Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcome in Patients Previously on Antithrombotic Therapy in the SAMMPRIS Trial: Subgroup Analysis

Background and Purpose— Stenting has been used as a rescue therapy in patients with intracranial arterial stenosis and a transient ischemic attack or stroke when on antithrombotic therapy (AT). We determined whether the stenting versus aggressive medical therapy for intracranial arterial stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial supported this approach by comparing the treatments within subgroups of patients whose qualifying event (QE) occurred on versus off of AT. Methods— The primary outcome, 30-day stroke and death and later strokes in the territory of the qualifying artery, was compared between (1) percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting plus aggressive medical therapy (PTAS) versus aggressive medical management therapy alone (AMM) for patients whose QE occurred on versus off AT and between (2) patients whose QE occurred on versus off AT separately for the treatment groups. Results— Among the 284/451 (63%) patients who had their QE on AT, the 2-year primary end point rates were 15.6% for those randomized to AMM (n=140) and 21.6% for PTAS (n=144; P=0.043, log-rank test). In the 167 patients not on AT, the 2-year primary end point rates were 11.6% for AMM (n=87) and 18.8% for PTAS (n=80; P=0.31, log-rank test). Within both treatment groups, there was no difference in the time to the primary end point between patients who were on or off AT (AMM, P=0.96; PTAS, P=0.52; log-rank test). Conclusions— SAMMPRIS results indicate that the benefit of AMM over PTAS is similar in patients on versus off AT at the QE and that failure of AT is not a predictor of increased risk of a primary end point. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00576693.
Comparing Adjuvanted H28 and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Expressing H28 in a Mouse and a Non-Human Primate Tuberculosis Model

Here we report for the first time on the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a vaccine strategy involving the adjuvanted fusion protein “H28” (consisting of Ag85B-TB10.4-Rv2660c) and Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara expressing H28. We show that a heterologous prime-boost regimen involving priming with H28 in a Th1 adjuvant followed by boosting with H28 expressed by MVA (H28/MVA28) induced the highest percentage of IFN-γ expressing T cells, the highest production of IFN-γ per single cell and the highest induction of CD8 T cells compared to either of the vaccines given alone. In contrast, in mice vaccinated with adjuvanted recombinant H28 alone (H28/H28) we observed the highest production of IL-2 per single cell and the highest frequency of antigen specific TNF-α/IL-2 expressing CD4 T cells pre and post infection. Interestingly, TNF-α/IL-2 expressing central memory-like CD4 T cells showed a significant positive correlation with protection at week 6 post infection, whereas the opposite was observed for post infection CD4 T cells producing only IFN-γ. Moreover, as a BCG booster vaccine in a clinically relevant non-human primate TB model, the H28/H28 vaccine strategy induced a slightly more prominent reduction of clinical disease and pathology for up to one year post infection compared to H28/MVA28. Taken together, our data showed that the adjuvanted subunit and MVA strategies led to different T cell subset combinations pre and post infection and that TNF-α/IL-2 double producing but not IFN-γ single producing CD4 T cell subsets correlated with protection in the mouse TB model. Moreover, our data demonstrated that the H28 vaccine antigen was able to induce strong protection in both a mouse and a non-human primate TB model.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme as a treatment approach for children with severe speech disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme (NDP) in the treatment of severe developmental speech disorders. A single subject design was used with four children aged 4-6 years. All scored below the 1st percentile on Percentage Consonants Correct (PCC), had difficulties at a number of speech output levels and were unimpaired on auditory discrimination tasks. Two children met Dodd's criteria for consistent phonological disorder plus articulation disorder, one for inconsistent disorder plus articulation disorder and one for developmental verbal dyspraxia (Dodd 2005). Each child received 20 hours of 1:1 therapy (one hour per week). Assessments were carried out before and after each block of 10 sessions. Micro speech assessments addressed the production of single sounds, words at the CV, CVCV, CVC, multisyllabic and cluster level, and sentences. 'Macro' assessments measured global changes to overall PCC, inconsistency, intelligibility, and oromotor function. Expressive language assessments were used as control measures. Micro assessment revealed that all children showed change at the single word and sentence levels, ranging from highly significant change at all levels of complexity to small changes in phonetic closeness to target phonemes. In all cases phonetic inventories increased, and number/frequency of phonological processes were reduced. At the macro level, three children showed significant improvement in PCC, and all had increased intelligibility ratings after therapy. This study shows that the NDP is effective in bringing about micro and macro changes in speech production in the treatment of severe speech disorders. It also reveals that variation in response to therapy may be in part related to the nature of the speech disorder but can also be affected by additional factors such as engagement with the therapy process and emotional and behavioural difficulties.
A Model-Driven Architecture Approach Using Explicit Stakeholder Quality Requirement Models for Building Dependable Information Systems

Decision makers in safety-critical domains rely on data from dependable information systems. Traditional time- and safety-critical information systems, such as traffic management systems, have been using proprietary point-to-point data links, which are very dependable, but also time-consuming and costly to change due to the need to manually adapt a multitude of deployed systems. In this paper we introduce a model-driven architecture (MDA) system approach that describes explicitly stakeholder quality requirements on dependable data links between systems for decision support and generates new system versions that implement these requirements. The MDA approach is expected to a) improve the quality (assurance) of system requirements; b) support more explicit feedback on the quality of intermediate models during systems development; and c) provide better auditing capabilities of the systems development process. Based on an industry case study we describe the MDA concept of the system, the development process, and how software quality can be measured and improved.
On the S_n-equivariant Euler characteristic of M_{2,n}

The Getzler's formula relates the S_n-equivariant Hodge-Deligne polynomial of the space of ordered tuples of distinct points on a given variety X with the Hodge-Deligne polynomial of X. We obtain the analogue of this formula for the case when X has a nontrivial automorphism group. Collecting together all strata of $\mathcal{M}_2$ with different automorphism groups, we derive a formula for the S_n-equivariant Euler characteristic of $\mathcal{M}_{2,n}$.
Technology for Improving Early Reading in Multi-Lingual Settings: Evidence from Rural South Africa

In September 2015, the United Nations ratified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including a central goal to improve the quality of learning, and attain universal literacy. As part of this effort, the UN and other funding agencies see technology as a major enabling tool for achievement of the SDGs. However, little evidence exists concerning major claims about the success of particular interventions, especially in developing countries. An additional barrier to achieving the SDGs for education is a better understanding of how learning occurs for promoting successful transfer of reading skills in linguistically diverse settings. This research investigates the impact of a computer-based early grade reading intervention for improving literacy outcomes in rural South Africa. Results show that learners in intervention schools performed significantly better on mother tongue reading fluency measures, as well as comprehension. Further, this study identified a pair of values by which mother tongue decoding skills significantly improved the ability to predict transfer of skills to English. The findings indicate that teaching literacy through guided and contextualized digital material can support development of early reading skills. However, more research is needed to enhance sustainability of the treatment effect over time. The results further demonstrate the importance of establishing baseline reading skills in a mother tongue language for improving transfer of literacy skills to English. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Education First Advisor Daniel A. Wagner
Caudwell Xtreme Everest: A prospective study of the effects of environmental hypoxia on cognitive functioning

Background The neuropsychological consequences of exposure to environmental hypobaric hypoxia (EHH) remain unclear. We thus investigated them in a large group of healthy volunteers who trekked to Mount Everest base camp (5,300 m). Methods A neuropsychological (NP) test battery assessing memory, language, attention, and executive function was administered to 198 participants (age 44.5±13.7 years; 60% male). These were studied at baseline (sea level), 3,500 m (Namche Bazaar), 5,300 m (Everest Base Camp) and on return to 1,300 m (Kathmandu) (attrition rate 23.7%). A comparable control group (n = 25; age 44.5±14.1 years; 60% male) for comparison with trekkers was tested at/or near sea level over an equivalent timeframe so as to account for learning effects associated with repeat testing. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was used to calculate changes in cognition and neuropsychological function during and after exposure to EHH relative to controls. Results Overall, attention, verbal ability and executive function declined in those exposed to EHH when the performance of the control group was taken into account (RCI .05 to -.95) with decline persisting at descent. Memory and psychomotor function showed decline at highest ascent only (RCI -.08 to -.56). However, there was inter-individual variability in response: whilst NP performance declined in most, this improved in some trekkers. Cognitive decline was greater amongst older people (r = .42; p < .0001), but was otherwise not consistently associated with socio-demographic, mood, or physiological variables. Conclusions After correcting for learning effects, attention, verbal abilities and executive functioning declined with exposure to EHH. There was considerable individual variability in the response of brain function to sustained hypoxia with some participants not showing any effects of hypoxia. This might have implications for those facing sustained hypoxia as a result of any disease.
Perspective: causes and functional significance of temporal variations in attention control

Attention control describes the human ability to selectively modulate the plethora of sensory signals and internal thoughts. The neural systems of attention control have been studied extensively, warranted by the importance of this ability to daily functioning. Here, we consider an emerging theme in the study of attention control-slow temporal fluctuations. We posit that these fluctuations are functionally significant, and may reflect underlying interactions between the neural systems related to attention control. We explore thought experiments to generate different perspectives on landscapes created by the interactions between attention control networks and the sources of input to these control systems. We examine interactions of the fronto-parietal and the default mode networks in the context of internal cognition, and the noradrenergic modulatory projections in the context of arousal, and we consider the implications of these inter-network dynamics on attention states and attention disorders. Through these thought experiments we highlight the breadth of potential knowledge to be gained from the study of slow fluctuations in attention control.
HD 178892 – a cool Ap star with extremely strong magnetic field

We report a discovery of the Zeeman resolved spectral lines, corresponding to the extremely large magnetic field modulus $\langle B_{\rm s}\rangle$ = 17.5 kG, in the cool Ap star HD 178892. The mean longitudinal field of this star reaches 7.5 kG, and its rotational modulation implies the strength of the dipolar magnetic component $B_{\rm p}\ge$ 23 kG. We have revised rotation period of the star using the All Sky Automated Survey photometry and determined P = 8.2478 d. Rotation phases of the magnetic and photometric maxima of the star coincide with each other. We obtained Geneva photometric observation of HD 178892 and estimated T eff = $7700\pm250$ K using photometry and the hydrogen Balmer lines. Preliminary abundance analysis reveals abundance pattern typical of rapidly oscillating Ap stars.
Does Speed Signal Ability? The Impact of Grade Repetitions on Employment and Wages

We propose a new test for the presence of job-market signalling in the sense of Spence (1973), based on an equation in which log-wages are explained by two endogenous variables: the student's degree and the student's time to degree, not simply by years of education. Log-wages are regressed on a measure of education, which is a position on a scale of certificates and degrees, and a measure of the student delay, defined as the difference between the individual's school-leaving age and the average school-leaving age of students holding the same certificate or degree. We use past school-opening instruments, and distance-to-the-nearest-college, also measured in the past, when students were entering grade 6, to identify the parameters. We find a robust, significant and negative impact of the delay variable on wages, averaged over the first five years of career. A year of delay causes a 9% decrease of the student's wage. The only reasonable explanation for this effect is the fact that longer delays signal unobserved characteristics with a negative productivity value. We finally estimate a nonlinear model of education choices and cannot reject the assumption that the data is generated by a job-market signalling equilibrium.
Integration of DCE-MRI and DW-MRI Quantitative Parameters for Breast Lesion Classification

Objective. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of an imaging protocol combining dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in patients with suspicious breast lesions. Materials and Methods. A total of 31 breast lesions (15 malignant and 16 benign proved by histological examination) in 26 female patients were included in this study. For both DCE-MRI and DW-MRI model free and model based parameters were computed pixel by pixel on manually segmented ROIs. Statistical procedures included conventional linear analysis and more advanced techniques for classification of lesions in benign and malignant. Results. Our findings indicated no strong correlation between DCE-MRI and DW-MRI parameters. Results of classification analysis show that combining of DCE parameters or DW-MRI parameter, in comparison of single feature, does not yield a dramatic improvement of sensitivity and specificity of the two techniques alone. The best performance was obtained considering a full combination of all features. Moreover, the classification results combining all features are dominated by DCE-MRI features alone. Conclusion. The combination of DWI and DCE-MRI does not show a potential to dramatically increase the sensitivity and specificity of breast MRI. DCE-MRI alone gave the same performance as in combination with DW-MRI.
Evaluation and Management of Patellar Instability in Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes

Context: The rising popularity and intensity of youth sports has increased the incidence of patellar dislocation. These sports-related injuries may be associated with significant morbidity in the pediatric population. Treatment requires understanding and attention to the unique challenges in the skeletally immature patient. Evidence Acquisition: PubMed searches spanning 1970-2013. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: Although nonoperative approaches are most often suitable for first-time patellar dislocations, surgical treatment is recommended for acute fixation of displaced osteochondral fractures sustained during primary instability and for patellar realignment in the setting of recurrent instability. While a variety of procedures can prevent recurrence, the risk of complications is not minimal. Conclusion: Patellar stabilization and realignment procedures in skeletally immature patients with recurrent patellar dislocation can effectively treat patellar instability without untoward effects on growth if careful surgical planning incorporates protection of growth parameters in the skeletally immature athlete.
Analysis and detection R-peak detection using Modified Pan-Tompkins algorithm

Cardiac diseases that gives rise to the death and possibly forms the immedicable danger in order to monitor the heart the proposed algorithm is used. An automatic detection of peaks in Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is presented. The aim of the design work is to achieve higher performance in terms of reliability and better diagnosis of patients through Peak detection. The new method called Modified Pan-Tompkins algorithm based on the slope and amplitude of ECG signal. The QRS complex detection algorithm uses optimized Bandpass-filtering to reduce false detection. The purpose of prefiltering is to reduce various noise components in order to achieve improved detection reliability. The QRS detection reliability of an algorithm was tested with an noisy stress ECG signal. The usefulness of the proposed method is shown by applying the algorithm to signal from MIT- BIH Arrhythmia database to obtain the number of heart-beats per minute which helps to diagnose the heart disease.
Perceived Investment Performance of Individual Investors is Related to the Big-Five and the General Factor of Personality (GPF)

The present study tries to examine whether (i) Big-Five personality traits and (ii) general personality factor (Big-One), that is, the higher order factor for Big-Five are related to the factors measuring perceived investment performance. Cross-sectional data were collected from individual investors (N = 396), through stratified and quota sampling approach. Data were analysed using correlation, regression, hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the strength of relationship between the constructs. The results of the study indicated that Big-Five dimensions of personality, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, are associated with perceived investment performance. Moreover, the correlation and regression analysis depicted that Big-One is also a major antecedent for perceived satisfaction and tends to contribute largely (3.8 per cent) to the variance in perceived investment performance.
Individual differences in working memory and processing speed predict anticipatory spoken language processing in the visual world

ABSTRACT Several mechanisms of predictive language processing have been proposed. The possible influence of mediating factors such as working memory and processing speed, however, has largely been ignored. We sought to find evidence for such an influence using an individual differences approach. 105 participants from 32–77 years of age received spoken instructions (e.g. “Kijk naar deCOM afgebeelde pianoCOM”– look at the displayed piano) while viewing 4 objects. Articles (Dutch “het” or “de”) were gender-marked such that the article agreed in gender only with the target. Participants could thus use article gender information to predict the target. Multiple regression analyses showed that enhanced working memory abilities and faster processing speed predicted anticipatory eye movements. Models of predictive language processing therefore must take mediating factors into account. More generally, our results are consistent with the notion that working memory grounds language in space and time, linking linguistic and visual–spatial representations.
THE LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS OF INQUIRY-BASEDINSTRUCTION AMONG VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This aim of this study was to explore the learning effectiveness of inquiry-basedinstruction among vocational high school students. The sample consisted of 20students at a maritime polytechnic vocational high school in southern Taiwan, andthe instruction focused on the laboratory practices for assembling and disassemblingpower equipment. We used a single-group design and conducted pre- and posttests tomeasure changes in basic capabilities, motivation for an interest in studying science,and performance on a skill examination table.The study results indicate that inquiry-based instruction significantly improved thebasic academic abilities and skills of students. This improvement was especiallypronounced with respect to the self-efficacy and performance goal dimensions relatedto the motivation to study science. No significant differences were found for the threedimensions related to interest in studying science attitude toward science, learningatmosphere, and student engagement.
Efficacy of Retinal Spikes in Driving Cortical Responses

How does a single retinal ganglion cell (RGC) affect the firing of simple cells in the visual cortex? Although much is known of the functional connections between the retina and the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and between LGN and visual cortex, it is hard to infer the effect of disynaptic connections from retina to visual cortex. Most importantly, there is considerable divergence from retina to LGN, so cortical neurons might be influenced by ganglion cells through multiple feedforward pathways. We recorded simultaneously from ganglion cells in the retina and cortical simple cells in the striate cortex with overlapping receptive fields and evaluated disynaptic connections with cross-correlation analysis. In all disynaptically connected pairs, the retinal receptive field center and overlapping cortical subregion always shared the same sign (either both ON or both OFF). Connected pairs were similar in other respects, such as relative position and timing of their receptive fields, and thus obeyed the same rules of connectivity found previously for retinothalamic and thalamocortical connections. We found that a single RGC directly contributed on average to ∼3% of the activity of its cortical target. The relative timing of pairs of spikes from the retinal cell affected their efficacy in driving the cortical cell. When two retinal spikes were closely spaced (<10 msec), the second spike was several times more likely to drive the cortical target. The relative magnitude of this disynaptic paired spike enhancement was considerably larger than has been found previously for retinogeniculate and geniculocortical connections. The amplified paired spike enhancement from retina to cortex ensures that signal transmission from retina to cortex is particularly effective when the retina fires a series of closely spaced action potentials.