Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining right‐wing terrorism and violence in Western Europe: Grievances, opportunities and polarisation

What explains cross‐national variation of right‐wing terrorism and violence (RTV)? This question remains largely unanswered in existing research on the extreme right because (1) events data suitable for cross‐national comparisons have been lacking, and (2) existing analyses fail to capture RTV's causal complexity, which involve multiple causal paths (equifinality) comprising causal conditions that become sufficient for the outcome only in combination (conjunctural causation). To help fill these gaps, this article uses new events data in a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) research design, aiming to explain variation in the extent of RTV in 18 West European countries between 1990 and 2015. In doing so, the article identifies two ‘causal recipes’ that consistently distinguish countries with extensive RTV experience from those with low or moderate RTV experience. The first (North European) recipe involves the combination of high immigration, low electoral support for anti‐immigration (radical right) parties, and extensive public repression of radical right actors and opinions. The second (South European) recipe involves the combination of socioeconomic hardship, authoritarian legacies, and extensive left‐wing terrorism and militancy. Notably, both recipes contain elements of ‘grievances’ and ‘opportunities’, suggesting that these two theories, which are conventionally seen as contrasting, may be more fruitfully seen as complementary. Furthermore, a highly polarised conflict between far right activists and their enemies represents a third necessary condition for extensive RTV to occur. The article concludes by highlighting the paradox that countermeasures intended to constrain radical right politics appear to fuel extreme right violence, while countermeasures that may constrain extreme right violence would imply an advancement of radical right politics.
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the liver is under the control of nuclear factor kappa B in concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis

Background and Aim: Both nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression increase in the liver injury, and there are NF‐κB binding sites in the iNOS promoter. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between iNOS expression and NF‐κB activation in hepatitis induced by concanavalin A (con A).
Diminished Response to Recombinant Factor Vila in a Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Objective: To describe the hypotheses that may explain a diminished hemostatic response in a patient receiving multiple doses of recombinant coagulation factor Vila (rFVIIa) for off-label treatment of bleeding events. Case Summary: A 70-year-old female with a significant history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The patient developed thrombocytopenia and persistent hemorrhage postoperatively that was refractory to conventional therapy for ITP. She experienced an initial hemostatic response to rFVIIa after receiving 3 doses. During her second trial of rFVIIa a few days later, the duration of hemostatic effect was approximately half that of the first. The patient then received rFVIIa almost daily over the following 9 days to which she remained unresponsive, ultimately resulting in death. All doses in this patient were 9.6 mg (101 μg/kg), except the last, which was 4.8 mg (50.5 μg/kg). Discussion: Several hypotheses may explain this patient's resistance to rFVIIa therapy. Two involve depletion of platelets or coagulation factors essential for rFVIIa efficacy. Another involves development of an antibody to rFVIIa. The last involves acidemia, which may interfere with the pharmacologic effect of rFVIIa. Conclusions: The combination of persistent thrombocytopenia and exhaustion of coagulation factors is the likely cause leading to resistance to rFVIIa therapy in this patient.
Towards Effective Image Classification Using Class-Specific Codebooks and Distinctive Local Features

Local image features, which are robust to scale, view, and orientation changes in images, play a key factor in developing effective visual classification systems. However, there are two main limitations to exploit these features in image classification problems: 1) a large number of key-points are located during the feature detection process, and 2) most of the key-points arise in background regions, which do not contribute to the classification process. In order to decrease the inverse effects of these limitations , we propose a new codebook generation approach through employing a new clustering method that generates class-specific codebooks along with a novel feature selection method in the bag-of-words model. We evaluate the performance of different classification techniques including Naive Bayesian, k-NN, and SVM on distinctive features. Experiments conducted on PASCAL Visual Object Classification collections have shown that the class-specific codebooks along with distinctive image features can significantly improve the classification performances.
Magnetic resonance imaging in cases with encephalopathy secondary to immunosuppressive agents

The neurotoxic effects of immunosuppressive agents used after transplantation are well known. In most cases a decrease in drug dosage results in resolution of the neurotoxicity. At early stages in the post-transplantation clinical course, neurotoxicity and other complications such as infectious disease, encephalopathy and seizures are sometimes difficult to diagnose with neuroimaging. Recently, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been used in patients with ischemic disease, mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy and demyelinating disease. We examined the magnetic resonance images (MRI), including DWI and fluid attenuated inversion recovery image (FLAIR), in three cases of post-transplantation neurological complication: two cases of neurotoxicity and a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Hyper-intense lesions representing neurotoxicity were seen on FLAIR but not on DWI in two cases with neurotoxicity induced by an immunosuppressive agent. In ADEM, hyper-intense lesions were seen on both FLAIR and DWI. Neurotoxicity due to the immunosuppressive agent showed a favorable outcome, although the hyper-intense lesions temporally presented on FLAIR. In the state after transplantation, hyper-intense lesions on FLAIR and DWI represented in the brain from the initial stage, we might be care of other severe complications but for neurotoxicity.
Evaluation of 26Mg stable isotope as an in vivo tracer of magnesium transport for SIMS ion microscopy imaging studies

Isotopic detection with high sensitivity, one of the most important features of ion microscopy, allows the in vivo application of stable isotopes as tracers for unravelling smaller tissue structures implicated with transport capabilities. The evaluation of the mass interferences associated with a particular mass of secondary ion signals is a necessity for tracer studies with stable isotopes. We have tested the feasibility of 26Mg stable isotope as a tracer of magnesium transport in the killifish. The fish were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 3 μmol 26MgCl2.6H2O (99.5% 26Mg enrichment), and the renal distribution of 26Mg was examined in frozen freeze‐dried cryosections with ion microscopy. High‐mass resolution analyses were performed to evaluate the purity of positive secondary ion signals of the nominal masses 24, 25 and 26 in order to assess the purity of 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg signals, respectively, in kidneys of control and 26Mg‐injected fish. In kidneys of control fish, the purities of 24Mg, 25Mg and 26Mg signals were ≈ 97%, 82% and 90%, respectively. In fish that were injected with 26Mg stable isotope, an enhancement of 26Mg+ secondary ion signals was observed with signal purity reaching 95%. These observations indicate that 26Mg can be used successfully as a tracer of magnesium transport in animal models. To uncover the distribution of tracer 26Mg from the naturally abundant background of this isotope, a pixel‐by‐pixel digital subtraction is applied to the raw ion microscopy mass 26 image.
Peer Effects and Youth Smoking in the European Global Youth Tobacco Survey

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of peer smoking on individual smoking among youths in 10 countries that participated in the European Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). I control for endogeneity in school selection and unobserved school-level characteristics through the use of school fixed-effects. I use instrumental variables to address the simultaneity in peer and individual behaviours. Identification arises by comparing students in different classes within the same school. On average, an increase in the share of classmates who smoke by 10 percentage points increases the probability that an individual in that class will smoke by 3 to 6.9 percentage points. The results imply that any policy intervention such as anti-smoking messages, smoking bans, or higher cigarette prices will be even more cost-effective because of the social multiplier effect of peers – policies affecting some individuals in a group will generate spillovers to others through the peer effect.
Analysis of Global Land Surface Shortwave Broadband Albedo From Multiple Data Sources

Land surface shortwave albedo plays a central role in global and regional climate modeling. In this study, we analyzed the land surface shortwave broadband albedo from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from 2000 to 2008. The statistical results are obtained using MODIS Collection 5 land surface albedo (MCD43C3), land cover (MOD12C1) datasets, and Global Energy and Water-cycle Experiment (GEWEX) surface radiation data. The results include all nine-year shortwave Black-Sky albedo (BSA) and White-Sky albedo (WSA) variability for global, Northern Hemisphere (NH), Southern Hemisphere (SH), and 15 International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) ecosystem surface types; each has a discernible signature. We also compared spatial and temporal variations of MODIS albedos with other datasets: International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), 21 Global Circulation Models (GCMs)-which were used in the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4)-and GEWEX albedos. The comparison results show that most GCM-simulated albedos are lower than the remotely sensed MODIS data. The MODIS-based global average land surface albedo is 0.24, and has its peak value in the winter and lowest in summer. Comparison of global albedo anomalies from MODIS shows a small decrease of ~ 0.01 during these years in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), and increases of ~ 0.01 in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). Moreover, the map of the nine-year global MODIS albedo, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) variation trends, are correlated in this paper. We also summarize global and zonal albedos for different IGBP land surface classes, and present the global and zonal albedos under both snow-covered and snow-free conditions.
The Vasodilatory Response of Skin Microcirculation to Local Heating is Subject to Desensitization

Background: In humans, local heating increases skin perfusion by mechanisms dependent on nitric oxide (NO). Because the vascular effects of NO may be subject to desensitization, we examined whether a first local thermal stimulus would attenuate the hyperemic response to a second one applied later. Methods: Twelve healthy young men were studied. Skin blood flow (SkBF) was measured on forearm skin with laser Doppler imaging. Local thermal stimuli (temperature step from 34 to 41°C maintained for 30 minutes) were applied with temperature‐controlled chambers. We also tested the influence of prior local heating on the vasodilation induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a donor of NO. Results: On reheating the same spot after two hours, the response of SkBF (i.e., plateau SkBF at 30 minutes minus SkBF at 34°C) was lower than during the first stimulation (mean±SD 404±212 perfusion units [PU] vs. 635±100 PU; P<0.001). There was no such difference when reheating after four hours (654±153 vs. 645±103 PU; P=NS). Two, but not four, hours after local heating, the response of SkBF to SNP was reduced. Conclusion: The NO‐dependent hyperemic response induced by local heating in human skin is subject to desensitization. At least one part of the mechanism implicated consists of a desensitization to the effects of NO itself.
Toward excellence in testosterone testing: a consensus statement.

BACKGROUND Testosterone assays are widely used. However, deficiencies in these assays limit their broad and effective implementation and threaten the health of those patients whose medical care relies upon its accurate measurement. Furthermore, the translation of research findings into information useful for patient care, such as new evidence-based clinical guidelines, is not possible unless both research and clinical assays are held to higher standards than are currently required. A group of concerned stakeholders was convened to address this problem. METHODS Representatives of multiple professional societies, government, and industry, having a stake in ensuring that testosterone levels are measured accurately and reliably, met to identify goals, objectives, and actions necessary to bring about the standardization of assays for testosterone. RESULTS To ensure highly accurate testosterone testing that will result in improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease through the use of standardized assays, a series of recommendations were agreed upon. The recommendations included the following: technical improvements for assay standardization; education of health care providers, patients, and all others concerned with testosterone testing; plans to encourage all concerned journals, government agencies, and health insurance companies to support this effort; and encouragement to manufacturers to develop better and more cost effective assays. CONCLUSION A preliminary timeline was set out to implement the recommendations of the Group.
A pressure-sensitive palatograph for speech analysis

Electropalatography (EPG) is a clinical technique used to monitor contacts between the tongue and the hard palate, thus promoting correct articulation mechanisms. Currently, employed commercial tools have a good resolution but they do not provide contact pressure information. In this work, textile-based sensing technologies were employed to realize an innovative EPG tool able to both maintain the proper spatial resolution and perform quantitative pressure detection. The single sensing unit was developed using a thin polymeric sheet with a central hole, sandwiched between two piezoresistive fabric layers. Under load application, the two textile layers come into contact and the resistance of the sensor reduces significantly, measuring pressure in the range from 0 to 30 kPa. The complete prototype is composed of 62 sensing units disposed in a matrix structure: the dielectric layer contains all the sites arranged in rows and columns, according to the topography of the traditional tools, and this layer presents on both sides strips of piezoresistive textile. The entire system was covered with a thin latex membrane and fixed on a hard custom acrylic palate for the experimental characterization. The system was tested on a healthy subject, confirming the adequacy and effectiveness of the soft sensing technologies for the measuring of the tongue pressure during speech.
An integrated microcredit, entrepreneurial training, and nutrition education intervention is associated with better growth among preschool-aged children in rural Ghana.

BACKGROUND Poor diet quality is a determinant of the high prevalence rates of malnutrition in Ghana. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of a multisector intervention to improve children's diets and nutritional status. OBJECTIVE The project tested whether participation in an entrepreneurial and nutrition education intervention with microcredit was associated with the nutritional status of children 2-5 y of age. METHODS A quasi-experimental 16-mo intervention was conducted with microcredit loans and weekly sessions of nutrition and entrepreneurship education for 179 women with children 2-5 y of age [intervention group (IG)]. Nonparticipating women and their children from the same villages (nonparticipant, n = 142) and from similar neighboring villages (comparison, n = 287) were enrolled. Repeated measures linear regression models were used first to examine children's weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ) z scores at baseline and at 4 follow-up time points ∼4 mo apart. Time, intervention status, time-by-intervention interaction terms, region of residence, household wealth rank, household head occupation, number of children <5 y of age, and child sex and age were included. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between the IG and time for BAZ (P = 0.02) with significant Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons between the IG and comparison group (CG) at 8 mo (difference of 0.36 ± 0.09 z score, P < 0.0001). The WAZ group difference was significant between 4 and 16 mo (P = 0.01 for interaction) and peaked at 8-12 mo (differences of ∼0.28 z). The HAZ of children in the IG was significantly higher than that in the CG, reaching a 0.19 z difference at 16 mo (P < 0.05). When the fixed effects models were fitted in sensitivity analyses, some group anthropometric differences were of lower magnitude but remained significant. CONCLUSION An integrated package of microcredit and education may improve nutritional outcomes of children living in poor, rural communities.
Long‐term outcome of classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency: diagnosis, complications and quality of life

A nationwide search of patients with classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21‐OHD) was performed in Finland to determine the long‐term outcome of the disease. In total, 108 patients were found. Fifty‐four patients (50%, 31F, 23M) had deficiency of a salt‐wasting form and another 54 (50%, 29F, 25M) had a simple virilizing form of 21‐OHD. A significant number of severe complications suggestive of glucocorticoid deficiency was found. There were five deaths (4.6% of all) possibly connected with cortisol deficiency. Ten additional patients (9.3% of all) had been acutely admitted 14 times in all due to symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency. These symptoms included sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions and severe fatigue. Afterwards, permanent neurological defects were detected in two of these patients. Finally, a cross‐sectional study was carried out to establish an estimate of the long‐term outcome of the disease. Thirty‐two (55%) of the 58 patients aged 16 y or more participated in this study. The patient group did not differ from the general Finnish population in terms of education. Three of the patients (5%) had retired prematurely. Surprisingly, the patients felt that their health‐related quality of life, as reported in the RAND‐36 questionnaire, was better than that of the general Finnish population (p= 0.023). However, as a significant number of all patients did not participate in this study, the quality of life evaluation results must be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, a significant number of complications was found among patients treated for classical 21‐OHD. Nevertheless, the disease has a favourable outcome in terms of quality of life.
PET with FDG-labeled leukocytes versus scintigraphy with 111In-oxine-labeled leukocytes for detection of infection.

PURPOSE To compare prospectively the accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) with leukocytes labeled in vitro with (18)F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) versus that of conventional scintigraphy with leukocytes labeled in vitro with (111)In oxine in patients suspected of having infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was obtained from all patients. Patients were 25 men and 26 women aged 32-86 years. In vitro labeling of autologous human leukocytes with FDG and (111)In-oxine was performed according to published methods. Labeling efficiencies and cell viability were determined. Imaging was performed 2.5-5.8 hours after injection of 196-315 MBq of FDG-labeled leukocytes and approximately 24 hours after injection of 17-25 MBq of (111)In-oxine-labeled leukocytes. Forty-three (20 men, 23 women; mean age, 59 years; range, 32-86 years) patients could be successfully imaged with both tracers. Six patients were not injected with FDG-labeled leukocytes because of low labeling efficiency (<35%). Two patients were injected with FDG-labeled leukocytes but were not imaged. One reader interpreted all results as positive or negative for infection. Imaging results were compared with final diagnoses. Labeling efficiencies and cell viabilities were compared by using the paired t test. Differences between PET and scintigraphy were determined by using the McNemar test. RESULTS For the 43 patients who were imaged with both tracers, labeling efficiency of FDG was lower than that of (111)In oxine (72% +/- 8 [standard deviation] vs 90% +/- 5, P < .001). Viability of FDG-labeled leukocytes was not different from that of (111)In-oxine-labeled leukocytes (98% +/- 1 vs 97% +/- 3). There were no differences between FDG PET and (111)In scintigraphy in terms of sensitivity (87% vs 73%), specificity (82% vs 86%), or accuracy (84% vs 81%). CONCLUSION PET with FDG-labeled leukocytes was comparable to scintigraphy with (111)In-oxine-labeled leukocytes. Further investigation in a larger population with dedicated PET or PET/computed tomography seems warranted.
Beyond the mask: women’s experiences of public and private ageing during midlife and their use of age-resisting activities

Accounts of ageing often employ the metaphor of a mask and suggest that individuals are motivated to present a youthful image. Drawing on interview data, we reveal that women aged 51-57 years distinguish between what we call ‘public’ and ‘private’ body ageing, both of which have an impact on age-resistance. Public ageing is visible, arising from physical changes in body appearance. These changes have the potential for concealment through age-resisting activities. Private ageing is less visible and arises largely from physiological changes within the body, which were perceived by women as irreversible indicators of ageing. This obduracy of the body led women to perceive themselves as ageing and also deterred them from participating in age-resistance. In contrast to masking theories, our study shows that most women in their 50s wanted to project a socially acceptable image that reflected their subjective sense of growing old.