Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variants of biculturalism in migrant and host adolescents living in Italy and Spain: Testing the importance of life domains through the Relative Acculturation Extended Model

Several variants of biculturalism have recently been proposed (Schwartz, Birman, Benet-Martínez, & Unger, 2016). Nevertheless, few studies have identified different types of bicultural individuals, and no one has addressed the possibility that these types could depend on acculturation domains. By using the Relative Acculturation Extended Model (RAEM), this study aimed to explore if different variants of biculturalism could be individuated, and if some of these variants were sensitive to life domains. Four samples of migrant and host adolescents living in Italy (n = 173 and n = 186) and Spain (n = 139 and n = 156) answered a questionnaire about acculturation perceptions and preferences in central and peripheral life domains. Together with acculturation options consistent with Berry's (1997) model (full-assimilation, full-separation and full-marginalisation), some variants of biculturalism emerged from the latent class analysis: full-high and full-low integration, which were not sensitive to life domains; and "alternate" acculturation options that were sensitive to life domains, with participants switching from their original culture to the host culture according to the peripheral and central domains. Acculturation options varied across the four samples, with Italians switching more from one culture to another, and Spanish adolescents being more full-high or full-low integrated.
Nasal allergen provocation induces adhesion molecule expression and tissue eosinophilia in upper and lower airways.

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are characterized by means of a similar inflammatory process in which eosinophils are important effector cells. The migration of eosinophils from the blood into the tissues is dependent on adhesion molecules. OBJECTIVE To analyze the aspects of nasobronchial cross-talk, we studied the expression of adhesion molecules in nasal and bronchial mucosa after nasal allergen provocation (NP). METHODS Nine nonasthmatic subjects with seasonal AR and 9 healthy control subjects underwent NP out of season. Bronchial and nasal biopsy specimens were taken before (T(0)) and 24 hours after NP (T(24)). Mucosal sections were analyzed for the presence of eosinophils, IL-5, eotaxin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, and human endothelium (CD31). RESULTS At T(24), an influx of eosinophils was detected in nasal epithelium (P =.01) and lamina propria (P <.01), as well as in bronchial epithelium (P =.05) and lamina propria (P <.05), of the patients with AR. At T(24), increased expression of ICAM-1, as well as increased percentages of ICAM-1+, VCAM-1+, and E-selectin+ vessels, were seen in nasal and bronchial tissue of patients with AR. The number of mucosal eosinophils correlated with the local expression of ICAM-1, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 in patients with AR. CONCLUSION This study shows that NP in patients with AR results in generalized airway inflammation through upregulation of adhesion molecules.
Sectoral Interfuel Substitution in Canada: An Application of NQ Flexible Functional Forms

This paper focuses on the aggregate demand for electricity, natural gas, and light fuel oil in Canada as a whole and six of its provinces—Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia—in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. We employ the locally flexible normalized quadratic (NQ) expenditure function (in the case of the residential sector) and the NQ cost function (in the case of the commercial and industrial sectors), treat the curvature property as a maintained hypothesis, and provide evidence consistent with neoclassical microeconomic theory. We find that the Morishima interfuel elasticities of substitution are in general positive and statistically significant. Our results indicate limited substitutability between electricity and natural gas, but strong substitutability between light fuel oil and each of electricity and natural gas in most cases.
On the Robustness of the Extended Fama-French Three Factor Model

The aim of this paper is to examine the validity of the four-factor asset pricing as a comparison the standard Fama-French three factor model using U.S. monthly stock return data from period January 1963 to December 2010. Monthly stock return are constructed into 25 portfolio while the four-factor model includes the market factor ( beta ), the size factor (SMB), the book-to-market factor (HML), and the ‘momentum’ factor (MOM) which represents winners minus losers in terms of returns. Time series regressions following Fama and French (1993) are employed which includes the three-factor model as well as the four-factor model. Results indicated that the four-factor model to some extent have significant capability in explaining the variations in average excess stock return which consistent with Carhart (1997). R 2 from the four-factor model is just slightly higher than the three factor model yet it provides indicative for the robustness of the model. Meanwhile, the January seasonals are also able to be absorbed by the risk factors including the market, SMB, HML, and MOM. Since the four-factor model seems capable in explaining the variation of the stock returns then application of this model in emerging markets may provide guidance for investor in understanding the market condition.
The changing nature of the OECD shadow economy

Traditionally, the presence of the shadow economy (SE) has been associated, mainly and positively, with taxation. Recently, some authors have suggested that the SE may be also linked to the institutional setting (efficiency of the bureaucracy, regulations, corruption, etc.) so that just two stable equilibria are possible. In the “good” one, there is a small hidden sector, large fiscal revenues and honest/appreciated institutions. The other, “bad”, equilibrium is the opposite. Unlike the traditional approach, therefore, the recent literature argues that the tax burden and SE can be negatively correlated. Examining the links between these variables in relatively uncorrupt systems, this paper reconciles the two views. Theoretically, it claims that many different good equilibria can emerge whereby SE and its determinants are linked in complex and different ways. For instance, taxation and SE can go hand-in-hand, even taking into account the institutional framework. Empirical evidence for OECD countries supports both the model and the changing nature of the SE.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Children With Musculoskeletal Infections

Background: Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) is useful for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adults, but there is limited evidence on its usefulness in children. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of Xpert for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB in children with musculoskeletal infections. Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of Xpert was compared with a reference standard of culture or histopathology in children hospitalized with suspected osteoarticular TB in Cape Town, South Africa from June 2013 to May 2015. Results: One hundred and nine samples of 102 patients (60 male; 58.8%) with a median age of 5.6 years (interquartile range: 2.2–8.7) were included. There were 23 samples with confirmed TB by culture or histology (21.1%); histology was positive in all of these, while culture was positive in 14 samples (12.8%). Xpert was positive in 17 samples (15.6%), providing a sensitivity of 73.9% (95% confidence interval: 51.6–89.8) and specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 95.7–100). Xpert was positive at a mean of 0.8 days (0.46–1.4) compared with 21 days (19–30) for culture, P < 0.001. Multidrug-resistant TB was detected on culture in a single sample that was negative on Xpert testing. Conclusions: Xpert confirmed extrapulmonary TB of bone and joints more accurately and faster than culture and should be used as a first-line test. Histology remains a useful test for musculoskeletal TB in children.
APC gene mutations in Chinese familial adenomatous polyposis patients.

AIM To study the characteristics of APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene germline mutation in Chinese patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). METHODS APC gene from 14 FAP families was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and underwent direct sequencing to determine the micromutation type. For the samples without micromutation, the large fragment deletion of APC gene was examined by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). RESULTS There were gene micromutations in 9 families with a micromutation detection rate of 64.3% (9/14), including 6 frameshift mutations (66.7%), 1 nonsense mutation (11.1%) and 2 splicing mutations (22.2%). Large fragment deletions were detected by MLPA in 2 families. The total mutation detection rate of micromutations and large fragment deletions was 78.6% (11/14). CONCLUSION The detection rate of APC gene germline mutation can be improved by direct sequencing combined with MLPA large fragment deletion detection.
Improved Exercise-Related Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Consumption Following Uptake of Endurance Training Measured Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Skeletal muscle metabolic function is known to respond positively to exercise interventions. Developing non-invasive techniques that quantify metabolic adaptations and identifying interventions that impart successful response are ongoing challenges for research. Healthy non-athletic adults (18–35 years old) were enrolled in a study investigating physiological adaptations to a minimum of 16 weeks endurance training prior to undertaking their first marathon. Before beginning training, participants underwent measurements of skeletal muscle oxygen consumption using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at rest (resting muscleV˙O2) and immediately following a maximal exercise test (post-exercise muscleV˙O2). Exercise-related increase in muscleV˙O2 (ΔmV˙O2) was derived from these measurements and cardio-pulmonary peakV˙O2 measured by analysis of expired gases. All measurements were repeated within 3 weeks of participants completing following the marathon and marathon completion time recorded. MuscleV˙O2 was positively correlated with cardio-pulmonary peakV˙O2 (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). MuscleV˙O2 increased at follow-up (48% increase; p = 0.004) despite no change in cardio-pulmonary peakV˙O2 (0% change; p = 0.97). Faster marathon completion time correlated with higher cardio-pulmonary peakV˙O2 (rpartial = −0.58, p = 0.002) but not muscleV˙O2 (rpartial = 0.16, p = 0.44) after adjustment for age and sex [and adipose tissue thickness (ATT) for muscleV˙O2 measurements]. Skeletal muscle metabolic adaptions occur following training and completion of a first-time marathon; these can be identified non-invasively using NIRS. Although the cardio-pulmonary system is limiting for running performance, skeletal muscle changes can be detected despite minimal improvement in cardio-pulmonary function.
The Impact of Transmission Pricing in Network Industries

The allocation of scarce transmission resources has a considerable impact on investment incentives in network industries. We study the long term effects of two common network management regimes on investment in production and transmission facilities. In one case transmission constraints are directly taken into account through locationally differentiated market prices (simultaneous market clearing). In the other case, a uniform market price is implemented and transmission constraints are resolved in a subsequent congestion market (sequential market clearing). While simultaneous market clearing produces the efficient outcome, sequential market clearing leads to overinvestment in generation and transmission capacity, as we show. These findings contribute to the debate on electricity transmission pricing.
The role of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein families in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions as determined by sequential coronary angiography from a controlled clinical trial.

We have demonstrated previously in a subset of Monitored Atherosclerosis Regression Study (MARS) subjects with hypercholesterolemia (190 to 295 mg/dL) and documented coronary artery disease that lovastatin significantly reduces cholesterol-rich lipoprotein B (LpB) but has little effect on complex, triglyceride-rich apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing LpBc (the sum of LpB:C, LpB:C:E and LpA-II:B:C:D:E) particles defined by their apolipoprotein composition. This differential effect of lovastatin on apoB-containing lipoprotein families offered the opportunity to determine in the same subset of MARS subjects the independent relationship of LpB and LpBc with the progression of coronary artery disease. Subjects randomized to either lovastatin (40 mg twice daily) or matching placebo were evaluated by coronary angiography before randomization and after 2 years of treatment, and the overall coronary status was judged by a coronary global change score. In the lovastatin-treated group, there were 22 nonprogressors (69%) and 10 progressors (31%), while in the placebo group 13 subjects (42%) were nonprogressors and 18 (58%) were progressors (P < .03). In the lovastatin-treated group, lipid and lipoprotein parameters did not differ between progressors and nonprogressors except for LpBc and LpA-II:B:C:D:E particle levels, which were statistically higher in progressors (P = .02). In the placebo-treated group, progressors differed from nonprogressors by having significantly higher levels of triglycerides (P = .03) and apoC-III in VLDL + LDL (P = .05), the characteristic constituents of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. In the placebo- and lovastatin-treated groups combined, progressors had significantly higher on-trial levels of triglycerides (P = .003), VLDL cholesterol (P = .005), apoC-III in VLDL + LDL (P = .008), apoC-III (P = .01), apoB (P = .03), and total cholesterol (P = .04) than nonprogressors. Even after adjustment for treatment group, progressors in the combined placebo- and lovastatin-treated groups had significantly higher levels of LpBc, LpA-II:B:C:D:E, triglycerides, and apoC-III in VLDL + LDL than nonprogressors. Progressors in the placebo-treated, lovastatin-treated, and combined treatment groups had lower levels of LpA-1 but not LpA-I:A-II than non-progressors, and this difference reached statistical significance (P = .047) in the combined sample adjusted for treatment group. Results of this study show that elevated levels of triglyceride-rich LpBc in general and LpA-II:B:C:D:E in particular contribute significantly to the progression of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, they provide additional evidence for the potentially protective role of LpA-I particles in the atherogenic process and suggest that apolipoprotein-defined lipoprotein families may be more specific prognosticators of coronary artery atherosclerosis progression than lipids and apolipoproteins.
Notch1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells: involvement of nuclear factor kappa B inhibition

Notch signaling can serve as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter in the same kind of cancer, such as human papillomavirus–positive cervical cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Our studies demonstrated that constitutively overexpressed active Notch1 via stable transfection with exogenous intracellular domain of Notch1 (ICN) resulted in growth inhibition of the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa by inducing G2–M arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the growth inhibition was correlated with inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p50 activation, accompanied by a decrease in the nuclear expression of NF-κB p50 and an increase in the cytosolic expression of IκBα. Consistent with these results, downregulation of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, which are both the downstream genes of NF-κB, were observed in ICN-overexpressed cells. Overall, our results suggest that NF-κB inhibition may contribute partially to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by Notch1 activation in human cervical cancer cells.
Evaluation of the effects of footwear hygiene protocols on nonspecific bacterial contamination of floor surfaces in an equine hospital.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of footwear hygiene protocols on bacterial contamination of floor surfaces in an equine hospital. DESIGN Field trial. PROCEDURES Footwear hygiene protocols evaluated included use of rubber overboots with footbaths and footmats containing a quaternary ammonium disinfectant, rubber overboots with footbaths and footmats containing a peroxygen disinfectant, and no restrictions on footwear type but mandatory use of footbaths and footmats containing a peroxygen disinfectant. Nonspecific aerobic bacterial counts were determined via 2 procedures for sample collection and bacterial enumeration (contact plates vs swabbing combined with use of spread plates), and the effects of each footwear hygiene protocol were compared. RESULTS There were no consistent findings suggesting that any of the protocols were associated with differences in numbers of bacteria recovered from floor surfaces. Although there were detectable differences in numbers of bacteria recovered in association with different footwear hygiene protocols, differences in least square mean bacterial counts did not appear to be clinically relevant (ie, were < 1 log10). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although cleaning and disinfection of footwear are important aids in reducing the risk of nosocomial transmission of infectious agents in veterinary hospitals, the numbers of aerobic bacteria recovered from floor surfaces were not affected by use of rubber overboots or the types of disinfectant used in this study. Further study is warranted to evaluate the usefulness of footwear hygiene practices relative to their efficacy for reducing transmission of specific pathogens or decreasing nosocomial disease risk.
Conditions under which immobilized platelets activate as well as capture flowing neutrophils

Immobilized activated platelets present P‐selectin and efficiently capture flowing neutrophils. We investigated how the treatment of the platelets affected whether adherent neutrophils rolled continuously or became immobilized. Washed platelets were maintained in a ‘resting’ state by Ca++ chelation, prostacyclin and theophylline. When these platelets were adhered to glass that had been coated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APES) they retained discoidal morphology. Compared to a confluent surface of spread platelets prepared by allowing heparinized platelet‐rich plasma to settle on APES‐glass, ‘resting’ platelets captured far fewer flowing neutrophils, which rolled rapidly. However, if neutrophils were perfused along with thrombin ( 0.2 U/ml), then the resting platelets rapidly changed shape, neutrophil binding increased markedly, rolling velocity decreased, and 40–70% of the neutrophils were immobilized via β2‐integrins. Similar effects could be induced using ADP perfused with the neutrophils. Thrombin did not itself activate neutrophils, and stationary adhesion could also be induced if platelets were treated with thrombin before addition of neutrophils. After thrombin treatment of platelets, rolling adhesion was only fully re‐established after a prolonged period of washout. Thus, platelets presented a stable surface‐bound agent able to activate neutrophils. Blockade of platelet‐activating factor receptor, leukotriene B4 receptor, or CXC‐chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) on neutrophils did not inhibit conversion from rolling to stationary adhesion, but blockade of CXCR2 maintained a higher proportion of rolling adhesion. Thus, platelets attached to damaged vessels may capture flowing neutrophils, but the stability of neutrophil deposition will depend on the scale of the local generation of platelet agonists such as thrombin and ADP.
The Impact of Inter-Kernel Movement in the Evolution of Resistance to Dual-Toxin Bt-Corn Varieties in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Seeds or kernels on hybrid plants are primarily F2 tissue and will segregate for heterozygous alleles present in the parental F1 hybrids. In the case of plants expressing Bt-toxins, the F2 tissue in the kernels will express toxins as they would segregate in any F2 tissue. In the case of plants expressing two unlinked toxins, the kernels on a Bt plant fertilized by another Bt plant would express anywhere from 0 to 2 toxins. Larvae of corn earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] feed on a number of kernels during development and would therefore be exposed to local habitats (kernels) that varied in their toxin expression. Three models were developed for plants expressing two Bt-toxins, one where the traits are unlinked, a second where the traits were linked and a third model assuming that maternal traits were expressed in all kernels as well as paternally inherited traits. Results suggest that increasing larval movement rates off of expressing kernels tended to increase durability while increasing movement rates off of nonexpressing kernels always decreased durability. An ideal block refuge (no pollen flow between blocks and refuges) was more durable than a seed blend because the refuge expressed no toxins, while pollen contamination from plants expressing toxins in a seed blend reduced durability. A linked-trait model in an ideal refuge model predicted the longest durability. The results suggest that using a seed-blend strategy for a kernel feeding insect on a hybrid crop could dramatically reduce durability through the loss of refuge due to extensive cross-pollination.
Distribution of Calretinin Immunoreactivity in the Lateral Nucleus of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Amygdala

The amgdaloid complex consists of different nuclei, each with unique cytoarchitectonic, chemoarchitectonic and connectional characteristics. Most of the inputs coming from cortical and subcortical areas enter the amygdala via the lateral nucleus, which makes it the main receiving structure of the complex. The activity of its neurons is coordinated and modulated by different inhibitory, GABAergic‐interneurons, which can be classified for their expression of various calcium‐binding proteins, as well as by morphological characteristics. This research based on the analysis of the amygdala of three bottlenose dolphins, provides the first description of the topography, cytoarchitecture and distribution of calretinin immunoreactivity of the lateral nucleus. Our observations on the bottlenose dolphin confirmed the general topography of the mammalian amygdala and of the lateral nucleus. Notably, we identified six subdivision of the nucleus, more than those reported until now in the rat, monkey and human lateral nucleus. This could reveal an outstanding capability of integration and elaboration of external stimuli. In addition, we observed a strong presence of CR‐immunoreactive (‐ir) neurons and fibres. CR‐ir neurons were mainly non‐pyramidal inhibitory neurons; in particular, 80% of IR‐cells were represented by large and small polygonal neurons. In the lateral nucleus of the human amygdala, CR‐ir neurons form inhibitory synapses on calbindin‐D28k‐IR inhibitory interneurons. Since calbindin‐D28k‐ir interneurons make inhibitory synapses on the pyramidal cells, the final goal of the CR‐ir interneurons could be the synchronization of cells activity, thus playing an important role in the control of information flow in the lateral amygdalar nucleus. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:2008–2016, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.