Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Exposure and Other Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance in Nasal Commensal Staphylococcus aureus: An Ecological Study in 8 European Countries

Objectives Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health concern which threatens the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) increasingly appears in individuals with no healthcare associated risks. Our study assessed risk factors for nasal carriage of resistant S. aureus in a multinational, healthy, community-based population, including ecological exposure to antibiotics. Methods Data were collected in eight European countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden). Commensal AMR patterns were assessed by collecting 28,929 nasal swabs from healthy persons (aged 4+). Ecological exposure to antibiotics was operationalized as systemic antibiotic treatment patterns, extracted from electronic medical records of primary care practices in which the participants were listed (10–27 per country). A multilevel analysis related AMR in nasal commensal S. aureus to antibiotic exposure and other risk factors (e.g. age and profession). Results Of the 6,093 S. aureus isolates, 77% showed resistance to at least one antibiotic. 7.1% exhibited multidrug resistance (defined as resistance to 3 or more antibiotic classes), and we found 78 cases MRSA (1.3%). A large variation in antibiotic exposure was found between and within countries. Younger age and a higher proportion of penicillin prescriptions in a practice were associated with higher odds for carriage of a resistant S. aureus. Also, we found higher multidrug resistance rates in participants working in healthcare or nurseries. Conclusions This study indicates that in a population with no recent antibiotic use, the prescription behavior of the general practitioner affects the odds for carriage of a resistant S. aureus, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing in primary care. Finally, since variation in AMR could partly be explained on a national level, policy initiatives to decrease AMR should be encouraged at the national level within Europe.
Linear Convergence of Randomized Feasible Descent Methods Under the Weak Strong Convexity Assumption

In this paper we generalize the framework of the feasible descent method (FDM) to a randomized (R-FDM) and a coordinate-wise random feasible descent method (RC-FDM) framework. We show that the famous SDCA algorithm for optimizing the SVM dual problem, or the stochastic coordinate descent method for the LASSO problem, fits into the framework of RC-FDM. We prove linear convergence for both R-FDM and RC-FDM under the weak strong convexity assumption. Moreover, we show that the duality gap converges linearly for RC-FDM, which implies that the duality gap also converges linearly for SDCA applied to the SVM dual problem.
Comparative Impact of Suppressive Antiretroviral Regimens on the CD4/CD8 T-Cell Ratio

AbstractAlthough different factors have been implicated in the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio recovery in HIV-infected patients who receive effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), limited information exists on the influence of the regimen composition.A longitudinal study carried out in a prospective, single-center cohort of HIV-infected patients. ART regimens including non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), protease inhibitors (PI), or integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) from patients who achieved long-term (≥6-month duration) virological suppression (HIV-RNA < 400 copies/mL) from January 1998 to June 2014 were analyzed. The impact of ART composition on the changes of the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio was modeled using a mixed linear approach with adjustment for possible confounders.A total of 1068 ART regimens from 570 patients were analyzed. Mean (SD) age of the patients was 42.15 (10.68) years and 276 (48.42%) had hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. Five hundred fifty-eight (52.25%) regimens were PI-based, 439 (40.10%) NNRTI-based, and 71 (6.65%) INSTI-based; 487 (45.60%) were initial regimens, 476 (44.57%) simplification, and 105 (9.83%) salvage regimens. Median (IQR) number of regimens was 1 (1–2) per patient, of 29 (14–58) months duration, and 4 (3–7) CD4/CD8 measurements per regimen. The median baseline CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.42, 0.50, and 0.54, respectively, with the PI-, NNRTI-, and INSTI-based regimens (P = 0.0073). Overall median (IQR) increase of CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.0245 (−0.0352–0.0690) per year, and a CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1 was achieved in 19.35% of the cases with PI-based, 25.97% with NNRTI-based, and 22.54% with INSTI-based regimens (P = 0.1406). In the adjusted model, the mean CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio increase was higher with NNRTI-based regimens compared for PI-based (estimated coefficient for PI [95% CI], −0.0912 [−0.1604 to −0.0219], P = 0.009). Also, a higher CD4/CD8 baseline ratio was associated with higher CD4/CD8 increase in the adjusted model (P = 0.001); by contrast, higher age (P = 0.020) and simplification of ART regimen (P = 0.003) had a negative impact on the CD4/CD8 ratio.Antiretroviral regimen composition has a differential impact on the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio; NNRTI-based regimens are associated with enhanced CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio recovery compared to PI-based antiretroviral regimens.
SOME ALGORITHMS FOR VIRTUAL DEFORESTATION (VDF) OF LIDAR TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY DATA

Lidar topographic surveys of forested terrain generate XYZ positions for laser returns from numerous points, some on the ground and some from vegetation. Extracting a ground surface model from such data requires ‘virtual deforestation’ (VDF), preferably by au tomatic means. A simple error budget for lidar topography of forested terrain suggests that the dominant source of error—and the greate st room for improvement—lies in VDF procedures. We discuss a despike VDF algorithm that classifies returns as ground or not-ground on the basis of the geometry of the surface in the neighborhood of each return. The despike algorithm is fully automatic, effective, and can recover breaklines. It fails to ident ify some negative blunders, rounds some sharp corners off the landscape, and as implemented is slow. There are clear paths to improve it s speed. If multiple-return data are available, a no-multiple-returns VDF algorithm robustly defines areas where all returns are ground returns. Many groups are using variations on block-minimum VDF algorithms, but these do not work well on slopes and typically require su bstantial human involvement to adjust block size as the fraction of ground returns changes. Fully automatic VDF algorithms are desirable not only to minimize survey costs but also to produce topography for which all nec essary interpretive biases and assumptions are explicit. The development of effective VDF algorithms has been hindered by the tendency of some commercial and academic practitioners to keep their work proprietary. Open dialogue is needed.
The Construction of Full Citizenship in a Vision of the Brazilian Digital Inclusion in Education

This article discusses the importance of digital inclusion in the construction of citizenship. The central point when discussing social inequality is citizenship with impacts on the structure transformation present in society. The opportunities created by digital inclusion can transform the conditions of the individual, leading to the construction of citizenship from greater participation in political life and in public decisions. Digital inclusion can promote the participation of the individual in cyberspace which becomes the sphere for public debates and a space for State decisions. The critical use of techniques and information technology along with other actions which promotes equality can lead to the development of full citizenship and requires a new transformation in the meanings of work, responsible for occupation and social inclusion. Considering the adjustments for digital inclusion, social programs can go "beyond mere access" to computers and internet and changes and in the social space.
Chromosome polymorphism of heterochromatin and nucleolar regions in two populations of the fish Astyanax bockmanni (Teleostei: Characiformes)

Karyotype and other chromosomal markers as revealed by C-banding and silver (Ag) impregnation in two Astyanax bockmanni populations (Barra Seca Stream and Campo Novo River) were examined. The diploid chromosome number 2n = 50 and nearly identical karyotypes were documented. C-banding revealed heterochromatic blocks on the terminal regions of some chromosomes, with high frequencies of polymorphisms. The Ag-impregnation showed that the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) varied in number, location and organization. Astyanax bockmanni revealed chromosome characteristics similar those of the species complex "A. scabripinnis". Mechanisms that may be responsible for the high degree of polymorphism are discussed.
Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in buccal epithelial cells of children with chronic kidney disease

Abstract The objective of this study was to reveal the likely genomic instability in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using micronucleus (MN) assay on buccal epithelial cells (BEC). We investigated the frequencies of micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies, such as nuclear buds, binucleated cells, condensed chromatin, and karyorrhectic and pyknotic cells in BEC. Children with CKD were grouped as follows: children in the pre-dialysis (PreD) stage (N=17), children on regular haemodialysis (HD) (N=14), and children who have undergone transplantation (Tx) (N=17). As a control group, twenty age- and gender-matched healthy children were selected. The MN frequency in BEC of all groups of children with CKD was significantly elevated (5- to 7-fold) as compared to the control group (p<0.001). In contrast, the frequencies of nuclear buds were not significantly higher in the study groups compared to the control group. The frequencies of binucleated cells and condensed chromatin cells were significantly higher in all subgroups of children with CKD relative to the control group (p<0.001). Our results show that the BEC of pediatric PreD, HD, and Tx patients with CKD display increased cytogenetic, cytokinetic, and cytotoxic effects. They also point to the sensitivity and usefulness of the BEC MN assay in the assessment of genetic susceptibility of patients with CKD.
Excitation of field line resonances by sources outside the magnetosphere

Field line resonances are thought to be excited by sources either at the magnetopause or outside it. Recent observations suggest that they may be associated with coherent oscillations or pressure pulses in the solar wind. In either case the excitation mechanism can be understood by considering the incidence of a harmonic wave on the magnetopause from outside the magnetosphere. Calculations are performed in a plane stratified model that consists of (i) a magnetosheath region streaming tailward at uniform velocity (ii) a sharp boundary representing the magnetopause, (iii) a magnetosphere region in which the Alfven speed increases monotonically with distance from the magnetopause. The structure implies the existence of a propagating region within the magnetopause bounded by a reflection level or turning point. Beyond this is a region in which waves are evanescent and a resonance level. The reflection and transmission of harmonic waves incident from the magnetosheath is considered in this model. It is shown that, in most cases, because of the mismatch between the magnetosphere and the magnetopause, the wave is reflected from the magnetopause with little penetration. At critical frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies of the cavity formed between the magnetopause and turning point the signal excites the cavity and may leak evanescently to the resonance. The calculation includes the effect of the counter-streaming magnetosheath and magnetosphere plasmas on the wave. This can lead to amplification or attenuation. The nature of the processes that lead to transmission of the wave from magnetosheath to resonance are considered by synthesising the signal from plane wave spectra. A number of mechanisms for exciting cavity modes are reviewed and the relationship of the calculations to these mechanisms are discussed. Observations needed to discriminate between the mechanisms are specified.
Imaging Modalities for Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatocellular Adenoma

Background/Aims: There are several imaging modalities available for the detection of focal liver lesions. Differentiation between focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is important because of the consequences for management. However, differentiation based on imaging alone still shows limitations. Methods: We reviewed the literature for typical features of FNH and HCA on radiologic and nuclear imaging with emphasis on differentiation of both lesions. Results: Seven articles describe the performance of an imaging modality for the differentiation between FNH and HCA. Limitations of these studies are the small sample size and/or the lack of comparison with the ‘gold standard’, i.e. histological diagnosis. No studies are available that compare the accuracy of several imaging modalities in the differentiation of FNH and HCA. Conventional ultrasound (US) is not useful in the differentiation because of the non-specific features. On contrast-enhanced US, the arterial filling direction of FNH is centrifugal and centripetal in case of HCA. The parenchymal enhancement of FNH is sustained in the portal venous and delayed phases, but shows rapid washout in case of HCA. Multiphase CT scan can differentiate FNH from HCA when there is a central scar. FNH may have a slightly higher relative enhancement in the arterial phase. On MRI with hepatocyte-specific contrast agents, HCA does not show contrast uptake in the hepatobiliary phase in contrast to FNH. Conclusion: We conclude that there is limited evidence of the diagnostic performance of currently used imaging modalities for the differentiation of FNH and HCA. We therefore propose a prospective study (DiFA trial) to determine the accuracy of several radiologic and nuclear imaging studies in differentiating FNH and HCA.
Gifted learners' motivational outcomes in cluster versus ability-grouped reading instruction: An ex-post facto study

GIFTED LEARNERS’ MOTIVATIONAL OUTCOMES IN CLUSTER VERSUS ABILITY-GROUPED READING INSTRUCTION: AN EX-POST FACTO STUDY Julie Esparza, Ph.D. Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations Northern Illinois University, 2015 Lee Shumow, Director This post hoc study focused on gifted programming in language arts for students in fourth through eighth grades in one large (n=12,229) diverse school district. One group of gifted students experienced cluster grouping, while the other group of gifted students experienced ability grouping for language arts instruction. The study examined whether motivational processes reported by gifted students differed by gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic level. The study also investigated whether gifted students who were ability grouped for reading instruction differed in self-efficacy, achievement goal orientation, achievement, and challenge seeking in language arts when compared to gifted students who were cluster grouped. Finally, student perception of classroom goal structure was compared between cluster-grouped gifted students and ability-grouped gifted students. Some students were surveyed at the end of eighth grade immediately following participation, and others were surveyed at the end of ninth grade. Among gifted students, females exhibited greater levels of challenge-seeking behavior by selecting higher-level high school courses; therefore, gender was controlled in further analyses. Within the gifted population examined for this study, self-efficacy, personal
Modular invariant critical superstrings on four-dimensional Minkowski space times two-dimensional black hole

Extending the seminal work of Bilal and Gervais, we construct a tachyon-free, modular invariant partition function for critical superstrings on four-dimensional Minkowski × two-dimensional black hole. This model may be thought of as an SL(2,)/U(1) version of Gepner models and corresponds to a conifold point on the moduli space of Calabi-Yau compactifications. We directly deal with N = 2, c = 9 unitary superconformal characters. Modular invariance is achieved by requiring the string to have a momentum along an extra noncompact direction, in agreement with the picture of singular CFTs advocated by Witten. The four-dimensional massless spectrum coincides with that of the tensionless strings, supporting the proposal made by Bershadsky et al. concerning a dual description of type-II strings on a conifold in terms of two intersecting NS5-branes. An interesting relation to D = 6, N = 4 gauged supergravity is also discussed.
The politics of numbers: the normative agendas of global benchmarking

Abstract Global benchmarks have grown exponentially over the last two decades, having been both applied to and developed by states, international organisations, corporations, and non-governmental organisations. As a consequence, global benchmarking is now firmly established as a distinct mode of transnational governance. Benchmarking chiefly involves the development of comparative metrics of performance, which typically take the form of highly stylised comparisons which are generated by translating complex phenomena into numerical values via simplification and extrapolation, commensuration, reification, and symbolic judgements. This process of translation takes what might otherwise be highly contentious normative agendas and converts them into formats that gain credibility through rhetorical claims to neutral and technocratic assessment. This politics of numbers has far-reaching ramifications for transnational governance, including the dimensions and effects of indirect power, expertise and agenda-setting, coordination, regulation and certification, and norm contestation and activism. This Special Issue draws upon an emerging literature to explore how and why benchmarks both align with and expand upon established models of International Relations theory and scholarship. It does so by critically examining the role of global benchmarks in key areas such as state ‘failure’, global supply chains, disaster management, economic governance, corporate social responsibility, and human development.
The use of multiresolution analysis and wavelets transform for merging SPOT panchromatic and multisp

Several techniques have been developed to merge SPOT 10-m resolution panchromatic data (SPOT P) with simultaneously acquired 20-m resolution multispectral data (SPOT XS). Normally, the objective of these procedures is to create a composite image of enhanced interpretability. The current merging methods may not be satisfying; they can distort the spectral characteristics of the xs images and, as a result, the analysis becomes difficult. In this paper a method allowing the use of 10-m resolution xs data while conserving the spectral properties of the original 20-m data is presented. This method uses a multiresolution analysis procedure based upon the wavelets transform; it is applied to remotely sensed SPOT P and SPOT XS images of the river junction Arc-Is&re (France). This new method is compared with the IHS method and P+XS method. The wavelets method is the one which least distorts the spectral characteristics of the data. The distortions are minjmal and difficult to detect.
Chronic effects of shift work on cognition: findings from the VISAT longitudinal study

Objectives Shift work, like chronic jet lag, is known to disrupt workers’ normal circadian rhythms and social life, and to be associated with increased health problems (eg, ulcers, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, breast cancer, reproductive difficulties) and with acute effects on safety and productivity. However, very little is known about the long-term consequences of shift work on cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to assess the chronicity and reversibility of the effects of shift work on cognition. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of 3232 employed and retired workers (participation rate: 76%) who were 32, 42, 52 and 62 years old at the time of the first measurement (t1, 1996), and who were seen again 5 (t2) and 10 (t3) years later. 1484 of them had shift work experience at baseline (current or past) and 1635 had not. The main outcome measures were tests of speed and memory, assessed at all three measurement times. Results Shift work was associated with impaired cognition. The association was stronger for exposure durations exceeding 10 years (dose effect; cognitive loss equivalent to 6.5 years of age-related decline in the current cohort). The recovery of cognitive functioning after having left shift work took at least 5 years (reversibility). Conclusions Shift work chronically impairs cognition, with potentially important safety consequences not only for the individuals concerned, but also for society.
Genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity of epithelial ovarian cancer and the clinical implications for molecular targeted therapy

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, and tumoural heterogeneity (TH) has been blamed for treatment failure. The genomic and epigenomic atlas of EOC varies significantly with tumour histotype, grade, stage, sensitivity to chemotherapy and prognosis. Rapidly accumulating knowledge about the genetic and epigenetic events that control TH in EOC has facilitated the development of molecular‐targeted therapy. Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, designed to target homologous recombination, are poised to change how breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA)‐related ovarian cancer is treated. Epigenetic treatment regimens being tested in clinical or preclinical studies could provide promising novel treatment approaches and hope for improving patient survival.
Near-duplicate detection for web-forums

Current forum search technologies lack the ability to identify threads with near-duplicate content and to group these threads in the search results. As a result, forum users are overloaded with duplicated search results and prefer to create new threads without trying to find existing ones. In this paper we therefore identify common reasons leading to near-duplicates and develop a new near-duplicate detection algorithm for forum threads. The algorithm is implemented using a large case study of a real-world forum serving more than one million users. We compare this work with current algorithms, similar to [4, 5], for detecting near-duplicates on machine generated web pages. Our preliminary results show, that we significantly outperform these algorithms and that we are able to group forum threads with a precision of 74%.