Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of vitamin D‐regulated gene expression in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells using cDNA microarrays

1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] exerts growth inhibitory, pro‐differentiating, and pro‐apoptotic effects on prostate cells. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions, we employed cDNA microarrays to study 1,25(OH)2D3‐regulated gene expression in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.
Video multicast over WLANs: Power saving and reliability perspectives

Video streaming service via multicast is one promising technology for multimedia services over wireless local area networks. Given that many portable devices are battery-powered while video quality relies on the reliable delivery of video traffic, video multicast frames need to be reliably delivered to power-saving stations. In this article, we study video multicast from the power saving and reliability perspectives. The IEEE 802.11 standard allows multicast receivers to enable power management while receiving multicast frames. However, from measurements with several commercial WLAN devices, we observe that many devices are not standards- compliant, thus severely degrading video multicast performance when multicast receivers are in the power saving mode. We identify various standards-non-compliant malfunctions of both access points and stations, and then categorize these malfunctions. Meanwhile, the legacy 802.11 standard is known to support only unreliable multicast service due to the lack of retransmissions. We present various reliable multicast schemes including application layer forward error correction and reliable multicast protocols defined in the emerging IEEE 802.11v and 802.11aa, and comparatively evaluate them via simulations.
Inhibitors of Differentiation and DNA Binding (Ids) Regulate Math1 and Hair Cell Formation during the Development of the Organ of Corti

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Math1 (also called Atoh1) is both necessary and sufficient for hair cell development in the mammalian cochlea (Bermingham et al., 1999; Zheng and Gao, 2000). Previous studies have demonstrated that a dynamic pattern of Math1 expression plays a key role in regulating the number and position of mechanosensory hair cells. However, the factors that regulate the temporal and spatial expression of Math1 within the cochlea are unknown. The bHLH-related inhibitors of differentiation and DNA binding (Id) proteins are known to negatively regulate many bHLH transcription factors, including Math1, in a number of different systems. Therefore, Id proteins are good candidates for regulating Math1 in the cochlea. Results from PCR and in situ hybridization indicate that Id1, Id2, and Id3 are expressed within the cochlear duct in a pattern that is consistent with a role in regulation of hair cell development. In particular, expression of Ids and Math1 overlapped in cochlear progenitor cells before cellular differentiation, but a specific downregulation of Id expression was observed in individual cells that differentiated as hair cells. In addition, progenitor cells in which the expression of Ids was maintained during the time period for hair cell differentiation were inhibited from developing as hair cells. These results indicate a key role for Ids in the regulation of expression of Math1 and hair cell differentiation in the developing cochlea.
Unresolved issues With Terror Management Theory

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Towards skin image mosaicing

This paper presents a framework for mosaicing high resolution skin video sequences in the context of teleder-matology. While considering different stages of the mosaicing pipeline, including stitching and blending, several feature- and intensity-based image registration approaches are compared. Their performances in terms of quantitative and qualitative results are discussed so as to move towards the selection of the most suited approach. Although the intensity based approach proved to be more precise over short displacements, the feature based approach is advantageous in terms of computation time apart from being more reliable over large displacements, thus permitting a faster mosaic construction by skipping over some frames in the sequence.
Modelling spoken dialogues with state transition diagrams: experiences with the CSLU toolkit

The development of a spoken dialogue system is a complex process involving the integration of several component technologies. Various toolkits and authoring environments have been produced that provide assistance with this process. This paper reports on several projects involving CSLU’s RAD (Rapid Application Developer) and critically evaluates the applicability of state transition diagrams for modelling different types of spoken dialogue. State transition methods have been recommended for dialogues that involve well-structured tasks that can be mapped directly on to a dialogue structure. However, other significant factors to be considered include the structure of the information to be transacted and the need for verification of the user's input as determined by the system's level of recognition accuracy. Examples of different types of dialogue are presented together with recommendations concerning the advantages and disadvantages of state transition based dialogue control.
The Different Role of Working Memory in Open-Ended Versus Closed-Ended Creative Problem Solving: A Dual-Process Theory Account

This study examined how working memory plays different roles in open-ended versus closed-ended creative problem-solving processes, as represented by divergent thinking tests and insight problem-solving tasks. With respect to the analysis of different task demands and the framework of dual-process theories, the hypothesis was that the idea generation in a divergent thinking test relies more on associative, effortless system 1 processing, but insight problem solving requires rule-based, resource-limited system 2 processing, in addition to system 1 processing. Since system 1 was suggested to be more active in resource deprivation conditions, Experiment 1 adopted the dual-task paradigm, which increased participants' working memory load. The results showed that divergent thinking performance was enhanced and insight problem-solving performance was hindered. Experiment 2 using the individual differences approach found that individuals' working memory capacity correlated with insight problem solving but not with divergent thinking performance, indicating a possible involvement of system 2 processing in insight problem solving. These findings suggested that open-ended and closed-ended creative problem solving involve different processes and helped to clarify some past inconsistencies when considering the relationship of factors with creativity.
Challenges of CRM Implementation in Business-to-Business Markets: A Contingency Perspective

In this paper, the authors discuss the importance of customer relationship management (CRM) systems in complex and simple selling settings and examine how CRM is implemented in both contexts. Specifically, they suggest that CRM strategies can be implemented from the top-down, originating from top management decisions, or from the bottom-up, stemming from the knowledge and experience of the frontline salespeople. After discussing the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, the authors develop a CRM continuum using bottom-up and top-down CRM strategies as end points. Finally, the authors offer concrete propositions and research initiatives for future investigation.
Transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disability: Exploring transition partnerships from the point of view of professionals in school and postschool services†

Abstract Background Transition partnerships are considered a key factor in fostering transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this research was to analyse the transition partnerships between services and projects that support young people with ID in their transition to adulthood from the perspective of the professionals involved. Method Semistructured interviews were conducted with 45 key professionals from different postschool and school projects to obtain information regarding the main problems found in coordinating the services, the causes of these problems, and suggestions for improvement. Results A lack of continuity was highlighted in the support for young people with ID during the transition process. Insufficient information and collaboration between services and professionals and a lack of leadership were the main problems perceived by professionals. Conclusions Our research stresses the need for clear guidelines to be established regarding the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the professionals and services involved in transition. Improving communication processes between professionals and between them and young people and their families is underlined as a way to help young people with ID in their transition to adulthood. Reinforcing the role of the local area is also recommended.
Health-Related Adjustment of Adolescents in Various Postdivorce Family Structures With Main Focus on Father Custody With and Without a Stepmother

It is well established that adolescents living in father custody are more likely to be involved in antisocial behavior and substance use, as compared to adolescents living in mother custody. This study assessed whether these differences also pertain to a wider spectrum of health-related outcomes. A second aim was to investigate the role of a stepparent on adolescents' health-related adjustment. A total of 6,447 Norwegian adolescents between ages 11 and 16 participated in the study. The findings revealed that the differences between adolescents in father versus mother custody might be somewhat more comprehensive than previous studies have observed, indicating increased risks for adjustment problems among adolescents living with a single father on various health-related outcomes. Generally, a stepmother does not seem to compensate for the risks of adjustment problems, but might have a positive influence on certain health-related behaviors.
Ingroup Bias and Self-Esteem: A Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis examined the relation between self-esteem and ingroup bias. The project focused on effects of ingroup bias strategy and measurement of self-esteem. Results indicated that high-self-esteem individuals exhibited more ingroup bias than did low-self-esteem individuals. Bias strategy and self-esteem measurement moderated this relation. When using “direct” ingroup bias strategies, high-self-esteem individuals showed more bias than did low-self-esteem individuals. When using “indirect” strategies, groups exhibited comparable amounts of bias. Results were comparable for collective and personal self-esteem measures. Examination of specific collective measures indicated that self-esteem defined by the Collective Self-Esteem Scale (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992) did not predict differences in ingroup bias, whereas group identification measures did predict differences in ingroup bias. Results are interpreted as indicating that both high and low-self-esteem individuals exhibit ingroup bias; however, expression of ingroup bias by individuals with low self-esteem is constrained by situational factors. Furthermore, individual-level factors such as personal self-esteem may be useful in predicting collective enhancement.
Emergence and nosocomial transmission of ampicillin-resistant enterococci

Between 1986 and 1988, the incidence of ampicillin-resistant enterococci increased sevenfold at a university-affiliated hospital. Forty-three patients acquired nosocomial infections with ampicillin-resistant enterococci, most of which were also resistant to mezlocillin, piperacillin, and imipenem. An analysis of plasmid and chromosomal DNAs of isolates revealed that the increase was due to an epidemic of 19 nosocomial infections that yielded closely related strains of Enterococcus faecium and to a significant increase in the incidence of nonepidemic, largely unrelated strains of ampicillin-resistant enterococci. The nonepidemic strains were identified as E. faecium, E. raffinosus, E. durans, and E. gallinarum. A logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with nonepidemic resistant strains were 16 times more likely than controls to have received preceding therapy with imipenem. In our institution, the increase in the incidence of ampicillin-resistant enterococci appears to be due to the selection of various strains of resistant enterococci by the use of imipenem and to the nosocomial transmission of E. faecium and E. raffinosus.
A Lacanian Reading of the Study of Big Brother in the English Curriculum

This article presents a Lacanian analysis of the legitimising event represented by the circulation of materials from the English DfES (Department for Education and Skills), a ministerial government office, to teachers of English in schools to use as a means to facilitate the study of the television show Big Brother. The attempt, through Media in English, to ‘pin down’ the meaning of ‘reality’ television presents for analysis here the identity crisis of English—the tension between what it is and how it recognises itself—its ideal ego and its ego‐ideal.
A constructivist strategy for developing teachers for change: a Hong Kong experience

Abstract In Hong Kong, teacher development for curriculum change is usually a top-down process in which the Education Department plays a major role. To date, new ideas were usually introduced to teachers through short courses, seminars and talks. This form of in-service programmes has been argued as the main reason to explain why innovations have rarely been implemented as intended. This article reports on a small-scale case study in which a constructivist approach was used to prepare four teachers of the same class level in a primary school to implement, what to them is, a novel strategy to teach a school subject – General Studies. The results indicated that, in general, teachers reacted positively to the constructivist approach adopted in this study and gained professional, personal and social development through participating in the project
Expression of Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines during reticulocyte maturation: using a CD71 flow cytometric technique to identify reticulocytes

Abstract Flow cytometric methods commonly used to identify reticulocytes are of limited usefulness in malarious areas, since RNA staining also detects plasmodia. An important antigen expressed on reticulocytes is Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC, also known as Fy), the receptor for Plasmodium vivax. An early marker for reticulocytes is CD71 (transferrin receptor). We have been interested in CD71 as an alternative marker for reticulocytes in the context of Fy expression. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of Fy on CD71-positive and -negative reticulocytes and to correlate serology and genotype. A reduction of 13 percent was seen in Fy6 expression between CD71-positive reticulocytes and RNA-positive reticulocytes. CD71 disappears early during reticulocyte maturation, while Fy6 expression is relatively preserved. CD71 is an alternative to staining for RNA for reticulocyte assays relating to Fy6 expression. Immunohematology 2005;21:15–20.
Considering Ethnicity and Gender Effects in Disgust Propensity and Spider and Snake Phobia: Comparing Asian Americans and European Americans

This study examined ethnic and gender differences and ethnicity by gender interactions in disgust propensity, spider and snake phobic distress, and their interrelationships. A main effect for ethnicity was found, with Asian Americans (n = 219) reporting more disgust propensity and phobic distress than European Americans (n = 581). Gender effects were modified by ethnicity by gender interactions, with European American males reporting the least disgust propensity and distress, and gender differences present only for European Americans. For both ethnic groups, phobic distress scores were strongly correlated with animal and non-animal disgust propensity. In hierarchical regression analyses, animal disgust propensity was uniquely related to spider and snake distress scores among both ethnic groups, although non-animal disgust propensity was only a significant individual predictor among European Americans. The results suggest that models of animal phobia and disgust propensity based on European American samples cannot be uniformly applied to Asian Americans. Ethnicity and gender, and their interaction, may influence the intensity of disgust propensity and animal phobic distress and their relationships with one another.
Explaining House Price Dynamics: Isolating the Role of Nonfundamentals

This paper examines the role of nonfundamentals‐based sentiment in house price dynamics, including the well‐documented volatility and persistence of house prices during booms and busts. To measure and isolate sentiment's effect, we employ survey‐based indicators that proxy for the sentiment of three major agents in housing markets: home buyers (demand side), home builders (supply side), and lenders (credit suppliers). After orthogonalizing each sentiment measure against a broad set of fundamental variables, we find strong and consistent evidence that the changing sentiment of all three sets of market participants predicts house price appreciation in subsequent quarters, above and beyond the impact of changes in lagged price changes, fundamentals, and market liquidity. More specifically, a one‐standard‐deviation shock to market sentiment is associated with a 32–57 basis point increase in real house price appreciation over the next two quarters. These price effects are large relative to the average real price appreciation of 71 basis points per quarter observed over the full sample period. Moreover, housing market sentiment and its effect on real house prices is highly persistent. The results also reveal that the dynamic relation between sentiment and house prices can create feedback effects that contribute to the persistence typically observed in house price movements during boom and bust cycles.
Pair-list readings in Korean-Japanese, Chinese-Japanese and English-Japanese interlanguage

In English and Chinese, questions with a wh-object and a universally quantified subject (e.g.What did everyone buy? ) allow an individual answer (Everyone bought apples.) and a pair-list answer (Sam bought apples, Jo bought bananas, Sally bought.). By contrast, the pair-list answer is reportedly unavailable in Japanese and Korean. This article documents an experimental investigation of the interpretation of such questions in non-native Japanese by learners whose first languages (Lls) are Korean, Chinese or English. The results show that, regardless of L1, only a minority of advanced second language (L2) Japanese learners demonstrate knowledge of the absence of pair-list readings in Japanese. In English-Japanese and Chinese-Japanese interlanguage, L1 transfer readily accounts for this finding: the L1 grammar, which allows pair-list readings, may obstruct acquisition of the more restrictive Japanese grammar. But in Korean-Japanese interlanguage, L1 transfer predicts rejection of pair-list answers. However, in a Korean version of the experimental task, a native Korean control group robustly accepts pair-list readings, contra expectations. A proposal to account for this finding is put forward, under which the Korean-Japanese interlanguage data become compatible with an L1-transfer-based model of L2 acquisition. Moreover, the native-like rejection of pair-list readings by some advanced learners of all three L1 backgrounds is argued to imply that UG constraints operate at the L2 syntax-semantics interface.
Baicalein, wogonin, and Scutellaria baicalensis ethanol extract alleviate ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation and mast cell-mediated anaphylactic shock by regulation of Th1/Th2 imbalance and histamine release

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, the aberrant production of the Th2 cytokines, and eosinophil infiltration into the lungs. In this study, we examined the effects of baicalein, wogonin, and Scutellaria baicalensis ethanol extract on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma by evaluating Th1/Th2 cytokine levels, histopathologic analysis, and compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and mast cell activation, focusing on the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract also decreased the number of inflammatory cells especially eosinophils and downregulated peribronchial and perivascular inflammation in the lungs of mice challenged by OVA. Baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract significantly reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5 and the production of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and upregulated the level of interferon-γ and OVA-specific IgG2a. In addition, oral administration of baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and plasma histamine release in mice. Moreover, baicalein, wogonin, and S. baicalensis ethanol extract suppressed compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation and histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Conclusively, baicalein and wogonin as major flavonoids of S. baicalensis may have therapeutic potential for allergic asthma through modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance and histamine release from mast cells.
Communication about vaccination: A shared responsibility

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy is an important issue to be addressed, due to the risk of decrease of vaccination coverage and consequent control of preventable diseases. While it is not considered a specific determinant, poor or inadequate communication can contribute to vaccine hesitancy and negatively influence vaccination uptake. As a contribution to the ongoing discussion regarding this theme and in the perspective of the implementation of the upcoming national vaccination plan in Italy, the Erice Declaration was drafted by experts in the field of immunization following a 5-day residential, independent workshop regarding communication topics in vaccinology. The aim of the current letter is to present to the broader international audience such a contribution, proposing the identification of the main actions that should be taken into account and prioritized in order to improve communication in the domain of vaccination.