Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Predictors of Persistent Speech Sound Disorder at Eight Years Old: Findings From a Population Cohort Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence and predictors of persistent speech sound disorder (SSD) in children aged 8 years after disregarding children presenting solely with common clinical distortions (i.e., residual errors). Method Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (Boyd et al., 2012) were used. Children were classified as having persistent SSD on the basis of percentage of consonants correct measures from connected speech samples. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. Results The estimated prevalence of persistent SSD was 3.6%. Children with persistent SSD were more likely to be boys and from families who were not homeowners. Early childhood predictors identified as important were weak sucking at 4 weeks, not often combining words at 24 months, limited use of word morphology at 38 months, and being unintelligible to strangers at age 38 months. School-age predictors identified as important were maternal report of difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and hearing impairment at age 7 years, tympanostomy tube insertion at any age up to 8 years, and a history of suspected coordination problems. The contribution of these findings to our understanding of risk factors for persistent SSD and the nature of the condition is considered. Conclusion Variables identified as predictive of persistent SSD suggest that factors across motor, cognitive, and linguistic processes may place a child at risk.
Scaling Limit of Random Planar Quadrangulations with a Boundary

We discuss the scaling limit of large planar quadrangulations with a boundary whose length is of order the square root of the number of faces. We consider a sequence $(\sigma_n)$ of integers such that $\sigma_n/\sqrt{2n}$ tends to some $\sigma\in[0,\infty]$. For every $n \ge 1$, we call $q_n$ a random map uniformly distributed over the set of all rooted planar quadrangulations with a boundary having $n$ faces and $2\sigma_n$ half-edges on the boundary. For $\sigma\in (0,\infty)$, we view $q_n$ as a metric space by endowing its set of vertices with the graph metric, rescaled by $n^{-1/4}$. We show that this metric space converges in distribution, at least along some subsequence, toward a limiting random metric space, in the sense of the Gromov--Hausdorff topology. We show that the limiting metric space is almost surely a space of Hausdorff dimension 4 with a boundary of Hausdorff dimension 2 that is homeomorphic to the two-dimensional disc. For $\sigma=0$, the same convergence holds without extraction and the limit is the so-called Brownian map. For $\sigma=\infty$, the proper scaling becomes $\sigma_n^{-1/2}$ and we obtain a convergence toward Aldous's CRT.
Psychiatric disorders among women with the fragile X premutation without children affected by fragile X syndrome

Several studies have demonstrated increased rates of anxiety and depressive disorders among female carriers of the fragile X premutation. However, the majority of these studies focused on mothers of children with fragile X syndrome, who experience higher rates of parenting stress that may contribute to the emergence of these disorders. The present study compared psychiatric symptom presentation (utilizing measures of current symptoms and lifetime DSM‐IV Axis I disorders) in 24 female carriers without affected children (mean age = 32.1 years) to 26 non‐carrier women from the community (mean age = 30.5 years). We also examined the association between CGG repeat size (adjusted for X activation ratio) and mRNA, with severity of psychiatric symptoms. Women with the premutation reported significantly elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive‐compulsiveness, and somatization relative to controls during the past week. Carriers had significantly higher rates of lifetime social phobia (42.3%) compared to controls (12.5%); however, this comparison did not remain significant after multiple comparison adjustment. Rates of other psychiatric disorders were not significantly elevated relative to controls, though it should be noted that lifetime rates among controls were much higher than previously published population estimates. Although the sample is relatively small, the study of this unique cohort suggests the premutation confers risk for mood and anxiety disorders independent of the stress of parenting children with FXS. Screening for psychiatric disorders in women with the premutation, even before they become parents, is important and highly encouraged. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LABORATORY TECHNIQUES FOR VERY HIGH PRESSURES AND THE BEHAVIOR OF METALS UNDER DYNAMIC LOADING

Particular attention is given to the production of very high pressures by colliding thin metal plates with stationary targets. Shock wave conservation equations are developed for this geometry that enable one to convert measurable quantities into equation of state data. Some results and techniques of high- pressure experiments are presented. Since the temperature rise behind a shock wave is not measurable, a brief description is given of how temperature estimates are made. Auxiliary experiments that support these calculations are also described. The hydrodynamic flow of the colliding plate experiment is outlined with attention given to the large dynamic tensions that can be produced. The effect of phase changes on the flow is also discussed, and it is shown how transition pressures can be determined by observing the freesurface motion of the target plate. The current work of several investigators on the elastic-plastic deformation of metal under dynamic conditions is reviewed and discussed with respect to calculational models and metallurgical studies made on shock-loaded specimens. (auth)
Atom Pairing in Optical Superlattices.

We study the pairing of fermions in a one-dimensional lattice of tunable double-well potentials using radio-frequency spectroscopy. The spectra reveal the coexistence of two types of atom pairs with different symmetries. Our measurements are in excellent quantitative agreement with a theoretical model, obtained by extending the Green's function method of Orso et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 060402 (2005)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.95. 060402] to a bichromatic 1D lattice with nonzero harmonic radial confinement. The predicted spectra comprise hundreds of discrete transitions, with symmetry-dependent initial state populations and transition strengths. Our work provides an understanding of the elementary pairing states in a superlattice, paving the way for new studies of strongly interacting many-body systems.
Sn doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Photovoltaic Applications

The objective of the present research work is to prepare various compositions of Sn doped ZnO thin films on a single crystal silicon (1 0 0) substrate via pulsed laser deposition technique, for investigation of valuable structural and optical properties. For this purpose, targets of pure and Sn-ZnO were prepared in the form of compressed, sintered and densified pellets by solid state reaction method. A KrF excimer laser ( =248 nm, τ=20 ns, El = 20 mJ and Φl=1 J/cm ) was employed to deposit various thin films on silicon substrate. Post deposition annealing of all the Sn-ZnO thin films was carried out at 300 C, and their structural and optical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), respectively. It was observed from XRD results that ZnO (0 0 2) and SnO2 (2 1 0) were preferred planes orientations for all the Sn-ZnO thin films. The presence of SnO2 peak showed that SnO2 was epitaxialy included in ZnO matrix. The crystallite size of all the thin films was measured with the help of Scherrer formula and it was decreased with the increase of Sn concentration in ZnO. Spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis showed that the values of refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were increased and optical band gap of the thin films was decreased with addition of Sn contents in ZnO thin films. The modification in band gap energy could be attributed to the crystallites size of the thin film; the decrease in crystallite size decreased the band gap energy, which makes the thin films valuable for variety of photovoltaic applications.
Cutaneous sarcomas

Cutaneous sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal spindle cell tumors of the dermis and subcutis, one of the best‐known entities being dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Other sarcomas addressed in this review include atypical fibroxanthoma, cutaneous undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and angiosarcoma. With the exception of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, which has its peak incidence in middle‐aged adults, cutaneous sarcomas usually occur in elderly individuals starting in the sixth or seventh decade of life. The pathogenesis of the various disease entities is not uniform and has not been definitively ascertained. Histology is the key to arriving at a correct diagnosis, and should always include ruling out other dermal neoplasms such as melanoma. In recent years, molecular genetic methods have provided greater insight into the pathogenesis, thus paving the way for new targeted therapies. Treatment of choice for cutaneous sarcomas is excision with sufficient surgical margins. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapeutic concepts include radiation therapy and the use of targeted therapies or chemotherapies. Local recurrences have frequently been reported in cutaneous sarcomas. Unlike soft tissue sarcomas, the prognosis in terms of survival – with the exception of angiosarcoma – is very good if treated adequately, a fact that should be emphasized to patients.
Factors associated with basic and instrumental activities of daily living in elderly participants of a population-based survey: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway

Objectives To investigate factors associated with the need for assistance in basic and instrumental activities of daily living in Norwegian elderly. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a large population-based health survey in Norway. Participants 5050 individuals aged 60–69 years old at baseline in HUNT2 (1995–1997) who also participated in HUNT3 (2006–2008) were included in the study. 676/693 individuals were excluded in the analyses due to missing outcomes. Outcomes Needing assistance in one or more basic or instrumental activities of daily living reported in HUNT3. Results In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses, poor self-rated health and depression were the strongest risk factors for needing assistance in one or more basic activities of daily living in HUNT3, with ORs of 2.13 (1.35 to 3.38) and 1.58 (0.91 to 2.73). Poor self-rated health and poor life satisfaction were the strongest risk factors for needing assistance in one or more instrumental activities of daily living in HUNT3, with ORs of 2.30 (1.93 to 2.74) and 2.29 (1.86 to 2.81), respectively. Excessive sitting time, short or prolonged sleeping time, and physical inactivity seemed to be the most important lifestyle risk factors for basic/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL) disability. The studied factors were, in general, greater risk factors for mortality during follow-up than for ADL/IADL disability. Smoking was the strongest risk factor for mortality during follow-up and non-participation in HUNT3. Smoking and low social participation were the strongest risk factors for non-participation in HUNT3. Conclusions Subjective health perception, life satisfaction and depression were the strongest risk factors for needing assistance in one or more basic/instrumental activities of daily living later in life. These factors could be possible targets for prevention purposes.
Recruitment constraints in Singapore's fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) population—A dispersal model approach

Recruitment constraints on Singapore's dwindling fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, population were studied by modelling fertilisation, larval transport, and settlement using real-time hydrodynamic forcing combined with knowledge of spawning characteristics, larval development, behaviour, and settlement cues. Larval transport was simulated using a finite-volume advection-diffusion model coupled to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. Three recruitment constraint hypotheses were tested: 1) there is limited connectivity between Singapore's reefs and other reefs in the region, 2) there is limited exchange within Singapore's Southern Islands, and 3) there exist low-density constraints to fertilisation efficacy (component Allee effects). Results showed that connectivity among giant clam populations was primarily determined by residual hydrodynamic flows and spawning time, with greatest chances of successful settlement occurring when spawning and subsequent larval dispersal coincided with the period of lowest residual flow. Simulations suggested poor larval transport from reefs located along the Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore, probably due to strong surface currents between the Andaman Sea and South China Sea combined with a major land barrier disrupting larval movement among reefs. The model, however, predicted offshore coral reefs to the southeast of Singapore (Bintan and Batam) may represent a significant source of larvae. Larval exchange within Singapore's Southern Islands varied substantially depending on the locations of source and sink reefs as well as spawning time; but all simulations resulted in low settler densities (2.1–68.6 settled individuals per 10,000 m2). Poor fertilisation rates predicted by the model indicate that the low density and scattered distribution of the remaining T. squamosa in Singapore are likely to significantly inhibit any natural recovery of local stocks.
Larval Defense against Attack from Parasitoid Wasps Requires Nociceptive Neurons

Parasitoid wasps are a fierce predator of Drosophila larvae. Female Leptopilina boulardi (LB) wasps use a sharp ovipositor to inject eggs into the bodies of Drosophila melanogaster larvae. The wasp then eats the Drosophila larva alive from the inside, and an adult wasp ecloses from the Drosophila pupal case instead of a fly. However, the Drosophila larvae are not defenseless as they may resist the attack of the wasps through somatosensory-triggered behavioral responses. Here we describe the full range of behaviors performed by the larval prey in immediate response to attacks by the wasps. Our results suggest that Drosophila larvae primarily sense the wasps using their mechanosensory systems. The range of behavioral responses included both “gentle touch” like responses as well as nociceptive responses. We found that the precise larval response depended on both the somatotopic location of the attack, and whether or not the larval cuticle was successfully penetrated during the course of the attack. Interestingly, nociceptive responses are more likely to be triggered by attacks in which the cuticle had been successfully penetrated by the wasp. Finally, we found that the class IV neurons, which are necessary for mechanical nociception, were also necessary for a nociceptive response to wasp attacks. Thus, the class IV neurons allow for a nociceptive behavioral response to a naturally occurring predator of Drosophila.
Analysis of flexural wave propagation in poroelastic composite hollow cylinder

Wave propagation in an infinitely long poroelastic composite hollow cylinder in is examined by employing Biot’s theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. A poroelastic composite hollow cylinder consists of two concentric poroelastic cylindrical layers both of which are made of different poroelastic materials with each poroelastic material as homogeneous and isotropic. The inner and outer boundaries of composite hollow poroelastic cylinder are free from stress. The frequency equation of flexural vibrations of poroelastic composite hollow cylinder is obtained. In addition some particular cases such as poroelastic composite hollow cylinder with rigid casing, poroelastic composite bore and poroelastic bore are discussed. Non-dimensional phase velocity is computed as a function of non-dimensional wavenumber. The results are presented graphically for two types of poroelastic composite cylinders and then discussed. Keywords: Biot’s theory, poroelastic composite hollow cylinder, wavenumber, rigidity, phase velocity
Texting 4 Sexual Health: Improving Attitudes, Intention, and Behavior Among American Indian and Alaska Native Youth

Purpose. To design and test the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention to promote condom use and STI/HIV testing among American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Method. A total of 408 study participants, 15 to 24 years old, were recruited, consented, surveyed, were sent intervention messages, and were incentivized via text message over a 9-month period. Complete pre- and postsurvey data were collected from 192 participants using SMS short codes. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to analyze before–after change in responses assessing sexual health knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, intention, and behavior. Results. Participants’ condom use attitude, condom use behavior, and STI/HIV testing intention improved after the intervention (p < .05). Frequent condom use increased from 30% to 42% and was retained by participants at least 3 months postintervention, and the intervention improved participants’ intention to get tested for STI/HIV after changing sexual partners, increasing from 46% to 58% postintervention. Conclusions. Given the widespread use of cell phones by youth, text-based interventions may offer a feasible and effective tool to promote condom use and STI/HIV testing.
Directional Microphone Hearing Aids in School Environments: Working Toward Optimization.

Purpose The hearing aid microphone setting (omnidirectional or directional) can be selected manually or automatically. This study examined the percentage of time the microphone setting selected using each method was judged to provide the best signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the talkers of interest in school environments. Method A total of 26 children (aged 6-17 years) with hearing loss were fitted with study hearing aids and evaluated during 2 typical school days. Time-stamped hearing aid settings were compared with observer judgments of the microphone setting that provided the best SNR on the basis of the specific listening environment. Results Despite training for appropriate use, school-age children were unlikely to consistently manually switch to the microphone setting that optimized SNR. Furthermore, there was only fair agreement between the observer judgments and the hearing aid setting chosen by the automatic switching algorithm. Factors contributing to disagreement included the hearing aid algorithm choosing the directional setting when the talker was not in front of the listener or when noise arrived only from the front quadrant and choosing the omnidirectional setting when the noise level was low. Conclusion Consideration of listener preferences, talker position, sound level, and other factors in the classroom may be necessary to optimize microphone settings.
Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension for the middle-aged population in China — results from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of hypertension in middle-aged people is increasing. However, few studies have examined the risk factors of hypertension among the middle-aged population. The aim of this study is to present the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors for the middle-aged population in China. Methods: The data were from the third-wave national survey (2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 7,178 respondents aged 45–59 years were included in this study. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg or currently taking antihypertensive medicines. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors of hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 29.12% (95%CI = 28.07–30.17). Hypertension was more prevalent among men than women (31.63% vs. 27.03%). Older age, higher BMI, chronic diseases, and poor health status were independently associated with hypertension in both genders (p < 0.05). Among women, college education (OR = 0.302, 95%CI = 0.152–0.598), marriage or cohabitation (OR = 0.756, 95%CI = 0.584–0.98), and drinking more than once a month (OR = 0.645, 95% = 0.498–0.836) led to a decreased likelihood of hypertension. Individuals with larger waist circumference were more likely to have hypertension (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.294–1.906). Conclusion: Our results indicate that hypertension is highly prevalent in the middle-aged population in China. Men are more likely to have hypertension than women. Older age, higher BMI, chronic diseases and poor self-rated health are risk factors for hypertension in both genders. Large waist circumference, singleness, low educational level, and non-drinking are risk factors of hypertension among women but not among men.
Mathematical modelling in animal nutrition: a centenary review

SUMMARY A centenary review presents an opportunity to ponder over the processes of concept development and give thought to future directions. The current review aims to ascertain the ontogeny of current concepts, underline the connection between ideas and people and pay tribute to those pioneers who have contributed significantly to modelling in animal nutrition. Firstly, the paper draws a brief portrait of the use of mathematics in agriculture and animal nutrition prior to 1925. Thereafter, attention turns towards the historical development of growth modelling, feed evaluation systems and animal response models. Introduction of the factorial and compartmental approaches into animal nutrition is noted along with the particular branches of mathematics encountered in various models. Furthermore, certain concepts, especially bioenergetics or the heat doctrine, are challenged and alternatives are reviewed. The current state of knowledge of animal nutrition modelling results mostly from the discernment and unceasing efforts of our predecessors rather than serendipitous discoveries. The current review may stimulate those who wish for greater understanding and appreciation.
of SENCARMouse Skin Grafted to Nude Mice1

SENCAR mice are extremely susceptible to two-stage skin carcinogenesis, while BALB/c mice are relatively resistant. Skin grafts to BALB/c nude mice were performed with fullthickness skin from SENCAR and BALB/c donors, and tumor formation was monitored in grafted skin, surrounding host skin, and intact SENCAR, BALB/c and nude mice. Initiation was accomplished by exposure to 20 /zg dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and promotion by repeated exposure to 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. SENCAR skin retained a high sensitivity to carcinogenesis when grafted to nude hosts, whereas BALB/c skin remained resistant. The donor type did not influence the tumor yield in surrounding nude host skin. The rate of tumor regression was not altered in SENCAR skin grafts on nude mice relative to intact SENCAR skin. These results indicate that the unusual sensitivity of SENCAR epider mis to chemical carcinogenesis is not due to altered systemic factors but is a property of the skin itself.