Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality based kinematics for assessment of post-stroke upper limb function

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults and upper limb impairment is one of the most common functional limitations in individuals after stroke. Stroke recovery of the upper limb has been sparsely assessed using kinematic methods coupled with the virtual reality technique, despite its availability for stroke rehabilitation. There is little data regarding the relationship between objectively assessed arm function and self-perceived manual ability in individuals after stroke. The overall aim of this thesis was to develop a method for assessing the upper limb sensorimotor function following stroke using virtual reality-based technique. The specific aims were to determine discriminant validity, concurrent validity and longitudinal change of kinematic variables, along with establishing the relationship of self-perceived manual ability with kinematic variables from day 3 to month 12 after stroke. Methods: The studies reported in this thesis included 67 individuals extracted from the SALGOT (Stroke Arm Longitudinal Study at the University of Gothenburg) cohort and 43 healthy controls. They performed the target-to-target pointing task in a virtual environment using a haptic stylus that captured kinematic parameters. The main clinical outcome measures used for these
In Vitro Pathogenicity of Some Entomopathogenic Fungal Strains against Green Peach Aphid Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an economically important pest of crops within more than 40 plant families all over the world. This study encompasses in-vitro pathogenicity of two strains of Beauveria bassiana (BB-72 and BB-252) and one strain of Lecanicillium lecanii (V-4) against green peach aphid (M. persicae). Using a leaf-dip method, three different bioassays were conducted comprised of filtrates and conidial concentrations of BB-72, BB-252 and V-4 fungal strains and their binary combinations. Infiltrate bioassays, 2 mL fungal filtrate of each strain was used. In conidial bioassays, three different concentrations (i.e., 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1) of each fungal strain were used, while in binary combination bioassays, LC50 and LC33 of these fungal strains were evaluated. According to the results, maximum pathogenicity against test aphids was observed at 10th day of all treatments. Both strains of B. bassiana (BB-72 and BB-252) exhibited higher mortality of aphids (up to 95 and 91%, respectively) than L. lecanii (V-4) strain (87%) in all three types of bioassays. Moreover, binary combinations of BB-72 and BB-252 strains showed significantly higher aphid mortality (94%) than other combinations. Reduced mortality in case of fungal combinations of V-4 strain might be due to the antagonistic effect of L. lecanii strain along with both strains of B. bassiana. Nevertheless, evaluation of combined pathogenicity of the fungal strains constitutes the novelty of this in-vitro study which revealed that both strains of B. bassiana (i.e., BB-72 and BB-252) are mutually compatible and can be utilized together as new biocontrol tools against destructive insect pests such as M. persicae.
Jackknife Model Averaging Prediction Methods for Complex Phenotypes with Gene Expression Levels by Integrating External Pathway Information

Motivation In the past few years many novel prediction approaches have been proposed and widely employed in high dimensional genetic data for disease risk evaluation. However, those approaches typically ignore in model fitting the important group structures or functional classifications that naturally exists in genetic data. Methods In the present study, we applied a novel model averaging approach, called Jackknife Model Averaging Prediction (JMAP), for high dimensional genetic risk prediction while incorporating KEGG pathway information into the model specification. JMAP selects the optimal weights across candidate models by minimizing a cross-validation criterion in a jackknife way. Compared with previous approaches, one of the primary features of JMAP is to allow model weights to vary from 0 to 1 but without the limitation that the summation of weights is equal to one. We evaluated the performance of JMAP using extensive simulation studies and compared it with existing methods. We finally applied JMAP to five real cancer datasets that are publicly available from TCGA. Results The simulations showed that, compared with other existing approaches, JMAP performed best or are among the best methods across a range of scenarios. For example, among 14 out of 16 simulation settings with PVE=0.3, JMAP has an average of 0.075 higher prediction accuracy compared with gsslasso. We further found that in the simulation the model weights for the true candidate models have much smaller chances to be zero compared with those for the null candidate models and are substantially greater in magnitude. In the real data application, JMAP also behaves comparably or better compared with the other methods for both continuous and binary phenotypes. For example, for the COAD, CRC and PAAD data sets, the average gains of predictive accuracy of JMAP are 0.019, 0.064 and 0.052 compared with gsslasso. Conclusion The proposed method JMAP is a novel method that can provide more accurate phenotypic prediction while incorporating external useful group information.
Neuregulin1-ErbB4 Signaling in Spinal Cord Participates in Electroacupuncture Analgesia in Inflammatory Pain

Chronic inflammatory pain is a severe clinical symptom that aggravates the life quality of patients and places a huge economic burden on individuals and society. As one complementary and alternative therapy, electroacupuncture (EA) is widely used in clinical practice to treat chronic inflammatory pain based on its safety and efficacy. Previous studies have revealed the potential role of adenosine, neuropeptides, and inflammatory factors in EA analgesia in various pain models, but the identity of some of the signaling pathways involved remain unknown. In the present study, we explored whether neuregulin1 (NRG1)-ErbB4 signaling is involved in EA analgesia in inflammatory pain. Repeated EA treatment at the acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 3 consecutive days remarkably attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-treated mice, with an increased expression of NRG1 in spinal cord (SC). We found that ErbB4 kinase participated in both the EA and NRG1 mediated analgesic effects on inflammatory pain by pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation ErbB4 in vivo. Intriguingly, the mice with conditional knockout of ErbB4 from PV+ interneurons in SC showed abnormal basal mechanical threshold. Meanwhile, NRG1 treatment could not relieve tactile allodynia in PV-Erbb4–/– mice or AAV-PV-Erbb4–/– mice after CFA injection. These experimental results suggest that regulating NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in SC could reduce pain hypersensitivity and contribute to EA analgesia in inflammatory pain.
Immunotherapy in Autoantibody-Associated Psychiatric Syndromes in Adults

Background: Autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes are often distinct from, but might also be part of autoimmune encephalitis. Our article focuses on potential immunotherapy in these patients with a probable autoimmune origin of their psychiatric syndrome. Methods: We searched through PubMed for appropriate articles on immunotherapy in autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes between 2010 and 2020 for this narrative review. Results: In line with prior recommendations for autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune psychosis, we suggest that in patients with a probable autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome should be given early corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, or plasmapheresis as first line immunotherapy. If these therapeutic options fail, second-line immunotherapy should be applied within 1 month consisting of rituximab or cyclophosphamide. Maintenance therapy is best for those patients responding to steroids including mycofenolate mofetil or azathioprine. So far, there is evidence from a few retrospective cohort studies supporting the usage of first- and second-line, and maintenance immunotherapies for autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes. Some immunological agents are discussed that might exert an effect in autoimmune-based psychiatric syndromes, but the latest evidence is low and derived from case reports or series with autoimmune encephalitis patients. Conclusions: Taken together, the immunotherapeutic landscape for patients with autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes is delineated. Our suggestions rely on observational studies in autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes and a few placebo-controlled, randomized trials for patients with autoimmune encephalitis and psychosis. Thus, adequate powered, prospective as well as placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with autoantibody-associated psychiatric syndromes are warranted in order to enlighten efficacy and safety aspects of current and novel therapy strategies.
How plastic is migratory behavior? Quantifying elevational movement in a partially migratory alpine ungulate, the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)

Migratory species face well-documented global declines, but the causes of these declines remain unclear. One obstacle to better understanding these declines is uncertainty surrounding how migratory behavior is maintained. Most migratory populations are partially migratory, displaying both migrant and resident behaviors. Theory only provides two possible explanations for this coexistence of migration and residency: either these behaviors are fixed at the individual level or both behaviors are part of a single conditional strategy in which an individual’s migratory status (adoption of migrant or resident behavior) is plastic. Here we test for plasticity in migratory status and tactics (timing, distance, and duration of migration) in a federally endangered mountain caprid, the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae Grinnell, 1912). We used nonlinear modeling to quantitatively describe migratory behavior, analyzing 262 animal-years of GPS location data collected between 2005 and 2016 from 161 females across 14 subpopulations. Migratory tactics and prevalence varied by subpopulation. On average, individuals from partially migratory subpopulations switched migratory status every 4 years. Our results support the hypothesis that partial migration is maintained through a single conditional strategy. Understanding plasticity in migratory behavior will improve monitoring efforts and provide a rigorous basis for evaluating threats, particularly those associated with changing climate.
Auf der Suche nach Rückständen von Pflanzenschutzmitteln in Bienen, Pflanzen und Bienenprodukten

Die chemisch-analytische Bestimmung von Schadstoff- Ruckstanden verschiedenen Ursprungs ist essentiell fur die Expositionsermittlung im Rahmen der Aufklarung von Bienenvergiftungen und von Studien zur Bewertung des Risikos fur Bienen. Die etablierte und umfassend validierte Multimethode ist sowohl zur Bestimmung von Ruckstanden in Bienen- und Pflanzenproben als auch fur diverse Bienenprodukte (z.B. Pollen/Bienenbrot, Gelee Royal oder Wachs) sehr gut geeignet. Die Zusatzversuche zur Methodenuberprufung wurden mit dem jeweils aktuellen Wirkstoffspektrum der Untersuchungsstelle fur Bienenvergiftungen und verschiedenen Zusatzkonzentrationen durchgefuhrt. Die Zusatzkonzentrationen wurden so gewahlt, dass moglichst alle Wirkstoffe des Untersuchungsprogramms sowohl mit LC-MS/MS als auch mit GC-MS bestimmt werden konnten. Mit den Matrices „Bienen“ und „Raps“ wurden Validierungen mit den Konzentration 1, 10 und 50 µg/kg durchgefuhrt. Die Quantifizierung wurde mit Matrix-Standards vorgenommen, um die durch Probeninhaltsstoffe hervorgerufenen Matrixeinflusse zu reduzieren. Fur 240 Wirkstoffe (vor allem Insektizide, Fungizide), die 2011 im Screening-Programm enthalten waren, lagen die Wiederfindungsraten mit Bienenmatrix beim Zusatzniveau von 10 µg/kg uberwiegend zwischen 70% und 110%, mit relativen Standardabweichungen unter 15%.
The Timing of Share Repurchases to Achieve Private Benefits from Stock Options

This thesis investigates the strategic use and timing of share repurchases by CEOs for achieving private benefits. Specifically, it studies the relation between stock repurchases and stock option granting and exercise decision in different time periods. I find that share repurchases occur more three months after the stock option grant date and less three months before. Subsequently, I find that share repurchases occur less three months after the stock option exercise date and more three months before. The relation between the repurchase activity and stock option grants is stronger for larger stock option grants but weaker for vested stock options. Finally, I calculate cumulative abnormal returns within different individual periods and make comparisons to find the most valuable timing decision. My findings point out that it is more profitable to repurchase around the stock option grant date as I find higher cumulative abnormal returns compared to the period around the exercise date.
Risk Tolerance Of Women In Stem Faculty

The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to determine if differences in risk tolerance among men and women in post-secondary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) faculty positions affected the retention and success of women in those positions. The aim of the study was to determine whether women who pursue STEM faculty positions have different perceptions of their professional settings and risks to success than men who pursue the same career paths in order to determine if their tolerance of those risks differed from men. Using the qualitative methodology of phenomenology, the researcher conducted telephone interviews with faculty members in STEM positions at universities in the United States to ascertain their perspectives on their career path. Interviewees included both men and women from nascent faculty to retired. Findings revealed a wide variety of perspectives and approaches to the career path of men and women who pursue academic and research careers in STEM disciplines within the Academy, while revealing a nearly unanimous reason for choosing the path in the first place: curiosity. The disparity of outlooks suggested there would be no simple, one-sizefits-all, solution to the problem of unequal distribution of men and women in STEM faculty and the resultant distribution of university senior administration they might rise to. The dissertation offered a suggested course of action to enable the post-secondary academic and research enterprise at her institution, and by replication in similar institutions in the U. S. , to become more flexible in approaches toward recruitment, retention, and promotion of all faculty members in order to ensure a vibrant climate through which to educate and inspire its future leaders in thought, policy, and innovation.
Analysis of Thyroglobulin Gene in Some Ruminants

Several studies provide evidence to confirm the role of thyroglobulin (TG) in sexual differentiation and gonadal development (Flood et al., 1990; Duarte-Guterman et al., 2002;Mendis-Handagama and SirilAriyaratne,2008 and Jannini et al., 2009). Wagner et al.(2001) discovered that deiodinases [the enzymes responsible for ioding thymoglobulin (TG) to obtain the active forms triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)] as well as thyroid receptors (TRs, encoded by trα and trβ genes) are present within gonadal tissues, suggesting that THs must have an action on these organs. The presence of TH machinery in testicular tissues implies that TH axis must regulate aspects of testicular functioning. Indeed, it has been shown that hypoand hyper-thyroid males exhibit testes and sperm dysfunction (Krassaset. al., 1997). In addition, THs are involved in the regulation of androgen receptors(ARs) expression in testicular tissues through thyroid response elements (TREs) located in the promoter of androgen receptor genes(Flood et al., 1990). Furthermore, THs may also regulate other genes involved in androgen biosynthesis and signaling. THs enhance 5α-reductase expression and activity within the testes, increasing 5αdihydrotestosterone concentrations (Ram and Waxman, 2002; Duarte-Guterman et al., 2002). One of the key issues in biology understands how natural selection drives gene functional diversification across different species and lineages (Toll-Riera et al., 2011). The main goal in animal breeding is to select individuals that have high breeding values for traits of interest as parents to produce the next generation and to do so as quickly as possible. To date, most programs rely on statistical analysis of large data bases with phenotypes on breeding populations by linear mixed model methodology to estimate breeding values on selection candidates. However, there is a long history of research on the use of genetic markers to identify quantitative trait loci and their use in marker-assisted selection but with limited ABSTRACT
Hyperthermophilic Anaerobic Nitrate-Dependent Fe(II) Oxidization by Tibetan Hot Spring Microbiota and the Formation of Fe Minerals

Abstract Fe(II) in geothermal fluids was among the most important electron and energy sources for extremophiles and early life, and microbial oxidation of Fe(II) in turn contributed to the global Fe deposits such as banded iron formation (BIF). However, information was rare on Fe(II) bio-oxidation and consequent mineral formation in geothermal systems. In the present study, we investigated the anaerobic nitrate-depending Fe(II) oxidation (ANDFO) in the Tibetan hot springs with temperature ranging 52–86°C. ANDFO cultivation was established by inoculating sediments from the studied hot springs. Positive ANDFO reaction was observed in the cultures from three high-temperature hot springs (>80°C). Phylogenetic analysis showed that bacteria in the three obtained ANDFO cultures were mainly affiliated with phyla of Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Firmicutes. In the obtained ANDFO cultures, ferrous iron oxidation occurred with nitrate reduction, accompanied with the formation of magnetite and/or siderite, which could be finished within one week. The resulting euhedral magnetite was at the micrometer scale, which was larger in size and showed better crystallinity than its counterparts (usually <1 µm) formed by chemical reactions. Thus, it can be concluded that ANDFO bacteria and denitrifiers played important roles in the magnetite and siderite precipitation in the studied Tibetan hot springs. The coupling between Fe(II) oxidation and nitrate reduction mediated by thermophiles might provide a new mechanism for euhedral magnetite and siderite deposition in BIFs during the Precambrian period.
Proximity labeling reveals novel interactomes in live Drosophila tissue

ABSTRACT Gametogenesis is dependent on intercellular communication facilitated by stable intercellular bridges connecting developing germ cells. During Drosophila oogenesis, intercellular bridges (referred to as ring canals; RCs) have a dynamic actin cytoskeleton that drives their expansion to a diameter of 10 μm. Although multiple proteins have been identified as components of RCs, we lack a basic understanding of how RC proteins interact together to form and regulate the RC cytoskeleton. Thus, here, we optimized a procedure for proximity-dependent biotinylation in live tissue using the APEX enzyme to interrogate the RC interactome. APEX was fused to four different RC components (RC-APEX baits) and 55 unique high-confidence prey were identified. The RC-APEX baits produced almost entirely distinct interactomes that included both known RC proteins and uncharacterized proteins. A proximity ligation assay was used to validate close-proximity interactions between the RC-APEX baits and their respective prey. Furthermore, an RNA interference screen revealed functional roles for several high-confidence prey genes in RC biology. These findings highlight the utility of enzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling for protein interactome analysis in live tissue and expand our understanding of RC biology. Summary: We optimize a procedure for enzyme-catalyzed proximity labeling in live Drosophila ovary tissue to interrogate the Drosophila ring canal protein interactome.
Antecedents of strategic game and issue framing of local electoral campaigns in the Mexican context

Research into which factors in the media coverage are associated with the issue frame and which with the strategic game frame can help with understanding the causes of the proliferation of both styles of reporting. In this article, radio and television coverage of local electoral campaigns in the Mexican context were analyzed. Our findings show a greater presence of the issue frame in comparison with the strategic game frame, and confirm that the ownership and sector of the media organization, the type of election, the candidate’s gender, along with temporal-contextual variables predict the use of both news frames significantly.
Effect of an Educational Program on Healthcare Professionals' Readiness to Support Patients with Asthma, Allergies, and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease for Improved Medication Adherence

Purpose The aim of this study was to strengthen the healthcare professionals' readiness to support patients who have asthma, an allergy, and COPD for better medication adherence. Methods The design was an educational intervention in a study population (n = 70) consisting of 66 nurses and four other allied healthcare professionals working in primary care with patients diagnosed with asthma, allergy, or COPD in a county in southern Sweden. As part of two training days, an educational intervention—consisting of lectures and workshops—was conducted. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The qualitative data were collected during the workshops when the participants worked with fictitious patient cases. They documented in writing how they, based on the theoretical content in the educational intervention in combination with their clinical experiences, reasoned that the fictitious patients could be supported for better adherence. This documentation constituted qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, which the participants completed before and after the intervention. Data from the questionnaires were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The qualitative data collected from the workshops were analyzed with content analysis. Results The intervention increased the participants' knowledge of adherence (pre mean 3.95 versus post mean 4.18, p=0.001) and how to better support patients' adherence to medication (pre mean 3.71 versus post mean 3.98, p=0.001). Moreover, their knowledge of how to measure patients' adherence behavior (pre mean 3.02 versus post mean 3.54, p=0.001) and how to communicate with patients effectively about adherence was heightened (pre mean 3.92 versus post mean 4.13, p=0.011). Furthermore, participants felt that their readiness to support patients for better adherence had strengthened (pre mean 3.78 versus post mean 4.13, p=0.001). Individual adherence support for three fictitious patients with different adherence issues was developed. Conclusion An educational intervention focusing on adherence and communication equipped healthcare professionals with tools to support patients with asthma, an allergy, or COPD for better medication adherence.