Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The frontal aging hypothesis evaluated

That the human frontal lobes are particularly vulnerable to age-related deterioration has been frequently invoked as an explanation of functional decline in aging. This “frontal aging hypothesis” is evaluated in this review by examining evidence of selectively reduced frontal lobe function in aging. The frontal aging hypothesis predicts that functions largely dependent on frontal regions would decline in aging, while functions largely independent of frontal lobes would remain relatively spared. The hypothesis further predicts that age-related brain change would selectively impact frontal regions. The literatures on working memory, visuospatial attention, face recognition, and implicit memory were reviewed as exemplars of functions dependent on prefrontal, parietal, temporal and occipitotemporal cortices, respectively, with a view to establishing mediating structures and effects of aging. Age sensitivity was seen both in functions dependent on frontal integrity as well as in functions apparently independent of frontal integrity. Further, although prefrontal areas exhibit age-related decreases in regional volume, blood flow and metabolism, nonfrontal cortical regions undergo similar declines. It is concluded that while the frontal lobes are subject to age-related changes reflected in both behavior and pathology, there is only weak and conflicting evidence that frontal regions are selectively and differentially affected by aging. It is argued that a network-based theory of cognitive aging has advantages over the localizationist approach inherent in the frontal aging hypothesis. (JINS, 2000, 6, 705–726.)
Designer repellents: combining olfactory, visual or taste cues with a secondary repellent to deter free-ranging house sparrows from feeding.

BACKGROUND Repellents may prevent bird pests from eating crops or protect non-target birds from eating harmful substances. The feeding behaviour of free-ranging house sparrows (Passer domesticus) presented with wheat treated with the secondary repellent anthraquinone (AQ), paired with visual and/or olfactory and taste cues, was recorded in a series of trials. The aim was to determine the suitability of repellent combinations for preventing birds from consuming pest baits. RESULTS Anthraquinone significantly reduced wheat consumption. The addition of cinnamon oil did not reduce consumption further, but the addition of either a blue colour or d-pulegone enhanced repellency. Green wheat was consumed more than blue wheat. In a multichoice test, the sparrows did not differentiate between low and high concentrations of AQ on blue-dyed wheat. With treatments on separate tables, the higher concentration was more repellent. Additional olfactory/gustatory cues palatable to pest mammals did not make the AQ-treated wheat more or less acceptable to sparrows. AQ-treated blue wheat with/without cinnamon oil was more repellent than green wheat with cinnamon oil, a colour/odour combination typically used for pest baits in New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the potential of combining the secondary repellent AQ with additional salient cues for modifying the feeding behaviour of sparrows.
Beyond One-Way Communication: Degrees of Freedom of Multi-Way Relay MIMO Interference Networks

We characterize the degrees of freedom (DoFs) of a multiway relay wireless network consisting of four user nodes, each with M antennas, and one N-antenna relay node. Each user node sends one independent message to each of the other users, and there are no direct links between any two user nodes. For this network, we show that the symmetric DoF value per message is given by max(min((M/3), (N/7)), min(((2M)/7), (N/6))) normalized by space dimensions, i.e., piecewise linear depending on M and N alternatively. While the information theoretic DoF upper bound is established for every M and N antennas, the achievability relying on linear signal subspace alignment is established in the spatially normalized sense in general. In addition, by deactivating four messages to form a twoway relay MIMO X channel, we also present the DoF result max(min((M/2), (N/5)), min(((2M)/5), (N/4))) in a similar piecewise linear type. The key ingredient to these new results is to first establish the principle of beamforming design via linear dimension counting perspective, which is essentially the fundamental element for establishing both the DoF converse and the DoF achievability. Moreover, we also settle the feasibility of linear interference alignment that extends the feasibility framework from one-way one-hop to multiway relay interference networks.
Universal prevention is associated with lower prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Northern Cape, South Africa: a multicentre before-after study.

AIMS Prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is remarkably high in several provinces of South Africa; yet population-level knowledge of the harms of maternal drinking remains low. In two heavily affected areas, we assessed effectiveness of interventions to heighten awareness of these harms and to alter social norms about drinking in pregnancy. METHODS FASD prevalence, maternal knowledge and drinking behaviours were investigated in two Northern Cape Province towns, before and after interventions which included highlighting FASD using local media and health promotion talks at health facilities. Independently, two dysmorphologists and a neuropsychometrist examined children at 9 and 18 months. RESULTS Pre-intervention maternal knowledge of alcohol harms was low and FASD prevalence 8.9% (72/809). Interventions reached high coverage and knowledge levels increased substantially. FASD prevalence was 5.7% post-intervention (43/751; P = 0.02); 0.73 lower odds, controlling for maternal age and ethnicity (95% confidence interval = 0.58-0.90). No change was detected in more severe FASD forms, but in the whole population, median dysmorphology scores reduced from 4 [inter-quartile range (IQR) = 2-7] to 3 (IQR = 1-6; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION This, the first prevention study using FASD outcomes, suggests that universal prevention might reduce FASD by ∼30% and have population-level effects. This supports intensifying universal interventions where knowledge of harms of maternal drinking is low. These efforts need to be accompanied by alcohol-dependence treatment to lower more severe FASD forms.
Inherited thrombocytopenia: novel insights into megakaryocyte maturation, proplatelet formation and platelet lifespan

Abstract The study of patients with inherited bleeding problems is a powerful approach in determining the function and regulation of important proteins in human platelets and their precursor, the megakaryocyte. The normal range of platelet counts in the bloodstream ranges from 150 000 to 400 000 platelets per microliter and is normally maintained within a narrow range for each individual. This requires a constant balance between thrombopoiesis, which is primarily controlled by the cytokine thrombopoietin (TPO), and platelet senescence and consumption. Thrombocytopenia can be defined as a platelet count of less than 150 000 per microliter and can be acquired or inherited. Heritable forms of thrombocytopenia are caused by mutations in genes involved in megakaryocyte differentiation, platelet production and platelet removal. In this review, we will discuss the main causative genes known for inherited thrombocytopenia and highlight their diverse functions and whether these give clues on the processes of platelet production, platelet function and platelet lifespan. Additionally, we will highlight the recent advances in novel genes identified for inherited thrombocytopenia and their suggested function.
Treatment, assessment and typologies of intimate partner violence

Traditionally, sociological accounts of the causes of intimate partner violence (IPV) have been adhered to by researchers and practitioners who consider men’s violence against female partners. However, a wide array of methodologically sound empirical literature highlights the importance of adopting a multi-factorial perspective in understanding the nature and aetiology of IPV and in informing policy, intervention and assessment in this domain. This thesis adheres to the empirical literature and aims to explore issues of IPV from a multifactor and gender inclusive perspective, with specific focus on the contribution that psychology can lend to understanding this phenomenon. A systematic review is presented to examine the interplay of psychological factors on the aetiology of male perpetration of IPV. The review identified that the risk factors substance abuse, childhood abuse, psychopathology and anger are predictive of male IPV. Future research should consider causal factors for female IPV offenders. Next, a critique of the psychometric State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 is discussed in relation to the validity and reliability of its measurement of anger. Overall this protocol is a well established measurement of anger in male IPV offenders. However, further research is required to specify its applicability to the female population of IPV offenders. Third, an individual case study of an IPV and generally violent offender evaluates the usefulness of adopting a treatment strategy that is individually selected to suit the client’s criminogenic need. The outcome supports the notion that individualised approaches should be utilised in the context of treatment and assessment of IPV offenders. Finally, an empirical study explores the heterogeneity of females convicted of IPV and provides support for the typologies theorised by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart (1994). It is concluded that future research should explore this phenomena in community samples and the context of the violence when investigating subtypes of female IPV offenders. Consistently, the findings from this thesis highlight the need to adopt a multi-factorial and gender inclusive perspective to understand the true nature and aetiology of IPV. Multifactor approaches should be considered in the context of assessment and treatment of IPV offenders.
Problems of solid waste management on Mount Kilimanjaro: A challenge to tourism

We report on the findings of a study on the problems of solid waste management (SWM) on Mountain Kilimanjaro (MK) which is located within Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) in Northern Tanzania. The study was prompted by the fact that flourishing tourism on the mountain over the years has resulted in an increase in the tonnage of solid waste (SW) generated, posing serious challenges in its collection and disposal. The methodology employed in this study included physical observations and questionnaire surveys, as well as waste sorting and weighing to quantify and characterize waste loads collected from each tourist route station covered in this study. On the basis of the established SW generation rate (0.6 kg ca—1 day—1) a total amount of SW generated was estimated to range from about 87 tonnes (in 2003) to 125 tonnes (in 2006). An improvement in SW collection from 64% in 2003 to 94% in 2006 was also noted. This improvement can be attributed to the trash-in-trash-out (TITO) system of SW collection which is currently practiced by the management of KINAPA for SWM on MK. The study also highlights potential environmental pollution including air pollution from open burning and pit disposal of SW. Based on average percentage values of waste components and the estimated quantity of waste generated, it was established that the total waste quantum contains about 34% of recyclables. The study recommends that resource recovery and conservation measures through waste recycling and re-use be instituted as one of the options for sustainable SWM on MK.
Effect of post-hatch transportation duration and parental age on broiler chicken quality, welfare, and productivity

Broiler chicks are transported to production sites within one to 2 d post-hatch. Possible effects of this transportation are poorly understood and could vary among chicks from breeder flocks of different ages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of transportation duration and parental flock age on chick welfare, productivity, and quality. After hatch in a commercial hatchery, 1,620 mixed-sex chicks from 29-wk old (young) and 1,620 chicks from 60-wk old (old) breeders were subjected to transportation of 1.5 h or 11 h duration. After transportation, 2,800 chicks were divided among 100 pens, with each pen containing 28 chicks from one transportation crate (2 or 3 pens per crate). From the remaining chicks, on average 6 chicks (min 4, max 8) per crate (n = 228) were randomly selected and assessed for chick quality, weighed, and culled for yolk sac weighing (one d). Chicks that had not been assigned to pens or were not used for post-transportation measurements, were removed from the experiment (n = 212). Mortality, ADG, BW, and feed conversion (FC) of the experimental chicks were recorded until 41 d. Meat quality was measured for breast fillets (n = 47). No interaction effect of parental age and transportation duration was found for any variables. BW and yolk sac weight at one d were lower for chicks transported 11 h than 1.5 h and for chicks from young versus old breeders. The effect of parental flock age on BW persisted until slaughter. Additionally, parental age positively affected ADG until slaughter. Chick quality was lower in chicks from old versus young breeders. Chick quality and productivity were not affected by transportation duration. Mortality and meat quality were not affected by either parental age or transportation duration. To conclude, no long-term detrimental effects were found from long post-hatch transportation in chicks from young or old parent flocks. Based on these results, we suggest that 11 h post-hatch transportations under similar conditions do not impose long-term welfare or productivity risks.
Spasticity and contractures at the wrist after stroke: time course of development and their association with functional recovery of the upper limb

Objective: To investigate the time course of development of spasticity and contractures at the wrist after stroke and to explore if these are associated with upper limb functional recovery. Design: Longitudinal observational study using secondary data from the control group of a randomized controlled trial. Setting: The Acute Stroke Unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Subjects: Patients without useful arm function (Action Research Arm Test — ARAT) score of 0 within 6 weeks of a first stroke. Main measures: Spasticity was measured by quantifying muscle activity during passively imposed stretches at two velocities. Contractures were measured by quantifying passive range of movement and stiffness. Upper limb functional movement was assessed using the ARAT. All assessments were conducted at baseline, and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 weeks after recruitment. Results: Thirty patients (43% male, median age 70 (range 52—90) years, median time since stroke onset 3 (range 1—5) weeks) were included. Twenty-eight (92%) demonstrated signs of spasticity throughout the study period. Participants who recovered arm function (n = 5) showed signs of spasticity at all assessment points but did not develop contractures. Patients who did not recover useful arm function (n = 25) had signs of spasticity and changes associated with contracture formation at all time points tested. Conclusion: In this group of patients who had no arm function within the first 6 weeks of stroke, spasticity was seen early, but did not necessarily hinder functional recovery. Contractures were more likely to develop in patients who did not recover arm function.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Squat Training for Strength, Sprints, and Agility in Academy Rugby Players

Abstract Speirs, DE, Bennett, MA, Finn, CV, and Turner, AP. Unilateral vs. bilateral squat training for strength, sprints, and agility in academy rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 386–392, 2016—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 5-week lower-limb unilateral or bilateral strength program on measures of strength, sprinting, and change of direction speed. Eighteen academy rugby players (18.1 ± 0.5 years, 97.4 ± 11.3 kg, 183.7 ± 11.3 cm) were randomly assigned to either a unilateral (UNI) or bilateral (BI) group. The UNI group squatted exclusively with the rear elevated split squat (RESS), whereas the BI group trained only with the bilateral back squat (BS). Both groups trained at a relative percentage of the respective 1 repetition maximum (1RM) twice weekly over a 5-week period. Subjects were assessed at baseline and postintervention for 1RM BS, 1RM RESS, 10-m sprint, 40-m sprint, and pro-agility. There was a significant main effect of time for 1RM BS (F1,16 = 86.5, p < 0.001), ES (0.84 < Cohen d < 0.92), 1RM RESS (F1,16 = 133.0, p < 0.001), ES (0.89 < Cohen d < 0.94), 40-m sprint (F1,16 = 14.4, p = 0.002), ES (0.47 < Cohen d < 0.67) and pro-agility (F1,16 = 55.9, p < 0.001), ES (0.77 < Cohen d < 0.89), but not 10-m sprints (F1,16 = 2.69, p = 0.121), ES (0.14 < Cohen d < 0.38). No significant interactions between group and time were observed for any of the dependent variables. This is the first study to suggest that BI and UNI training interventions may be equally efficacious in improving measures of lower-body strength, 40-m speed, and change of direction in academy level rugby players.
Are White-Collar and Common Offenders the Same? An Empirical and Theoretical Critique of a Recently Proposed General Theory of Crime

This article addresses two propositions on white-collar crime derived from a general theory of crime recently proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi. This theory predicts that white-collar offenders are (a) as criminally versatile and (b) as prone to deviance as common offenders. To assess the validity of these propositions, the authors investigate the criminal records of white-collar and common offenders and their respective levels of participation in deviant activities. As the general theory predicts, some white-collar offenders are involved in crime and deviance to much the same degree as typical street criminals. A large majority differ significantly from street criminals in these regards, contradicting the theory and limiting its generality. The authors argue that the theory's rejection of motives as important causal forces is misguided and that a more complex causal structure is needed to account for patterns of white-collar offending.
Infection in bone allografts. Incidence, nature, and treatment.

Of 283 patients who had a massive allograft of bone, an infection developed in thirty-three (11.7 per cent). To assess the frequency and identify the co-morbid and predisposing factors of this devastating complication, we compared demographic data for the infected and non-infected patients. Comparison of mean age, type of graft, anatomical site of the procedure, and stage of the tumor yielded no significant differences. Multiple-regression analysis of a subgroup of eighty-two patients who had a distal femoral graft showed a correlation between infection and factors that are associated with more extensive surgery (more loss of bone, soft tissue, or skin) or with multiple operations. Approximately 30 per cent of the patients who had an infected allograft had no co-morbid or predisposing factors that could be statistically correlated with an increased risk for infection. Gram-positive organisms were the most common cause of infection, with twelve infections (36 per cent) being due to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Six patients had a single gram-negative organism and nine had mixed flora. The final result in the thirty-three patients who had an infected allograft was poor compared with that of the over-all series and of the uninfected patients. Twenty-seven infected allografts (82 per cent) were considered to be failures of treatment because amputation of the limb or resection of the graft was required to control the infection. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Msx1 Homeogene Antisense mRNA in Mouse Dental and Bone Cells

Msx1 plays a key role in early dental and cranio-facial patterning. A systematic screening of Msx1 transcripts during late postnatal stages of development evidenced not only sense mRNA but also antisense mRNA in the skeleton. Natural antisenses are able to bind their corresponding sense RNAs and block protein expression. Specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Northern-blotting using riboprobes and primer extension analysis allowed to identify and sequence a mouse 2184-base Msx1 antisense transcript. The transcription start site was located in a region including a consensus TATA box. In situ hybridization evidenced an increase in antisense mRNA expression during dental and bone cell differentiation in prenatal (Theiler stages E15.5-18.5) and newborn mice. This upregulation was related to Msx1 protein downregulation in cells expressing Msx1 sense mRNA. In vitro, transient Msx1 sense and antisense mRNA overexpression was performed in MO6-G3 cells, which pertain to the odontoblast lineage (polarization and dentin sialoprotein and phosphoprotein synthesis). The balance between antisense and sense Msx1 mRNAs appeared to control Msx1 protein levels. These data suggest that a bidirectional transcription of Msx1 homeogene may control Msx1 protein levels, and therefore may be critical in cell communication and differentiation during dental and cranio-facial development and mineralization.
Preschool Boys’ Development of Emotional Self-Regulation Strategies in a Sample At Risk for Behavior Problems

ABSTRACT Little longitudinal research has been conducted on changes in children's emotional self-regulation strategy (SRS) use after infancy, particularly for children at risk. In this study, the authors examined changes in boys’ emotional SRS from toddlerhood through preschool. Repeated observational assessments using delay of gratification tasks at ages 2, 3, and 4 years were examined with both variable- and person-oriented analyses in a low-income sample of boys (N = 117) at risk for early problem behavior. Results were consistent with theory on emotional SRS development in young children. Children initially used more emotion-focused SRS (e.g., comfort seeking) and transitioned to greater use of planful SRS (e.g., distraction) by 4 years of age. Person-oriented analysis using trajectory analysis found similar patterns from 2 to 4 years, with small groups of boys showing delayed movement away from emotion-focused strategies or delay in the onset of regular use of distraction. The results provide a foundation for future researchers to examine the development of SRS in low-income young children.
A network-based method for identifying prognostic gene modules in lung squamous carcinoma

Similarities in gene expression between both developing embryonic and precancerous tissues and cancer tissues may help identify much-needed biomarkers and therapeutic targets in lung squamous carcinoma. In this study, human lung samples representing ten successive time points, from embryonic development to carcinogenesis, were used to construct global gene expression profiles. Differentially expressed genes with similar expression in precancerous and cancer samples were identified. Using a network-based greedy searching algorithm to analyze the training cohort (n = 69) and three independent testing cohorts, we successfully identified a significant 22-gene module in which expression levels were correlated with overall survival in lung squamous carcinoma patients.