Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of brain volume changes in normal aging using serial registered magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of age on global and regional brain volumes and rates of atrophy, and to compare directly results based on cross-sectional and longitudinal data. METHODS Thirty-nine healthy control subjects (age range, 31-84 years) underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging assessments. Measurements included the whole-brain, temporal lobe, hippocampal, and ventricular volumes at baseline and for repeat scans. RESULTS We found significant decreases in cross-sectional whole-brain (P<.001), temporal lobe (P<.001), and hippocampal (P =.003) volumes and a significant increase in ventricular volume (P<.001) with increasing age. Cross-sectional and longitudinal estimates of atrophy rates were similar. We also found directional evidence of acceleration in atrophy rates with increasing age in all analyses, with the most marked changes occurring after 70 years of age. This increase in rates after 70 years of age was particularly marked in the ventricles (P<.001) and the hippocampi (P =.01). CONCLUSIONS We found a significant age-associated decrease in global and regional brain volumes. Some evidence indicates that this decline in brain volumes may be due to a nonlinear acceleration in rates of atrophy with increasing age. A better understanding of this process may help to discriminate normal age-related changes from neurodegenerative diseases.
Non-adaptive probabilistic group testing with noisy measurements: Near-optimal bounds with efficient algorithms

We consider the problem of detecting a small subset of defective items from a large set via non-adaptive “random pooling” group tests. We consider both the case when the measurements are noiseless, and the case2 when the measurements are noisy (the outcome of each group test may be independently faulty with probability q). Order-optimal results for these scenarios are known in the literature. We give information-theoretic lower bounds on the query complexity of these problems, and provide corresponding computationally efficient algorithms that match the lower bounds up to a constant factor. To the best of our knowledge this work is the first to explicitly estimate such a constant that characterizes the gap between the upper and lower bounds for these problems.
The Specific-Stress-Free housing system has positive effects on productivity, health, and welfare of pigs.

An experiment was conducted to determine the health, welfare, and growth performance of pigs housed under optimal climatic conditions in a Specific-Stress-Free (SSF) housing system. This system was compared to a conventional housing system with the same climatic conditions. Two identical experimental rooms with five pens each were used. In each room five litters were used for the experiments. The SSF pigs were not mixed or transported, whereas the pigs in the conventional housing system were mixed at weaning and mixed and transported at 25 kg. Average daily gain for the SSF pigs was higher (P < .05) both for the rearing period and for the finishing period (P < .01). Live weight at 143 d was, therefore, higher in the SSF group (95.09 kg vs 84.8 kg, P < .001). Clinical signs were hardly seen in the SSF group, but in the control group high levels of aggression after mixing caused ear, skin, and tail lesions. Cortisol concentration of the saliva was lower in SSF pigs after weaning (P < .01). Seven and 21 d after mixing, the SSF pigs had a higher response to an intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin (P < .001) than the control pigs. In conclusion, production performance, health, and welfare are improved when pigs are kept in an SSF housing system where they are not mixed or transported.
Contribution of apoptosis-associated signaling pathways to epileptogenesis: lessons from Bcl-2 family knockouts

Neuronal cell death is a pathophysiological consequence of many brain insults that trigger epilepsy and has been implicated as a causal factor in epileptogenesis. Seizure-induced neuronal death features excitotoxic necrosis and apoptosis-associated signaling pathways, including activation of multiple members of the Bcl-2 gene family. The availability of mice in which individual Bcl-2 family members have been deleted has provided the means to determine whether they have causal roles in neuronal death and epileptogenesis in vivo. Studies show that multiple members of the Bcl-2 family are activated following status epilepticus and the seizure and damage phenotypes of eight different knockouts of the Bcl-2 family have now been characterized. Loss of certain pro-apoptotic members, including Puma, protected against seizure-induced neuronal death whereas loss of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and Bcl-w enhanced hippocampal damage. Notably, loss of two putatively pro-apoptotic members, Bak and Bmf, resulted in more seizure-damage while deletion of Bid had no effect, indicating the role of certain Bcl-2 family proteins in epileptic brain injury is distinct from their contributions following other stressors or in non-CNS tissue. Notably, Puma-deficient mice develop fewer spontaneous seizures after status epilepticus suggesting neuroprotection may preserve functional inhibition, either directly by preserving neuronal networks or indirectly, for example by limiting reactive gliosis and pro-inflammatory responses to neuronal death. Together, these studies support apoptosis-associated molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal death as a component of epileptogenesis which might be targetable to protect against seizure-damage, cognitive deficits and mitigate the severity of syndrome following epilepsy-precipitating injuries to the brain.
List Composition Effects for Masked Semantic Primes: Evidence Inconsistent with Activation Accounts

Priming is the benefit that an event receives when its processing has been preceded by the processing of a related or identical event. Context effects on priming are evident when priming changes as a function of some feature of experimental trials. The most commonly explored context effect is that of relatedness proportion (RP), where it has often been shown that the magnitude of priming (semantic or repetition) is directly related to the proportion of related trials: Increasing the related trials results in greater priming. Although previously thought to depend on strategic processing, recent evidence of context effects from designs using masked primes and short stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs; less than 250 ms) refutes this strategy view because it should not be possible to enact strategies in such brief intervals. In addition, such findings provide evidence against the dominant view that masked priming with short SOAs results from automatic spreading activation because automatic spreading activation should not be influenced by contextual factors. The current set of experiments was designed to provide converging evidence for the notion that episodic accounts may best account for priming by exploring whether differences in another context variable—list composition—would alter semantic priming in a lexical decision task (LDT) for masked, short SOA (67 ms) primes. In 3 experiments, list composition was manipulated by presenting experimental trials that contained either 3 prime types (nominally related, semantically related, or unrelated) or 2 prime types (semantically related or unrelated) in either a between-subjects design (Experiments 1 and 2) or a within-subject design (Experiment 3). List composition effects were found: Response times (RTs) to semantically related primes were associated with a response cost in the 3-Prime-Type condition but were associated with a response benefit (facilitation) in the 2-Prime-Type condition. Episodic accounts can best account for these results, whereby to best facilitate target
Betriebliches Ausbildungsverhalten zwischen Kosten-Nutzen-Kalkül und gesellschaftlicher Verantwortung: Einflussfaktoren der Ausbildungsintensität von deutschen Betrieben

Theoretische Uberlegungen und empirische Analysen auf Basis einer Befragung von 35 Ausbildungsbetrieben in Bayern zeigen, dass der Beschaftigtenanteil von Auszubildenden mit der Betriebsgrose und den Bruttokosten einer Ausbildung tendenziell abnimmt. Besonders intensiv bilden Betriebe im Falle eines Fachkraftemangels aus und falls extern Ausgebildete eine langere Einarbeitungszeit aufweisen als selbst Ausgebildete. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass die Ausbildungsentscheidungen der Arbeitgeber weniger kurzfristiges Kostendenken als vielmehr langfristige Humankapitalinvestitionen widerspiegeln. Weitere von den Befragten genannten Ausbildungsmotive sind die Tradition des Betriebes sowie die Schaffung eines guten Rufes am Arbeitsmarkt, doch kann der letztere Einfluss okonometrisch nicht bestatigt werden.
Using Reinforcement Learning to Examine Dynamic Attention Allocation During Reading

A fundamental question in reading research concerns whether attention is allocated strictly serially, supporting lexical processing of one word at a time, or in parallel, supporting concurrent lexical processing of two or more words (Reichle, Liversedge, Pollatsek, & Rayner, 2009). The origins of this debate are reviewed. We then report three simulations to address this question using artificial reading agents (Liu & Reichle, 2010; Reichle & Laurent, 2006) that learn to dynamically allocate attention to 1-4 words to "read" as efficiently as possible. These simulation results indicate that the agents strongly preferred serial word processing, although they occasionally attended to more than one word concurrently. The reason for this preference is discussed, along with implications for the debate about how humans allocate attention during reading.
Operation of the SHARON Denitrification Process to Treat Sludge Reject Water Using Hydrolyzed Primary Sludge to Denitrify

An efficient biological treatment to treat reject water from anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge is the SHARON denitrification process, which takes place in a chemostat reactor, where aerobic/anoxic periods are alternated under specific hydraulic retention time (HRT) and temperature conditions that favor ammonium oxidizers growth and ensure the total washout of nitrite oxidizers, achieving the biological nitrogen removal over nitrite. An optimized performance of this process to treat Spanish reject water was obtained using methanol and working at an HRT of 2 days, 33°C, and cycle length of 2 hours. Supernatant of hydrolyzed primary sludge was tested to denitrify. Because biochemical oxygen demand was not extremely high in the primary sludge, the fluid dynamics of the system were changed, with respect to the strategy with methanol, but maintaining the reject water influent flowrate. The use of hydrolyzed primary sludge improved the process efficiency, because the alkalinity present in the primary sludge buffered the process until an optimum pH range.
Equality and Achievement: An Introduction to the Sociology of Education

1. Equality and Achievement in Education. 2. Methodological Issues. 3. Differences Between Homes. 4. Differences Between Schools: The Early Studies. 5. Differences Between Schools: The Current Studies. 6. Differences Within Schools. 7. Peer Group Differences. 8. Maximizing Achievement and Equality.
Nighttime Driving in Older Adults: Effects of Glare and Association With Mesopic Visual Function.

Purpose To examine the associations between nighttime driving performance of older drivers and photopic, mesopic, and glare-based tests of visual function. Methods Participants included 26 older drivers (71.8 ± 6.3 years), with minimal or no eye disease, but who reported vision-related nighttime driving difficulties. Nighttime driving performance was assessed on a closed-road circuit, which included intermittent glare. An overall driving performance score was calculated based on detection of signs, pedestrians, wooden animals and road markings, lane-keeping, and avoidance of low contrast hazards. Visual function tests included photopic and mesopic visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS). Tests of glare (Berkeley Glare and Aston Halometer) and mesopic motion sensitivity were also assessed. Regression analyses were used to explore the associations between these vision measures and nighttime driving performance. Results The overall driving performance score was significantly reduced by intermittent glare (P = 0.002); notably, pedestrian detection decreased by 38% in the presence of intermittent glare (P < 0.001). Overall driving scores were most strongly associated with motion sensitivity (P = 0.001) and mesopic high contrast VA (P = 0.002), rather than photopic or glare-based tests. Motion sensitivity accounted for more than twice the variation in driving performance compared to photopic high contrast VA (29% vs. 14%). Conclusions Glare reduced several aspects of nighttime driving performance. Mesopic tests of visual function, including motion sensitivity and mesopic high contrast VA, were more strongly associated with nighttime driving performance than photopic high-contrast VA. These results highlight the potential importance of nonstandard vision tests for assessing older drivers' visual capacity to drive at night.
The effects of applied vs auto-PEEP on local lung unit pressure and volume in a four-unit lung model.

BACKGROUND The application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and maintenance of increased mean airway pressure (MAP) has been associated with improved oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Recently, attention has been directed toward elevating MAP by establishing auto-PEEP when ventilating with an inverse inspiratory to expiratory ratio in opposition to applied PEEP. We theorized that FRC distribution and local lung unit end-expiratory pressure (EEP) would be different when equal levels of PEEP were established by applying PEEP or by producing auto-PEEP. METHODS Using a four-chamber lung model with each chamber having a different time constant (TC), we applied equal levels of applied PEEP (I:E ratio 1:3) and auto-PEEP (I:E ratio 3:1) and evaluated local lung unit EEP and end expiratory lung volume (EELV). RESULTS During all trials with applied PEEP, local lung unit EEP was equal to applied PEEP, whereas during auto-PEEP local EEP differed (p < 0.01). At a tracheal auto-PEEP level of 12.7 cm H2O, the lung unit with the longest TC (slow lung unit) had an EEP of 15.8 cm H2O, while the shortest TC unit (fast lung unit) had an EEP of 10.1 cm H2O (p < 0.01). Similarly, local EELVs were more maldistributed with auto-PEEP than with applied PEEP. At a tracheal PEEP level of 12.7 cm H2O, the EELV increase in the slow lung unit with auto-PEEP was 1,054 mL vs 918 with applied PEEP (p < 0.01), whereas the fast lung unit's EELV increase with auto-PEEP was 142 mL compared with 212 mL with applied PEEP (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Comparing equal levels of the auto-PEEP with applied PEEP, a greater maldistribution of local lung unit EEP and EELV was established with the auto-PEEP. During auto-PEEP, the greatest EEP and EELV occurred in the slow lung unit, and the lowest EEP and EELV developed in the fast lung unit.
Using participatory action research to support pupil participation in improving a sense of community in a secondary school

In 2007 specific guidance was issued to schools about the duty of staff to promote community cohesion (DCSF, 2007). An aspect of this concerns the extent to which pupils experience a sense of belonging to their school. ‘Belonging’ can be understood through the construct of a psychological sense of community. Research by McMillan and Chavis (1986) has identified four major components of sense of community, along with an index that can be used to survey this. This index, the Sense of Community Index- 2 (Chavis et al. 2008), was revised and administered to pupils in a large secondary school. Aims- The research described in this report and supported by the Children’s Workforce Development Council, identified a representative group of volunteer pupils to investigate the outcomes of a survey about the sense of community in the school. Data were collected using participatory action research (PAR). The research aimed to learn about the use of PAR itself. Method- Following an initial recruitment meeting, eight data collection meetings were held, with the number of pupils attending ranging from zero to 14, with a typical attendance of four pupils. Recognising that pupils might need support to become action researchers, materials were prepared outlining the steps involved in action research. The co-researchers were also supported by discussion and a variety of forms to assist with their planning and record keeping. The intention was that the pupil co-researchers would gather information and ideas from their own tutor groups and return to a weekly research group that the lead researchers would facilitate. The group would use the tools its members brought to make an action plan to improve the sense of community in the school. Findings- The research group demonstrated a good understanding of sense of community and a commitment to investigating it further, in particular identifying how to improve aspects of ‘influence’, ‘membership’, and ‘fulfilment of needs’. At the same time, difficulties were encountered trying to maintain momentum with the pupils, leading to a decision to terminate this stage of the research and to refocus it. Ultimately, a significant outcome of this research concerns the circumstances that might allow PAR to flourish.
Trying to find the balance in research and therapeutic practice

This portfolio presents my qualitative research, which used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore mothers’ experiences of having an adult daughter in personal therapy through nine semi-structured interviews. Mothers were unanimously supportive of their daughter’s therapy and identified generally beneficial, if limited, outcomes. They reported increases in their daughters’ anger and criticism towards them and improvements in closeness and communication. Theorising and questioning activities about the cause of their daughters’ difficulties and her need for therapy were common sense-making processes, underpinned by feelings of guilt, anxiety and confusion. Forgetting, accepting, focusing on progress, negotiating intimacy with their daughters and regulating information-sharing with others are examples of how mothers managed the process. A dynamic cycle of discussion with their daughters and personal reflection sometimes led to re-evaluation and changes in mothers’ behaviour, attitude and self-awareness. From the findings I highlight the complexity and suggest ways that mothers and daughters can be better supported. Transferability issues that must be taken into consideration when applying the findings and areas for future research are also discussed. As a Trainee Counselling Psychologist, I have resonated with the challenges of self-acceptance, use of self and struggles with authenticity and finding a good enough balance. These themes tie the research together with a publishable paper and client study. The publishable paper is my attempt to synthesise the findings from my research for the audience of the Journal of Family Therapy. I address the ways in which mothers manage the process of having an adult daughter in personal therapy and how these findings could inform individual and systemic practice. The client study presents an integrative and relational therapeutic approach with Nathan, a client diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, who struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I explore the process issues of avoidance, parallel process and fluctuation in mood, and critically evaluate how I have developed professionally.
Cellular Immune Responses to Nine Mycobacterium tuberculosis Vaccine Candidates following Intranasal Vaccination

Background The identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccines that elicit a protective immune response in the lungs is important for the development of an effective vaccine against tuberculosis. Methods and Principal Findings In this study, a comparison of intranasal (i.n.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) vaccination with the BCG vaccine demonstrated that a single moderate dose delivered intranasally induced a stronger and sustained M. tuberculosis-specific T-cell response in lung parenchyma and cervical lymph nodes of BALB/c mice than vaccine delivered subcutaneously. Both BCG and a multicomponent subunit vaccine composed of nine M. tuberculosis recombinant proteins induced strong antigen-specific T-cell responses in various local and peripheral immune compartments. Among the nine recombinant proteins evaluated, the alanine proline rich antigen (Apa, Rv1860) was highly antigenic following i.n. BCG and immunogenic after vaccination with a combination of the nine recombinant antigens. The Apa-induced responses included induction of both type 1 and type 2 cytokines in the lungs as evaluated by ELISPOT and a multiplexed microsphere-based cytokine immunoassay. Of importance, i.n. subunit vaccination with Apa imparted significant protection in the lungs and spleen of mice against M. tuberculosis challenge. Despite observed differences in the frequencies and location of specific cytokine secreting T cells both BCG vaccination routes afforded comparable levels of protection in our study. Conclusion and Significance Overall, our findings support consideration and further evaluation of an intranasally targeted Apa-based vaccine to prevent tuberculosis.
Comparative evaluation of aberration effects in crawling wave sonoelastography and comb-push ultrasound shear elastography

Various quantitative ultrasound techniques allow the estimation of elastic parameters in tissues using mechanical or acoustic radiation forces. However, it has previously been reported that the presence of phase aberration compromises elasticity measurement results when propagating in inhomogeneous media. In this study, a comparative evaluation of the effects of phase aberration when estimating shear wave speed from homogeneous and inclusion phantoms was performed using comb-push ultrasound shear elastography (CUSE) and crawling wave sonoelastography (CrW). In CUSE, acoustic radiation force induced shear wave fields are applied and in CrW, pulsed wave Doppler techniques are used to monitor the shear waves produced by mechanical vibrators. The evaluations were performed using a Verasonics ultrasound scanner and four propanediol-based aberration layers. The estimated mean shear wave speed values in the presence of aberration had maximum coefficient of variation of 37% in CrW and 96% in CUSE. The experimental results suggest that CrW outperformed CUSE in homogeneous phantoms, and both reconstructions from CUSE and CrW were adversely affected as the aberrator strength increased.
Sustained antigen presentation can promote an immunogenic T cell response, like dendritic cell activation

Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) enhances their ability to prime naïve T cells. How activation renders them immunogenic rather than tolerogenic is unclear. Here, we show, using temporally regulated expression of a transgene-encoded neoself antigen in DCs, that either prolonged antigen presentation or DC activation could elicit full expansion, effector cytokine production, and memory-cell differentiation. Microarray analysis of gene expression in T cells showed that all changes linked to DC activation through CD40 could be reproduced by persistent antigen delivery, suggesting that stabilization of antigen presentation is an important consequence of DC activation in vivo. In this system, DC activation by CD40 engagement indeed extended their ability to present antigen to CD4+ T cells in vivo, although different results were obtained with antigen delivered to DCs by means of endocytosis from the cell surface. These results suggest that antigen persistence may be an important discriminator of immunogenic and tolerogenic antigen exposure.