Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-immersive Virtual Reality for Fine Motor Rehabilitation of Functional Activities in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Review

More than two thirds of the individuals who have strokes are over the age of 65. Therefore, as the global population continues to age, the risk of stroke is expected to increase substantially. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging therapy that holds promise for the rehabilitation of patients with chronic stroke conditions. VR is an interactive, computer-based simulation of real life tasks, occurring in real time. The aim of this review was to explore whether non-immersive VR could be used to effectively improve fine motor function of the affected upper extremity in patients with chronic stroke. Ten studies examining non-immersive VR for the purpose of chronic stroke rehabilitation were included for review. Studies utilized a variety of VR-based interventions, reporting trends toward improvement on nearly all outcome measures. Results were examined at the levels of “body structure and function” and “activity” according to the International Classification of Functioning. Across the studies, significant improvements were reported for the Jebsen Test of Hand Function, the Box and Block Test, participants’ finger fractionation, finger tracking measures, and time from peak hand velocity to movement of an object. However, considerable variability in participants’ recovery rates of fine motor function across the studies suggests that the results should be interpreted with caution. More research using randomized controlled trial designs will clarify evidence surrounding the amount of improvement that can be experienced with non-immersive VR-based interventions. This review provides justification for continued investigation within the field of motor skill recovery in patients with chronic stroke.
Isolated 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis in two sisters caused by a Xp21.2 interstitial duplication containing the DAX1 gene.

CONTEXT Testis development is a tightly regulated process that requires an efficient and coordinated spatiotemporal action of many factors, and it has been shown that several genes involved in gonadal development exert a dosage effect. Chromosomal imbalances have been reported in several patients presenting with gonadal dysgenesis as part of severe dysmorphic phenotypes. RESULTS We screened for submicroscopic DNA copy number variations in two sisters with an apparent normal 46,XY karyotype and female external genitalia due to gonadal dysgenesis, and in which mutations in known candidate genes had been excluded. By high-resolution tiling bacterial artificial chromosome array comparative genome hybridization, a submicroscopic duplication at Xp21.2 containing DAX1 (NR0B1) was identified. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiple ligation probe amplification, and PCR, the rearrangement was further characterized. This revealed a 637-kb tandem duplication that in addition to DAX1 includes the four MAGEB genes, the hypothetical gene CXorf21, GK, and part of the MAP3K7IP3 gene. Sequencing and analysis of the breakpoint boundaries and duplication junction suggest that the duplication originated through a coupled homologous and nonhomologous recombination process. CONCLUSIONS This represents the first duplication on Xp21.2 identified in patients with isolated gonadal dysgenesis because all previously described XY subjects with Xp21 duplications presented with gonadal dysgenesis as part of a more complex phenotype, including mental retardation and/or malformations. Thus, our data support DAX1 as a dosage sensitive gene responsible for gonadal dysgenesis and highlight the importance of considering DAX1 locus duplications in the evaluation of all cases of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis.
Social Capital and growth in the European Regions

Theories of economic growth at the regional and national level, have expanded the traditional production function of the Solow model towards a wide function that collects conditioning factors of labour productivity, measured by R & D expenditure, the number of patents, the human capital, the social capital or entrepreneurship rates. This set of factors have been developed by authors like Westlund (2006) and Koo and Kim (2009). The aim of this paper is to analyze regional growth in the EU, considering the differences between the EU15 and its eastern regions, using such set of factors and taking into account the limitations of existing data for this type of analysis.
A Subatomic Proof System

In this work we show a proof system, called SA, that generates propositional proofs by employing a single, linear, simple and regular inference rule scheme. The main idea is to consider atoms as self-dual, noncommutative binary logical relations and build formulae by freely composing units by atoms, disjunction and conjunction. If we restrict proofs to formulae where no atom occurs in the scope of another atom, we fully and faithfully recover a deduction system for propositional logic in the usual sense, where traditional proof analysis and transformation techniques such as cut elimination can be studied. In this extended abstract we do not present complete technical details, but the reader can rather easily reconstruct them from the indications provided. One can quickly grasp the main idea by considering the occurrences of an atom a as interpretations of more primitive expressions involving a noncommutative binary relation, still denoted by a. We use the Polish notation for atoms, so that two formulae A and B in the relation a, in this order, are denoted by aAB. In SA we have an enumerable supply of atoms, denoted by lowercase Latin letters, and formulae are built over the two units for disjunction and conjunction, respectively 0 and 1. For example, the following two expressions are SA formulae:
The Long-Run Validity of the Monetary Exchange Rate Model for a High Inflation Country and Misalignment : The Case of Turkey

This paper applies the Johansen cointegration technique to examine the validity of the monetary model of exchange rate determination as an explanation of the Turkish lira-U.S. dollar relationship over 1987:1-2000:12. A single cointegrating vector is identified, lending support to the interpretation of the model as describing a long-run equilibrium relationship. We also test for weak exogeneity of the nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals from the estimated vector error correction models. This gives us insight into the adjustment process through which the long-run equilibrium relationship between exchange rates and monetary fundamentals is maintained. In addition, we calculate misalignment from estimating the long-run relationship to evaluate whether the lira was overvalued before the eve of the 2001 financial crisis in Turkey. Calculated misalignment figures show substantial overvaluation before the crisis.
When Words Inflict Harm: Documenting Sexuality and Gender Identity Microaggressions in Schools for LGBTQQ Youth

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning students are commonly thought of as vulnerable to bullying and harassment in US schools, although there is hope that school climates are improving for LGBTQQ youth with the implementation of anti-bullying legislation and policies in almost every state. Although these policies address most overt and physical forms of bullying, other insults, assaults and invalidations may continue undetected. These sexual orientation and gender identity microaggressions, identified in counseling literature, can help teacher educators, teachers and school administrators better understand the psychological, academic and health effects of negative stereotypes and perceptions of LGBTQQ youth that are unaddressed in schools. This paper analyzes prevalent discourses about LGBTQQ youth in schools for evidence of the microaggressions identified in the literature. Microaggressions are discussed and the effects of harassment and stereotyping on school belongingness are examined.
Asymptotically Efficient Target Localization From Bistatic Range Measurements in Distributed MIMO Radars

In this letter, the problem of target localization from bistatic range (BR) measurements in distributed multiple-input multiple-output radar systems is investigated. By introducing nuisance parameters, a pseudolinear set of BR equations is established. Then, a closed-form localization algorithm is developed, based on this pseudolinear set of equations and multistage weighted least squares estimation. This solution is shown analytically to attain the Cramer–Rao lower bound under the small Gaussian noise assumption. Simulations are included to support the theoretical studies. Unlike the existing studies where the variance of BR measurements is assumed to be independent of the corresponding transmitter-to-target and target-to-receiver distances, we consider the more realistic distance-dependent noise model. The positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm is shown to outperform the existing closed-form methods under this distance-dependent noise model.
Development Beyond Neoliberalism?: Governance, Poverty Reduction and Political Economy

1. Governing Poverty: Development Beyond Neoliberalism? Part 1: Liberal Development and Governance from Free Trading to 'Neoliberal Institutionalism' 2. The Historical Hybrids of Liberal and Other Development, c1600-1990: Markets Territory and Security in Development Retrospect 3. The Rise of Governance Since 1990: The Capable State, Poverty Reduction and 'Inclusive' Neoliberalism 4. Local Institutions for Poverty Reduction? 1997-2005: Re-Imagining a Joined-Up, Decentralised Governance Part 2: Cases from Vietnam, Uganda, Pakistan and New Zealand 5. Vietnam: Framing the Community, Clasping the People 6. Uganda: Telescoping of Reforms, Local-Global Accommodation 7. Pakistan: A Fortress of Edicts 8. New Zealand: Joining up Governance after New Institutionalism 9. Conclusions: Accountability and Development Beyond Neoliberalism?
Genomic characterization of eight Ensifer strains isolated from pristine caves and a whole genome phylogeny of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium)

A total of eight Ensifer sp. strains were isolated from two pristine cave environments. One strain was isolated from a cave water pool located in the Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA and the remaining seven strains were isolated from Lechuguilla Cave of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA. Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of the eight isolates compared to various type strains from the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium demonstrates that although members in these genera can be phylogenetically separated into two distinct clades, the percentage of conserved proteins (POCP) between various type strains from Ensifer and Sinorhizobium are consistently higher than 50%, providing strong genomic evidence to support the classification of the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium into a single genus.
Efficient estimation of the partly linear additive Cox model

The partly linear additive Cox model is an extension of the (linear) Cox model and allows flexible modeling of covariate effects semiparametrically. We study asymptotic properties of the maximum partial likelihood estimator of this model with right-censored data using polynomial splines. We show that, with a range of choices of the smoothing parameter (the number of spline basis functions) required for estimation of the nonparametric components, the estimator of the finite-dimensional regression parameter is root-n consistent, asymptotically normal and achieves the semiparametric information bound. Rates of convergence for the estimators of the nonparametric components are obtained. They are comparable to the rates in nonparametric regression. Implementation of the estimation approach can be done easily and is illustrated by using a simulated example.
Augmentation of Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1

Objective—Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to restenosis after coronary intervention. We have shown previously that increased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) limits VSMC apoptosis. Because apoptosis and proliferation appear to be linked, we sought to determine whether increased PAI-1 would affect VSMC proliferation. Methods and Results—VSMCs were explanted from control and transgenic mice (SM22-PAI+) in which VSMC expression of PAI-1 was increased. Increased growth of SM22-PAI+-VSMCs (2.3±0.4-fold) reflected, at least partially, increased proliferation. Greater expression of FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP; 2.7-fold) and its cleaved active form were seen in SM22-PAI+-VSMCs. The balance between caspase-8 and FLIP favored proliferation in SM22-PAI+-VSMCs. Increased expression of NF-&kgr;B and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were demonstrated in SM22-PAI+-VSMCs (fold=NF-&kgr;B=2.2±0.1, fold=phosphorylated-ERK=1.6±0.1). Results were confirmed when expression of PAI-1 was increased by transfection. Inhibition of NF-&kgr;B and ERK attenuated proliferation in SM22-PAI+-VSMCs. Increased expression of PAI-1 promoted proliferation when VSMCs were exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Conclusions—Increased expression of PAI-1 is associated with greater activity of FLIP that promotes VSMC proliferation through NF-&kgr;B and ERK. Thus, when vascular wall expression of PAI-1 is increased, restenosis after coronary intervention is likely to be potentiated by greater proliferation of VSMC and resistance to apoptosis.
Economic Surplus Measurement in Multi-Market Models

Despite continuing controversy, economic surplus concepts have continued to be used in empirical cost-benefit analyses as measures of welfare to producers and consumers. In this paper, the issue of measuring changes in producer and consumer surplus resulting from exogenous supply or demand shifts in multi-market models is examined using a two-input and two-output equilibrium displacement model. When markets are related through both demand and supply, it is shown that significant errors are possible when conventional economic surplus areas are used incorrectly. The economic surplus change to producers or consumers should be measured sequentially in the two markets and then added up.
Theta Stimulation Polymerizes Actin in Dendritic Spines of Hippocampus

It has been proposed that the endurance of long-term potentiation (LTP) depends on structural changes entailing reorganization of the spine actin cytoskeleton. The present study used a new technique involving intracellular and extracellular application of rhodamine-phalloidin to conventional hippocampal slices to test whether induction of LTP by naturalistic patterns of afferent activity selectively increases actin polymerization in juvenile to young adult spines. Rhodamine-phalloidin, which selectively binds to polymerized actin, was detected in perikarya and proximal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells that received low-frequency afferent activity but was essentially absent in spines and fine dendritic processes. Theta pattern stimulation induced LTP and caused a large (threefold), reliable increase in labeled spines and spine-like puncta in the proximal dendritic zone containing potentiated synapses. The spines frequently occurred in the absence of labeling to other structures but were also found in association with fluorescent dendritic processes. These effects were replicated (>10-fold increase in labeled spines) using extracellular applications of rhodamine-phalloidin. Increases in labeling appeared within 2 min, were completely blocked by treatments that prevent LTP induction, and occurred in slices prepared from young adult rats. These results indicate that near-threshold conditions for inducing stable potentiation cause the rapid polymerization of actin in mature spines and suggest that the effect is both sufficiently discrete to satisfy the synapse-specificity rule of LTP as well as rapid enough to participate in the initial stages of LTP consolidation.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Classical and Variant Virulent Parental/Attenuated Strains of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

Since 2010, the variant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has been the etiological agent responsible for the outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) worldwide. In this study, a variant PEDV strain YN1 was isolated, serially propagated on the Vero cells and was characterized for 200 passages. To better elucidate the molecular basis of Vero cell adaptation of variant PEDV strains, we sequenced, compared, and analyzed the full-genome sequences of parental YN1 and passages 15, 30, 60, 90, 144, and 200. The results showed that the variations increased with the viral passage. The nucleotides sequences of non-structural protein (NSP)2, NSP4-7, NSP10, NSP12 and NSP13 genes did not change during the Vero cell adaptation process. After comparison of the variation characteristic of classical, variant virulent/attenuated strains, it was found that attenuation of PEDV virus was associated with 9−26 amino acid (aa) changes in open reading frames (ORF) 1a/b and S protein, early termination in ORF3, 1–3 aa changes in E, M and N protein and some nucleotide sequences’ synonymous mutations. The aa deletion at about 144 aa of S protein could be the attenuation marker for the PEDV. The pig study showed that the early termination in ORF3 was more important for virus cell adaptation than virus attenuation.
New Teacher Support: How One Massachusetts School District Facilitates and Sustains Teacher Growth

This qualitative case study examined the structures and conditions in one Massachusetts school district that supported new teachers. Data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with teachers and administrators, artifact analyses and participant observations of district meetings. While the existing literature on new teacher support focuses on mentoring as the primary means of induction, study results indicated that the district supported new teachers through building a collaborative atmosphere where new teachers regularly meet with veteran teachers in their subject area and grade level; weekly meetings with mentor coordinators; and strong principal support. However, new teachers were not formally assigned a mentor, which can leave them without a primary support person. Recommendations are made to formalize the mentoring program, to provide a mentor coordinator for each building, and to involve principals more formally in the induction program.
Nonlinear speech synthesis

This paper examines the how and the why of nonlinear speech synthesis. It discusses why nonlinear speech synthesis should be considered, reviews the recent history and describes in detail a variety of approaches to the problem. It argues that while modern concatenative speech synthesisers produce speech which is intelligible, however they are very inflexible and often lack a human quality. The paper does not suggest that nonlinear speech synthesisers are ready to replace conventional approaches, but rather that they offer some potential advantages but there is a considerable amount of research still to be carried out.
Evolutionary Prisoner's Dilemma Game on small-world network

This paper simulates the Prisoner's Dilemma Game on small-world networks. Previous work has paid many attentions to the effect of spatial structures on cooperative behavior. We consider the benefit of the cooperative behavior. It is found that, although at p=0.1 small-world region, neither the total payoffs nor the frequency of cooperators reaches a climax, and these two indicators increase rapidly in this area. Moreover, the standardized payoffs vary with frequency of cooperators positively and proportionally and a line fits well. Randomness is a positive element for cooperation and cooperative behavior brings benefit.
Changing Social Equality : The Nordic welfare model in the 21st century

Equality and the Nordic welfare model: principles, pressures and perspectives ~ Jon Kvist, Johan Fritzell, Bjorn Hvinden and Olli Kangas Anti-immigration attitudes, support for redistribution, and party choice in Europe ~ Henning Finseraas Do we all (dis)like the same welfare state? Configurations of public support for the welfare state in comparative perspective ~ Mads Meier Jaeger Eroding minimum income protection in the Nordic countries ~ Susan Kuivalainen and Kenneth Nelson Equality in the social service state: Nordic childcare models in comparative perspective ~ Gabrielle Meagher and Marta Szebehely Welfare State Institutions, Unemployment and Poverty: Comparative study on changes in labour market and income status in 15 European countries ~ M. Azhar Hussain, Olli Kangas & Jon Kvist Social inequalities in health: The Nordic welfare state in comparative context ~ Clare Bambra Income inequality and poverty: do the Nordic countries still constitute a family of their own? ~ Johan Fritzell, Olof Backman and Veli-Matti Ritakallio Does immigration challenge the economic sustainability of the Nordic welfare model? ~ Christer Gerdes and Eskil Wadensjoe Nordic responses to rising inequalities ~ Jon Kvist, Bjorn Hvinden and Olli Kangas.
The Role of Negative Affectivity in Self assessment of Health

The relationship between negative affectivity (NA, i.e. the Neuroticism trait and transient distress), self-reported medical condition and somatic complaints was assessed in structural equation models also including personality (the Big Five personality domains), socio-demographic, and health behaviour variables. The results indicated that the individual's current distress level and medical condition were by far the strongest predictors of somatic complaints. Compared to the other Big Five domains, Neuroticism was clearly the most important variable in all the models tested; it evidenced substantial direct effects on both distress level and medical condition, and a significant indirect effect on somatic complaints. On the whole, the effects of the sociodemographic and health behaviour variables were of only marginal importance as compared to NA.
Excess worker turnover and fixed-term contracts : Causal evidence in a two-tier system ∗

Portuguese firms engage in intense reallocation, most employers simultaneously hire and separate from workers, resulting in high excess worker turnover flows. These flows are constrained by the employment protection gap between open-ended and fixed-term contracts. We explore a reform that increased the employment protection of open-ended contracts and generated a quasi-experiment. The causal evidence points to an increase in the share and in the excess turnover of fixed-term contracts in treated firms. The excess turnover of open-ended contracts remained unchanged. This result is consistent with a high degree of substitution between open-ended and fixed-term contracts. At the firm level, we also show that excess turnover is quite heterogeneous and quantify its association with firm, match, and worker characteristics.