Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dysarthria following Stroke

Abstract Dysarthria is a common consequence of stroke and can have a detrimental influence on communication and quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in the evaluation and rehabilitation of stroke survivors who present with dysarthria. An understanding of the physiologic reason behind the altered speech characteristics, such as weakness or incoordination, can facilitate differential diagnosis, guide evaluation strategies, and influence treatment approaches. An initial comprehensive speech evaluation is comprised of examination of the speech mechanism, screening of speech subsystems, perceptual assessment, and intelligibility measurement. Management strategies focus on optimizing communication through compensatory strategies as well as providing physiologic support. The SLP is also responsible for educating family and staff regarding strategies that can facilitate communication.
Potent Maturation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells After CD40L Lentiviral Gene Delivery

Dendritic cells (DCs) are being evaluated in immunization protocols to enhance immunity against infectious diseases and cancer. Interaction of T-helper cells expressing CD40 ligand (CD40L) with its cognate CD40 receptor on DCs leads to a mature DC phenotype, characterized by increased capacity of antigen presentation to cytotoxic T cells. The authors examined the ability of third-generation self-inactivating lentiviral vectors expressing CD40L to induce autonomous maturation of ex vivo expanded human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Transduction with lentiviral vectors achieved a highly efficient gene transfer of CD40L to DCs, which correlated with phenotypic maturation as shown by the expression of immunologic relevant markers (CD83, CD80, MHCI) and secretion of IL-12, whereas DC phenotype was not affected by a control vector expressing only the green fluorescent protein marker. Addition of recombinant IFN-&ggr; to DCs at the time of CD40L transduction further enhanced IL-12 production, and when co-cultured with allogeneic and autologous CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, a potent activation was observed. Autologous responses against an HLA-A2-restricted influenza peptide (Flu-M1) and a tumor-associated antigenic peptide (gp100 210M) were significantly enhanced when CD40L transduced DCs were used as antigen-presenting cells for in vitro stimulation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results demonstrate that endogenous expression of CD40L by lentivirally transduced DCs induced their autonomous maturation to a phenotype comparable to that induced by optimal concentrations of soluble CD40L, providing a novel tool for genetic manipulation of DCs.
The integration of internal resource and social capital and its influence on corporate competitive advantage

Environmental and technological changes make inter-organizational network a vital element for the survival of enterprises. While resource-based view continues to support internal resource capacity as a major source of competitive advantage, an increasing number of researchers have realized the significance of external network. This paper summarizes the functions of both while probing into their interaction and integration in the creation of competitive advantage for enterprises. Analysis is made via a rational expectations model.
Phase 1/2 study of nilotinib prophylaxis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with advanced chronic myeloid leukemia or Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) remains the standard treatment for advanced chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL). Relapsed disease is the major cause of treatment failure, especially when SCT is given in the setting of advanced disease. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can be given after transplantation prophylactically or after the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) to reduce the relapse risk.
Involved fathers of preschool children as seen by themselves and their wives: Accounts of attachment, socialization, and companionship

Abstract Studies of infant – father attachment and other aspects of father – child relationships burgeoned during the 1980s and 90s, in step with new expectations for greater father participation in childrearing, but less is known about how involved fathers experience themselves as attachment figures, socialization agents, and playmates/companions of their young children. In an attempt to investigate these topics from a relationship perspective, we administered the Parent Attachment Interview (PAI) to 49 married fathers from dual career families who, based on current literature, were expected to be active participants in caring for and interacting with their preschool children. The 22 open-ended PAI questions were designed to probe fathers' thoughts and feelings about parent – child attachment, but also elicited extensive descriptions of other aspects of fathering, including socialization and companionship. In addition, fathers reflected on similarities and differences between the father – and mother – child relationships, and these accounts were compared with corresponding discussions by their wives. Among new issues raised by the study were the role of affection in attachment relationships, evidence for the attachment hierarchy construct, issues of parental self-control in relation to discipline, conceptual overlaps between attachment and other aspects of parenting, and the diverse meanings of father – mother differences and disagreements in the three domains of parenting addressed in this study.
Local Regulation of L‐Type Ca2+ Channel Sparklets in Arterial Smooth Muscle

This review addresses the latest advances in our understanding of the regulation of a novel Ca2+ signal called L‐type Ca2+ channel sparklets in arterial smooth muscle. L‐type Ca2+ channel sparklets are elementary Ca2+ influx events produced by the opening of a single or a small cluster of L‐type Ca2+ channels. These Ca2+ signals were first visualized in the vasculature in arterial smooth muscle cells. In these cells, L‐type Ca2+ channel sparklets display two functionally distinct gating modalities that regulate local and global [Ca2+]i. The activity of L‐type Ca2+ channel sparklets varies regionally within a cell depending on the dynamic activity of a cohort of protein kinases and phosphatases recruited to L‐type Ca2+ channels in the arterial smooth muscle sarcolemma in a complex coordinated by the scaffolding molecule AKAP150. We also described a mechanism whereby clusters of L‐type Ca2+ channels gate cooperatively to amplify intracellular Ca2+ signals with likely pathological consequences.
Common Pathophysiology in Multiple Mouse Models of Pitt–Hopkins Syndrome

Mutations or deletions of the transcription factor TCF4 are linked to Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) and schizophrenia, suggesting that the precise pathogenic mutations dictate cellular, synaptic, and behavioral consequences. Here, we generated two novel mouse models of PTHS, one that mimics the most common pathogenic TCF4 point mutation (human R580W, mouse R579W) and one that deletes three pathogenic arginines, and explored phenotypes of these lines alongside models of pan-cellular or CNS-specific heterozygous Tcf4 disruption. We used mice of both sexes to show that impaired Tcf4 function results in consistent microcephaly, hyperactivity, reduced anxiety, and deficient spatial learning. All four PTHS mouse models demonstrated exaggerated hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), consistent with deficits in hippocampus-mediated behaviors. We further examined R579W mutant mice and mice with pan-cellular Tcf4 heterozygosity and found that they exhibited hippocampal NMDA receptor hyperfunction, which likely drives the enhanced LTP. Together, our data pinpoint convergent neurobiological features in PTHS mouse models and provide a foundation for preclinical studies and a rationale for testing whether NMDAR antagonists might be used to treat PTHS. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with TCF4 mutations/deletions. Despite this genetic insight, there is a need to identify the function of TCF4 in the brain. Toward this goal, we developed two mouse lines, including one harboring the most prevalent pathogenic point mutation, and compared them with two existing models that conditionally delete Tcf4. Our data identify a set of overlapping phenotypes that may serve as outcome measures for preclinical studies of PTHS treatments. We also discovered penetrant enhanced synaptic plasticity across mouse models that may be linked to increased NMDA receptor function. These data reveal convergent neurobiological characteristics of PTHS mouse models and support the further investigation of NMDA receptor antagonists as a possible PTHS treatment.
The Arctic-Boreal vulnerability experiment model benchmarking system

NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) integrates field and airborne data into modeling and synthesis activities for understanding Arctic and Boreal ecosystem dynamics. The ABoVE Benchmarking System (ABS) is an operational software package to evaluate terrestrial biosphere models against key indicators of Arctic and Boreal ecosystem dynamics, i.e.: carbon biogeochemistry, vegetation, permafrost, hydrology, and disturbance. The ABS utilizes satellite remote sensing data, airborne data, and field data from ABoVE as well as collaborating research networks in the region, e.g.: the Permafrost Carbon Network, the International Soil Carbon Network, the Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database, AmeriFlux sites, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission. The ABS is designed to be interactive for researchers interested in having their models accurately represent observations of key Arctic indicators: a user submits model results to the system, the system evaluates the model results against a set of Arctic-Boreal benchmarks outlined in the ABoVE Concise Experiment Plan, and the user then receives a quantitative scoring of model strengths and deficiencies through a web interface. This interactivity allows model developers to iteratively improve their model for the Arctic-Boreal Region by evaluating results from successive model versions. We show here, for illustration, the improvement of the Lund–Potsdam–Jena-Wald Schnee und Landschaft (LPJwsl) version model through the ABoVE ABS as a new permafrost module is coupled to the existing model framework. The ABS will continue to incorporate new benchmarks that address indicators of Arctic-Boreal ecosystem dynamics as they become available.
Quadrinomial Trees to Value Options in Stochastic Volatility Models

This article describes in detail the multiplicative quadrinomial tree numerical method with nonconstant volatility, based on a system of stochastic differential equations of the GARCH-diffusion type. The methodology allowed for the derivation of the first two moments of the proposed equations to estimate the respective recombination between discrete and continuous processes and, as a result, a numerical methodological proposal is formally presented to value, with relative ease, both real and financial options, when the volatility is stochastic. The main findings showed that in the proposed method, when volatility approaches zero, the multiplicative binomial traditional method is a particular case, and the results are comparable between these methodologies, as well as to the exact solution offered by the Black–Scholes model. Finally, the originality of the methodological proposal is that it allows for the emulation in a simple way of the presence of a nonconstant volatility in the price of the underlying asset, and it can be used to value all kinds of options both in the real world and in risk-neutral situations. TOPICS: Options, derivatives
Androgen Regulation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) in the Androgen-Responsive Human Prostate Cancer Cell Line LNCaP

Previous gene array data from our laboratory identified the retinoic acid (RA) biosynthesis enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) as a putative androgen-responsive gene in human prostate cancer epithelial (LNCaP) cells. In the present study, we attempted to identify if any of the three ALDH1A/RA synthesis enzymes are androgen responsive and how this may affect retinoid-mediated effects in LNCaP cells. We demonstrated that exposure of LNCaP cells to the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) results in a 4-fold increase in ALDH1A3 mRNA levels compared with the untreated control. The mRNA for two other ALDH1A family members, ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2, were not detected and not induced by DHT in LNCaP cells. Inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) with both the antiandrogen bicalutamide and small interfering RNA for AR support that ALDH1A3 regulation by DHT is mediated by AR. Furthermore, specific inhibition of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase and Src family of kinases with PD98059 and PP1 supports that AR’s regulation of ALDH1A3 occurs by the typical AR nuclear-translocation cascade. Consistent with an increase in ALDH1A3 mRNA, DHT-treated LNCaP cells showed an 8-fold increase in retinaldehyde-dependent NAD+ reduction compared with control. Lastly, treatment of LNCaP with all-trans retinal (RAL) in the presence of DHT resulted in significant up-regulation of the RA-inducible, RA-metabolizing enzyme CYP26A1 mRNA compared with RAL treatment alone. Taken together, these data suggest that (i) the RA biosynthesis enzyme ALDH1A3 is androgen responsive and (ii) DHT up-regulation of ALDH1A3 can increase the oxidation of retinal to RA and indirectly affect RA bioactivity and metabolism.
Genetic diversity and relationships among Streptococcus pyogenes strains expressing serotype M1 protein: recent intercontinental spread of a subclone causing episodes of invasive disease

Chromosomal diversity and relationships among 126 Streptococcus pyogenes strains expressing M1 protein from 13 countries on five continents were analyzed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and restriction fragment profiling by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. All isolates were studied for the presence of the gene encoding streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A by PCR. Strain subsets were also examined by automated DNA sequencing for allelic polymorphism in genes encoding M protein (emm), streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (speA), streptokinase (ska), pyrogenic exotoxin B (interleukin-1 beta convertase) (speB), and C5a peptidase (scp). Seven distinct emm1 alleles that encode M proteins differing at one or more amino acids in the N-terminal variable region were identified. Although substantial levels of genetic diversity exist among M1-expressing organisms, most invasive disease episodes are caused by two subclones marked by distinctive multilocus enzyme electrophoretic profiles and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) types. One of these subclones (ET 1/RFLP pattern 1a) has the speA gene and was recovered worldwide. Identity of speA, emm1, speB, and ska alleles in virtually all isolates of ET 1/RFLP type 1a means that these organisms share a common ancestor and that global dispersion of this M1-expressing subclone has occurred very recently. The occurrence of the same emm and ska alleles in strains that are well differentiated in overall chromosomal character demonstrates that horizontal transfer and recombination play a fundamental role in diversifying natural populations of S. pyogenes.
Calculation of multi-segment rigid body joint dynamics using MATLAB

Abstract A computational model of the human upper limb was developed utilizing a matrix calculation software package (MATLAB) and a public domain suite of subroutines [Robotics Toolbox (1)]. An easily configurable model of a rigid body, serially linked manipulator was established, avoiding the need for complex numerical equations to be formulated. A generalized model of the upper limb was used to study throwing action of individual subjects by incorporating body segment parameters and kinematic data. Estimates of joint moments were calculated for multiple time instances. This technique can be utilized and adapted for modelling any arbitrary serially linked manipulator system. Inverse and forward kinematics and kinetics can be calculated, enabling biomechanical simulations to be undertaken.
Immunomodulatory Glycan Lacto-N-Fucopentaose III Requires Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis To Induce Alternative Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells

ABSTRACT The mechanism of alternative activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is largely unknown. Lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFPIII) is a biologically conserved pentasaccharide that contains the Lewisx trisaccharide. LNFPIII conjugates and schistosome egg antigens, which contain the Lewisx trisaccharide, drive alternative activation of APCs and induce anti-inflammatory responses in vivo, preventing inflammation-based diseases, including psoriasis, transplant organ rejection, and metabolic disease. In this study, we show that LNFPIII conjugates and schistosome egg antigens interact with APCs via a receptor-mediated process, requiring internalization of these molecules through a clathrin/dynamin-dependent but caveolus-independent endocytic pathway. Using inhibitors/small interfering RNA (siRNA) against dynamin and clathrin, we show for the first time that endocytosis of Lewisx-containing glycans is required to drive alternative maturation of antigen-presenting cells and Th2 immune responses. We identified mouse SIGNR-1 as a cell surface receptor for LNFPIII conjugates. Elimination of SIGNR-1 showed no effect on uptake of LNFPIII conjugates, suggesting that other receptors bind to and facilitate uptake of LNFPIII conjugates. We demonstrate that disruption of actin filaments partially prevented the entry of LNFPIII conjugates into APCs and that LNFPIII colocalizes with both early and late endosomal markers and follows the classical endosomal pathway leading to lysosome maturation. The results of this study show that the ability of LNFPIII to induce alternative activation utilizes a receptor-mediated process that requires a dynamin-dependent endocytosis. Thus, key steps have been defined in the previously unknown mechanism of alternative activation that ultimately leads to induction of anti-inflammatory responses.
Respiratory Symptoms Following Wildfire Smoke Exposure: Airway Size as a Susceptibility Factor

Background: Associations between exposure to smoke during wildfire events and respiratory symptoms are well documented, but the role of airway size remains unclear. We conducted this analysis to assess whether small airway size modifies these relationships. Methods: We analyzed data from 465 nonasthmatic 16- to 19-year-old participants in the Children's Health Study. Following an outbreak of wildfires in 2003, each student completed a questionnaire about smoke exposure, dry and wet cough, wheezing, and eye symptoms. We used log-binomial regression to evaluate associations between smoke exposure and fire-related health symptoms, and to assess modification of the associations by airway size. As a marker of airway size, we used the ratio of maximum midexpiratory flow to forced vital capacity. Results: Forty percent (186 of 465) of this population (including students from 11 of 12 surveyed communities) reported the odor of wildfire smoke at home. We observed increased respiratory and eye symptoms with increasing frequency of wildfire smoke exposure. Associations between smoke exposure and having any of 4 respiratory symptoms were stronger in the lowest quartile of the lung function ratio (eg, fire smoke 6+ days: prevalence ratio: 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI = 2.0–7.2), compared with the remaining quartiles (fire smoke 6+ days: prevalence ratio = 2.0; 1.2–3.2). Analysis of individual symptoms suggests that this interaction may be strongest for effects on wheezing. Conclusions: Small airways may serve as a marker of susceptibility to effects of wildfire smoke. Future studies should investigate the role of airway size for more common exposures and should include persons with asthma.
Efficient Market Hypothesis: Foreign Exchange Market of Bangladesh

Efficiency in a foreign exchange market (FEM) is very essential for a developing economy like Bangladesh as the foreign exchange rates play a critical role to determine the various macroeconomic policies and issues of an economy. Thus the main objective of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of the FEM of Bangladesh. Statistics that have worn in this paper comprises of nominal daily exchange rates (spot) of seven bilateral currency rates in opposition to the Bangladeshi currency Taka over the period 1st January 2010 to 30th November 2017 obtained from the website of Bangladesh Bank. The unit root test and the cointegration test are run by econometric software to look into the efficiency of the FEM of Bangladesh. The concluding findings indicate that all the seven exchange rates succeed the random walk hypothesis and this is the verification of the weak form of efficiency. Moreover, the cointegration scrutiny depicts there is no indication of the semi-strong form of efficiency in the FEM of Bangladesh.
Defect‐Rich MoS2 Ultrathin Nanosheets with Additional Active Edge Sites for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Defect-rich MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized on a gram scale for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The novel defect-rich structure introduces additional active edge sites into the MoS2 ultrathin nanosheets, which significantly improves their electrocatalytic performance. Low onset overpotential and small Tafel slope, along with large cathodic current density and excellent durability, are all achieved for the novel hydrogen-evolution-reaction electrocatalyst.
Thin ideal internalization in Mexican girls: a test of the sociocultural model of eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE We examined the influence of thin ideal internalization on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in Mexican girls. METHOD We sampled 137 public school girls aged 12-15 from a small city in Mexico. Participants were given Spanish versions of the sociocultural attitudes toward appearance scale, two measures of body dissatisfaction, the eating attitudes test, and the attitudinal familism scale. RESULTS Thin ideal internalization mediated the relationship between thin ideal awareness and body dissatisfaction, and the relationship between thin ideal awareness and eating disorder symptoms. Attitudinal familism was negatively correlated with thin ideal internalization for girls outside of the normal weight range. CONCLUSION Mexican girls are at risk of eating disorder symptoms, and there is support for the sociocultural model of disordered eating in this population. Hispanic family values may mark protection from thin ideal internalization in Mexican girls outside of the normal weight range.