Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypospadias in California: Trends and Descriptive Epidemiology

Background The occurrence of hypospadias has been reported to be increasing. The objectives of this study were to extend the literature on the descriptive epidemiology of hypospadias and to determine whether its birth prevalence increased in California in recent years. We used actively ascertained, population-based data for which detailed clinical descriptions permitted careful phenotypic classifications. Methods We examined registry data on 5838 male live births and stillbirths that occurred in California from 1984 through 1997. To reduce pathogenic heterogeneity, cases were classified as mild, severe, or not otherwise specified based on the anatomic position of the urethral opening. We also classified cases as isolated or nonisolated based on the presence and type of accompanying malformations. We used multivariable Poisson regression analysis to examine time trends and risk factors. Results There was no evidence for an increase in prevalence of any of the case groups between 1989 and 1997. The adjusted relative risk (RR) for change in prevalence per year of isolated severe cases was 0.99 (95% confidence interval = 0.96–1.03). Adjusted RRs indicated increased risks for specific types of hypospadias with maternal non-Hispanic white race–ethnicity, higher education, older age, and nulliparity. Delivery before 37 weeks and multiple births tended either not to be associated with risk or to be associated with reduced risk. Lower birthweight was associated with increased risk for all case groups. Conclusions This study suggests that hypospadias prevalence has not been increasing in California in recent years. Differences by phenotype suggest that examining certain phenotypes separately could help to understand hypospadias etiology.
New forms of work organization

Abstract As a concept. “New forms of work organization” is not all that new. But it is still regarded as such. Information technology should be accelerating the process of change. But isn't. The cyclical upsurge in attention to industrial democracy is another opportunity to speed up changes to the design of jobs. But probably won't. What are the barriers to the diffusion of these concepts? How can the application of socio-technical job design principles be more widely applied? The paper will explore these and related questions, using local and overseas examples.
Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation Open Access Intervention to Enhance Skilled Arm and Hand Movements after Stroke: a Feasibility Study Using a New Virtual Reality System

Background: Rehabilitation programs designed to develop skill in upper extremity (UE) function after stroke require progressive practice that engage and challenge the learner. Virtual realty (VR) provides a unique environment where the presentation of stimuli can be controlled systematically for optimal challenge by adapting task difficulty as performance improves. We describe four VR tasks that were developed and tested to improve arm and hand movement skills for individuals with hemiparesis.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Magnetoencephalographic Estimation of Delta Dipole Density: A Combination of Techniques That May Contribute to the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Whole-head magnetoencephalographic recordings were obtained from 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 10 healthy controls in a resting position. Spectroscopic examinations were performed by means of a 1.5-tesla whole-body scanner in the temporoparietal regions of both hemispheres. The relationship between 1H-MRS-based and magnetoencephalography (MEG)-based measures and their conjoined capability to improve the diagnosis of AD were investigated in this study. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Three separated logistic models were calculated for 1H-MRS-based metabolites, low-frequency magnetic activity, and the combination of both measures. A combined myoinositol/N-acetyl aspartate (mI/NAA)-delta dipole density (DD) model predicted the diagnosis with 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Additionally, the combination of temporoparietal mI/NAA and delta DD values explained the variability of individuals’ cognitive status. The results support the notion that a multidisciplinary approach may improve the understanding and diagnosis of AD.
Neurobiology of decision making: An intentional framework

The aim of statistical decision theories is to understand how evidence, prior knowledge, and values lead an organism to commit to one of a number of alternatives. Two main statistical decision theories, signal detection theory and sequential analysis, assert that decision makers obtain evidence—often from the senses—that is corrupted by noise and weigh this evidence alongside bias and value to select the best choice. Signal detection theory has been the dominant conceptual framework for perceptual decisions near threshold. Sequential analysis extends this framework by incorporating time and introducing a rule for terminating the decision process. This extension allows the trade-off between decision speed and accuracy to be studied, and invites us to consider decision rules as policies on a stream of evidence acquired in time. In light of these theories, simple perceptual decisions, which can be studied in the neurophysiology laboratory, allow principles that apply to more complex decisions to be exposed. The goal of this chapter is to “go beyond the data” to postulate a number of unifying principles of complex decisions based on our fi ndings with simple decisions. We make speculative points and argue positions that should be viewed as controversial and provocative. In many places, a viewpoint will merely be sketched without going into much detail and without ample consideration of alternatives, except by way of contrast when necessary to make a point. The aim is not to convince but to pique interest. The chapter is divided into two main sections. The fi rst suggests that an intentionbased framework for decision making extends beyond simple perceptual decisions to a broad variety of more complex situations. The second, which is a logical extension of the fi rst, poses a challenge to Bayesian inference as the dominant mathematical foundation of decision making. 04Shadlen10Dec07.pdf 72 M. N. Shadlen et al.
Absence of NR2E1 mutations in patients with aniridia

Purpose Nuclear receptor 2E1 (NR2E1) is a transcription factor with many roles during eye development and thus may be responsible for the occurrence of certain congenital eye disorders in humans. To test this hypothesis, we screened NR2E1 for candidate mutations in patients with aniridia and other congenital ocular malformations (anterior segment dysgenesis, congenital optic nerve malformation, and microphthalmia). Methods The NR2E1 coding region, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), exon flanking regions including consensus splice sites, and six evolutionarily conserved non-coding candidate regulatory regions were analyzed by sequencing 58 probands with aniridia of whom 42 were negative for PAX6 mutations. Nineteen probands with anterior segment dysgenesis, one proband with optic nerve malformation, and two probands with microphthalmia were also sequenced. The control population comprised 376 healthy individuals. All sequences were analyzed against the GenBank sequence AL078596.8 for NR2E1. In addition, the coding region and flanking intronic sequences of FOXE3, FOXC1, PITX2, CYP1B1, PAX6, and B3GALTL were sequenced in one patient and his relatives. Results Sequencing analysis showed 17 NR2E1 variants including two novel rare non-coding variants (g.-1507G>A, g.14258C>T), and one novel rare coding variant (p.Arg274Gly). The latter was present in a male diagnosed with Peters’ anomaly who subsequently was found to have a known causative mutation for Peters’ plus syndrome in B3GALTL (c.660+1G>A). In addition, the NR2E1 novel rare variant Arg274Gly was present in the unaffected mother of the patient but absent in 746 control chromosomes. Conclusions We eliminated a major role for NR2E1 regulatory and coding mutations in aniridia and found a novel rare coding variant in NR2E1. In addition, we found no coding region variation in the control population for NR2E1, which further supports its previously reported high level of conservation and low genetic diversity. Future NR2E1 studies in ocular disease groups such as those involving retinal and optic nerve abnormalities should be undertaken to determine whether NR2E1 plays a role in these conditions.
Sorafenib in patients with Child-Pugh class A and B advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective feasibility analysis.

BACKGROUND Sorafenib has shown survival benefits in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child-Pugh (CP) class A liver function. There are few prospective data on sorafenib in patients with HCC and CP class B. PATIENTS AND METHODS A consecutive prospective series of 300 patients with CP class A or B HCC were enrolled in a dual-phase trial to determine survival and safety data according to liver function (class A or B) in patients receiving oral sorafenib 800 mg daily. [Results of this study were presented in part at the ASCO 2012 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 19-21 January 2012. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30 (Suppl 4): abstract 306. ] RESULTS Overall progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were 3.9, 4.1 and 9.1 months, respectively. For patients with CP class A versus B status, PFS was 4.3 versus 2.1 months, TTP was 4.2 versus 3.8 months and OS was 10.0 versus 3. 8 months. Extrahepatic spread was associated with worse outcomes but taken together with CP class, liver function played a greater role in reducing survival. Adverse events for the two CP groups were similar. CONCLUSION Although patients with HCC and CP class B liver function have poorer outcomes than those with CP class A function, data suggest that patients with CP class B liver function can tolerate treatment and may still benefit from sorafenib.
The Political Lives of Dead Bodies: Reburial and Postsocialist Change

Since 1989, scores of bodies across Eastern Europe have been exhumed and brought to rest in new gravesites. Katherine Verdery investigates why certain corpses-the bodies of revolutionary leaders, heroes, artists, and other luminaries, as well as more humble folk-have taken on a political life in the turbulent times following the end of Communist Party rule, and what roles they play in revising the past and reorienting the present. Enlivening and invigorating the dialogue on postsocialist politics, this imaginative study helps us understand the dynamic and deeply symbolic nature of politics-and how it can breathe new life into old bones.
Mythologies of the Grid in the Empire City, 1811–2011*

In this article, I examine the performative dimensions of historical narration as a form of modern mythmaking by reconsidering conventional narratives on the “origins” of Manhattan's grid street plan of 1811. The historical mythology of the grid espoused in canonical readings of the Plan of 1811 relies extensively on a rearticulation of the official explanation that the grid's designers provided in a foundational text known as the “Commissioners’ Remarks”. I argue that such accounts result in an extraordinarily narrow and formulaic interpretation of the utilitarian motives and intentions behind the city's grid plan, one that reinforces a form of “morphological essentialism”. To support this argument, I shift the focus of attention beyond the “Commissioners’ Remarks” in order to complicate readings of the intentionality that gave rise to the 1811 street plan. I conclude by suggesting that the mythic search for the “origins” of the grid in the realm of founding intentions can most effectively be challenged by drawing attention to the proliferation of countermyths of gridded space.
A census of the Wolf–Rayet content in Westerlund 1 from near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy

New NTT/SOFI imaging and spectroscopy of the Wolf-Rayet population in Westerlund 1 are presented. Narrow-band near-IR imaging together with follow up spectroscopy reveals four new Wolf-Rayet stars, of which three were independently identified recently by Groh et al., bringing the confirmed Wolf-Rayet content to 24 (23 excludin g source S) ‐ representing 8% of the known Galactic Wolf-Rayet population ‐ comprising 8 WC stars and 16 (15) WN stars. Revised coordinates and near-IR photometry are presented, whilst a quantitative nearIR spectral classification scheme for Wolf-Rayet stars is pr esented and applied to members of Westerlund 1. Late subtypes are dominant, with no subtypes earlier than WN5 or WC8 for the nitrogen and carbon sequences, respectively. A qualitative inspection of the WN stars suggests that most (�75%) are highly H-deficient. The Wolf-Rayet binary fraction is high (>62%), on the basis of dust emission from WC stars, in addition to a significant WN binary fraction from hard X-ray detections according to Clark et al. We exploit the large WN population of Westerlund 1 to reassess its distance (�5.0 kpc) and extinction (AKS � 0.96 mag), such that it is located at the edge of the Galactic bar, with an oxygen metallicity �60% higher than Orion. The observed ratio of WR stars to red and yellow hypergiants, N(WR)/N(RSG+YHG)� 3, favours an age of�4.5‐5.0 Myr, with individual Wolf-Rayet stars descended from progenitors of initial mass � 40 55M⊙. Qualitative estimates of current masses for non-dusty, H-free WR stars are presented, revealing 10 18M⊙, such that �75% of the initial stellar mass has been removed via stellar winds or close binary evolution. We present a revision to the cluster turn-off mass for other Milky Way clusters in which Wolf-Rayet stars are known, based upon the latest temperature calibration for OB stars. Finally, c omparisons between the observed WR population and subtype distribution in Westerlund 1 and instantaneous burst evolutionary synthesis models are presented.
Internal fixation compared with arthroplasty for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The optimal choice for the stabilization of displaced femoral neck fractures remains controversial, with alternatives including arthroplasty and internal fixation. Our objective was to determine the effect of arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty, bipolar arthroplasty, and total hip arthroplasty), compared with that of internal fixation, on rates of mortality, revision, pain, function, operating time, and wound infection in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture. METHODS We searched computerized databases for randomized clinical trials published between 1969 and 2002, and we identified additional studies through hand searches of major orthopaedic journals, bibliographies of major orthopaedic textbooks, and personal files. Of 140 citations initially identified, fourteen met all eligibility criteria. Three investigators independently graded study quality and abstracted relevant data, including information on revision and mortality rates. RESULTS Nine trials, which included a total of 1162 patients, provided detailed information on mortality rates over the first four postoperative months, which ranged from 0% to 20%. We found a trend toward an increase in the relative risk of death in the first four months after arthroplasty compared with the risk in the first four months after internal fixation (relative risk, 1.27). At one year, the relative risk of death was 1.04. The risk of death after arthroplasty appeared to be higher than that after fixation with a compression screw and side-plate but not higher than that after internal fixation with use of screws only (relative risk = 1.75 and 0.86, respectively; p < 0.05). Fourteen trials that included a total of 1901 patients provided data on revision surgery. The relative risk of revision surgery after arthroplasty compared with the risk after internal fixation was 0.23 (p = 0.0003). Pain relief and the attainment of overall good function were similar in patients treated with arthroplasty and those treated with internal fixation (relative risk, 1.12 for pain relief and 0.99 for function). Infection rates ranged from 0% to 18%, and arthroplasty significantly increased the risk of infection (relative risk, 1.81; p = 0.009). In addition, patients who underwent arthroplasty had greater blood loss and longer operative times than those who were treated with internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS In comparison with internal fixation, arthroplasty for the treatment of a displaced femoral neck fracture significantly reduces the risk of revision surgery, at the cost of greater infection rates, blood loss, and operative time and possibly an increase in early mortality rates. Only larger trials will resolve the critical question of the impact on early mortality.
The neurobiology of emotion–cognition interactions: fundamental questions and strategies for future research

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of powerful new tools for assaying the brain and a remarkable acceleration of research focused on the interplay of emotion and cognition. This work has begun to yield new insights into fundamental questions about the nature of the mind and important clues about the origins of mental illness. In particular, this research demonstrates that stress, anxiety, and other kinds of emotion can profoundly influence key elements of cognition, including selective attention, working memory, and cognitive control. Often, this influence persists beyond the duration of transient emotional challenges, partially reflecting the slower molecular dynamics of catecholamine and hormonal neurochemistry. In turn, circuits involved in attention, executive control, and working memory contribute to the regulation of emotion. The distinction between the ‘emotional’ and the ‘cognitive’ brain is fuzzy and context-dependent. Indeed, there is compelling evidence that brain territories and psychological processes commonly associated with cognition, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and working memory, play a central role in emotion. Furthermore, putatively emotional and cognitive regions influence one another via a complex web of connections in ways that jointly contribute to adaptive and maladaptive behavior. This work demonstrates that emotion and cognition are deeply interwoven in the fabric of the brain, suggesting that widely held beliefs about the key constituents of ‘the emotional brain’ and ‘the cognitive brain’ are fundamentally flawed. We conclude by outlining several strategies for enhancing future research. Developing a deeper understanding of the emotional-cognitive brain is important, not just for understanding the mind but also for elucidating the root causes of its disorders.
Effects of Individual Differences and Job Search Behaviors on the Employment Status of Recent University Graduates

Abstract This study examined the effects of individual difference variables (self-esteem, job search self-efficacy, and perceived control over job search outcomes) and job search behaviors (preparatory and active job search behavior, and job search intensity) on the employment status of recent university graduates at the time of graduation and 4 months later. The results indicate that only job search self-efficacy predicted the three job search behaviors. Job search self-efficacy also predicted employment status at graduation, and perceived control predicted employment status at both time periods. Active job search behavior and job search intensity predicted employment status at graduation, and preparatory job search behavior predicted employment status 4 months after graduation. Implications for the design and measurement of future job search research are discussed.
Age Discrimination in Turbulent Times

Concerns about the ramifications of a rapidly ageing population have generally focused on the post-retirement period, with limited scholarly attention to the experience of ageism in the workplace. Despite a shift in policy against early retirement, ‘older workers’ — who may be as young as 40 — are disproportionately experiencing age discrimination, often resulting in joblessness. We argue that in a postmodern environment, where the culture of ‘youthism’ predominates, the workplace is undergoing significant changes. In the new knowledge economy, characterised by technological know-how, flexibility and choice, traditional values such as maturity, experience and loyalty have become passé. Drawing on Australian complaints and reported decisions of age discrimination in the workplace in the context of the international literature, we demonstrate the variety of forms ageism is taking. We argue that age discrimination legislation reflects an outdated modernist paradigm that fails to address the experience of older workers. In addition, as part of the culture of youthism, work is now being gauged by its capacity to create an aesthetic of pleasure.
The Helicase Has1p Is Required for snoRNA Release from Pre-rRNA

ABSTRACT Synthesis of rRNA in eukaryotes involves the action of a large population of snoRNA-protein complexes (snoRNPs), which create modified nucleotides and participate in cleavage of pre-rRNA. The snoRNPs mediate these functions through direct base pairing, in many cases through long complementary sequences. This feature suggests that RNA helicases may be involved in the binding and release of snoRNPs from pre-rRNA. In this study, we determined that the DEAD box helicase Has1p, a nucleolar protein required for the production of 18S rRNA, copurifies with the snR30/U17 processing snoRNP but is also present with other snoRNPs. Blocking Has1p expression causes a substantial increase in snoRNPs associated with 60S-90S preribosomal RNP complexes, including the U3 and U14 processing snoRNPs and several modifying snoRNPs examined. Cosedimentation persisted even after deproteinization. This effect was not observed with depletion of two nonhelicase proteins, Esf1p and Dim2p, that are also required for 18S rRNA production. Point mutations in ATPase and helicase motifs of Has1p block U14 release from pre-rRNA. Surprisingly, depletion of Has1p causes a reduction in the level of free U6 snRNP. The results indicate that the Has1p helicase is required for snoRNA release from pre-rRNA and production of the U6 snRNP.
Exploring Positive and Negative Affect as Key Indicators of Life Satisfaction among Centenarians: Does Cognitive Performance Matter?

The aim of this investigation was to determine how cognitive performance was associated with positive and negative affect and life satisfaction over time. This study involved a secondary longitudinal analysis of cross-section data collected at Phase I (1988–1992) and during an 18-month longitudinal followup at Phase II (1992–1998) of the Georgia Centenarian Study. Participants included N = 137 centenarians at Time 1 and N = 68 survivors at Time 2. Significant stability in cognitive impairment existed at Time 1 and Time 2 for positive (β = .55, P < .01) and negative affect (β = .54, P < .01) models. Negative affect at Time 1 was associated with lower life satisfaction at Time 1 (β = −.42, P < .01 ). In addition, cognitive impairment at Time 2 was associated with decreased positive emotionality at Time 2 (β = −.39, P > .01). Furthermore, greater positive affect at Time 2 was associated with greater satisfaction with life at Time 2 (β = .35, P < .01). It appears that positive emotionality contemporaneously influences the association between cognitive impairment and life satisfaction among centenarians. Implications relative to improving life satisfaction among centenarians are discussed.