Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the communication development of children with language delay through parent multi-questionnaire reporting

Models of early intervention delivery that are family-centered and actively encourage parents to be participants in their children's therapy depend on clinicians understanding parents' perceptions of their children's developmental stage and profile. Without this, goal-setting risks missing the mark and progress monitoring becomes more difficult. Moreover, in tight financial environments that allow for limited direct observation across contexts of children's communication skills, it is important that parents can contribute their observations through clinically valuable means. This article reports on responses to three concurrently administered questionnaires by the parents of 65 children aged between 29 and 67 months with language delays in the context of multi-system disabilities. The three questionnaires were the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory from which the vocabulary scores are reported, the Language Use Inventory, and the Communication subscale of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System. All the children were attending the same family-centered multi-disciplinary early intervention program in New Zealand. Results suggest strong correlations and high levels of consistency of parental observation between the measures as well as clear information that can be used for clinical discussion. Case study data suggest that repeated administration of the same combination of questionnaires over time allows clinicians to identify needs relevant to collaborative program planning and implementation.
Introduction to Social Media and Social Networking and Government Minitrack

Social networks, which have almost become part of our daily lives, have established new communication structures and behaviors in society. While citizens and businesses have already extensively used social networks for years, governments continuously increase their interest in the new communication technologies. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In provide a mechanism for individuals to come together based on a variety of factors such as existing friendships, common interests, or work. People have discovered how the use of social networks can facilitate communication and the exchange/sharing of thoughts and ideas. Governments have also discovered the potential for these sites to aid in government information sharing and outreach. The Social Media and Social Networking and Government Minitrack tackles social media and networks relating to e-government which may include the use of social media and networks by any level of government, the implementation challenges, trust and privacy issues, different patterns and trends of social networks, information sharing, information overload, and mobile social networking.
Decoding of responses to mixed frequency and phase coded visual stimuli using multiset canonical correlation analysis

Brain-computer interfacing (BCI) based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) is one of the most practical BCIs because of its high recognition accuracies and little training of a user. Mixed frequency and phase coding which can implement a number of commands and achieve a high information transfer rate (ITR) has recently been gaining much attention. In order to implement mixed-coded SSVEP-BCI as a reliable interface, it is important to detect commands fast and accurately. This paper presents a novel method to recognize mixed-coded SSVEPs which achieves high performance. The method employs multiset canonical correlation analysis to obtain spatial filters which enhance SSVEP components. An experiment with a mixed-coded SSVEP-BCI was conducted to evaluate performance of the proposed method compared with the previous work. The experimental results showed that the proposed method achieved significantly higher command recognition accuracy and ITR than the state-of-the-art.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of a new antibody glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (YM337) in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND This study describes the first administration of YM337, the Fab fragment of a humanized monoclonal antibody against the fibrinogen GP IIb/IIIa receptor, in healthy male humans. METHODS AND RESULTS Platelet aggregation (20 micromol/L ADP), platelet adhesion, fibrinogen binding, bleeding time, and YM337 concentrations in plasma were studied in substudy 1 after single boluses of 0.025, 0. 05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg YM337 and in substudy 2 after a bolus (0. 35 mg/kg) plus 6 hours of infusion at different dose levels of YM337 (0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 microg. kg(-1) x min(-1)), with abciximab as reference drug (n=5 or 6 subjects per group). After the 0.2-mg/kg and 0.4-mg/kg boluses, fibrinogen binding was reduced by >80% and bleeding time was prolonged to approximately 60 minutes. Bolus followed by infusion of 1.0 and 1.5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) YM337 maintained inhibition of platelet aggregation >80%. Aggregation and bleeding time returned to normal within 24 hours. A bolus of 0.25 mg/kg of abciximab followed by an infusion of 0.125 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) showed effects similar to those observed with the 0.5- and 0. 75-microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) infusion of YM337. In 53 subjects exposed to YM337, 1 case of transient thrombocytopenia and 3 minor bleeding events occurred. No human anti-chimeric antibodies were detected 2 weeks and 2 months after administration. CONCLUSIONS YM337 effectively inhibits IIb/IIIa-mediated platelet aggregation and adhesion in humans. The results of this phase 1 study will give rise to further clinical evaluation of YM337.
Rapid and accurate T2 mapping from multi–spin‐echo data using Bloch‐simulation‐based reconstruction

Quantitative T2‐relaxation‐based contrast has the potential to provide valuable clinical information. Practical T2‐mapping, however, is impaired either by prohibitively long acquisition times or by contamination of fast multiecho protocols by stimulated and indirect echoes. This work presents a novel postprocessing approach aiming to overcome the common penalties associated with multiecho protocols, and enabling rapid and accurate mapping of T2 relaxation values.
VEGF–PLCγ1 pathway controls cardiac contractility in the embryonic heart

The strength of the heart beat can accommodate in seconds to changes in blood pressure or flow. The mechanism for such homeostatic adaptation is unknown. We sought the cause of poor contractility in the heart of the embryonic zebrafish with the mutation dead beat. We find through cloning that this is due to a mutation in the phospholipase C γ1 (plcγ1) gene. In mutant embryos, contractile function can be restored by PLCγ1 expression directed selectively to cardiac myocytes. In other situations, PLCγ1 is known to transduce the signal from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and we show here that abrogation of VEGF also interferes with cardiac contractility. Somewhat unexpectedly, FLT-1 is the responsible VEGF receptor. We show that the same system functions in the rat. Blockage of VEGF–PLCγ1 signaling decreases calcium transients in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, whereas VEGF imposes a positive inotropic effect on cardiomyocytes by increasing calcium transients. Thus, the muscle of the heart uses the VEGF–PLCγ1 cascade to control the strength of the heart beat. We speculate that this paracrine system may contribute to normal and pathological regulation of cardiac contractility.
Molecular barcodes for soil nematode identification

Using a molecular barcode, derived from single‐specimen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 5′ segment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU) gene, we have developed a molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) scheme for soil nematodes. Individual specimens were considered to belong to the same MOTU when the sequenced segment of 450 bases was > 99.5% identical. A Scottish upland Agrostis‐Festuca grassland soil was sampled, using both culture‐based and random selection methods. One hundred and sixty‐six cultured isolates were sequenced, and clustered into five MOTU. From 74 randomly sampled individuals across the study site, 19 MOTU were defined. A subsequent sample of 18 individuals from a single subplot contained eight MOTU, four of which were unique to the single subplot sample. Interestingly, seven of these MOTU were not present in the culture‐independent sampling. Overall, a total of 23 MOTU were defined from only 240 sequences. Many MOTU could readily be assigned to classical, morphologically defined taxonomic units using a database of SSU sequences from named nematode species. The MOTU technique allows a rapid assessment of nematode taxon diversity in soils. Correlation with a database of sequences from known species offers a route to application of the technique in ecological surveys addressing biological as well as genetic diversity.
Effect of Waterlogging Duration at Different Growth Stages on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Cotton

In this study, a soil culture experiment was set up in barrels to investigate the effect of waterlogging duration at different growth stages on the growth, yield, and quality of cotton in the Huang-Huai Region of China during summer. The experiment was conducted at four growth stages of cotton (seedling, squaring, flowering, and boll opening), and the waterlogging duration at each stage was set to five levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d) and the waterlogging depth was 5cm. Twenty different treatment combinations were established, and one group without waterlogging throughout the whole growth period was used as the control (CK). The results showed that the waterlogging treatments at the different growth stages reduced the morphological and yield parameters of the cotton plants as well as the physiological parameters of the cotton leaves, and the extent of the reduction in these parameters increased with the extension of the waterlogging duration. The effect of waterlogging at different growth stages on the cotton decreased in the order of the flowering, squaring, seedling, and boll-opening stages, and the highest yield reduction rates for the four stages were 38.8%, 27.9%, 18.3%, and 7.6% respectively. Additionally, waterlogging decreased the quality parameters of cotton such as the upper-half mean length, uniformity index, micronaire value, elongation, yellowness, and lint percentage at the squaring, flowering, and boll-opening stages. Furthermore, at the seedling stage waterlogging for no more than 6 d allowed the morphological and yield parameters to recover in the boll-opening stage upon timely drainage, and these parameters showed no significant decreases compared with the CK level. The critical duration of waterlogging at the squaring stage was 4 d. However, at the flowering stage, even 2 d of waterlogging could lead to the stagnation of morphological development and prevent the recovery of the cotton yield to the CK level. Therefore, when waterlogging disasters occur in cotton fields, the implementation of appropriate surface and subsurface drainage schemes for the different growth stages is needed as soon as possible to mitigate the damage.
Analysis of Pharmacokinetic & Pharmacodynamic Models in Oral and Transdermal Dosage Forms

Bioavailability is a pharmacokinetic term which refers the extent and speed of absorption of the chemicals content in it. After the absorption the drug plays the important role in which the body react i.e. the pharmacodynamics process. Oral drugs, Transdermal drugs, Lipophilic drugs and combined oral drugs all plays the different role after being absorbed and the mode of absorption is also different through various research. The pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC), (Cmax) and dynamic models express the process of drug ADME reports. Various sample analysis is also being done through various instrumentation and databases. Researches and reports reveal the various side effects of few drugs which are taken orally as well as transdermally and the combine effects are being taken into consideration. The main aim is to analyze the process of drug absorption through various parameters, different instruments and mention the side effects after absorptions.
Cry, Baby, Cry: Expression of Distress As a Biomarker and Modulator in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Background: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is critical, because early intensive treatment greatly improves its prognosis. Methods: We review studies that examined vocalizations of infants with autism spectrum disorder and mouse models of autism spectrum disorder as a potential means to identify autism spectrum disorder before the symptomatic elements of autism spectrum disorder emerge. We further discuss clinical implications and future research priorities in the field. Results: Atypical early vocal calls (i.e., cry) may represent an early biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (or at least for a subgroup of children with autism spectrum disorder), and thus can assist with early detection. Moreover, cry is likely more than an early biomarker of autism spectrum disorder; it is also an early causative factor in the development of the disorder. Specifically, atypical crying, as recently suggested, might induce a “self-generated environmental factor” that in turn, influences the prognosis of the disorder. Because atypical crying in autism spectrum disorder is difficult to understand, it may have a negative impact on the quality of care by the caregiver (see graphical abstract). Conclusions: Evidence supports the hypothesis that atypical vocalization is an early, functionally integral component of autism spectrum disorder.
Deciphering the somite segmentation clock: Beyond mutants and morphants

The regular pattern of somite segmentation depends on a clock, the somite segmentation clock, in the form of a gene expression oscillator, operating in the presomitic mesoderm (the PSM) at the tail end of the vertebrate embryo. Genetic screens and other approaches have identified a variety of genes, including components and targets of the Notch signalling pathway, that show transcriptional oscillations in this region and appear to be necessary for correct segmentation. Mathematical modelling shows that the oscillations could plausibly be generated by a simple mechanism of delayed negative feedback, based on autoinhibition of Notch target genes of the Hes/her family by their own protein products. To move beyond plausible models to an experimentally validated theory, however, it is necessary to measure the parameters on which the proposed model is based and to devise ways of probing the dynamics of the system by means of timed disturbances so as to compare with the model's predictions. Some progress is being made in these directions. Developmental Dynamics 236:1410–1415, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Affects and Media Exposure

Recently, the influence of affects and emotions in media exposure on the impact of media has become indisputable. Formerly, the emphasis was largely on cognitive aspects such as recall, learning, thoughts, and beliefs. The affective aspects were reserved for entertainment media, mostly limited to processes of involvement and gratifications ( → Involvement with Media Content; Entertainment, Effects of). Nowadays, the borders between entertainment and → news and information fare get blurred. Entertainment programs like The Simpsons and Survival claim to be reality-based ( → Reality TV), whereas news items and information programming increasingly make use of emotionalizing cues, such as personal anecdotes and zooming in on “crying faces” ( → Narrative News Story; Soft News). The Fox news broadcast of the invasion of the US army in Iraq in the second Gulf War, for instance, appeared like a → video game such as America’s Army, including the upbeat music. The blowing up of the World Trade Towers in New York (9/11) seemed a gruesome science fiction at first hand, whereas fiction-based TV shows like ER inform many on real-life hospital affairs. Thus, two developments emphasize the importance of studying the role of affects in media exposure: (1) the media (i.e., program-makers) increasingly use dramatic techniques ( → Drama in Media Content; Hollywood); and (2) cognitive or information functions of the media increasingly coincide with affective and entertainment functions. Therefore, after defining affect, its role within the realm of media exposure will be discussed: in media entertainment, in → persuasion and commercial contexts, and across the → Internet.
Exploration of Acoustic Features for Automatic Vowel Discrimination in Spontaneous Speech

In an attempt to understand what acoustic/auditory feature sets motivated transcribers towards certain labeling decisions, I built machine learning models that were capable of discriminating between canonical and non-canonical vowels excised from the Buckeye Corpus. Specifically, I wanted to model when the dictionary form and the transcribed-form of a vowel would match one another. I defined the transcribed-form of a vowel as an intended production from a speaker X labeled as Y by a transcriber. With specific acoustic/auditory feature sets extracted from a vowel, a pattern recognizer was used to produce a result indicating if the transcribed-form is an example of a citation form of a vowel. The second purpose was to compare discrimination performance of models with static vowel measures to those models with measurements taken along a trajectory, which consisted of measurements from 20%, 50% and 80% of a vowel’s duration. The hypothesis was that trajectory-based measures would have notable performance gains over static vowel measures. Static and trajectory-based measurements were then organized between formantbased and cepstral measurements. The hypothesis was that cepstral representations of vowels should outperform resonant frequencies of the vocal tract (formants) simply
Transmit power control and channel assignment for femto cells in HetNet systems using genetic algorithm

Interference avoidance between macro and femto cells is necessary in heterogeneous network (HetNet) systems. To solve the issues, we proposed a method that controls not only transmit power but also channel assignment by genetic algorithm. In this paper, we optimize parameters in indoor environment under the constraint from interference from macro networks and evaluate the throughput performance in HetNet Systems by simulation. We also evaluate the calculation time of parameters on the control board as the integrated device. We confirmed the increase of the minimum throughput and the average throughput with less complexity by controlling parameters, comparing with the throughput and calculation time by a method without controlling parameters.
Does it Pay to Diversify Real Estate Assets? - A Literary Perspective

This paper examines the literature to date on the benefits of diversifying property assets internationally. Currently, there is no consensus on how much benefit can be derived from diversifying property portfolios globally. This is contrary to other financial assets where there seems to be common ground supporting holding international assets. In the real estate literature, there are two contrasting opinions as to the level of integration global property markets have and the advantages there are from holding international property assets. Specifically, this paper shows there are mixed outcomes irrespective of whether direct or indirect property assets are being examined, and this often depends on what type of statistical procedures are being applied. This study also provides some insights into more recent developments in the literature that might explain some of the diverse opinions that have been formed, these primarily being the inter-temporal instability of correlation coefficients and the impact that structural breaks can have upon statistical analyses.
Distributed Bayes Blocks for Variational Bayesian Learning

In this work preliminary results on a distributed version of Bayes Blocks software library [1, 4] are presented. Bayes Blocks is a software implementation of the variational Bayesian building block framework [7] that allows automated derivation of variational learning procedures for a variety of models, including nonlinear and variance models. The library is implemented in C++ with Python bindings. The underlying framework resembles the variational message passing (VMP) framework [8], but includes support for nonlinear and other models that are not in the conjugate exponential family.
Glioma Stem Cells: Cell Culture, Markers and Targets for New Combination Therapies

Gliomas are brain tumors with glial cell characteristics, and are composed of a heterogeneous mix of cells, which includes glioma stem cells. Gliomas include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymoma, and mixed gliomas. Gliomas account for 32% of all brain and central nervous system tumors (CNS) and 80% of all malignant brain and CNS tumors (CBTRUS, 2010). The WHO grade III anaplastic astrocytomas (AAs) and grade IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs) are highly invasive tumors and make up approximately three-quarters of all gliomas (CBTRUS, 2010). GBM is the most common and malignant form of brain tumor. GBMs make up 17% of all primary brain tumors in the United States, with an incidence of 3.17 cases per 100,000 persons per year (CBTRUS, 2010). Although both the knowledge of glioma biology and the available resources for treatment have greatly increased over the past decade, the expected survival of malignant glioma patients remains dismal. For AA patients, the current five-year and ten-year survival rates are 27.4% and 21.3%, respectively (CBTRUS, 2010). GBM patients have a much lower survival. The current five-year and ten-year survival rates for GBM patients are 4.5% and 2.7%, respectively (CBTRUS, 2010). Clinical treatment for gliomas consists of a combination of surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Due to the infiltrative nature of GBMs, complete removal of the tumor by surgery is not possible. Following surgery, the conventional radiation dosage of up to 60 Gy is given daily in 2 Gy fractions (Buatti et al 2008). The commonly used chemotherapy drug, temozolomide (Temodar®), is an alkylating agent that is taken orally and readily penetrates the blood-brain barrier (Ostermann et al., 2004). 1,3bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) is an older drug that surgeons deposit in the tumor bed as dissolvable wafers (Grossman et al., 1992). Both of these drugs alkylate DNA at multiple sites, including the O6 position of guanine, which can result in futile cycles of DNA repair and, ultimately, cell death (Sarkaria et al., 2008). These alkylating agents can also induce senescence (Gunther et al., 2003). Temozolomide is administered as both concomitant and adjuvant treatments to radiotherapy. This aggressive treatment increases the two-year survival rate for GBM patients from 10.4%, with radiotherapy alone, to 26.5% (Stupp et al., 2005). Cells that escape radiotherapyand chemotherapy-induced cell death eventually reenter the cell cycle and contribute to local tumor recurrence. Despite advances in chemotherapy regimens, the median progression free survival in AA and GBM patients is, 15.2 months (Chamberlain et al., 2008) and 6.9 months (Stupp et al., 2005), respectively. The median overall survival time for GBMs is 14.6 months (Stupp et al., 2005).