Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political knowledge and media use in the Netherlands

Data from a nationwide survey of the year 2000 were used to investigate the level and distribution of political knowledge among the Dutch population. The influences of four demographic and socio-economic characteristics on political knowledge were estimated as well as the associations of the latter with the use of various media contents. In order to measure political knowledge adequately, a so-called Mokken scale was constructed contending five cumulative items. The empirical results indicated that political knowledge is not equally distributed among the Dutch population by a long way. A large part of that population, about 40 per cent, is hardly or not aware of simple political facts. Education, and to a lesser extent sex, age, and income appeared to be substantial determinants of political knowledge. The results also showed that citizens, independently of their level of education, age, sex, and income do use specifically politically oriented media-contents more frequently to the extent that they have more political knowledge.
Reduced Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Prolonged Hospitalization: A Cohort Analysis of Patients Having Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is often preserved in patients with aortic stenosis and thus cannot distinguish between normal myocardial contractile function and subclinical dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR), which measure myocardial deformation, are robust indicators of myocardial function and can detect subtle myocardial dysfunction that is not apparent with conventional echocardiographic measures. Strain and SR may better predict postoperative outcomes than LVEF. The primary aim of our investigation was to assess the association between global longitudinal strain and serious postoperative outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis having aortic valve replacement. Secondarily, we also assessed the associations between global longitudinal SR and LVEF and the outcomes. METHODS: In this post hoc analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial (NCT01187329), we examined the association between measures of myocardial function and the following outcomes: (1) need for postoperative inotropic/vasopressor support; (2) prolonged hospitalization (>7 days); and (3) postoperative atrial fibrillation. Standardized transesophageal echocardiographic examinations were performed after anesthetic induction. Myocardial deformation was measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between measures of myocardial function and outcomes, adjusted for potential confounding factors. The predictive ability of global longitudinal strain, SR, and LVEF was assessed as area under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs). RESULTS: Of 100 patients enrolled in the clinical trial, 86 patients with aortic stenosis had acceptable images for global longitudinal strain analysis. Primarily, worse intraoperative global longitudinal strain was associated with prolonged hospitalization (odds ratio [98.3% confidence interval], 1.22 [1.01–1.47] per 1% decrease [absolute value] in strain; P = .012), but not with other outcomes. Secondarily, worse global longitudinal SR was associated with prolonged hospitalization (odds ratio [99.7% confidence interval], 1.68 [1.01–2.79] per 0.1 second−1 decrease [absolute value] in SR; P = .003), but not other outcomes. LVEF was not associated with any outcomes. Global longitudinal SR was the best predictor for prolonged hospitalization (AUC, 0.72), followed by global longitudinal strain (AUC, 0.67) and LVEF (AUC, 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Global longitudinal strain and SR are useful predictors of prolonged hospitalization in patients with aortic stenosis having an aortic valve replacement.
Geometric Tomography with Topological Guarantees

We consider the problem of reconstructing a compact 3-manifold (with boundary) embedded in R3\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\mathbb R ^3$$\end{document} from its cross-sections S\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\mathcal{S }$$\end{document} with a given set of cutting planes P\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\mathcal P $$\end{document} having arbitrary orientations. In this paper, we analyse a very natural reconstruction strategy: a point x∈R3\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$x \in \mathbb R ^3$$\end{document} belongs to the reconstructed object if (at least one of) its nearest point(s) in P\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\mathcal P $$\end{document} belongs to S\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\mathcal{S }$$\end{document}. We prove that under appropriate sampling conditions, the output of such an algorithm preserves the homotopy type of the original object. Using the homotopy equivalence, we also show that the reconstructed object is homeomorphic (and isotopic) to the original object. This is the first time that 3-dimensional shape reconstruction from cross-sections comes with theoretical guarantees.
Regulation of differentiation flux by Notch signalling influences the number of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain

ABSTRACT Notch signalling is a well-established pathway that regulates neurogenesis. However, little is known about the role of Notch signalling in specific neuronal differentiation. Using Dll1 null mice, we found that Notch signalling has no function in the specification of mesencephalic dopaminergic neural precursor cells (NPCs), but plays an important role in regulating their expansion and differentiation into neurons. Premature neuronal differentiation was observed in mesencephalons of Dll1-deficient mice or after treatment with a Notch signalling inhibitor. Coupling between neurogenesis and dopaminergic differentiation was indicated from the coincident emergence of neuronal and dopaminergic markers. Early in differentiation, decreasing Notch signalling caused a reduction in NPCs and an increase in dopaminergic neurons in association with dynamic changes in the proportion of sequentially-linked dopaminergic NPCs (Msx1/2+, Ngn2+, Nurr1+). These effects in differentiation caused a significant reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons produced. Accordingly, Dll1 haploinsufficient adult mice, in comparison with their wild-type littermates, have a consistent reduction in neuronal density that was particularly evident in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Our results are in agreement with a mathematical model based on a Dll1-mediated regulatory feedback loop between early progenitors and their dividing precursors that controls the emergence and number of dopaminergic neurons. Summary: The early emergence of dopaminergic neurons under reduced Notch signalling results from a change in the differentiation flux that defines the final number of neurons produced.
A retrospective study evaluating endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using a novel lumen-apposing metal stent on an electrocautery enhanced delivery system

Objectives: To report the safety and clinical efficacy with the novel lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with an electrocautery enhanced delivery system for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with PFCs who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage using the LAMS with an electrocautery enhanced delivery system in 2 US centers. Results: Thirteen patients with PFCs (69% with walled-off necrosis [WON]) underwent drainage using the study device. Successful stent placement was accomplished in all patients. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy was carried out in all nine patients with WON complete resolution of the PFC was obtained in all 13 cases, with no recurrence during follow-up. There was one procedure-related adverse event. In one patient, the LAMS was dislodged immediately after deployment, falling into the stomach where it was removed. A second electrocautery enhanced LAMS was placed in this patient immediately afterward. Conclusions: EUS-guided drainage using the LAMS with the electrocautery-enhanced delivery system is a safe, easily performed, and a highly effective for the drainage of PFCs.
Joint least squares optimization for robust acoustic crosstalk cancellation

The objective of acoustic crosstalk cancellation is to use loudspeakers to deliver prescribed binaural signals (that reproduce a particular auditory scene) to a listener's ears. Such systems are very sensitive to the position of the listener's head. In this paper we perform a joint least squares optimization of both the filter coefficients and the modeling delay in order to obtain a robust solution. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Genome-Wide DNA-Binding Specificity of PIL5, a Arabidopsis Basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) Transcription Factor

PIL5 is a member of the bHLH transcription factor super family and plays crucial roles in phytochrome mediated seed germination process in Arabidopsis. While our previous study shows that PIL5 binds to the G-box (CACGTG) motif with high affinity, other attributes must be involved in determining regulatory specificity. In this study we performed a ChIP-chip assay to obtain genome-wide PIL5 binding sites and investigated other attributes which would affect to PIL5 DNA-binding specificity. Our results confirmed that the existence of G-box in promoter region was the most significant binding attribute. Additionally we also found that other attributes such as neighboring motif composition, distance from transcription start site, nucleosome density, DNA methylation and average gene expression were also contributing to PIL5 DNA-binding specificity. The Random Forest classifier using these attributes can classify PIL5 binding sites from non-binding sites with accuracy of 93.05%.
A Fast and Practical Algorithm for Generalized Penetration Depth Computation

We present an efficient algorithm to compute the generalized penetration depth (PDg) between rigid models. Given two overlapping objects, our algorithm attempts to compute the minimal translational and rotational motion that separates the two objects. We formulate the PDg computation based on modeldependent distance metrics using displacement vectors. As a result, our formulation is independent of the choice of inertial and body-fixed reference frames, as well as specific representation of the configuration space. Furthermore, we show that the optimum answer lies on the boundary of the contact space and pose the computation as a constrained optimization problem. We use global approaches to find an initial guess and present efficient techniques to compute a local approximation of the contact space for iterative refinement. We highlight the performance of our algorithm on many complex models.
Character reading fluency, word segmentation accuracy, and reading comprehension in L2 Chinese

This study investigated the relationships between lower-level processing and general reading comprehension among adult L2 (second-language) beginning learners of Chinese, in both target and non‐target language learning environments. Lower-level processing in Chinese reading includes the factors of character-naming accuracy, character-naming speed, and word segmentation accuracy. The results of this study show that all three components contribute to reading comprehension in conjunction. Among them, character-naming accuracy was identified as the strongest predictor for reading comprehension; this was followed by character-naming speed. Character reading accuracy was also identified as a major predictor for word segmentation. The findings of this study partially support the studies conducted on alphabetic languages. Based on the results, pedagogical implications are discussed and recommendations for improved teaching are formulated.
Evidence for Increased Risk of Prediabetes in the Uremic Patient

A prediabetic state is defined as a higher than normal blood glucose level but not yet high enough to meet the diagnosis of overt diabetes mellitus. While patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy are vulnerable to hypoglycemia, we believe that there is sufficient evidence that uremic nondiabetic patients are susceptible to hyperglycemia, which calls for more attention that uremia is a prediabetic state. It is, therefore, intriguing to identify these uremic factors which lead to prediabetes. Such a study may have significance to improve uremic patients’ outcomes. To raise the awareness of the uremic prediabetic state, this review will, therefore, elaborate on the analysis of factors important in the development of prediabetes in uremia and will delineate whether their modification leads to an improved patient outcome.
Assessment of genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of an aqueous extract of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala in in vitro and in vivo models

ABSTRACT Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, an edible fruit found in Northern Thailand, contains high amounts of phenolic compounds with invitro antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract of the ripe fruit was evaluated for its safety and beneficial effects using genotoxicity and toxicity tests. The C. nervosum extract was not only non-mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 in the presence and absence of metabolic activation, but exhibited also moderate antimutagenic effects against aflatoxin B1 and 2-amino- 3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f ]quinoline-induced mutagenesis. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric analysis revealed the major anthocyanins, which included cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-5-glucoside. The administration of C.nervosum at concentration of 5,000 mg/kg bw did not induce acute toxicity in rats. A liver micronucleus test was performed to detect clastogenicity and anticlastogenicity. The extract in the dose of 1,000 mg/kg did not cause micronucleus formation in the liver of rats. Furthermore, in rats administered 100-1,000 mg/kg of the extract, no anticlastogenic effect against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic micronucleus formation was observed. These studies provide data concerning the safety and antimutagenic potency of an aqueous extract of C. nervosum fruit.
Enhanced Hydrophilicity and Biocompatibility of Dental Zirconia Ceramics by Oxygen Plasma Treatment

Surface properties play a critical role in influencing cell responses to a biomaterial. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize changes in surface properties of zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic after oxygen plasma treatment; and (2) to determine the effect of such changes on biological responses of human osteoblast-like cells (MG63). The results indicated that the surface morphology was not changed by oxygen plasma treatment. In contrast, oxygen plasma treatment to ZrO2 not only resulted in an increase in hydrophilicity, but also it retained surface hydrophilicity after 5-min treatment time. More importantly, surface properties of ZrO2 modified by oxygen plasma treatment were beneficial for cell growth, whereas the surface roughness of the materials did not have a significant efficacy. It is concluded that oxygen plasma treatment was certified to be effective in modifying the surface state of ZrO2 and has the potential in the creation and maintenance of hydrophilic surfaces and the enhancement of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Commitment and (in) Efficiency: A Bargaining Experiment

In many matching markets, bargaining determines who matches with whom and on what terms. We experimentally investigate allocative efficiency and how subjects’ payoffs depend on their matching opportunities in such markets. We consider three simple markets. There are no information asymmetries, subjects are patient, and a perfectly equitable outcome is both feasible and efficient. Efficient perfect equilibria of the corresponding bargaining game exist, but are increasingly complicated to sustain across the three markets. Consistent with the predictions of simple (Markov perfect) equilibria, we find considerable mismatch in two of the markets. Mismatch is reduced but remains substantial when we change the nature of bargaining by moving from a structured experimental protocol to permitting free-form negotiations, and when we allow players to renege on their agreements. Our results suggest that mismatch is driven by players correctly anticipating that they might lose their strong bargaining positions, and by players in weak bargaining positions demanding equitable payoffs.
Treatment Persistence and Discontinuation with Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, and Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in the United States

A retrospective cohort analysis of the US MarketScan claims databases was performed to compare persistence and discontinuation rates between the vitamin K antagonist warfarin and the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants rivaroxaban and dabigatran in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The analysis included adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation newly initiated on rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or warfarin between November 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013, with a baseline CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2, two or more non-valvular atrial fibrillation diagnosis codes (427.31), and ≥6 months’ continuous medical and pharmacy benefit enrollment before oral anticoagulant initiation. Propensity score matching was performed to match patients receiving rivaroxaban with those receiving dabigatran (1:1) and warfarin (1:1). Patients were followed until the first event of inpatient death, end of continuous enrollment, or end of study period. Medication persistence was defined as absence of a refill gap of >60 days. Discontinuation was defined as no additional refill for >90 days and through to end of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) of oral anticoagulant persistence and discontinuation were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. In total, 3,2634 patients were included (n = 10878/oral anticoagulant group). Rivaroxaban was associated with better persistence than both dabigatran (HR 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.67) and warfarin (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.59–0.64) and lower discontinuation than dabigatran (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.58–0.64) and warfarin (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.62–0.68). Real-world analysis of oral anticoagulant use may reveal whether the relatively high persistence/low discontinuation demonstrated for rivaroxaban translates into lower rates of stroke.
Anaerobic Treatability of Sanitary Landfill Leachate in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

The treatability of leachate from Odayeri Sanitary Landfill, located in the European part of Istanbul, in an anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (AFBR) was investigated. The experiments were performed in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor having an inner diameter of 10 cm, a height of 165 cm and an effective volume of 13 l. The reactor medium was a typical filter sand having an arithmetic mean diameter of 0.5 mm and a fixed bed height of 70 cm. The AFBR experiments were carried out by increasing gradually the organic loading rate (OLR) from 2.5 to 37 kg COD/m3 per day in 8 operating steps. During the 240 days of operation, the feed rate (Qf) and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) were 13 l/day and 1 day, respectively. The measured variables were chemical oxygen demand (COD), alkalinity, pH, volatile and suspended solids, ammonia, and gas rates. Ammonia removal efficiency appeared to be very low. However, ammonia inhibition has not occured during the study. COD removal increased from 80% to 90 % with increasing organic loading rates and the AFBR attained steady state conditions with a COD removal of 90% after 80 days. A good biogas production yield (Ygas) was obtained; 0.50-0.52 l of biogas per g CODrem with a methane (CH4) content of 75%. The attached biomass concentration (Xatt) comprised about 90% of the total biomass concentration and showed an increase throughout the bed in the range of 3 to 38%. The mean attached biomass concentration also increased up to 70,000 mg/l in the last 2 months (for days 164-220).
Dendritic cells support angiogenesis and promote lesion growth in a murine model of endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 10–15% of women and is associated with pelvic pain and infertility. Angiogenesis plays an essential role in its pathogenesis. Dendritic cells (DCs) were recently implicated in supporting tumor angiogenesis. As both tumors and endometriosis lesions depend on angiogenesis, we investigated the possibility that DCs may also play a role in endometriosis. We induced endometriosis in 8‐wk‐old female C57BL/6 mice by implantation of autologous endometrium into the peritoneal cavity. We observed an abundance of CD11c+ DCs infiltrating sites of angiogenesis in endometriosis lesions. We noticed a similar pattern of infiltrating DCs at sites of angiogenesis in the peritoneal Lewis lung carcinoma tumor model. These DCs were immature (major histocompatability complex class IIlow) and expressed vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. Peritoneal implanted bone marrow‐derived DCs (BMDCs) incorporated into both endometriosis lesions and into B16 melanoma tumors and enhanced their growth at 8 days compared with controls (5.1 ±2.5 vs. 1.5±0.5mm2, n=4 and 4, P<0.0001 for endometriosis;67.6±15.1 vs. 22.7±14.6 mm2, n=5 and 7, P=0.0004 for mouse melanoma). Finally, immature BMDCs but not mature BMDCs enhanced microvascular endothelial cell migration in vitro (219±51 vs. 93±32 cells, P=0.02). Based on these findings, we suggest a novel role for DCs in supporting angiogenesis and promoting lesion growth both in endometriosis and in tumors. —Fainaru, O. , Adini, A. , Benny, O. , Adini, I. , Short, S. , Bazinet, L. , Nakai, K. , Pravda, E. , Hornstein, M. D. , D'Amato, R. J., Folkman, J. Dendritic cells support angiogenesis and promote lesion growth in a murine model of endometriosis. FASEB J. 22, 522−529 (2008)