC + BSC, to observe the processes of runoff and sediment yield. Additionally, the soil moisture at different depths during infiltration was observed. The results showed that the runoff generated by rainfall for all treatments was in the following order: BSC > GC + BSC > CK > GC. Compared with CK, GC promoted infiltration, and BSC inhibited infiltration. The BSCs obviously inhibited infiltration at a depth of 8 cm. When the rainfall continued to infiltrate down to 16 and 24 cm, the effects of grass on promoting infiltration were stronger than those of BSCs on inhibiting infiltration. Compared with CK, the flow velocity of the BSC, GC and GC + BSC treatments was reduced by 62.8%, 32.3% and 68.3%, respectively. The BSCs and grass increased the critical shear stress by increasing the resistance. Additionally, the average sediment yield of GC and both treatments with BSCs was reduced by 80.8% and >99%, respectively, compared with CK. The soil erosion process was dominated by the soil detachment capacity in the CK, BSC and GC + BSC treatments, while the GC treatment showed a transport‐limited process. This study provides a scientific basis for the reasonable spatial allocation of vegetation in arid and semiarid areas and the correction of vegetation cover factors in soil erosion prediction models.
Pacejka-Like Curve-Based Speed Reference Generators for Electric Vehicles Powered by in-Wheel Motors

Recently, motor speed reference generators have been designed for the cruise control of electric vehicles with either centralized electric motors (straight manoeuvres) or in-wheel motors (bend manoeuvres with sufficiently small constant steering angles). Steady-state operation at a safe (though conservative) tire longitudinal slip can be achieved, with no a priori knowledge regarding the occurrence of a specific external condition. Here, an innovative solution is presented. It is based on an ingenious use of Pacejka-like curves – representing the torque current-slip characteristics of the vehicle – to design a new contraction-mapping-based automatic tuning procedure for the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle. Such an innovative procedure overcomes the highly conservative nature of the previous approach in terms of unduly small longitudinal velocities (and yaw rates) under relatively favourable external conditions while guaranteeing a safe operating condition close to the maximum of the torque-slip characteristics with no knowledge of the tire-road adhesion coefficient. Comparative CarSim simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, in the presence of uncertain parameters and complex vehicle dynamics that are neglected at the control design stage.
Internal Dynamics Stability of a Heat Conduction System Reduced via Orthogonal Collocation

This paper deals with the crucial problem of choice of the collocation points in the reduction of a one-dimensional heat transfer problem into an ordinary differential equation system. It is shown that, for its parabolic differential equation, the use of such an approach can either lead to systems with or without a NMP behaviour, which is not characteristic of the original behaviour of the initial system. A simple rule of choice, restrained to this class of systems, is given to avoid this phenomenon.