Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Presuppositions are more persuasive than assertions if addressees accommodate them: Experimental evidence for philosophical reasoning

Abstract Best practice and descriptive research claim that presuppositions, such as the “too” in “#MeToo,” increase the persuasiveness of arguments. Surprisingly, there is hardly any causal evidence for this claim. Therefore, we tested experimentally if advertisements and political statements with presuppositions are more persuasive than equivalent assertions. In 1999, Sbisà already theorized that “persuasive presuppositions” incidentally urge addressees to extend their (ideological) knowledge to make true the unstated assumptions writers have about what their addressee knows, which leads to greater agreement. Following Sbisà, we hypothesized that the persuasiveness depends on the addressee’s need and willingness to accommodate the presupposed content. In three experiments, we manipulated (a) the presupposition trigger using either the German additive particle auch “too,” the iterative particle wieder “again,” or factive verbs compared to assertive equivalents and (b) the preceding discourse context which supported the presupposition or not. Results show that presuppositions are perceived as more persuasive if they convey discourse-new information, largely irrespective of addressees’ ideological involvement. Also considering eye-tracked reading, we suggest that the integrative cognitive process of presupposition accommodation initiates their persuasive edge. The findings imply that persuasive communication benefits from the use of lexically conveyed presuppositions if they are sufficiently informative to trigger accommodation.
Impacts of environment-dependent acoustic propagation on passive acoustic monitoring of cetaceans

Significant effort has been made over the last few decades to develop automated passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems capable of classifying cetaceans at the species level; however, these systems often require tuning when deployed in different environments. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this requirement to adjust a PAM system’s parameters is partially due to differences in the propagation characteristics. The environment-dependent propagation characteristics create variation in how a cetacean vocalization is distorted after it is emitted. If this is not accounted for, it could reduce the accuracy and precision of automated PAM systems. An aural classifier developed at Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) has successfully been used for inter-species discrimination of cetaceans. It achieves accurate results by using perceptual signal features that model the features employed by the human auditory system. To quantify the impacts of propagation on the perceptual features, an experiment was conducted in which bowh.
The cost-effectiveness of a virtual intervention to prevent eating disorders in young women in Sweden.

OBJECTIVE To determine the cost-effectiveness of a virtual version of the Body Project (vBP), a cognitive dissonance-based program, to prevent eating disorders (ED) among young women with a subjective sense of body dissatisfaction in the Swedish context. METHOD A decision tree combined with a Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the vBP in a clinical trial population of 149 young women (mean age 17 years) with body image concerns. Treatment effect was modeled using data from a trial investigating the effects of vBP compared to expressive writing (EW) and a do-nothing alternative. Population characteristics and intervention costs were sourced from the trial. Other parameters, including utilities, treatment costs for ED, and mortality were sourced from the literature. The model predicted the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) related to the prevention of incidence of ED in the modeled population until they reached 25 years of age. The study used both a cost-utility and return on investment (ROI) framework. RESULTS In total, vBP yielded lower costs and larger QALYs than the alternatives. The ROI analysis denoted a return of US $152 for every USD invested in vBP over 8 years against the do-nothing alternative and US $105 against EW. DISCUSSION vBP is likely to be cost-effective compared to both EW and a do-nothing alternative. The ROI from vBP is substantial and could be attractive information for decision makers for implementation of this intervention for young females at risk of developing ED. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study estimates that the vBP is cost-effective for the prevention of eating disorders among young women in the Swedish setting, and thus is a good investment of public resources.
Detection of early Alzheimer's disease‐like molecular alterations in a mouse model expressing human ApoE4

The E4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) is a key genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), increasing the risk of developing the disease by up to three‐fold. However, the mechanisms by which ApoE4 contributes to AD pathogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we utilize a mouse model expressing either human ApoE3 or human ApoE4 to examine the effects of the E4 allele on a wide range of genetic and molecular pathways that are altered in early AD pathology. We demonstrate that ApoE4‐expressing mice begin to show early differential expression of multiple genes, leading to alterations in downstream pathways related to neural cell maintenance, insulin signaling, amyloid processing and clearance, and synaptic plasticity. These alterations may result in the earlier accumulation of pathological proteins such as β‐amyloid that may build up within cells, leading to the accelerated degeneration of neurons and astrocytes as observed in ApoE4‐positive individuals. We also examine the metabolic effects associated with a high‐fat diet (HFD) in male ApoE4‐expressing mice compared with regular chow diet (RD) fed mice at different ages. We found that young ApoE4‐expressing mice fed HFD developed metabolic disturbances, such as elevated weight gain, blood glucose, and plasma insulin levels that cumulatively have been observed to increase the risk of AD in humans. Taken together, our results reveal early pathways that could mediate ApoE4‐related AD risk and may help identify more tractable therapeutic targets for treating ApoE4‐associated AD.
Hyperthermic intrathoracic extracorporeal chemotherapy for secondary malignant pleural disease

Pleural metastasis has extremely poor prognosis. Resection of pleural implants with infusion of intrathoracic hyperthermic chemotherapy may offer a survival advantage in selected patients. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of hyperthermic intrathoracic extracorporeal chemotherapy (HITEC) in patients who underwent pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for secondary malignant pleural disease (SPD).
Coming Home: Grief Through The Lens of Dance/Movement Therapy

Grief has always been part of the human experience and stands “at the intersection of attachment and separation, of love and loss. ” This paper examines the history of grief within psychiatric and psychological frameworks to uncover how we have come to understand and process the nature of grief and how we can incorporate body-based interventions into the grieving experience. The role of the body remains at the heart of the grieving process; however, this has been overlooked in the literature (Fuchs, 2017). Many of the foundational psychological theories on grief center around the process of grief being cognitive and lack the embodiment, and body-specific impact that is profound in the grief experience (Pearce et al., 2022). In reflecting on the embodied quality of grief, Gundmundsdotttir (2009) proposes not viewing the bodily symptoms as psychosomatic reactions that reflect maladaptive coping, but rather to understand the role the body plays in being able to guide individuals grieving through the process of reorganizing, adjusting and learning to navigate their new world, through information that the body is providing. By exploring the body’s felt sensations and tapping into imagery and metaphor, dance/movement therapy can support people in grief through a process focused on: remembering the person who died and integrating conscious and unconscious memories; re-remembering and re-learning who we are in our body with the grief and a sense of living differently; and finding access to experience the full expression of one’s grief in a safe and supportive space.
Causal effects of body mass index, education, and lifestyle behaviors on intervertebral disc disorders: Mendelian randomization study

This study aimed to investigate the causal risk factors for intervertebral disc disorders (IVDD) to help establish prevention strategies for IVDD‐related diseases. We performed two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate the causal effects of body mass index (BMI), education, and lifestyle behaviors (sedentary behavior, smoking, and sleeping) on thoracic/thoracolumbar/lumbosacral IVDD (TTL‐IVDD) and cervical IVDD. The inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method was conducted as the primary model to pool effect sizes using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. The strength of causal evidence was evaluated from the effect size and different Mendelian randomization methods (MR‐Egger/weighted median/weighted mode method, Cochran's Q test, leave‐one‐out analysis, MR Steiger, MR‐PRESSO and radial IVW analyses). We found strong evidence for the causal associations between IVDD and BMI (TTL‐IVDD, 1.27 [1.18, 1.37], p = 2.40 × 10−10; cervical IVDD, 1.24 [1.12, 1.37, p = 6.58 × 10−5), educational attainment (TTL‐IVDD, 0.57 [0.51, 0.64], p = 9.64 × 10−21; cervical IVDD, 0.58 [0.49, 0.68], p = 1.78 × 10−10), leisure television watching (TTL‐IVDD, 1.54 [1.29, 1.84], p = 7.80 × 10−6; cervical IVDD, 1.65 [1.29, 2.11], p = 0.0001), smoking initiation (TTL‐IVDD, 1.37 [1.25, 1.50], p = 1.78 × 10−10; cervical IVDD, 1.32 [1.16, 1.51], p = 6.49 × 10−5), short sleep (TTL‐IVDD, 1.28 [1.09, 1.49], p = 0.0027; cervical IVDD, 1.53 [1.21, 1.94], p = 0.0008), or frequent insomnia (TTL‐IVDD, 1.20 [1.11, 1.30], p = 1.54 × 10−5; cervical IVDD, 1.37 [1.20, 1.57], p = 7.80 × 10−6). This study provided genetic evidence that increased BMI, low educational attainment, sedentary behavior by leisure television watching, smoking initiation, short sleep, and frequent insomnia were causal risk factors for IVDD. More efforts should be directed toward increasing public awareness of these modifiable risk factors and mobilizing individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles.
New statistical scission-point model to predict fission fragment observables

The development of high performance computing facilities makes possible a massive production of nuclear data in a full microscopic framework. Taking advantage of the individual potential calculations of more than 7000 nuclei, a new statistical scission-point model, called SPY, has been developed. It gives access to the absolute available energy at the scission point, which allows the use of a parameter-free microcanonical statistical description to calculate the distributions and the mean values of all fission observables. SPY uses the richness of microscopy in a rather simple theoretical framework, without any parameter except the scission-point definition, to draw clear answers based on perfect knowledge of the ingredients involved in the model, with very limited computing cost.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 mediated mRNA degradation requires mRNA interaction with the ribosome

ABSTRACT Nsp1 is a SARS-CoV-2 host shutoff factor that both represses cellular translation and promotes host RNA decay. However, it is unclear how these two activities are connected and interact with normal translation processes. Here, we performed mutational analyses of Nsp1, and these revealed that both the N and C terminal domains of Nsp1 are important for translational repression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that specific residues in the N terminal domain are required for cellular RNA degradation but not bulk translation shutoff of host mRNAs, thereby separating RNA degradation from translation repression. We also present evidence that Nsp1 mediated RNA degradation requires engagement of the ribosome with mRNA. First, we observe that cytosolic lncRNAs, which are not translated, escape Nsp1 mediated degradation. Second, inhibition of translation elongation with emetine does not prevent Nsp1 mediated degradation, while blocking translation initiation before 48S ribosome loading reduces mRNA degradation. Taken together, we suggest that Nsp1 represses translation and promotes mRNA degradation only after ribosome engagement with the mRNA. This raises the possibility that Nsp1 may trigger RNA degradation through pathways that recognize stalled ribosomes.
Physical Signs and Clinical Features of Cervical Myelopathy in Elderly Patients, Especially 80 Years or Older: Comparison of 100 Consecutive Operative Cases across Three Age Groups

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Purpose The present study aimed to examine the characteristics of physical signs in elderly patients with cervical myelopathy (CM) and to compare the findings in three different age groups. Overview of Literature As the global population ages, the incidence of CM in elderly patients is increasing. Methods We evaluated 100 consecutive surgical patients with CM and divided them into the following groups: 80s (34 patients; mean age, 83.9 years), 70s (33 patients; mean age, 73.9 years), and 69 or younger (33 patients; mean age, 60.9 years). The clinical symptoms and physical signs were evaluated and recorded. Results Although the recovery rate decreased with increasing age, all groups demonstrated a significant improvement in clinical symptoms relative to preoperative values. The Hoffman sign and hyperreflexia of the triceps tendon were, respectively, present in 82% and 88% of patients in the 80s group, 74% and 64% of those in the 70s group, and 69% and 82% of those in the 69 or younger group, with no significant difference among the groups. In contrast, the rates of hyperreflexia of the patellar and Achilles tendons were, respectively, 59% and 32% in the 80s group, 85% and 48% in the 70s group, and 91% and 70% in the 69 or younger group, with significant differences. Conclusions The positivity rate of the lower extremity hyperreflexia decreased significantly with increasing age in patients with CM. The absence of hyperreflexia, particularly lower extremity, is not uncommon in elderly patients with suspected CM.
Where are the parameters in Problems of Projection

Chomsky (2013, 2014) argues that labeling should not be part of merge and should be done at the interface levels. Because many merges are of a symmetric kind, e.g. the subject to its predicate and the wh-phrase to its clause, one phrase (XP) has to move so that the remaining phrase can provide the label. In XP YP sequences, it is also possible for the features of the two phrases to produce an agreeing label. This approach is known as the PoP (Principles of Projection) approach. In van Gelderen (forthcoming), I show how the frequent specifier/phrase to head change can be seen as a resolution of the labelling problem of phrases that are merged to phrases. In the current paper, I review specifier to head reanalyses and ask a few more specific questions about the nature of the feature sharing and phases and put this as a question about parameters.
Epidemiologic Changes of Neonatal Early-onset Sepsis After the Implementation of Universal Maternal Screening for Group B Streptococcus in Hong Kong

Background: The epidemiology of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) has changed with time and with changes in prevention strategy. Population-representative contemporary data provide insights on how to further improve EOS prevention and triage strategies. Methods: Neonates born in public hospitals in Hong Kong from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017 were included. The epidemiological characteristics of EOS and the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) were compared between the 2 epochs before (January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011) and after (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017) the territory-wide implementation of universal maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening. Results: EOS developed in 1.07‰ of live births (522/490,034). After the implementation of universal GBS screening, the EOS rate decreased in neonates born ≥34 weeks (1.17‰–0.56‰, P < 0.001) and remained similar in those born <34 weeks (7.8‰–10.9‰, P = 0.15), whereas the proportions of IAP coverage increased in both groups [7.6%–23.3% (P < 0.001) and 28.5%–52.0% (P < 0.001), respectively]. The major pathogen for EOS shifted from GBS to Escherichia coli, and for early-onset meningitis from GBS to Streptococcus bovis. IAP was associated with subsequent isolation of pathogens resistant to ampicillin [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–4.2], and second-generation [aOR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.02–4.3] and third-generation [aOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–5.0] cephalosporins. Conclusions: Pathogen profile of EOS changed with the implementation of universal GBS screening. S. bovis has emerged as a more common pathogen associated with the risk of meningitis. IAP may not be as effective in reducing EOS rate among infants born <34 weeks as compared with those ≥34 weeks, and newer strategies may be needed.
Non-perturbative determination of Karsch Coefficients in 2 Colour QCD

Lattice QCD can be used to study the QCD phase diagram at finite temperature and zero density. Non-zero density is implemented on the lattice using the chemical potential however this gives a possibility of a complex probability which means the statistical machinery normally used breaks down. Switching the gauge group from three colour to two colour avoids this problem. Simulating two colour QCD allows for investigation into the thermodynamic phase transitions of a theory which is similar to three colour QCD. Confinement and asymptotic freedom are observed, however the definitions for hadrons differ. To study the thermodynamics we use the derivative method which requires the determination of the Karsch coefficients. Previous studies determined these coefficients perturbatively however this led to negative values for pressure. Non-perturbative studies have proved difficult due to the computational cost and accuracy required. We attempt to determine these coefficients non-perturbatively and review possible improvements in setup and calculation. We finish with thermodynamic results for the pressure, energy density and trace anomaly.
Intra-operative optical coherence tomography in corneal lamellar graft reinforcement for Boston type I keratoprosthesis corneal melt

Corneal melt is a sight-threatening complication of Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro). Severe corneal melt may result in hypotony, choroidal hemorrhage, and even spontaneous extrusion of the KPro, which may lead to a poor visual prognosis. Lamellar keratoplasty is one surgical option for the management of mild corneal melt, especially when a new KPro is not available. Herein, we present a new surgical technique application, intra-operative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) for the management of cornea graft melt after Boston type 1 KPro implantation. The visual acuity and the intra-ocular maintained stable at 6 months post-operatively, and the KPro remained in place without corneal melting, epithelial ingrowth, or infection. iOCT may prove to be a real-time, non-invasive, and accurate treatment for corneal lamellar dissection and suturing beneath the anterior plate of the KPro, which can effectively help the surgeon to make surgical decisions and reduce post-operative complications.
Impact of mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields on DNA damage caused by occupationally relevant exposures: results of ex vivo experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from different demographic groups

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate if age and body mass of humans have an impact on the DNA-damaging properties of high-frequency mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF, 1950 MHz, universal mobile telecommunications system, UMTS signal) and if this form of radiation has an impact on the genotoxic effects of occupationally relevant exposures. Pooled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from three groups [young normal weight, young obese (YO), and older age normal weight individuals] were exposed to different doses of HF-EMF (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 W/kg specific absorption rate—SAR) and simultaneously or sequentially to different chemicals which cause DNA damage (CrO3, NiCl2, benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide—BPDE, and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide—4NQO) via different molecular mechanisms. We found no difference in regard to the background values in the three groups but a significant increase of DNA damage (81% without and 36% with serum) in cells from old participants after radiation with 1.0 W/kg SAR 16 h. In combined treatment experiments we found no impact of the UMTS signal on chemically induced DNA damage in the different groups in general. However, a moderate decrease of DNA damage was seen in simultaneous treatment experiments with BPDE and 1.0 W/kg SAR in the YO group (decline 18%). Taken together our findings indicate that HF-EMF cause DNA damage in PBMC from older subjects (69.1 years). Furthermore, they show that the radiation does not increase induction of DNA damage by occupationally relevant chemicals.
Inhibitory control expertise through sports practice: A scoping review

ABSTRACT The stopping of a planned motor response is called motor inhibitory control (IC) and allows humans to produce appropriate goal-directed behaviour. The ever-changing environment of many sports requires athletes to rapidly adapt to unpredictable situations in which split-second suppressions of planned or current actions are needed. In this scoping review, the approach of the PRISMA-ScR was used to determine whether sports practice develops IC and, if so, which sports factors are key to building IC expertise. The PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, ScienceDirect and APA PsycNet Advanced Search databases were searched with predefined combinations of keywords. Twenty-six articles were selected and analysed. Most of the publications (n = 21) compared athletes with non-athletes, or athletes from other sports. Only a few articles (n = 5) reported results from intra-sport comparison. Overall, the studies reported better IC performance in athletes compared to non-athletes. The correlational link from sports practice to IC improvement is observed but additional longitudinal protocols are needed to prove its direct link. Findings have implication for determining whether IC could represent a marker of performance and thus for supporting the implementation of cognitive training in sport.