Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH ON SPOKEN LANGUAGE PROCESSING Progress Report No . 25 ( 2001-2002 ) Indiana University Speech Intelligibility of Children with Cochlear Implants and Children with Normal Hearing : A Preliminary Report

The objectives of the study reported here were (a) to assess the convergent validity of the Beginners’ Intelligibility Test with respect to other measures of speech intelligibility in children, (b) to assess the development of speech intelligibility in children with normal hearing between the ages of 2 and 6 years, and (c) to compare the development of speech intelligibility in children with normal hearing and children with cochlear implants. The Beginners’ Intelligibility Test, a sentence-repetition task, was administered to 50 children with normal hearing and 34 age-matched children who used cochlear implants. Responses were audiotape-recorded and presented to naïve adult listeners for transcription. Percent correct scores were compared for the effects of chronological age and hearing status. Consistent with previous studies of intelligibility, children with normal hearing achieved adult-like or near-adult-like speech intelligibility by around 4 years of age or shortly thereafter. Children with cochlear implants were considerably less intelligible than their chronological-age peers with normal hearing at all ages, although the intelligibility of children with cochlear implants did increase with chronological age through the latest age examined. Results from this study have important implications for the socialization and education of children with cochlear implants, particularly with respect to on-time placement in mainstream educational environments with same-age peers.
Epidermal growth factor receptor kinase translocation and activation in vivo.

The rat liver epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor was assessed for EGF-dependent autophosphorylation as well as phosphorylation of a defined exogenous substrate in purified plasmalemma and Golgiendosome fractions isolated from rat liver homogenates. While EGF-dependent kinase activity was readily detected in plasmalemma the corresponding activity in Golgi-endosome fractions required detergent. Consequent to the systemic injection of EGF in vivo, the majority (approximately 60%) of receptor as evaluated by 125I-EGF binding was rapidly lost (T 1/2 approximately 8 min) from the plasmalemma and correspondingly accumulated in the Golgi-endosome fraction in a dose-dependent manner. Electron microscope radioautography of 125I-EGF uptake into Golgi-endosome fractions identified internalization into lipoprotein-filled vesicles of heterogenous size and shape but not into stacked saccules of the Golgi apparatus. Evaluation of receptor kinase activity in plasmalemma fractions isolated at various times after EGF injection in vivo showed more rapid loss of EGF-dependent autophosphorylation activity (T 1/2 approximately 10 s) than of receptor content (T 1/2 approximately 8 min). In contrast to the EGF receptor kinase of the plasmalemma fraction, kinase activity accumulating in endosomes was activated, i.e. maximally stimulated, in the absence of EGF or Triton X-100 in vitro. Furthermore, following the peak time of accumulation of EGF receptor kinase in endosomes (5-15 min) EGF-dependent autophosphorylation activity and EGF receptor content were lost more slowly (T 1/2 approximately 27 and 87 min for the loss of autophosphorylation activity and receptor content, respectively). The rapidity of translocation of activated EGF receptor into endosomes (30 s) and the dose response to low levels (1 microgram) of EGF injected are consistent with a physiological role for internalized EGF receptor kinase activity.
Does roflumilast decrease exacerbations in severe COPD patients not controlled by inhaled combination therapy? the REACT study protocol

Background Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to suffer exacerbations, even when treated with maximum recommended therapy (eg, inhaled combinations of long-acting β2-agonist and high dose inhaled corticosteroids, with or without a long-acting anticholinergic [long-acting muscarinic antagonist]). Roflumilast is approved to treat severe COPD in patients with chronic bronchitis – and a history of frequent exacerbations – as an add-on to bronchodilators. Purpose The REACT (Roflumilast in the Prevention of COPD Exacerbations While Taking Appropriate Combination Treatment) study (identification number RO-2455-404-RD, clinicaltrials. gov identifier NCT01329029) will investigate whether roflumilast further reduces exacerbations when added to inhaled combination therapy in patients still suffering from frequent exacerbations. Patients and methods REACT is a 1-year randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase III/IV study of roflumilast 500 μg once daily or placebo on top of a fixed long-acting β2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroid combination. A concomitant long-acting muscarinic antagonist will be allowed at stable doses. The primary outcome is the rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations. Using a Poisson regression model with a two-sided significance level of 5%, a sample size of 967 patients per treatment group is needed for 90% power. COPD patients with severe to very severe airflow limitation, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and at least two exacerbations in the previous year will be recruited. Conclusion It is hypothesized that because roflumilast (a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor) has a different mode of action to bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, it may provide additional benefits when added to these treatments in frequent exacerbators. REACT will be important to determine the role of roflumilast in COPD management. Here, the design and rationale for this important study is described.
Brain white matter hyperintensities are associated with carotid intraplaque hemorrhage.

PURPOSE To retrospectively assess the relationship between carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), which indicates plaque instability, and brain white matter hyperintense lesions (WMHLs) by using a within-patient design. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients gave written informed consent for the initial magnetic resonance (MR) studies, and the institutional review board and local research ethics committee waived initial informed consent for the pooled analysis. A total of 190 patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease underwent fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery imaging of the brain and fat-suppressed black-blood T1-weighted MR imaging of the carotid arteries. The volumes of periventricular lesions, subcortical lesions, and total WMHLs were calculated and compared between hemispheres in relation to symptoms and IPH, and their interaction was calculated and compared by using repeated measures three-factorial multivariate analysis. RESULTS After exclusion of 12 patients, 178 patients (116 men, 62 women; mean age, 70.2 years +/- 8.6 [standard deviation]) remained. There was no significant difference in WMHL volume between the symptomatic and asymptomatic hemispheres, and WMHL volume was not related to the degree of carotid stenosis. The presence of carotid IPH significantly interacted with the interhemispheric WMHL difference (Wilks lambda test, F = 9.95; df = 3; P < .001). Univariate analysis showed larger total and periventricular WMHL volumes (P < .05) in patients with ipsilateral IPH. CONCLUSION Carotid artery disease and leukoaraiosis were associated with features that indicated plaque instability, namely IPH, whereas the degree of stenosis had no effect.
RELIABILITY OF AN INDEX OF CHILD CHARACTERISTICS

The ABlLlTlES index provides a means to describe nine areas of functional abilities and disabilities. In this study, the authors examined the agreement between ratings made by 130 parents and teachers, 130 parents and specialists, and 125 teachers and specialists. Stability of ratings was assessed by asking 40 teachers to complete the index a second time, an average of 34 days after the first rating. The results suggest that raters who vary considerably in expertise, discipline and relationship to the child generally agree as to the child's presenting characteristics.
Tropical impact on the East Asian winter monsoon

The tropical impact on the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) is examined in an ensemble of atmospheric general circulation model runs that use relaxation towards the ERA‐40 reanalysis in the tropics for winters between 1960/61 and 2001/02 and performed with a recent version of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts model. 25% of the interannual variance of the EAWM can be reproduced in the ensemble mean by the model experiments with relaxation, even though the influence from ENSO appears to be weak. The implication is that there is the possibility of enhanced predictability for the EAWM resulting from improved forecast skill in the tropics as a whole. Prescribing observed sea surface temperature and sea ice without using relaxation cannot reproduce the interannual variability of the EAWM in our experiments, questioning the usefulness of uncoupled atmosphere models in this region, consistent with previous studies.
A novel inflammation‐related mouse colon carcinogenesis model induced by azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate

To develop an efficient animal model for colitis‐related carcinogenesis, male Crj: CD‐1 (ICR) mice were given a single intraperitoneal administration (10 mg/kg body weight) of a genotoxic colonic carcinogen, azoxymethane (AOM), and a 1‐week oral exposure (2% in drinking water) to a non‐genotoxic carcinogen, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), under various protocols. At week 20, colonic neoplasms (adenocarcinomas, 100% incidence with 5.60±2.42 multiplicity; and adenomas, 38% incidence with 0.20±0.40 multiplicity) with dysplastic lesions developed in mice treated with AOM followed by DSS. Protocols in which AOM was given during or after DSS administration induced a few tubular adenomas or no tumors in the colon. Immunohistochemical investigation of such dysplasias and neoplasms revealed that all lesions were positive for β‐catenin, cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, but did not show p53 immunoreactivity. The results indicate that 1‐week administration of 2% DSS after initiation with a low dose of AOM exerts a powerful tumor‐promoting activity in colon carcinogenesis in male ICR mice, and may provide a novel mouse model for investigating colitis‐related colon carcinogenesis and for identifying xenobiotics with modifying effects.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Sapovirus Detected in South Korea

Sapovirus (SaV), a virus residing in the intestines, is one of the important causes of gastroenteritis in human beings. Human SaV genomes are classified into various genogroups and genotypes. Whole-genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis of ROK62, the SaV isolated in South Korea, were carried out. The ROK62 genome of 7429 nucleotides contains 3 open-reading frames (ORF). The genotype of ROK62 is SaV GI-1, and 94% of its nucleotide sequence is identical with other SaVs, namely Manchester and Mc114. Recently, SaV infection has been on the rise throughout the world, particularly in countries neighboring South Korea; however, very few academic studies have been done nationally. As the first whole-genome sequence analysis of SaV in South Korea, this research will help provide reference for the detection of recombination, tracking of epidemic spread, and development of diagnosis methods for SaV.
In-Patient Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Controlled Nonrandomized Comparison of Conventional Medicine versus Integrative Medicine including Fasting Therapy

Fibromyalgia poses a challenge for therapy. Recent guidelines suggest that fibromyalgia should be treated within a multidisciplinary therapy approach. No data are available that evaluated multimodal treatment strategies of Integrative Medicine (IM). We conducted a controlled, nonrandomized pilot study that compared two inpatient treatment strategies, an IM approach that included fasting therapy and a conventional rheumatology (CM) approach. IM used fasting cure and Mind-Body-Medicine as specific methods. Of 48 included consecutive patients, 28 were treated with IM, 20 with CM. Primary outcome was change in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score after the 2-week hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included scores of pain, depression, anxiety, and well being. Assessments were repeated after 12 weeks. At 2 weeks, there were significant improvements in the FIQ (P < 0.014) and for most of secondary outcomes for the IM group compared to the CM group. The beneficial effects for the IM approach were reduced after 12 weeks and no longer statistically significant with the exception of anxiety. Findings indicate that a multimodal IM treatment with fasting therapy might be superior to CM in the short term and not inferior in the mid term. Longer-term studies are warranted to assess the clinical impact of integrative multimodal treatment in fibromyalgia.
La enseñanza del léxico del español como lengua extranjera. Resultados de una encuesta sobre la metodología aplicada en el aula

Este articulo evalua la metodologia aplicada en el aula relacionada con la ensenanza del lexico espanol como lengua extranjera. El estudio se llevo a cabo mediante encuestas realizadas a personal docente de varias universidades y centros privados espanoles. El analisis de los resultados nos indica que solo un tercio del profesorado aplica principios metodologicos solidos y experimentados. Finalmente, se propone que la tarea de la ensenanza y el aprendizaje del lexico sea afrontada de un modo sistematico y planificado.
Histochemical differentiation of four species of the genus Trichinella from days 10-40 of their development in muscles of experimentally infected mice.

Differences in an infection of the muscle caused by larval T. pseudospiralis (from days 10-40 p.i.) and that caused by capsule-forming Trichinella larvae were disclosed with histochemical techniques. These were: An intense reaction of the modified sarcoplasm for neutral mucosubstances, and intense staining of spherical centres of re-differentiation in the sarcoplasm for tyrosine, activity of the acid phosphatase, a negative reaction for SS groups of proteins at the site of location of the parasite owing to the absence of a collagen-like substance deposited by capsule-forming Trichinella species. Alkaline phosphatase activity weak in a sarcoplasm infected with larval T. pseudospiralis, but intense in capsule-forming species suggesting a different, larval metabolism. The capsule of T. nativa which is produced later than that of T. spiralis and T.nelsoni, differs from these also histochemically in that it contains neutral polysaccharides on the surface of the outer capsule layer which stains for non-sulphonated, acid mucosubstances (hyaluronic acid). Inspection with the electron microscope disclosed a vacuolate substance containing glycoprotein, phospholipids, and displaying acid phosphatase activity. The substance was present in the vicinity of larvae of T. nativa occupying the space between the cuticle and the sarcoplasm. A slight, morphological difference between T. nelsoni and T. spiralis was observed in the more elongate shape of the capsule at days 30 and 40 p.o. Histochemical differences were in an oxidative reaction with aldehyde fuchsin (PAA AF, KMnO4 A F) showing an increased hypertrophy of the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibres infected with T. nelsoni.
Adolescent inattention/overactivity/impulsivity as an outcome of early institutional deprivation : the role of genetic factors

This longitudinal study examined the association between early institutional deprivation and inattention/overactivity/impulsivity (IOI) in a sample of institutionreared children adopted from severely depriving conditions in Romania before the age of 43 months. The total sample comprised 144 institution-reared and 21 noninstitution-reared Romanian adoptees, and a comparison group of 52 nondeprived, U.K. born children, adopted between the ages of 0 and 6 months. Their development was assessed at ages 6, 11 and 15 years, with particular attention given to their outcome in mid-adolescence. The current study tested the hypothesis that the risk for IOI following early deprivation is moderated by individual genetic make-up, using a subsample of 129 children. Candidate genes were selected using two strategies (Moffitt et al., 2005): i) a phenotype-based strategy that employed genes implicated in the aetiology of ADHD (dopamine transporter and receptor genes); ii) a process-based strategy that used polymorphisms with functional significance in terms of individual’s responsivity to early deprivation (glucocorticoid receptor gene). The introductory section of the current thesis is organised into three sections: i) an overview of ERA study and the association between adversity and IOI; ii) a review of literature on the broader phenotype of ADHD; iii) a discussion of the role that genetic factors may play in the putative causal pathways to IOI and ADHD. The following section outlines the study sample, methods and instruments. The subsequent empirical section is divided into three chapters: the first presents the results on the persistence and presentation of IOI; the second and third chapters present the analysis of the role of genetic factors in the risk for IOI following early deprivation. There were three main study findings: First, institutional deprivation lasting around 6 months or more was associated with an increased risk for IOI impairment from childhood into midadolescence. Second, the phenotypic presentation of IOI shared several features in common with nondeprivation-related ADHD. Despite showing persistence and pervasiveness across settings, the effects of early deprivation were not deterministic, suggesting other risk factors may be moderating the association. The third main finding suggested that the adverse effects of institutional deprivation on IOI were moderated by specific polymorphisms within the dopamine transporter gene. The effects were seen over time and across measures of IOI. The results are then brought together in the final discussion chapter. When the GxE interaction findings are integrated with the observation of persistence of IOI impairment and the commonalities in phenotypic presentation with nondeprivation-related ADHD, the results provide support for the hypothesised gene-environment interaction model, whereby ADHD susceptibility genes moderate the risk for of IOI from prolonged institutional deprivation.
Carbon dioxide responsiveness in COPD patients with and without chronic hypercapnia.

To ascertain whether and to what extent the reduced ventilatory response to a hypercapnic stimulus in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients depends on a blunted chemoresponsiveness of central origin or to mechanical impairment, we studied two groups of COPD patients without (group A) and with (group B) chronic hypercapnia, but with similar degrees of airway obstruction and hyperinflation. The study was performed on 17 patients (9 normocapnic and 8 hypercapnic). Six age-matched normal subjects (group C) were also studied as a control. During a CO2 rebreathing test, ventilation (VE), mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1), and the electromyographic activity of diaphragm (Edi) were recorded and then plotted against end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (PCO2). Inspiratory muscle strength was significantly lower in the hypercapnic group (group B) compared to normocapnic group (A), and in these groups compared to the control group (C). Both patient groups exhibited significantly lower delta VE/delta PCO2 than the control group. In hypercapnics, delta P0.1/delta PCO2 was significantly lower than in normocapnics and control group, whilst mouth occlusion pressure as % of maximal inspiratory pressure delta P0.1 (% MIP)/delta PCO2 did not differ significantly among the three groups. delta Edi/delta PCO2 increased from C to A. At a PCO2 of 8.65 kPa, VE was similar in the normocapnic and control group, but lower in hypercapnics; Edi was similar in hypercapnic and control group; but greater in normocapnics. P0.1(% MIP) did not differ significantly among groups. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Introduction of the rd29A:AtDREB2A CA gene into soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) and its molecular characterization in leaves and roots during dehydration

The loss of soybean yield to Brazilian producers because of a water deficit in the 2011–2012 season was 12.9%. To reduce such losses, molecular biology techniques, including plant transformation, can be used to insert genes of interest into conventional soybean cultivars to produce lines that are more tolerant to drought. The abscisic acid (ABA)-independent Dehydration Responsive Element Binding (DREB) gene family has been used to obtain plants with increased tolerance to abiotic stresses. In the present study, the rd29A:AtDREB2A CA gene from Arabidopsis thaliana was inserted into soybean using biolistics. Seventy-eight genetically modified (GM) soybean lines containing 2–17 copies of the AtDREB2A CA gene were produced. Two GM soybean lines (P1397 and P2193) were analyzed to assess the differential expression of the AtDREB2A CA transgene in leaves and roots submitted to various dehydration treatments. Both GM lines exhibited high expression of the transgene, with the roots of P2193 showing the highest expression levels during water deficit. Physiological parameters examined during water deficit confirmed the induction of stress. This analysis of AtDREB2A CA expression in GM soybean indicated that line P2193 had the greatest stability and highest expression in roots during water deficit-induced stress.
Effect of thermal cycling on commercial thermoelectric modules

The large temperature gradients experienced by thermoelectric modules induce significant thermal stresses which eventually lead to device failure. The impact of thermal cycling on a commercial thermoelectric module is investigated through characterization of the electrical properties. In this work, we measure the evolution of the thermoelectric and electrical properties with thermal cycling. One side of the thermoelectric module is cycled between 30°C and 160°C every 3 minutes while the other side is held at ~20°C. The thermoelectric figure of merit, ZTET̅, and electrical resistivity are measured after every 1000 cycles. The measured ZTET̅ value is compared using both a modified Harman method and an electrical measurement technique analyzed with an electrical circuit model. In addition, the change in output power and resistivity with cycling are reported. This study provides insight into characterization methods for thermoelectric modules and quantifies reliability characteristics of thermoelectric modules.