Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypertensive Disease in Twin Pregnancies: A Review

Abstract Reports over the past seventy years show that twin gestations lead to an increased risk of hypertensive disorders. Numerous studies discuss the incidence of hypertensive disease in twin versus singleton gestations, as well as effects of parity, race, age, income level, smoking, zygosity and heritability on this condition. The range of relative risk of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia for twin compared to singleton gestations is 1.2 to 2.7, 2.8 to 4.4 and 3.4 to 5.1 respectively. Parity, African-American ethnicity, and young maternal age are all factors that increase the relative risk of acquiring hypertensive disease to 4.0, 1.8 and 1.5 in mothers of twin gestations. Factors such as maternal smoking, income level and zygosity have a negligible effect on the relative risk of acquiring hypertensive disease in twin gestations. In addition to twin mothers exhibiting a higher incidence of hypertensive disease compared to their singleton counterparts, they also exhibit an earlier onset of hypertensive disease at both 35 and 37 weeks of gestation comparatively. Uric acid levels measured at 30–31 weeks of gestation in twin mothers predicted the onset of preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 74%. The range of risks presented in the literature is wide and the therapies avocated are diverse. We therefore decided to summarize the risks in a comparative fashion and to review current therapeutic strategies for the convenience of clinicians who confront increasing numbers of multiple pregnancies. The tables bring all recent published risks together in the first comparative analysis in which the data has been converted to relative risks and confidence intervals. Because the literature is relatively silent on specific management of hypertensive disease in twin pregnancies, general management recommendations for singleton gestations should be used by practitioners caring over twin gestations.
Selected problems of conducting research in prison facilities in the context of the analysis of prisoners’ temporal perspective*

The aim of this article is to characterize selected problems faced by social researchers in prison facilities. The authors, referring to the literature on the subject and their own experience gained while conducting research in prisons, analyze the challenges faced by researchers who do not belong to penitentiary institutions. The first part of the article presents problems related to the organization of research in institutions of a total character, the specificity of the group of prisoners – participants of the research (including, among others, aspects of motivation, self-presentation and the cognitive and emotional functioning of prisoners) and the need for the researcher to maintain a neutral, impartial, objective attitude towards the subjects. The second part of the article is devoted to the reflection on the methodology of research on the temporal perspective, which appeared in connection with the NCN research project “Temporal aspects of the activity of men serving prison sentences – longitudinal study”. The analysis of the specificity of experiencing time by persons serving isolation penalties and the critical analysis of tools for measuring the temporal aspects of their functioning is presented. * The project and this publication is financed from the funds of National Science Centre. The research project number is 2015/18/E/HS6/00346. M. Wysocka-Pleczyk, K. Tucholska, B. Gulla, P. Piotrowski, S. Florek 290 (s. 289–308) The article concludes with conclusions on factors that may increase the level of credibility of the results of research conducted in penitentiary institutions.
Twins and Non-twin Siblings: Different Estimates of Shared Environmental Influence in Early Childhood

Abstract Twin studies typically indicate shared environmental influence for cognitive abilities, especially in early childhood. However, across studies, DZ twin correlations tend to be greater than non-twin sibling correlations, suggesting that twin estimates of shared environment are to some extent specific to twins. We tested this hypothesis in a sample of more than 1800 MZ and 1800 same-sex DZ pairs from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), a study of twins born in England and Wales in 1994 and 1995. For this analysis, we obtained comparable data from more than 130 same-sex younger siblings of the twins. Twins and their younger siblings were assessed for language, cognitive abilities and behavior problems by their parents at 2 and 3 years of age. For language and cognitive measures at both 2 and 3 years, but not for behavior problems, estimates of shared environment were more than twice as large for twins as compared to non-twin siblings. We conclude that about half of twin study estimates of shared environment for cognitive abilities in early childhood are specific to twins. Although many possibilities exist for explaining the special shared environment effect for twins, we suggest that cognitive-relevant experiences that are not shared by siblings are shared by twins because they are exactly the same age.
Importance of Genetic Effects for Characteristics of the Human Iris

Abstract The relative importance of genetic influences (heritability) on five general textural quality characteristics of the human iris was assessed using sex and age limitation models. Colour photographs of irises were available from 100 monozygotic twin pairs, 99 dizygotic twin pairs, and 99 unrelated randomly paired age-matched German subjects. Comparative scales were constructed and two judges who were blind to zygosity independently rated five characteristic of the subjects' left iris. Inter-rater reliabilities were larger than . 90 for all five scales. The heritabilities for the five iris characteristics ranged from . 51–. 90. No sex-specific genetic factors were found for the iris characteristics. Age-group differences in heritability were found for one of the five iris characteristics — “distinction of white dot rings”. Heritability was greater for the older cohort (90%) than the younger (73%). The iris characteristics that showed the next highest additive-genetic effect were “contractional furrows” (78%) and “frequency of crypts” in the main stroma leaf (66%).
The Outcome of Twin Pregnancies Complicated by Single Fetal Death After 20 Weeks of Gestation

Abstract Aretrospective study involving 972 twin births was conducted to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by single fetal death. The incidence of single fetal death in twin pregnancies after 20 weeks was 3.3%. Preterm birth rates for 37 and 32 gestational weeks were 81.3% and 41.6% respectively. The median interval between the diagnosis of fetal death and the delivery was 11 days (range 1–27 days). Eighteen (56%) infants were delivered by cesarean and 14 (43%) vaginally. Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was the cause of single fetal death in 8 of 32 twin pregnancies (25%). Ten of the surviving co-twins were lost in the neonatal period (31.3%) and half of those neonatal deaths were due to TTTS. TTTS is the major contributor for perinatal mortality in same-sex twins complicated by single fetal death. The death of one twin in utero should not be the only indication for preterm delivery, and in case of severe prematurity with a stable intrauterine environment; expectant management may be advisable until fetal lung maturation ensues.
Genetic Influences on Free and Cued Recall in Long-Term Memory Tasks

Abstract Long-term memory (LTM) problems are associated with many psychiatric and neurological illnesses and are commonly measured using free and cued recall tasks. Although LTM has been linked with biologic mechanisms, the etiology of distinct LTM tasks is unknown. We studied LTM in 95 healthy female twin pairs identified through birth records in the state of Missouri. Performance on tasks of free recall of unrelated words, free and cued recall of categorized words, and the vocabulary section of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R) were examined using structural equation modeling. Additive genetic and unique environmental factors influenced LTM and intelligence. Free recall of unrelated and categorized words, and cued recall of categorized words, were moderately heritable (55%, 38%, and 37%). WAIS-R vocabulary score was highly heritable (77%). Controlling for verbal intelligence in multivariate analyses of recall, two components of genetic influence on LTM were found; one for all three recall scores and one for free and cued categorized word recall. Recall of unrelated and categorized words is influenced by different genetic and environmental factors indicating heterogeneity in LTM. Verbal intelligence is etiologically different from LTM indicating that these two abilities utilize different brain functions.
Suicidal Behavior in Surviving Co-Twins

Abstract Recent research has provided strong support for the existence of a familial risk for suicide, and efforts have been made to separate genetic from enviromental risk factors. Twin studies have played a major role in the identification of genetic factors, and the results indicate that the concordance rate for suicide is higher in identical than in fraternal twins (Baldessarini & Hennen, 2004). Moreover, Segal and Roy (1995) reported a significantly higher frequency of nonfatal suicidal attempts by monozygotic (MZ) than by dyzygotic (DZ) twins whose co-twins had committed suicide. However, doubts remain as to whether the increased risk of suicide in MZ twins is a response to the intense grief over the loss of a close relative, or whether a common genotype is associated with suicidal behavior. Sudden loss, which may carry a stigma in the case of a suicide, has been linked to increased persistent emotional stress and physiological changes (Epstein, 1993; Martin & Dean, 1993). A number of researchers have reported greater suicidal ideation among bereaved MZ twins as compared to DZ twins, suggesting that a loss due to suicide may increase the risk of suicidal behavior in the surviving co-twin (Segal & Bouchard, 1993; Segal & Roy, 1995; Segal et al., 1995). The aim of the present article is to address the issue of the intense grief experienced by twins after the co-twin suicide.
Glycerol-Modified Binary Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocomposites for Uranium Immobilization via Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Technique and Density Functional Theory Calculation

Novel, efficient, glycerol-modified nanoscale layered double hydroxides (rods Ca/Al LDH-Gl and flocculent Ni/Al LDH-Gl) were successfully synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis route and showed excellent adsorption capacities for U(VI) from aqueous solutions under various environmental conditions. The advanced spectroscopy analysis confirmed the existence of abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g., C–O, O–C═O, and C═O) on the surfaces of Ca/Al LDH-Gl and Ni/Al LDH-Gl, which could provide enough free active sites for the binding of U(VI). The maximum adsorption capacities of U(VI) calculated from the Sips model were 266.5 mg·g–1 for Ca/Al LDH-Gl and 142.3 mg·g–1 for Ni/Al LDH-Gl at 298.15 K, and the higher adsorption capacity of Ca/Al LDH-Gl might be due to more functional groups and abundant high-activity “Ca–O” groups. Macroscopic experiments proved that the interaction of U(VI) on Ca/Al LDH-Gl and Ni/Al LDH-Gl was due to surface complexation and electrostatic interactions. Th.
Soil Phosphorus Remediation by Bahia Grass, Common Bermuda Grass, Crab Grass, and Switch Grass

ABSTRACT Soil phosphorus (P) removal by harvest may be a practical remediation strategy. Small plots of bahia grass (BG) (Paspalum notatum Flügge), common bermuda grass (CB) (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ), crab grass (CG) (Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel. ), and switch grass (SG) (Panicum virgatum L.) were established on a coastal plain soil (Mehlich 3P, 100–500+ mg kg−1) . Yield, tissue P concentration, and uptake P were determined in 2002–2005, and surface (0–15 cm) soil P were determined in 2002 and 2005. The uptake decreased, SG > CG > BG = CB (range 230–90 kg ha−1), paralleling the decrease in surface soil P. Uptake depended on soil P (P < 0.01–0.10), with uptake > surface soil P decrease at low soil P due to uptake from subsoil but decrease > uptake at high soil P due to leaching. Soil P concentration did not affect SG tissue P nor did multiple harvests decrease its relative productivity.
Characteristics of a Japanese Adult Twin Database of High School Graduates

Abstract This paper profiles a unique cohort of adult Japanese twins. The database contains more than 700 twin pairs, aged 18 to 66 years, who are all graduates of the secondary school attached to the faculty of education of the University of Tokyo. This school was established in 1948, when the study of twins was burgeoning in Japan, and about 10 to 20 pairs of twins have been admitted there every year to participate in studies on twins in education and in related projects. The zygosity of all twins was determined carefully on the basis of various sources. Data from the perinatal period to adulthood were linkable using ID numbers. Follow-up surveys in the field of medical genetics were performed in 1985, 1989 and 1999. For the third survey, which was sent and received exclusively by mail, the distribution and collection process was also assessed in detail. The response rate was around 40%, which statistically was influenced mainly by previous participation and sex. The limitation of this cohort is its selection bias concerning socioeconomic status and its imbalance in favor of monozygotic pairs.
Association of Birth Weight and Current Body Size to Blood Pressure in Female Twins

Abstract It has been proposed that low birth weight is associated with high levels of blood pressure in later life. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of blood pressure to birth weight and current body size during growth and adulthood. A total of 711 female multiple births, with one group of 244 in their growth phase mean age 12.0 (2.3)(SD) years and the other of 467 adults (mean age 35.2 (12.6) years), had height, weight and both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures measured, and self-reported their birth weight. Regression analyses were performed to assess the cross-sectional and within-pair associations of blood pressure to birth weight, with and without adjustments for current body size. Within-pair analysis was based on 296 twin pairs. Cross-sectionally, a reduction in birth weight of 1 kg was associated with 2 to 3 mm Hg higher age-adjusted SBP, which was of marginal significance and explained about 2% of the population variance. Adjustment for body mass index did not significantly change this association. Within-pair analyses found no association between birth weight and SBP or DBP, even after adjusting for current body size. After age, current body size was the strongest predictor of systolic BP. The weak association of blood pressure to birth weight cross-sectionally is of interest, but any within-pair effect of birth weight on blood pressure must be minimal compared with the effect of current body size.
Treatment Options for the Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Review

Abstract This article reviews the treatment options of the twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). No single therapy is associated with a uniformly improved outcome for the involved twins and success is primarily related to gestational age and severity at diagnosis. Treatment options for severe cases include digitalization, ligation of the umbilical cord, serial amniocenteses, septostomy, laser occlusion of placental vessels, and selective feticide. These modalities are associated with significant risks of complications, and variable results of fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, they should be considered when risks of withholding treatment clearly outweigh those associated with intervention.
Variance Components Models for Gene–Environment Interaction in Twin Analysis

Abstract Gene–environment interaction is likely to be a common and important source of variation for complex behavioral traits. Often conceptualized as the genetic control of sensitivity to the environment, it can be incorporated in variance components twin analyses by partitioning genetic effects into a mean part, which is independent of the environment, and a part that is a linear function of the environment. The model allows for one or more environmental moderator variables (that possibly interact with each other) that may i) be continuous or binary ii) differ between twins within a pair iii) interact with residual environmental as well as genetic effects iv) have nonlinear moderating properties v) show scalar (different magnitudes) or qualitative (different genes) interactions vi) be correlated with genetic effects acting upon the trait, to allow for a test of gene–environment interaction in the presence of gene–envi-ronment correlation. Aspects and applications of a class of models are explored by simulation, in the context of both individual differences twin analysis and, in a companion paper (Purcell & Sham, 2002) sibpair quantitative trait locus linkage analysis. As well as elucidating environmental pathways, consideration of gene–environment interaction in quantitative and molecular studies will potentially direct and enhance gene-mapping efforts.
Laffittite, AgHgAsS 3 ; crystal structure and second occurrence from the Getchell Mine, Nevada

Laffittite, AgHgAsS 3 , is monoclinic, space group Aa, a = 7.732(3), b = 11.285(7), c = 6.643(4)Aa, beta = 115.16(3) degrees , Z = 4. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are 3.512(100)(200), 3.202(78)(031,1 (super -) 31), 3.015(69)(002), 2.685(67)(2 (super -) 31), 1.898(29)(1 (super -) 33,2 (super -) 33, 2.136(18)(231,3 (super -) 31), 3.633(16)(111), 1.889(14)(4 (super -) 11). Hydrothermally synthesized at 350 degrees C under 10,000 psi pressure for 140 hours. The crystal structure of laffittite is a superstructure based upon the PbS structure. Metal-sulfur bonds form a hexagonal ring of one formula unit; the rings link to each other by sharing all edges forming a sheet parallel to (100); the sheets link up and down by Hg-S and Ag-S bonds to form a three-dimensional network. The structure is closely related to that of marrite, PbAgAsS 3 . --Modified journal abstract.
ISJ 12: 214-224, 2015

The genomic organization, structure and polymorphism of attacin gene within the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori strains have been analyzed. Genomic contig (AADK01007556) of B. mori attacin gene contains locus with two transcribed basic attacin genes, which were designated as attacin I and attacin II. Survey of the naturally occurring genetic variation in different strains of silkworm B. mori at the promoter and coding regions of two attacin genes revealed high levels of silent nucleotide variations (14 % per nucleotide heterozygosity) without polymorphism at the amino acid level (nonSynonymous substitution). We also investigated variations in gene expression of attacin I and attacin II in silkworm B. mori infected with nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV). Two B. mori strains, Sarupat, CSR-2 which were resistant and susceptible to BmNPV infection respectively were used in this study. Expression profiles of B. mori genes were analyzed using microarray technique and results revealed that the immune response genes including attacin were selectively up regulated in virus invaded midguts of both races. Microarray data and real-time qPCR results revealed that attacin I gene was significantly up-regulated in the midgut of Sarupat following BmNPV infection, indicating its specific role in the anti-viral response. Our results imply that these up-regulated attacin genes were not only involved in anti-bacterial mechanism, but are also involved in B. mori immune response against BmNPV infection.
EFFECT OF POTASSIUM AND SULPHUR LEVELS ON SOIL FERTILITY STATUS AFTER HARVEST OF MUSTARD

The field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of potassium and sulphur levels on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of mustard” at College of Agriculture farm, Nagpur, during rabi season of 2012-13. Sixteen treatment combinations were studied in FRBD with three replications, which comprises four levels of potassium (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha -1 ) and four levels of sulphur (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha -1 ). Therefore, significantly increases in organic carbon, calcium carbonate and improvement in the available nitrogen (317.23 kg ha -1 ), phosphorus (18.87 kg ha -1 ), potassium (407.03 kg ha -1 ) and sulphur (9.72 kg ha -1 ) status after harvest of mustard by the addition of doses fertilizers, respectively.
COVID-19 Outbreak Effects on Leadership, Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention: A Mediating Model of Indonesian Banking Sector

This peper aims to determine and analyze the direct effect of transformational and transactional leadership on turnover intention, and indirect effect which is mediated by job satisfaction amid COVID 19 Pandemic at the banking sector. As many 153 permanent employees, including staff, supervisors, ass. manager, and division manager were participated. The results showed that transformational leadership has a positive but insignificant effect on turnover intention, while transactional leadership has a negative and significant affect turnover Intention. Furthermore, through mediating impact of job satisfaction, the effect of transformational leadership became negative and significant on turnover intention. Meanwhile, job satisfaction was significantly in line and strengthens the effect of transactional leadership on turnover intention at the banking sector amid COVID 19 Pandemic.
Students’ perceptions of learning experiences from the final-year engineering project

The final-year project (FYP), also known as a capstone course, is usually the principal course, where many learning experiences are realised and gained in an undergraduate engineering programme. Therefore, several exit learning outcomes required by professional accrediting bodies are assessed in the FYP. Programme and instructional designers know the skills and graduate attributes that students should possess, and several studies have been published from the lecturer’s perspective. However, whether those attributes are delivered can only be corroborated by the students themselves. Hence, students as primary stakeholders in any evaluation of the FYP have been asked to assess their FYP experiences. The article presents an assessment of students’ perception of the FYP that was delivered over two semesters at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana. A questionnaire type quantitative method based on a Likert scale was used. The questionnaire also included an open-ended section where students were requested to suggest how the FYP could be improved. The questionnaire was administered to 186 completing students in three engineering programmes. It is envisioned that the results of the study will provide a continuous improvement mechanism of the learning experience for students in the context of the three programmes.