Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binge Drinking and Mortality From All Causes and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Korean Men and Women: A Kangwha Cohort Study

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to examine the association between binge drinking and risks of mortality due to all causes of death with a focus on cerebrovascular disease in Korean men and women. Methods— This study followed a cohort of 6291 residents in Kangwha County, aged ≥55 years in March 1985, for their cause-specific mortality for 20.8 years up to December 31, 2005. We calculated hazard ratio of mortality by experience or frequency of binge drinking using the Cox proportional hazard model. Binge drinking was defined as having ≥6 drinks on one occasion. Results— In men, binge drinkers who drink daily had an increased risk of mortality from all causes (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.60) as compared with nondrinkers. They showed much increased risks of mortality from total stroke (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.99) and hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.38 to 8.35). Female binge drinkers also showed an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease as compared with female nondrinkers, but the outcome was not statistically significant. Conclusions— The results of this study suggest that frequent binge drinking has a harmful effect on hemorrhagic stroke in Korean men. These findings need to be confirmed in further studies.
DJoin: Differentially Private Join Queries over Distributed Databases

In this paper, we study the problem of answering queries about private data that is spread across multiple different databases. For instance, a medical researcher may want to study a possible correlation between travel patterns and certain types of illnesses. The necessary information exists today - e.g., in airline reservation systems and hospital records - but it is maintained by two separate companies who are prevented by law from sharing this information with each other, or with a third party. This separation prevents the processing of such queries, even if the final answer, e.g., a correlation coefficient, would be safe to release. We present DJoin, a system that can process such distributed queries and can give strong differential privacy guarantees on the result. DJoin can support many SQL-style queries, including joins of databases maintained by different entities, as long as they can be expressed using DJoin's two novel primitives: BN-PSI-CA, a differentially private form of private set intersection cardinality, and DCR, a multi-party combination operator that can aggregate noised cardinalities without compounding the individual noise terms. Our experimental evaluation shows that DJoin can process realistic queries at practical timescales: simple queries on three databases with 15,000 rows each take between 1 and 7.5 hours.
Importance of low affinity Elf-1 sites in the regulation of lymphoid- specific inducible gene expression

Elf-1 is an Ets family transcription factor that regulates a number of inducible lymphoid-specific genes, including those encoding interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) alpha chain. A minimal oligonucleotide spanning the IL-2R alpha Elf-1 site (-97/-84) bound Elf-1 poorly, but binding activity markedly increased when this oligonucleotide was multimerized or flanking sequences were added. This result is consistent with the requirement of accessory proteins for efficient Elf- 1 binding, as has been demonstrated for the GM-CSF and IL-3 promoters. A binding site selection analysis revealed the optimal Elf-1 consensus motif to be A(A/t)(C/a)CCGGAAGT(A/S), which is similar to the consensus motif for the related Drosophila E74 protein. This minimal high affinity site could bind Elf-1 and functioned as a stronger transcription element than the -97/-84 IL-2R alpha oligonucleotide when cloned upstream of a heterologous promoter. In contrast, in the context of the IL-2R alpha promoter, conversion of the naturally occurring low affinity Elf-1 site to an optimal site decreased inducible activation of a reporter construct in Jurkat cells. This finding may be explained by the observation that another Ets family protein, ER GB/Fli-1, can efficiently bind only to the optimal site, and in this context, interferes with Elf-1 binding. Therefore, high affinity Elf-1 sites may lack sufficient binding specificity, whereas naturally occurring low affinity sites presumably favor the association of Elf-1 in the context of accessory proteins. These findings offer an explanation for the lack of optimal sites in any of the known Elf-1-regulated genes.
Translating Dispositional Resistance to Change to the Culture Level: Developing A Cultural Framework of Change Orientations

A fundamental societal challenge is to balance the desire for growth, development, and progress on the one hand and the need for stability and maintenance of the status quo on the other. To better understand how societies deal with this challenge we employ the personality trait of dispositional resistance to change to conceptualize and empirically establish the concept of cultural change orientation. With data from individuals in 27 countries (N = 6487), we identify three culture–level change orientation dimensions (routine seeking, affective reactance, and cultural rigidity) and interpret their meaning through their relationships with established cultural frameworks (e.g. GLOBE, Hofstede, Inglehart, and Schwartz). We thus propose a new culture–level framework and test hypotheses about relationships between change orientation dimensions and national indexes of economic, technological, social, and environmental change. Our findings demonstrate meaningful differential relationships between the three change orientation dimensions and these societal outcomes. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Measuring Soil Erodibility Using a Laboratory “Mini” JET

Abstract. Typically soil erodibility is quantified using an excess shear stress equation, dependent on two major soil parameters: the critical shear stress (I„ c ) and the erodibility coefficient (k d ). A submerged jet test (JET, Jet Erosion Test) is one method that has been developed and methodology of use established in the literature for measuring these parameters. In this study, a new miniature version of the JET device (â€œminiâ€ JET), with the advantage of being easier to use in the field, was used to measure I„ c and k d for two soils (silty sand and clayey sand), and results were compared to the larger original laboratory JET. The objective of this research was to determine if the â€œminiâ€ JET measured equivalent values for I„ c and k d compared to the original JET device. In-order to compare the performance and repeatability of both JET devices, tests were performed on paired samples prepared in the same way and tested at the same time. Samples of the soils tested were prepared at different water contents with a standard compaction effort of 600 kN-m/m 3 (ASTM). Some variability in measuring I„ c and k d was observed between paired samples due to variability in the soil texture of the soil samples and differences in soil moisture levels. The k d values measured by the two JET devices for both soils were not significantly different. The I„ c values measured by the â€œminiâ€ JET were consistently lower than those measured by the original JET. This was hypothesized to be due to the structure of the soil sample due to the compaction method and the procedure utilized to determine I„ c . Adjustment of the equilibrium depth of the â€œminiâ€ JET resulted in small differences in the estimated I„ c between both JET devices. Both JET devices also demonstrated consistent performance in measuring I„ c -k d relationships, which were compared with those observed in previous field research.
On the Associations among Critical Thinking, Reflective Thinking, and Emotions: a Case of Iranian EFL Teachers

The systematic process of gaining knowledge and skills through study and instructions which is called education is of an extreme importance for human being. Education can bring money, equality, independence, and ultimately a prosperous individual which in turn makes a prosperous society at least by economic growth for nations; not to mention that it paves the way for creating a safer world. In this almost mainstreamed trend of being fascinated by education, ‘thinking’ is said to be the Cinderella skill. In the current study, critical thinking, reflective thinking and also emotions were studied to uncover the probable interplay among them. The results of the analysis of questionnaires (Watson-Glaser’s Critical Thinking Appraisal, Reflective Thinking Questionnaire, Emotions Questionnaire for Teachers) filled by 160 EFL teachers in Iran showed a significant relationship among them and almost all Critical Thinking subcomponents were predicting the other two variables. The findings of the study will help further the knowledge in educating in a broader view, and in the field of English Language teaching in a more narrow sense.
Deciphering the rules governing assembly order of mammalian septin complexes

Vertebrates express 9–17 septin family members known to oligomerize into diverse structures, but their native assembly states have remained elusive. The results presented suggest a generic model for how the temporal order of septin assembly directs the subunit arrangement within distinct pools of six- to eight-subunit core heteromers.
The growth of typical star-forming galaxies and their supermassive black holes across cosmic time since z ̃ 2

Understanding galaxy formation and evolution requires studying the interplay between the growth of galaxies and the growth of their black holes across cosmic time. Here we explore a sample of Ha-selected star-forming galaxies from the HiZELS survey and use the wealth of multi-wavelength data in the COSMOS field (X-rays, far-infrared and radio) to study the relative growth rates between typical galaxies and their central supermassive black holes, from z=2.23 to z=0. Typical star-forming galaxies at z~1-2 have black hole accretion rates (BHARs) of 0.001-0.01 Msun/yr and star formation rates (SFRs) of ~10-40 Msun/yr, and thus grow their stellar mass much quicker than their black hole mass (~3.3 orders of magnitude faster). However, ~3% of the sample (the sources detected directly in the X-rays) show a significantly quicker growth of the black hole mass (up to 1.5 orders of magnitude quicker growth than the typical sources). BHARs fall from z=2.23 to z=0, with the decline resembling that of star formation rate density or the typical SFR. We find that the average black hole to galaxy growth (BHAR/SFR) is approximately constant for star-forming galaxies in the last 11 Gyrs. The relatively constant BHAR/SFR suggests that these two quantities evolve equivalently through cosmic time and with practically no delay between the two.
Does Human Capital Matter for Growth in OECD Countries

This paper presents empirical estimates of human-capital augmented growth equations for a panel of 21 OECD countries over the period 1971-98. It uses an improved dataset on human capital and a novel econometric technique that reconciles growth model assumptions with the needs of panel data regressions. Unlike several previous studies, our results point to a positive and significant impact of human capital accumulation to output per capita growth. The estimated long-run effect on output of one additional year of education (about 6 per cent) is also consistent with microeconomic evidence on the private returns to schooling. We also found a significant growth effect from the accumulation of physical capital and a speed of convergence to the steady state of around 15 per cent per year. Taken together these results are not consistent with the human capital augmented version of the Solow model, but rather they support an endogenous growth model a la Uzawa-Lucas, with constant returns to .
The impact of local stellar radiation on the H i column density distribution

It is often assumed that local sources of ionizing radiation have little impact on the distribution of neutral hydrogen in the post-reionization Universe. While this is a good assumption for the intergalactic medium, analytic arguments suggest that local sources may typically be more important than the meta-galactic background radiation for high column density absorbers (NHI > 10 17 cm 2 ). We post-process cosmological, hydrodynamical simulations with accurate radiation transport to investigate the impact of local stellar sources on the column density distribution function of neutral hydrogen. We demonstrate that the limited numerical resolution and the simplified treatment of the interstellar medium (ISM) that are typical of the current generation of cosmological simulations provide significant challenges, but that many of the problems can be overcome by taking two steps. First, using ISM particles rather than stellar particles as sources results in a much better sampling of the source distribution, effectively mimicking higher-resolution simulations. Second, by rescaling the source luminosities so that the amount of radiation escaping into the intergalactic medium agrees with that required to produce the observed background radiation, many of the results become insensitive to errors in the predicted fraction of the radiation that escapes the immediate vicinity of the sources. By adopting this strategy and by drastically varying the assumptions about the structure of the unresolved ISM, we conclude that we can robustly estimate the effect of local sources for column densities NHI ≪ 10 21 cm 2 . However, neither the escape fraction of ionizing radiation nor the effect of local sources on the abundance of NHI & 10 21 cm 2 systems can be predicted with confidence. We find that local stellar radiation is unimportant for NHI ≪ 10 17 cm 2 , but that it can affect Lyman Limit and Damped Lyα systems. For 10 18 < NHI < 10 21 cm 2 the impact of local sources increases with redshift. At z = 5 the abundance of absorbers is substantially reduced for NHI ≫ 10 17 cm 2 , but at z = 0 the effect only becomes significant for NHI & 10 21 cm 2 .
Stable cohomology of the mapping class group with symplectic coefficients and of the universal Abel-Jacobi map

The irreducible representations of the complex symplectic group of genus g are indexed by nonincreasing sequences of integers � = (�1 � �2 � ···) withk = 0 for k > g. A recent result of N.V. Ivanov implies that for a given partition �, the cohomology group of a given degree of the mapping class group of genus g with values in the representation associated tois independent of g if g is sufficiently large. We prove that this stable cohomology is the tensor product of the stable cohomology of the mapping class group and a finitely generated graded module over Q(c1,.,c|�|), where deg(ci) = 2i and |�| = P ii. We describe this module explicitly. In the same sense we determine the stable rational cohomology of the moduli space of compact Riemann surfaces with s given ordered distinct (resp. not necessarily distinct) points as well as the stable cohomology of the universal Abel-Jacobi map. These results take into account mixed Hodge structures.
A Non-Adhesive Solid-Gel Electrode for a Non-Invasive Brain–Machine Interface

A non-invasive brain–machine interface (BMI) or brain–computer interface is a technology for helping individuals with disabilities and utilizes neurophysiological signals from the brain to control external machines or computers without requiring surgery. However, when applying electroencephalography (EEG) methodology, users must place EEG electrodes on the scalp each time, and the development of easy-to-use electrodes for clinical use is required. In this study, we developed a conductive non-adhesive solid-gel electrode for practical non-invasive BMIs. We performed basic material testing, including examining the volume resistivity, viscoelasticity, and moisture-retention properties of the solid-gel. Then, we compared the performance of the solid-gel, a conventional paste, and an in-house metal-pin-based electrode using impedance measurements and P300-BMI testing. The solid-gel was observed to be conductive (volume resistivity 13.2 Ωcm) and soft (complex modulus 105.4 kPa), and it remained wet for a prolonged period (>10 h) in a dry environment. Impedance measurements revealed that the impedance of the solid-gel-based and conventional paste-based electrodes was superior to that of the pin-based electrode. The EEG measurement suggested that the signals obtained with the solid-gel electrode were comparable to those with the conventional paste-based electrode. Moreover, the P300-BMI study suggested that systems using the solid-gel or pin-based electrodes were effective. One of the advantages of the solid-gel is that it does not require cleaning after use, whereas the conventional paste adheres to the hair, which requires washing. Furthermore, the solid-gel electrode was not painful compared with a metal-pin electrode. Taken together, the results suggest that the solid-gel electrode worked well for practical BMIs and could be useful for bedridden patients such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
DISTRICT LEVEL MANDATES AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMICS

This paper investigates the impact of district-level course mandates on students’ end-of-course economic understanding. Data were collected from Mississippi high school students studying economics in three different course environments. Students were either enrolled in a one semester economics course required for graduation, enrolled in a one semester course taken as an elective, or studying economics as an infusion subject within a United States history course. A regression-based selection model was estimated to control for students’ demographic characteristics, educational attributes, market experiences, and school attributes. The results indicated that student test scores were significantly less for those students studying economics as an infusion subject and when taking a mandated stand-alone course, ceteris paribus. The authors conclude that course mandates may result in teacher and student issues that reduce the overall observed level of test performance.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Open Access Potential Role of Macrophages as Immunoregulators of Pregnancy

The role of the maternal immune system during pregnancy has focused mainly on the aspect of immune tolerance to the invading trophoblast and, therefore, fetus. While this is a critical aspect of reproductive immunology, it is also important to consider the function of the maternal immune system in the promotion of implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Apoptosis or cell death is not the final stage in tissue development. The quick and effective removal of apoptotic cells by tissue macrophages represents a vital process preventing "leak" of self-antigens and promoting the production of proliferative/survival factors. One of the key requirements of apoptotic cell clearance is the resolution of inflammatory conditions, which, as in the case of pregnancy, may have lethal consequences. This review will focus on decidual macrophages and their role on apoptosis and cell clearance during pregnancy.
Teaching quality in higher education: Do student evaluation of teaching questionnaires allow a reliable and valid assessment of teaching quality?

The interrater reliability of university students’ evaluations of teaching quality was examined with cross-classified multilevel models. Students (N = 480) evaluated lectures and seminars over three years with a standardized evaluation questionnaire, yielding 4,224 data points. The total variance of these student evaluations was separated into the variance components of courses, teachers, students, and the Students x Teachers interaction. The substantial variance components of teachers and courses suggest reliability. However, a similar proportion of variance was due to students, and the interaction of students and teachers was the strongest source of variance. Students’ individual perceptions of teaching and the fit of these perceptions with the particular teacher greatly influence their evaluations. This casts some doubt on the validity of student evaluations as indicators of teaching quality and suggests that aggregated evaluation scores should be used with caution.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of a Novel Yellow Pigment from the Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata

The marine environment is a major source for many novel natural compounds. A new yellow pigment has been isolated from the marine bacterium P. tunicata and identified as a new member of the tambjamine class of compounds. The structural identification was achieved by a combination of 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry data.
A Review of Functional Neuroimaging in Mood Disorders: Positron Emission Tomography and Depression

Objective: To examine the progress of positron emission tomography (PET) as a tool for understanding the psychobiology of mood disorders, particularly major depression and bipolar disorder. Method: Review of the literature on functional imaging of mood disorders. Results: Functional imaging techniques have been used in psychiatric research as a noninvasive method to study the behaviour and function of the brain. Techniques used so far have involved the manipulation of emotion in healthy volunteers, the evaluation of depressed (unipolar and bipolar as well as secondary depression), manic, and normal subjects under resting and various activation conditions, such as cognitive activation, acute pharmacological challenge, and chronic thymoleptic treatments. As a result, functional imaging studies tend to support abnormalities in specific frontal and limbic regions. Conclusion: Different PET methods demonstrate consistent abnormalities in the prefrontal, cingulate, and amygdala regions. These findings are in agreement with past animal and clinical anatomical correlates of mood and emotions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing readmission rates and mortality rates in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization and readmission in many hospitals worldwide. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary heart failure management programs on hospital admission rates. METHODS We identified studies through an electronic search and mortality using 8 distinct methods. Eligible studies met the following criteria: (1) randomized controlled clinical trials of adult inpatients hospitalized for heart failure enrolled either at the time of discharge or within 1 week after discharge; (2) heart failure-specific patient education intervention coupled with a postdischarge follow-up assessment; and (3) unplanned readmission reported. Four reviewers independently assessed each study for eligibility and quality, achieving a weighted kappa of 0.73 for eligibility and 0.77 for quality. For each study we calculated the relative risk for readmissions and mortality for patients receiving enhanced education relative to patients receiving usual care. RESULTS A total of 529 citation titles were identified, of which 8 randomized trials proved eligible. The pooled relative risk for hospital readmission rates using a random-effects model was 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.91; P<.001; heterogeneity P = .25). There was no apparent effect on mortality (relative risk, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.34; P = .90; heterogeneity P = .20). Data were insufficient to meaningfully pool intervention effects on quality of life or compliance. CONCLUSION This systematic review suggests that specific heart failure-targeted interventions significantly decrease hospital readmissions but do not affect mortality rates.