Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical experiences from 1,222 operations for undescended testis.

• True cryptorchism must be distinguished from high retracted testis, which is normal in some boys up to the age of puberty. In true cryptorchism the testis cannot be palpated or, if palpable, cannot be displaced into the scrotum. An undescended testis can produce enough androgenic hormone to fulfill its endocrine function, but it is liable to mechanical injury and is unable to produce spermatozoa. The psychological need for correction is an important consideration. The evidence that such correction reduces the danger of subsequent malignancy is unconvincing. Orchiopexy generally involves both the treatment of an indirect inquinal hernia and the repositioning of the testis. In this series of operations there has never been recurrence of the hernia. Operations of the Torek type for repositioning, whereby the testis is temporarily bound to the thigh, are likely to damage the blood supply and give very poor results. The operation here described involves freeing the ductus deferens down to the base of the bladder and the spermatic vessels well up to the inferior pole of the kidney so as to minimize all tension. It is done on one side at a time. The operation is best done between the ages of 9 and 11. In a group of patients studied 10 years or more after bilateral orchiopexy, 79% have been shown to be fertile.
Frequency-domain equalization for space-time block-coded systems

In this paper, conventional and turbo-channel-equalization algorithms processing two samples of the received signal per channel symbol and operating in the frequency domain are proposed for space-time block-coded systems. In the class of conventional equalization techniques, minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) linear and decision-feedback equalizers (DFE) are derived and a synthesis technique based on the well-known Levinson-Durbin algorithm is proposed for the latter. Similarly, iterative linear and decision-feedback-equalization algorithms for turbo receivers are devised. Performance results show the efficacy of the proposed equalization techniques and their superiority over other frequency-domain-equalization strategies.
Parenting practices and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: new findings suggest partial specificity of effects.

OBJECTIVE Examine the relations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and symptom domains with parenting practices. METHOD One hundred eighty-one children (ages 6-12 years) were assessed for ADHD and non-ADHD status via parent semistructured clinical interview (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV) and parent and teacher standardized ratings. They included controls (n = 52), ADHD Inattentive type (n = 24), and ADHD Combined type (n = 71) as well as "not otherwise specified" cases (included in regressions only). Parents completed the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire and a structured interview (the Diagnostic Interview Schedule-IV) about their own ADHD symptoms. Symptom counts were created for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), inattention, and hyperactivity-impulsivity to complement categorical analyses. RESULTS In categorical analysis, maternal inconsistent discipline was associated with ADHD Combined type, even with child ODD and CD diagnosis and parent ADHD symptoms statistically controlled. Paternal low involvement was associated with ADHD regardless of subtype, even with ODD and CD covaried; however, the effect was marginal when paternal ADHD was covaried. In dimensional analysis of symptom counts, maternal inconsistent discipline was related to all behavior domains but none uniquely. Paternal low involvement and inconsistent discipline were related uniquely with child inattention and not other behavioral domains. CONCLUSIONS Specific aspects of parenting are related to ADHD apart from ODD or CD and are not fully attributable to parental ADHD.
Disentangling hybridization and host colonization in parasitic roundworms of humans and pigs

Knowledge of cross-transmission and hybridization between parasites of humans and reservoir hosts is critical for understanding the evolution of the parasite and for implementing control programmes. There is now a consensus that populations of pig and human Ascaris (roundworms) show significant genetic subdivision. However, it is unclear whether this has resulted from a single or multiple host shift(s). Furthermore, previous molecular data have not been sufficient to determine whether sympatric populations of human and pig Ascaris can exchange genes. To disentangle patterns of host colonization and hybridization, we used 23 microsatellite loci to conduct Bayesian clustering analyses of individual worms collected from pigs and humans. We observed strong differentiation between populations which was primarily driven by geography, with secondary differentiation resulting from host affiliation within locations. This pattern is consistent with multiple host colonization events. However, there is low support for the short internal branches of the dendrograms. In part, the relationships among clusters may result from current hybridization among sympatric human and pig roundworms. Indeed, congruence in three Bayesian methods indicated that 4 and 7% of roundworms sampled from Guatemala and China, respectively, were hybrids. These results indicate that there is contemporary cross-transmission between populations of human and pig Ascaris.
Galaxy cluster mass profiles

Accurate measurements of the mass distribution in galaxy and cluster haloes are essential to test the cold dark matter (CDM) paradigm. The cosmological model predicts a universal shape for the density profile in all haloes, independent of halo mass. Its profile has a ‘cuspy’ centre, with no evidence for the constant density core. In this paper, we carry out a careful analysis of 12 galaxy clusters, using Chandra data to compute the mass distribution in each system under the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium. Due to their low concentration, clusters provide ideal objects for studying the central cusps in dark matter haloes. The majority of the systems are consistent with the CDM model, but four objects exhibit flat inner density profiles. We suggest that the flat inner profile found for these clusters is due to an underestimation of the mass in the cluster centre (rather than any problem with the CDM model), since these objects also have a centrally peaked gas mass fraction. We discuss possible causes for erroneously low-mass measurements in the cores of some systems.
There is no deadline: time evolution of Wikipedia discussions

Wikipedia articles are by definition never finished: at any moment their content can be edited, or discussed in the associated talk pages. In this study we analyse the evolution of these discussions to unveil patterns of collective participation along the temporal dimension, and to shed light on the process of content creation on different topics. At a micro-scale, we investigate peaks in the discussion activity and we observe a non-trivial relationship with edit activity. At a larger scale, we introduce a measure to account for how fast discussions grow in complexity, and we find speeds that span three orders of magnitude for different articles. Our analysis should help the community in tasks such as early detection of controversies and assessment of discussion maturity.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Catheterization-Induced Complete Heart Block in the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Background—The majority of the literature on catheterization-induced heart block (CIHB) was published >30 years ago. The field of cardiac catheterization has evolved, performing more interventional compared with diagnostic cases. We sought to determine the incidence and risk factors of CIHB. Methods and Results—A catheterization database that records the occurrence of adverse events on all cases was queried for heart block. Additional retrospective data on event outcome were collected on patients who developed CIHB. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify risk factors of CIHB (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval). In a 6-year period, 6183 cases were performed. The median weight was 15.0 (7.0–47.0) kg, with 29% consisting of infants <1 year. A total of 72% involved complex congenital heart disease. One hundred thirty-five cases were complicated by CIHB (2.2%; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–2.6). Age <1 year (3.0; 2.2–4.3) and case duration ≥2 hours (3.4; 2.0–6.0) were risk factors of CIHB; cardiac anatomy and intervention performed were not. A total of 96% of CIHB recovered within 1 week but 6 patients underwent pacemaker placement (3 L-loop ventricles, 2 intracardiac devices, 1 double inlet-double outlet RV). Of these, 50% recovered atrioventricular nodal conduction within 1 month; 2 patients with L-loop ventricles and 1 patient with a left ventricular-to-right atrial device did not recover. Conclusions—The incidence of CIHB in the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory is low at 2.2%. Risk factors include young age and long case duration. The recovery of atrioventricular nodal function after CIHB is high and follows a similar time course to that of postsurgical heart block.
Microtensile bond strength of three simplified adhesive systems to caries-affected dentin.

PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to determine the microtensile bond strength of three different simplified adhesive systems to caries-affected dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen extracted human molars with primary carious lesions were ground flat until dentin was exposed. Soft caries-infected dentin was excavated with the help of caries detector dye. On the remaining hard dentin, a standardized smear layer was created by polishing with 600-grit SiC paper. Teeth were divided into three groups and treated with one of the three tested adhesives: Adper Scotchbond 1 XT (3M ESPE), a 2-step etch-andrinse adhesive, Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray), a 1-step self-etching or all-in-one adhesive, and Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray), a 2-step self-etching adhesive. Five-mm-thick composite buildups (Z-250, 3M ESPE) were built and light cured. After water storage for 24 h at 37ºC, the bonded specimens were sectioned into bars (1.0 x 1.0 mm; n = 20 to 30). Microtensile bond strength of normal dentin specimens and caries-affected dentin specimens was measured in a universal testing machine (crosshead speed = 1 mm/min). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). RESULTS No significant differences in bond strength values to normal dentin between the three adhesives were found. Adper Scotchbond 1 XT and Clearfil S3 Bond showed significantly lower bond strength values to caries-affected dentin. For Clearfil SE Bond, bond strength values to normal and caries-affected dentin were not significantly different. CONCLUSION All the tested simplified adhesives showed similar bond strength values to normal dentin. For the tested 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive and the all-in-one adhesive, the bond strength values to caries-affected dentin were lower than to normal dentin.
The Contribution of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex to Executive Processes in Cognition

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), on the medial surface of the frontal lobes, has frequently been hypothesized to make critical contributions to the function of neural systems involved in the executive control of cognition. Three principal theories have been developed to account for this role. The first, 'motivated attention', emphasizes the limbic identity of the ACC and the effects of lesions to this area of the brain. The second, 'attention allocation', emphasizes the fact that during functional neuroimaging studies activation of the ACC is seen during tasks that elicit incompatible response tendencies that must be resolved for correct performance. The third theory, 'error detection', reflects the observation of a negative scalp potential occurring during incorrect responses which appears to have a medial frontal generator. The first and last theories suggest evaluative functions by the ACC in the service of control, while attention allocation suggests a strategic function. We have proposed that the data supporting all three theories can be reconciled if the ACC were detecting conflicting processes during task performance that might be associated with errors. In support of this hypothesis we describe results using event-related fMRI which confirm that the ACC does show error related activity but that the same region of the brain also shows increased response related activity during correct responses associated with response competition. This suggests a re-conceptualization of the contribution of the ACC to executive processes that support an evaluative role, specifically the on-line detection of processing conflicts that may be associated with deteriorating performance. Unresolved questions related to the contribution of this region to executive processes and potential future directions for research on the function of this region of the brain are discussed.
A new module for the tracking of radar-derived precipitation with model-derived winds

Abstract. A new approach for the nowcasting of precipitation has been developed at the German Weather Service combining extrapolation techniques and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) for a lead time range of several hours. Radar-derived precipitation fields serve as input data for a tracking algorithm using model-derived wind data. The composite precipitation field is derived from the precipitation scans which are performed every five minutes at the 16 German radar stations. The data are corrected from clutter and shading effects. The tracking of this radar-derived precipitation field is performed using the temporally and spatially resolved horizontal wind fields at different pressure levels provided by the Local Model Europe (LME). The optimal wind field is derived from minimization of the least-squares difference between a linear combination of model wind data from different pressure levels and the linear displacement vectors calculated via pattern recognition from previous radar measurements. An area-preserving displacement of the precipitation fields is realized by eliminating the wind field divergence and by omitting the dynamical evolution of the precipitation fields. Advection is performed using the fourth-order Bott scheme. Forecasted data comprise precipitation rates for every five minutes lead time as well as hourly sums of precipitation. The verification of a case study's results against radar precipitation measurements lead to a mean Equitable Threat Score (ETS) of 70%, 46%, and 38% for the first, second, and third forecast hour, respectively.
Cyber Attacks: Cross-Country Interdependence and Enforcement

This study empirically characterizes the interdependence in cyber attacks and examines the impact from the first international treaty against cybercrimes (Convention on Cybercrimes: Europe Treaty Series No. 185). With the data covering 62 countries over the period from year 2003 to 2007, we find that, international cooperation in enforcement as measured by the indicator of joining the Convention on Cybercrimes, deterred cyber attacks originating from any particular country by 15.81% ~ 24.77% (in 95% confidence interval). Second, joining the Convention also affected the interdependence in cyber attacks from two angels. First, for any pair of country, closer status in joining or not joining the Convention was associated with less negative or more positive correlation. Second, joining the Convention or joining it earlier was associated with lower correlation between countries over time. We discuss the policy implications from our findings to public authorities, cyber insurance companies and organizational users.
A New Specimen of Pinacosaurus grangeri (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia: Ontogeny and Phylogeny of Ankylosaurs

Abstract Here we report the occurrence of a juvenile ankylosaur from the Upper Cretaceous locality Ukhaa Tolgod in southern Mongolia. The locality is well known for its exquisitely preserved theropods, mammals, and squamates, but until now has not yielded diagnostic ankylosaur material, although ankylosaur specimens are common at the site. The new specimen consists of a nearly complete skull with associated mandible and osteoderms that exhibits the following ankylosaurid synapomorphies: two pairs of osteodermal “horns” projecting from the quadratojugals and squamosals; a wide, triangular skull; a premaxillary beak edge that is not continuous with the maxillary tooth row; and absence of premaxillary teeth. We refer the specimen to Pinacosaurus grangeri based on the presence of a large premaxillary sinus, a quadrate not co-ossified with the paroccipital process, and several pairs of accessory openings in the narial region. The new specimen differs from the holotype and other specimens in having five pairs of openings in the narial region, indicating that extensive morphological variability exists in the narial anatomy of P. grangeri. The specimen is identified as a juvenile based on its small size and the incomplete fusion of secondary dermal ossifications to the skull roof, exposing sutural boundaries. Juvenile ankylosaur skulls are rare, but crucial for understanding the basic anatomy of the highly fused and apomorphic adult skull. Morphological data from the new skull and other specimens are added to existing phylogenetic analyses of the Ankylosauria in order to identify diagnostic characters that aid in resolving ankylosaur relationships. The specimen also provides data on the ontogenetic sequence of secondary dermal ossification. Presence of dermal ossifications covering only the narial region, quadratojugals, and squamosals supports the hypothesis that osteoderms in these areas appear early in ontogeny. Furthermore, two well-developed osteoderms were found in close apposition but unfused to the ventrolateral edges of the mandible. All known mandibles from adult ankylosaurs exhibit fusion of these elements to the underlying bones. Thus, mandibular osteoderms also appear relatively early but do not become fused until much later.
A secondary clump of red giant stars: why and where

Based on the results of detailed population synthesis models, Girardi et al. recently claimed that the clump of red giants in the colour–magnitude diagram (CMD) of composite stellar populations should present an extension to lower luminosities, which goes down to about 0.4 mag below the main clump. This feature is made of stars just massive enough to have ignited helium in non-degenerate conditions, and therefore corresponds to a limited interval of stellar masses and ages. In the present models, which include moderate convective overshooting, it corresponds to ∼1 Gyr old populations. In this paper, we go into more detail about the origin and properties of this feature. We first compare the clump theoretical models with data for clusters of different ages and metallicities, basically confirming the predicted behaviour. We then refine the previous models in order to show the following behaviour. (i) The faint extension is expected to be clearly separated from the main clump in the CMD of metal-rich populations, defining a ‘secondary clump’ by itself. (ii) It should be present in all galactic fields containing ∼1 Gyr old stars and with mean metallicities higher than about Z=0.004. (iii) It should be particularly strong, if compared with the main red clump, in galaxies that have increased their star formation rate in the last Gyr or so of their evolution. In fact, secondary clumps similar to the model predictions are observed in the CMD of nearby stars from Hipparcos data, and in those of some Large Magellanic Cloud fields observed to date. There are also several reasons why this secondary clump may be missing or hidden in other observed CMDs of galaxy fields. For instance, it becomes indistinguishable from the main clump if the photometric errors or differential absorption are larger than about 0.2 mag. None the less, this structure may provide important constraints on the star formation history of Local Group galaxies. We comment also on the intrinsic luminosity variation and dispersion of clump stars, which may limit their use as either absolute or relative distance indicators, respectively.
Haptic gas pedal feedback

Active driver support systems either automate a control task or present warnings to drivers when their safety is seriously degraded. In a novel approach, utilising neither automation nor discrete warnings, a haptic gas pedal (accelerator) interface was developed that continuously presents car-following support information, keeping the driver in the loop. This interface was tested in a fixed-base driving simulator. Twenty-one drivers between the ages of 24 and 30 years participated in a driving experiment to investigate the effects of haptic gas pedal feedback on car-following behaviour. Results of the experiment indicate that when haptic feedback was presented to the drivers, some improvement in car-following performance was achieved, while control activity decreased. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the system in more varied driving conditions. Haptics is an under-used modality in the application of human support interfaces, which usually draw on vision or hearing. This study demonstrates how haptics can be used to create an effective driver support interface.
Violence at the Box Office

The negative effects of violent content in movies have recently been a hot topic among both researchers and the general public. Despite growing concern, violence in movies has persisted over time. Few studies have examined why this pattern continues. To fill this gap in the literature, we examine how Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) movie rating descriptors predict ticket sales of 2,094 movies from 1992 to 2012. We test the validity of three theoretical models: (1) the reflective model, (2) the reactance model, and (3) the market model. We find that violent content is linked neither to violence in the broader U.S. culture (i.e., the reflective model) nor to a psychological reactance by adolescents (i.e., the reactance model). Rather, we find, especially among PG-13 (parents strongly cautioned) movies, that violent content leads to increased ticket sales, suggesting that market demand (i.e., audience preferences) is responsible for continued violent content. We discuss the implications of our findings.
NCS-1 associates with adenosine A2A receptors and modulates receptor function

Modulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by local changes in intracellular calcium concentration is an established function of Calmodulin (CaM) which is known to interact with many GPCRs. Less is known about the functional role of the closely related neuronal EF-hand Ca2+-sensor proteins that frequently associate with CaM targets with different functional outcome. In the present study we aimed to investigate if a target of CaM—the A2A adenosine receptor is able to associate with two other neuronal calcium binding proteins (nCaBPs), namely NCS-1 and caldendrin. Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and co-immunoprecipitation experiments we show the existence of A2A—NCS-1 complexes in living cells whereas caldendrin did not associate with A2A receptors under the conditions tested. Interestingly, NCS-1 binding modulated downstream A2A receptor intracellular signaling in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Taken together this study provides further evidence that neuronal Ca2+-sensor proteins play an important role in modulation of GPCR signaling.