Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations in Multiple Birth Rates and Impact on Perinatal Outcomes in Europe

Objective Infants from multiple pregnancies have higher rates of preterm birth, stillbirth and neonatal death and differences in multiple birth rates (MBR) exist between countries. We aimed to describe differences in MBR in Europe and to investigate the impact of these differences on adverse perinatal outcomes at a population level. Methods We used national aggregate birth data on multiple pregnancies, maternal age, gestational age (GA), stillbirth and neonatal death collected in the Euro-Peristat project (29 countries in 2010, N = 5 074 643 births). We also used European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) data on assisted conception and single embryo transfer (SET). The impact of MBR on outcomes was studied using meta-analysis techniques with random-effects models to derive pooled risk ratios (pRR) overall and for four groups of country defined by their MBR. We computed population attributable risks (PAR) for these groups. Results In 2010, the average MBR was 16.8 per 1000 women giving birth, ranging from 9.1 (Romania) to 26.5 (Cyprus). Compared to singletons, multiples had a nine-fold increased risk (pRR 9.4, 95% Cl 9.1–9.8) of preterm birth (<37 weeks GA), an almost 12-fold increased risk (pRR 11.7, 95% CI 11.0–12.4) of very preterm birth (<32 weeks GA). Pooled RR were 2.4 (95% Cl 1.5–3.6) for fetal mortality at or after 28 weeks GA and 7.0 (95% Cl 6.1–8.0) for neonatal mortality. PAR of neonatal death and very preterm birth were higher in countries with high MBR compared to low MBR (17.1% (95% CI 13.8–20.2) versus 9.8% (95% Cl 9.6–11.0) for neonatal death and 29.6% (96% CI 28.5–30.6) versus 17.5% (95% CI 15.7–18.3) for very preterm births, respectively). Conclusions Wide variations in MBR and their impact on population outcomes imply that efforts by countries to reduce MBR could improve perinatal outcomes, enabling better long-term child health.
Maternal Sensitivity: Within-Person Variability and the Utility of Multiple Assessments

In this study, we examined within-person variability in maternal sensitivity among a culturally diverse sample of high-risk mother-infant dyads (N = 25). We also examined incremental increases in effect sizes between maternal sensitivity and two related variables, attachment state of mind and child removal from the home, as a function of increasing observations of maternal sensitivity. The dyads were videotaped during 10 1-hour-long home visits and maternal sensitivity was coded using the abbreviated (25-item) version of the Maternal Behavior Q-Sort (MBQS). Attachment state of mind was assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Within-person variability in maternal sensitivity was greater for nonautonomous mothers compared to autonomous mothers. Mothers who were relatively low in maternal sensitivity were more likely to be nonautonomous and also more likely to have their child removed from their home by child protective services. Results from data sampling trials showed incremental increases in these effect sizes as the number of observations of maternal sensitivity increased. Fewer observations of maternal sensitivity resulted in systematic underestimates of effect sizes between maternal sensitivity and related variables. We discuss the implications for maltreatment researchers and interventionists.
Analgesia, nil or placebo to babies, in trials that test new analgesic treatments for procedural pain

This review assessed how often neonates in control groups experienced unnecessary pain during clinical trials involving procedural pain. We retrieved 45 studies in the 30 months up to June 2015 and found that in 29 (64%) the control babies received either placebos or no treatment. Placebos were used in 15/25 (60%) studies involving heel pricks and in 6/8 (75%) involving venepuncture.
VLSI Architecture for 8-Point AI-based Arai DCT having Low Area-Time Complexity and Power at Improved Accuracy

A low complexity digital VLSI architecture for the computation of an algebraic integer (AI) based 8-point Arai DCT algorithm is proposed. AI encoding schemes for exact representation of the Arai DCT transform based on a particularly sparse 2-D AI representation is reviewed, leading to the proposed novel architecture based on a new final reconstruction step (FRS) having lower complexity and higher accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art. This FRS is based on an optimization derived from expansion factors that leads to small integer constant-coefficient multiplications, which are realized with common sub-expression elimination (CSE) and Booth encoding. The reference circuit [1] as well as the proposed architectures for two expansion factors α† = 4.5958 and α′ = 167.2309 are implemented. The proposed circuits show 150% and 300% improvements in the number of DCT coefficients having error ≤ 0:1% compared to [1]. The three designs were realized using both 40 nm CMOS Xilinx Virtex-6 FPGAs and synthesized using 65 nm CMOS general purpose standard cells from TSMC. Post synthesis timing analysis of 65 nm CMOS realizations at 900 mV for all three designs of the 8-point DCT core for 8-bit inputs show potential real-time operation at 2.083 GHz clock frequency leading to a combined throughput of 2.083 billion 8-point Arai DCTs per second. The expansion-factor designs show a 43% reduction in area (A) and 29% reduction in dynamic power (PD) for FPGA realizations. An 11% reduction in area is observed for the ASIC design for α† = 4.5958 for an 8% reduction in total power (PT ). Our second ASIC design having α′ = 167.2309 shows marginal improvements in area and power compared to our reference design but at significantly better accuracy.
Nonvolitional Faking on a Personality Measure: Testing the Influence of Unconscious Processes

Personality measures were predicted to be susceptible to response distortion above and beyond volitional strategies of impression management. A 2 (Instruction Set) x 2 (Personality Feedback) x 2 (Mortality Salience) factorial design addressed social desirability biases in responding to personality measures. There were significant changes in all measures due to volitional (Fake Good) strategies. Thoughts of death lead to decreased distortion, but only on the measures sensitive to social desirability bias. Mortality Salience interacted with personality feedback, such that test responses were distorted in the opposite direction of the feedback, supporting Optimal Distinctiveness Theory. A significant interaction between Mortality Salience and Instruction Set suggests further attention be given to unconscious distortion in personality scores and that Terror Management Theory incorporate further research on individual differences.
The infant aphakia treatment study: design and clinical measures at enrollment.

OBJECTIVE To compare the use of contact lenses and intraocular lenses (IOLs) for the optical correction of unilateral aphakia during infancy. METHODS In a randomized, multicenter (12 sites) clinical trial, 114 infants with unilateral congenital cataracts were assigned to undergo cataract surgery with or without IOL implantation. Children randomized to IOL treatment had their residual refractive error corrected with spectacles. Children randomized to no IOL treatment had their aphakia treated with a contact lens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Grating acuity at 12 months of age and HOTV visual acuity at 4 1/2 years of age. APPLICATION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This study should determine whether either treatment for an infant with a visually significant unilateral congenital cataract results in a better visual outcome. RESULTS Enrollment began December 23, 2004, and was completed January 16, 2009. The median age at the time of cataract surgery was 1.8 months. Fifty patients were 4 to 6 weeks of age at the time of enrollment; 32, 7 weeks to 3 months of age; and the remaining 32, more than 3 to less than 7 months of age. Fifty-seven children were randomized to each treatment group. Eyes with cataracts had shorter axial lengths and steeper corneas on average than the fellow eyes. CONCLUSIONS The optimal optical treatment of aphakia in infants is unknown. However, the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study was designed to provide empirical evidence of whether optical treatment with an IOL or a contact lens after unilateral cataract surgery during infancy is associated with a better visual outcome.
Crystal structures of two human pyrophosphorylase isoforms in complexes with UDPGlc(Gal)NAc: role of the alternatively spliced insert in the enzyme oligomeric assembly and active site architecture

The recently published human genome with its relatively modest number of genes has highlighted the importance of post‐transcriptional and post‐translational modifications, such as alternative splicing or glycosylation, in generating the complexities of human biology. The human UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine (UDPGlcNAc) pyrophosphorylases AGX1 and AGX2, which differ in sequence by an alternatively spliced 17 residue peptide, are key enzymes synthesizing UDPGlcNAc, an essential precursor for protein glycosylation. To better understand the catalytic mechanism of these enzymes and the role of the alternatively spliced segment, we have solved the crystal structures of AGX1 and AGX2 in complexes with UDPGlcNAc (at 1.9 and 2.4 Å resolution, respectively) and UDPGalNAc (at 2.2 and 2.3 Å resolution, respectively). Comparison with known structures classifies AGX1 and AGX2 as two new members of the SpsA‐GnT I Core superfamily and, together with mutagenesis analysis, helps identify residues critical for catalysis. Most importantly, our combined structural and biochemical data provide evidence for a change in the oligomeric assembly accompanied by a significant modification of the active site architecture, a result suggesting that the two isoforms generated by alternative splicing may have distinct catalytic properties.
REPTILIAN VIVIPARITY AND DOLLO'S LAW

It has been suggested repeatedly that the evolutionary transition from oviparity (egg‐laying) to viviparity (live‐bearing) in reptiles is irreversible. However, these adaptive arguments have yet to be tested by detailed examination of the phylogenetic distribution of oviparity and viviparity across a broad range of taxa. Using available data on reproductive modes and phylogenetic relationships within reptiles, we here quantify the numbers and directions of evolutionary transitions between oviparity and viviparity. Phylogenetic relationships among three diverse squamate groups (scincid lizards, colubrid snakes, elapid snakes) are currently inadequately known for inclusion in this study Among the remaining reptiles, oviparity has given rise to viviparity at least 35 times. Five possible instances of reversals (from viviparity to oviparity) are identified, but closer examination indicates that all have weak empirical support (i.e., they could be “unreversed” with little loss in parsimony, and/or are based on poorly substantiated phylogenetic hypotheses). Viviparity is clearly more frequently (and presumably easily) gained than lost in several disparate groups so far examined (reptiles, fishes, polychaete worms); this evolutionary bias should be considered when reproductive mode is optimized on a phylogeny or employed in phylogenetic reconstruction.
Peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in basketball and soccer players of different divisions.

Basketball and soccer are two games with different training and playing procedures. The purpose of this study was to examine the maximal voluntary peak torques of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and the torque ratio between these muscle groups in basketball players (n = 61) and soccer players (n = 51) participating in teams of different divisions. Isokinetic peak torques were measured using the Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at 60 and 180 degrees.s-1. Basketball players of the national team produced higher peak torque values of quadriceps muscles than the other basketball players of different divisions (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Hamstring peak torques of the national basketball team were significantly higher the only velocities measured compared with the players from division II and IV (p < 0.05). Peak torque values of quadriceps muscles relative to body weight were significantly higher in the national basketball team compared with basketball players from division I. No significant differences were found in peak torque values of quadriceps and hamstring muscles within the different basketball and soccer divisions. Peak torque expressed in absolute terms was significantly higher in basketball players than in soccer players (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). However, these differences were not significant when the strength of quadriceps and hamstring muscles was expressed relative to body weight. The H/Q ratio did not differ either ditto among the different divisions of basketball and soccer players. Based on the data obtained in this study, we concluded that the subjects' body weight have a decisive effect on the production of peak torque values of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in basketball and soccer players. Furthermore that the playing in different divisions, as well as participating in different sports, i.e. basketball or soccer, have surprisingly small effects on the peak isokinetic torque production of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
Use of an artificial neural network to localize accessory pathways of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome with12-lead electrocardiogram

Today, radio-frequency ablation has been shown to be a safe and effective method to treat paroxysmal tachycardia with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. The many criteria reported for localizing the sites of accessory pathways from a 12-lead electrocardiogram have not proven adequate to differentiate the correct sites of accessory pathways for all situations. This study trained an artificial neural network to differentiate the varied features needed to localize 10 sites of accessory pathways. One hundred fifty patients underwent successful catheter ablation, with manifest single and antegradely conducting accessory pathways. Using the two electrocardiogram features of polarity of delta wave and R wave's share of QRS complex, an artificial neural network learned the characteristics of electrocardiogram waves for each site of the 10 accessory pathways through 90 learning cases, and an applicable network model was developed for testing. In 58 of 60 test cases (96.7%), sites of accessory pathways were localized correctly by the network. Based on the method employed in the present study, it thus becomes possible to predict the sites of accessory pathways with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in more detail by using an artificial neural network with a 12-lead electrocardiogram. In the future, when this method is incorporated into a conventional automatic electrocardiogram system which could analyze delta waves and ORS complex, it will become useful to automatically diagnose the locations of the accessory pathways with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in clinical practice.
Optimization of a university cataract-patient care service in Campinas, Brazil.

PURPOSE To show the results of operational research techniques applied to the cataract service of a public university hospital in Brazil. METHODS Using a heuristic approach for operational research, a study was designed to evaluate, develop solutions, and validate the implemented modifications to optimize service performance. RESULTS Following implementation of the solutions and modifications, 24.9% more patients were examined and 39.9% more cataract surgery was performed than during a similar period prior to implementation. Solutions were provided by group discussion among service professionals and based on common sense, possibility of prompt implementation, and the use of available resources and fixed costs. CONCLUSION The results of this study show the importance of operational research to a public cataract service wishing to improve its performance with simple and efficient solutions.
Delusions as “Wrong Beliefs”: A Conceptual History

It was a common view among 19th century historians and clinicians that the study of delusions was the study of insanity itself (Ball & Ritti, 1881). At the beginning of the 20th century, Jaspers rendered this insight into a cliche (Jaspers, 1963). The nature of the link between delusion and insanity, however, has continued to confuse scholars, particularly those writing in the English language (Ireland, 1885; Arthur, 1964; Moor & Tucker, 1979; Winters & Neale, 1983). German (Huber & Gross, 1977), French (Ey, 1950) and Spanish (Cabaleiro Goas, 1966) writers have fared better; unfortunately, much of their work remains inaccessible to English-speaking psychiatrists. This is one of the reasons why, in Anglo-Saxon psychiatry, it has been suggested that the ‘definitive‘ view on delusions started with Jaspers and the Heidelberg school (Hoenig, 1968). This suggestion is misleading (Berrios, 1991), for by 1912, when Chaslin published his great work on descriptive psychopathology, all the distinctions nowadays attributed to Jaspers had already been made. Indeed, the rare efforts made to escape from the ‘pathological belief view were ignored (Southard, 1916).
On the clustering of winter storm loss events over Germany

Abstract. During the last decades, several windstorm series hit Europe leading to large aggregated losses. Such storm series are examples of serial clustering of extreme cyclones, presenting a considerable risk for the insurance industry. Clustering of events and return periods of storm series for Germany are quantified based on potential losses using empirical models. Two reanalysis data sets and observations from German weather stations are considered for 30 winters. Histograms of events exceeding selected return levels (1-, 2- and 5-year) are derived. Return periods of historical storm series are estimated based on the Poisson and the negative binomial distributions. Over 4000 years of general circulation model (GCM) simulations forced with current climate conditions are analysed to provide a better assessment of historical return periods. Estimations differ between distributions, for example 40 to 65 years for the 1990 series. For such less frequent series, estimates obtained with the Poisson distribution clearly deviate from empirical data. The negative binomial distribution provides better estimates, even though a sensitivity to return level and data set is identified. The consideration of GCM data permits a strong reduction of uncertainties. The present results support the importance of considering explicitly clustering of losses for an adequate risk assessment for economical applications.
Sequential vs. concurrent chemoradiation for stage III non-small cell lung cancer: randomized phase III trial RTOG 9410.

BACKGROUND The combination of chemotherapy with thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) compared with TRT alone has been shown to confer a survival advantage for good performance status patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer. However, it is not known whether sequential or concurrent delivery of these therapies is the optimal combination strategy. METHODS A total of 610 patients were randomly assigned to two concurrent regimens and one sequential chemotherapy and TRT regimen in a three-arm phase III trial. The sequential arm included cisplatin at 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 29 and vinblastine at 5 mg/m2 per week for 5 weeks with 63 Gy TRT delivered as once-daily fractions beginning on day 50. Arm 2 used the same chemotherapy regimen as arm 1 with 63 Gy TRT delivered as once-daily fractions beginning on day 1 [corrected]. Arm 3 used cisplatin at 50 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 29, and 36 with oral etoposide at 50 mg twice daily for 10 weeks on days 1, 2, 5, and 6 with 69.6 Gy delivered as 1.2 Gy twice-daily fractions beginning on day 1. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and secondary endpoints included tumor response and time to tumor progression. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess survival, and toxic effects were examined using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Median survival times were 14.6, 17.0, and 15.6 months for arms 1-3, respectively. Five-year survival was statistically significantly higher for patients treated with the concurrent regimen with once-daily TRT compared with the sequential treatment (5-year survival: sequential, arm 1, 10% [20 patients], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7% to 15%; concurrent, arm 2, 16% [31 patients], 95% CI = 11% to 22%, P = .046; concurrent, arm 3, 13% [22 patients], 95% CI = 9% to 18%). With a median follow-up time of 11 years, the rates of acute grade 3-5 nonhematologic toxic effects were higher with concurrent than sequential therapy, but late toxic effects were similar. CONCLUSION Concurrent delivery of cisplatin-based chemotherapy with TRT confers a long-term survival benefit compared with the sequential delivery of these therapies.
Vasopressin and angiotensin II in blood pressure control during isoflurane anesthesia in rats

Background: Hormonal systems such as vasopressin (AVP) and the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAS) have been reported to become activated during anesthesia and surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative importance of AVP and angiotensin II (AII) in blood pressure control during isoflurane anesthesia in rats.
Single- and Repeated-Dose Oral Toxicity Studies of Citicoline Free-Base (Choline Cytidine 5′-Pyrophosphate) in Sprague-Dawley Rats

The dietary supplement Citicoline free-base (choline cytidine 5′-pyrophosphate) was toxicologically evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats using oral gavage. In an acute 14-day study, 2000 mg/kg was well tolerated. In a 90-day study, 100, 350, and 1000 mg/kg/day doses resulted in no mortality. In males, slight significant increases in serum creatinine (350 and 1000 mg/kg/day), and decreases in urine volume (all treated groups) were observed. In females, slight significant increases in total white blood cell and absolute lymphocyte counts (1000 mg/kg/day), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (100 and 350, but not 1000 mg/kg/day) were noted. A dose-related increase in renal tubular mineralization, without degenerative or inflammatory reaction, was found in females (all treated groups) and two males (1000 mg/kg/day). Renal mineralization in rats (especially females) is influenced by calcium:phosphorus ratios in the diet. A high level of citicoline consumption resulted in increased phosphorus intake in the rats, and likely explains this result.
The Power of Peers: Why Some Students Bully Others to Conform

Utilizing an interactionist perspective, two associated sensitizing constructs, and a combination of social psychological theory, this article reports on the influence of the peer group on individual perceptions, and its impact on initiation and persistence of bullying. The specific research question, “How does the need to conform with peers and the peer group influence the initiation and persistence of bullying others? ” is investigated. Semistructured, one-on-one interviews with a purposive sample of 51 Grade 7 students (aged 12 years) were conducted during school time to investigate factors that influence students to bully others and what might help them to stop. Emerging from the theme of peer group was the need for belonging and group status, in particular social norms or the need to conform, which was influential when students described why they initiated and persisted with bullying others. The influence of labeling, the group process, and the aspiration to be like others within their group emerged as key constructs. The implications of these data for schools will be described and recommendations made.