Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is association of preterm birth with cognitive-neurophysiological impairments and ADHD symptoms consistent with a causal inference or due to familial confounds?

Abstract Background Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk for cognitive-neurophysiological impairments and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether the associations are due to the preterm birth insult per se, or due to other risk factors that characterise families with preterm-born children, is largely unknown. Methods We employed a within-sibling comparison design, using cognitive-performance and event-related potential (ERP) measures from 104 preterm-born adolescents and 104 of their term-born siblings. Analyses focused on ADHD symptoms and cognitive and ERP measures from a cued continuous performance test, an arrow flanker task and a reaction time task. Results Within-sibling analyses showed that preterm birth was significantly associated with increased ADHD symptoms (β = 0.32, p = 0.01, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.58) and specific cognitive-ERP impairments, such as IQ (β = −0.20, p = 0.02, 95% CI −0.40 to −0.01), preparation-vigilance measures and measures of error processing (ranging from β = 0.71, −0.35). There was a negligible within-sibling association between preterm birth with executive control measures of inhibition (NoGo-P3, β = −0.07, p = 0.45, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.15) or verbal working memory (digit span backward, β = −0.05, p = 0.63, 95% CI −0.30 to 0.18). Conclusions Our results suggest that the relationship between preterm birth with ADHD symptoms and specific cognitive-neurophysiological impairments (IQ, preparation-vigilance and error processing) is independent of family-level risk and consistent with a causal inference. In contrast, our results suggest that previously observed associations between preterm birth with executive control processes of inhibition and working memory are instead linked to background characteristics of families with a preterm-born child rather than preterm birth insult per se. These findings suggest that interventions need to target both preterm-birth specific and family-level risk factors.
Insulinoma-associated protein 1 controls nasopharyngeal carcinoma to radiotherapy by modulating cyclin D1-dependent DNA repair machinery.

Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), a zinc finger transcriptional factor, is proven to be deregulated in several types of cancers. However, comprehension of the molecular mechanism of INSM1-mediated tumor progression remains poor. Here, we show that the radioresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients have higher expressions of INSM1 that correlated with poor prognosis. Genetic manipulation of INSM1 expression sufficiently controls the response of NPC cells to irradiation (IR). Mechanistically, cells exposed to IR, increased intracellular INSM1 competitively disrupts the interaction of cyclin D1 and CDK4 resulting in cell survival by the cyclin D1-dependent DNA repair machinery. Moreover, knockdown of INSM1 sensitives NPC cells to IR in vivo and protects xenograft mice from mortality. Taken together, these results indicate that INSM1 modulates nasopharyngeal carcinoma to radiotherapy by controlling cyclin D1-dependent DNA repair machinery that could be manipulated as a novel molecular target for NPC therapy.
A Terminal Iridium Oxo Complex with a Triplet Ground State.

Isolation of a terminal iridium oxo complex with an open-shell (S = 1) ground state is reported upon hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from the respective iridium(II) hydroxide. Electronic structure examinations support large spin delocalization to the oxygen atom. Selected oxo transfer reactions indicate ambiphilic reactivity of the Ir=O moiety. Calorimetric and computational examination of the HAT reveal a BDFEIrO-H that is sufficient for hydrogen atom abstraction towards C-H bonds and small contributions from entropy and spin-orbit coupling to the HAT thermochemistry.
Validation of the Swedish version of the LittlEARS® Auditory Questionnaire in children with normal hearing – a longitudinal study

Abstract Objective: To externally validate the Swedish version of the LittlEARS® Auditory Questionnaire (LEAQ) in children with normal hearing followed longitudinally, and to examine to what extent the LEAQ correlates to other measures of auditory and language development. Design: The Swedish version of the LEAQ was completed every other month over a 2-year period and correlated with the Parents’ Evaluation of Aural/Oral Performance of Children (PEACH) and McArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory (CDI) to examine overlapping areas of development. Normative curve was derived through linear mixed models and the effect of time investigated with repeated measures ANOVA. Study sample: Parents of 25 typically developing children with normal hearing (13 girls, 12 boys). Results: The norm curve of the Swedish LEAQ showed a similar equation as the original German version and the effect of time was significant. Correlations between LEAQ and CDI were moderate to high, and between LEAQ and PEACH weak or non-existing. Conclusion: The Swedish version of the LEAQ is a reliable tool in accordance with the original version. However, results indicate that this questionnaire to a large extent measures language skill rather than audition specifically.
Mesolimbic Activity Associated with Psychosis in Schizophrenia: Symptom‐specific PET Studies

ABSTRACT: Hallucinations and paranoid delusions are prominent among the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Such psychotic symptoms are notable for their aberrant representations of, and relation to, the external world and for the emotional/motivational valence associated with the representations. As mesolimbic structures, including the amygdala and ventral striatum, are thought to play a significant role in imparting emotional valence to external stimuli, we here examine the mesolimbic findings of H215O PET studies designed to probe the functional neuroanatomy of psychosis.
Dietary quercetin supplements: Assessment of online product informations and quantitation of quercetin in the products by high‐performance liquid chromatography

Administration of the increasingly popular dietary supplements containing quercetin may interfere with drug therapy. We intended to evaluate the online availability and quercetin content of the high‐dose mono‐component quercetin products and to review the potential use of quercetin products and their interactions with drugs. We monitored the online access to quercetin‐containing dietary supplements, collected the relevant information from the websites, procured selected products from the vendors, and subjected them to substance analysis. The quercetin content was quantified by an HPLC‐UV method. Twenty‐five websites offered mono‐component quercetin products, and nine products were procured. The quercetin content of eight products differed only ±10% from the nominal dose, whereas one product contained almost 30% more quercetin. Misleading indications such as antitumor and cardiovascular effects were often found on the sellers' websites. Quercetin‐containing dietary supplements are available online with misleading indications. The recommended daily doses are often high (occasionally over 1,000 mg), which may induce clinically relevant interactions with medications. Because high‐quercetin content of dietary supplements was confirmed, health care professionals should be aware of the unregulated internet market of dietary supplements and should consider the interactions of these substances with drugs.
Implications of differing attitudes and experiences between providers and persons with obesity: results of the national ACTION study

ABSTRACT Objective: Our aim was to explore how differing attitudes, expectations, and experiences among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare providers (HCPs) might have an impact on effectively implementing current obesity treatment guidelines. Methods: Online surveys were conducted among 3,008 adult PwO (BMI≥30 by self-reported height and weight) and 606 HCPs. Results: PwO with weight loss ≥ 10% during the previous three years were more likely to have been diagnosed with obesity and to have discussed a weight loss plan with an HCP. However, only 21% believe HCPs have a responsibility to actively contribute to their obesity treatment. Further, HCPs tend not to effectively communicate the diagnosis of obesity, its nature as a serious and chronic disease, the full range of treatment options, and obesity’s implications for health and quality of life. Regarding treatment goals, HCPs more often focus on BMI reduction, while PwO’s goals focus on improved functioning, energy, and appearance. HCPs also tend to underestimate their patients’ motivation to address their obesity. Twenty-eight percent of HCPs ‘completely agreed’ that losing weight was a high priority for PwO, whereas more than half of PwO ‘completely agreed’ that losing weight was a high priority for them. When asked how their HCP could better support them, PwO most often expressed a desire for helpful resources, as well as assistance with specific and realistic goal-setting to improve health. Conclusions: HCPs can more effectively implement obesity treatment guidelines by more clearly and proactively communicating with PwO about their diagnosis, health implications of obesity, desired treatment goals, and the full range of treatment options. HCPs should understand that most PwO believe that managing their disease is solely their own responsibility. HCPs can also encourage more effective conversations by better appreciating their patients’ motivation and treatment goals. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03223493.
Validation of a prospective cohort study of older adults with hip fractures.

AIMS This study sought to determine the proportion of older adults with hip fractures captured by a multicentre prospective cohort, the World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE), whether there was evidence of selection bias during WHiTE recruitment, and the extent to which the WHiTE cohort is representative of the broader population of older adults with hip fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS The characteristics of patients recruited into the WHiTE cohort study were compared with those treated at WHiTE hospitals during the same timeframe and submitted to the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). RESULTS Patients recruited to WHiTE were more likely to be admitted from their own home (83.5% vs 80.2%; p < 0.001) and to have a higher median Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) (9 (interquartile range (IQR) 6 to 10) vs 9 (IQR 5 to 10); p < 0.001) than those who were not recruited. In terms of WHiTE cohort generalizability, participating hospitals included a greater proportion of Major Trauma Centres (47.8% vs 7.8%) and large hospitals (997 (IQR 873 to 1290) vs 707 (459 to 903) beds) with high-volume Emergency Departments (median annual attendances of 43 981 (IQR 37 147 to 54 385) vs 35 964 (IQR 26 229 to 50 551)). However, there were few differences in baseline characteristics between patients in the WHiTE cohort and those recorded in the NHFD. CONCLUSION There is evidence of a weak selection bias towards recruiting fitter patients within the WHiTE cohort, which will help to put into context the findings of future studies. We conclude that the patients within the WHiTE cohort are representative of the national population of older adults with hip fractures throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:708-714.
Net nutrient flux by visceral tissues of beef steers given abomasal and ruminal infusions of casein and starch.

The objective of this study was to quantify changes of net nutrient metabolism by portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver of four beef steers (253 +/- 7 kg) in response to combinations of ruminal (R) or abomasal (A) infusions of cornstarch (S) and casein (C). The four treatments in a Latin square design were SACA, SACR, SRCA, and SRCR. Steers were fed alfalfa hay (DMI = 4 kg/d) as a basal diet in 12 equal meals delivered every 2 h and they received continuous infusion of S (800 g/d) and C (200 g/d) in 11-d periods. Digestibilities of DM, N, NDF, and starch, ruminal outflow of liquids and DM, and energy and N retention were less (P < .05) for SA than for SR. Net ammonia and glucose release from PDV were greater (P < .01) for SA than for SR. Net total VFA, acetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate release from PDV and total splanchnic acetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate release were greater (P < .05) for SR than for SA, but starch infusion site had no effect (P > .10) on net urea N transfer or alpha-amino N release by PDV. Net release of ammonia N, propionate, and total VFA by PDV and uptake of urea N by PDV were greater for CR than for CA, but net alpha-amino N release by PDV and total splanchnic tissues were greater for CA than for CR (P < .05). Summation of energy supply by PDV indicated no difference in total supply among the treatments, but relative contribution of energy sources was affected by infusion site. Energy release by PDV per unit of DE intake was . 68 and . 66 for SA and SR, respectively. Net release of glucose by PDV was greater for SACA than for SACR (P < .05). These results suggest that site of digestion of starch and casein varies the relative contribution of nutrients to energy supply by visceral tissues and therefore varies N use in beef steers.
Radiation-Induced Soft Error Rates of Advanced CMOS Bulk Devices

This work provides a comprehensive summary of radiation-induced soft error rate (SER) scaling trends of key CMOS bulk devices. Specifically we analyzed the SER per bit scaling trends of SRAMs, sequentials and static combinational logic. Our results show that for SRAMs the single-bit soft error rate continues to decrease whereas the multi-bit SER increases dramatically. While the total soft error rate of logic devices (sequentials and static combinational devices) has not changed significantly, a substantial increase in the susceptibility to alpha particles is observed. Finally, a novel methodology to extract one-dimensional cross sections of the collected charge distributions from measured multi-bit statistics is introduced
Transcriptional and post‐translational regulation of hyaluronan synthesis

Hyaluronan, a ubiquitous high‐molecular‐mass glycinoglycan on cell surfaces and in extracellular matrices, has a number of specific signaling functions in cell–cell communication. Changes in its content, molecular mass and turnover rate are crucial for cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, processes that control tissue remodeling during embryonic development, inflammation, injury and cancer. To maintain tissue homeostasis, the synthesis of hyaluronan must therefore be tightly controlled. In this review, we highlight some recent data on the transcriptional regulation of hyaluronan synthase (Has1–3) expression and on the post‐transcriptional control of hyaluronan synthase activity, which, in close association with the supply of the UDP‐sugar substrates of hyaluronan synthase, adjust the rate of hyaluronan synthesis.
Groove binding between ferulic acid and calf thymus DNA: spectroscopic methodology combined with chemometrics and molecular docking studies

Abstract Ferulic acid (FA), a dietary phenolic acid compound, is proved to possess numerous biological activities. Hence, this study was devoted to explore the interaction between FA and calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) by UV − vis absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy combined with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR − ALS) and molecular docking studies. The concentration curves and the pure spectra of compositions (FA, ctDNA and FA − ctDNA complex) were obtained by MCR − ALS approach to verify and monitor the interaction of FA with ctDNA. The groove binding mode between FA and ctDNA was confirmed by the results of melting analysis, viscosity measurements, single-stranded DNA experiments, and competitive studies. The binding constant of FA − ctDNA complex was 4.87 × 104 L mol−1 at 298 K. The values of enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) changes in the interaction were −16.24 kJ mol−1 and 35.02 J mol−1 K−1, respectively, indicating that the main binding forces were hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The result of CD spectra suggested that a decrease in right-handed helicity of ctDNA was induced by FA and the DNA conformational transition from the B-form to the A-form. The results of docking indicated that FA binding with ctDNA in the minor groove. These findings may be conducive to understand the interaction mechanism of FA with ctDNA and the pharmacological effects of FA. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Development and Usability Evaluation of Web-Based Telerehabilitation Platform for Patients After Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary intervention that improves quality of life and reduces the risk of recurrent heart attack. Unlike all known benefits for CR, the patient participation in CR is low. Telerehabilitation has the potential to improve lifestyle and helps patients having long-term compliance with clinician advice. The objective of this study was the development of a web-based cardiac telerehabilitation platform to engage the post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients in self-management of disease. METHOD Development process of creating and evaluating a telerehabilitation platform included four phases: (1) need assessment, (2) design the prototype, (3) implement the cardiac telerehabilitation platform, (4) usability evaluation. RESULT Cardiac telerehabilitation platform consists of an Android-based application for patients and web-based dashboard for rehabilitation mentors. The modules of the application are daily self-assessment, weekly self-assessment, educational content, stress and sleep improvement skills, medication reminder, online chat, prescribed diet, prescribed physical activity and rehabilitation records. The self-assessment modules allow users to enter the data such as physical activity, diet, blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight. The patient data entries are interpreted in the system knowledge base and colored symbol feedbacks display for patients and mentors. In the dashboard, the mentors review the patient data entries and set the rehabilitation plan for next week. In a beta test of usability evaluation, the mean of SUS score for patients was 75.16, for clinicians was 73.33 and for medical informatics specialist was 72.33. These results showed that the usability of our system was at an acceptable level. CONCLUSION The cardiac telerehabilitation platform is a convenient tool for post-MI patients who cannot attend at outpatient cardiac rehabilitation centers for any reason.
Assimilative and Accommodative Coping and Older People’s Leisure Activities

Objectives: Assimilative and accommodative coping strategies have hardly been studied in relation to leisure activities in old age. We investigated whether tenacious goal pursuit (TGP) and flexible goal adjustment (FGA) influence the association between physical performance and participation in leisure activities. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 187 community-dwelling people aged 79 to 93 years. TGP, FGA, and leisure activity participation were asked with questionnaires. Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results: TGP moderated the relationship between physical performance and leisure activity participation. Despite low physical performance, people with high TGP had close to mean level of leisure activity participation, whereas low TGP was associated with very little activity. Most notably, people without high TGP had fewer outdoor activities and group activities outside home. Similar effects were not found for FGA. Discussion: Persistency, rather than flexibility, in goal pursuit appears to help older people be active in their leisure time.
Finite element method based modeling of a flexible wing structure

The finite element based structural model of a flexible wing is presented. The structural model will be a part of a servoelastic wing used for flutter analysis and designing flutter suppression control systems. It also allows modal analysis of a wing with given parameters. A finite element model consists of Euler-Bernoulli beams joined together. This approach is able to reach high accuracy and various properties of a particular wing element can be modeled.
Utility of the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS-2) in detecting feigned adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS-2) utilizes various strategies in the detection of simulated psychiatric disorders. The present study aimed to examine which of these strategies proves most useful in uncovering feigned attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. Method: One-hundred seventy-one individuals instructed to feign ADHD were compared to 46 genuine patients with ADHD as well as 99 neurotypical controls in their reports provided on the SIRS-2. Results: Responses provided by simulators resembled those of genuine patients with ADHD on all SIRS-2 subscales with the exception of a supplementary scale tapping Overly Specified symptom reports, where a moderate effect emerged (d = 0.88). Classification accuracy remained low, with particularly poor sensitivity (sensitivity = 19.30%). Sensitivity was higher when the decision rules postulated in the first edition SIRS were applied instead of its successor’s decision model, yet this increase in sensitivity came at the price of unacceptably low specificity. Conclusion: The present results call for a disorder-specific instrument for the detection of simulated ADHD and offer starting points for the development of such a tool.
Optimizing Energy Consumption of Hot Water System in Buildings with Solar Thermal Systems

This paper investigates the operation of a solar thermal system in a building, and seeks to craft a solution that would reduce the cost of electricity to the building manager, while concurrently ensuring that the water demand and the temperature of water are conform to the requirement of the building occupants. In particular, two energy management mechanisms are studies for controlling the multiple heat pumps that are connected to the solar thermal system for providing the system with heat when there is not enough solar energy. In this context, two control strategies are proposed, on-demanding control (ODC) and optimal day-Ahead scheduling (ODS) with different degrees of information such as the water demand, weather, and so on. Moreover, three different types of scenarios are considered based on solar energy generation pattern and hot water demand of a commercial facility, and optimal number and operation schedules of heat pumps are identified for each of the scenario. It is shown that the ODS approach is more effective in saving energy and related costs in comparison with the systems ODC approach if the information of the weather conditions and hot demands are available for next 24 hours, and the performance improvement is corroborated numerically.