Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Family Control and Family Firm Valuation by Family CEOs: The Importance of Intentions for Transgenerational Control

Family firms are thought to pursue nonfinancial goals that provide socioemotional wealth, but socioemotional wealth is feasible only with family control of the firm. Using prospect theory, we hypothesize that socioemotional wealth increases with the extent of current control, duration of control, and intentions for transgenerational control, thus adding to the price at which owners would be willing to sell their firms to nonfamily buyers. Findings from two countries show that current control has no impact, and duration of control has a mixed impact. However, intention for transgenerational control has a consistently positive impact on the perceived acceptable selling price.
Correlation between Chenopodiacea/Amaranthacea pollen counts and allergic symptoms in Salsola kali monosensitized patients.

UNLABELLED We performed a prospective observational study to establish a relationship between pollen counts of Chenopodiacea/Amaranthacea and clinical symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in a group of monosensitised patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 60 patients (19 with asthma) were included in the study. All patients collected daily symptom scores during the summer months of 1999, 2000 and 2001. The questionnaire included ocular, nasal and pulmonary symptoms. Pollen counts were expressed as pollen grains/m3. Symptom scores and pollen counts were correlated using correlation coefficients and Log transformed variables. RESULTS In the 3 seasons studied we identified a peak of pollen and clinical symptoms in the second half of August and first half of September. In 1999, there was a significant positive correlation between total symptoms and daily pollen grains/m3 (p<0.005, r = 0.347). This correlation was not significant for the summers of 2000 and 2001. After further analysis, and by displacing one of both variables between 11 to 17 days, the correlation coefficients for total symptoms, improved for 1999 (r = 0. 744; p < 0.0001) and became significant for 2000 (r = 0. 521; p < 0.0001) and 2001 (r = 0.635; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION We identified a significant time lag between pollen counts and symptom scores in S. kali monosensitized patients.
Effects of Dietary Corticosterone on Yolk Colors and Eggshell Quality in Laying Hens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary corticosterone on egg quality. For 2 weeks hens received either control or experimental diet containing corticosterone at 30 mg/kg diet. Feed intake and egg production were monitored daily, and body weight measured weekly. Egg weights and egg quality were measured daily. Corticosterone treatment resulted in a remarkable increase in feed intake and sharp decrease in egg production compared with control (p<0.05) whereas body weight remained unchanged. Decreased albumen height, but no changes in egg weight, led to decreased Haugh unit (p<0.05). Corticosterone caused elevated eggshell thickness (p<0.05) without altering weight and strength, suggesting possible changes in shell structure. Yolk color and redness were increased by corticosterone (p<0.05) but lightness and yellowness were either not changed or inconsistent over the time period of measurements. Increased concentrations in plasma were also found for corticosterone, glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, and amylase (p<0.05), suggesting that corticosterone increased protein breakdown, renal dysfunctions and pancreatitis. Together, the current results imply that dietary corticosterone affects egg quality such as yolk colors and shell thickness, in addition to its effects on feed intake and egg production.
Effect of Gamma Radiation on Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Alternaria alternata

The ubiquitous genus Alternaria contains many species that are able to invade cereals, oleaginous plants and other crops. Alternaria alternata is considered one of the most important species and can produce several mycotoxins under favorable conditions of temperature and humidity, including the economically important toxins: alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). The aim of this study was to evaluate the radio-sensitivity of Alternaria alternata spores through different gamma radiation doses. A. alternata growth and the production of AOH and AME were then analyzed. After fungal irradiation with 2 kGy, 5 kGy and 7 kGy, the spores were suspended with sterile distilled water followed by inoculation on wheat grains. The count of the colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) was performed using Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) and Dichloran Chloramphenicol Agar Malt Extract (DCMA); AOH and AME were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS). Results showed that fungal growth and toxin production increased with the increase of radiation dosage. The implications of these findings in relation to the resistance of A. alternata spores to gamma irradiation are discussed.
Identifying Canadian Freshwater Fishes through DNA Barcodes

Background DNA barcoding aims to provide an efficient method for species-level identifications using an array of species specific molecular tags derived from the 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. The efficiency of the method hinges on the degree of sequence divergence among species and species-level identifications are relatively straightforward when the average genetic distance among individuals within a species does not exceed the average genetic distance between sister species. Fishes constitute a highly diverse group of vertebrates that exhibit deep phenotypic changes during development. In this context, the identification of fish species is challenging and DNA barcoding provide new perspectives in ecology and systematics of fishes. Here we examined the degree to which DNA barcoding discriminate freshwater fish species from the well-known Canadian fauna, which currently encompasses nearly 200 species, some which are of high economic value like salmons and sturgeons. Methodology/Principal Findings We bi-directionally sequenced the standard 652 bp “barcode” region of COI for 1360 individuals belonging to 190 of the 203 Canadian freshwater fish species (95%). Most species were represented by multiple individuals (7.6 on average), the majority of which were retained as voucher specimens. The average genetic distance was 27 fold higher between species than within species, as K2P distance estimates averaged 8.3% among congeners and only 0.3% among concpecifics. However, shared polymorphism between sister-species was detected in 15 species (8% of the cases). The distribution of K2P distance between individuals and species overlapped and identifications were only possible to species group using DNA barcodes in these cases. Conversely, deep hidden genetic divergence was revealed within two species, suggesting the presence of cryptic species. Conclusions/Significance The present study evidenced that freshwater fish species can be efficiently identified through the use of DNA barcoding, especially the species complex of small-sized species, and that the present COI library can be used for subsequent applications in ecology and systematics.
Melanoma of oronasal mucosa. Population-based analysis of occurrence and mortality.

OBJECTIVES To document the incidence and trends of oronasal melanoma with time, place, and person and to provide population-based estimates of survival and prognostic factors. DESIGN Descriptive analysis of 9 population-based cancer registries in the United States for the years 1973 to 1991. SUBJECTS All patients with primary melanoma of the oronasal mucosa who resided in the registry areas, which included approximately 10% of the US population. INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS The incidence of oronasal melanoma was 0.041/10(5) per year. There were no significant race or gender differences in incidence. Melanomas of the nasal cavity were more common in the northern registry areas, and increased in incidence during the 19-year study period. Oral melanomas were less common in the North, and did not change significantly in incidence. The median survival with oronasal melanoma was 2 years, and the 5-year survival (+/- SE) was 25% (+/- 4%). Advanced age and stage were adverse prognostic features, but no significant differences in the prognosis were noted by anatomic subsite. CONCLUSIONS We have documented the incidence and prognosis of oronasal melanoma based on a large population-based sample. The prognosis is poor. The epidemiologic features differ substantially from those of cutaneous melanoma.
Application of Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR in Assessing Drug Efficacy against the Intracellular Pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum In Vitro

ABSTRACT We report here on a quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for assessing drug efficacy against the intracellular pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. The qRT-PCR assay detects 18S rRNA transcripts from both parasites, that is, the cycle threshold for 18S rRNA from parasites (CT[P18S]) and host cells (CT[H18S]), and evaluates the relative expression between parasite and host rRNA levels (i.e., ΔCT = CT[P18S] − CT[H18S]) to minimize experimental and operational errors. The choice of qRT-PCR over quantitative PCR (qPCR) in this study is based on the observations that (i) the relationship between the logarithm of infected parasites (log[P]) and the normalized relative level of rRNA (ΔΔCT) is linear, with a fourfold dynamic range, by qRT-PCR but sigmoidal (nonlinear) by qPCR; and (ii) the level of RNA represents that of live parasites better than that of DNA, because the decay of RNA (99% in ∼3 h) in dead parasites is faster than that of DNA (99% in ∼24 to 48 h) under in vitro conditions. The reliability of the qRT-PCR method was validated by testing the efficacies of nitazoxanide and paromomycin on the development of two strains of C. parvum (IOWA and KSU-1) in HCT-8 cells in vitro. Both compounds displayed dose-dependent inhibitions. The observed MIC50 values for nitazoxanide and paromomycin were 0.30 to 0.45 μg/ml and 89.7 to 119.0 μg/ml, respectively, comparable to the values reported previously. Using the qRT-PCR assay, we have also observed that pyrazole could inhibit C. parvum development in vitro (MIC50 = 15.8 mM), suggesting that the recently discovered Cryptosporidium alcohol dehydrogenases may be explored as new drug targets.
Variation in Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease in Infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prenatal diagnosis allows improved perioperative outcomes for fetuses with certain forms of congenital heart disease (CHD). Variability in prenatal diagnosis has been demonstrated in other countries, leading to efforts to improve fetal imaging protocols and access to care, but has not been examined across the United States. The objective was to evaluate national variation in prenatal detection across geographic region and defect type in neonates and infants with CHD undergoing heart surgery. METHODS: Cardiovascular operations performed in patients ≤6 months of age in the United States and included in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (2006–2012) were eligible for inclusion. Centers with >15% missing prenatal diagnosis data were excluded from the study. Prenatal diagnosis rates were compared across geographic location of residence and defect type using the χ2 test. RESULTS: Overall, the study included 31 374 patients from 91 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database participating centers across the United States. Prenatal detection occurred in 34% and increased every year, from 26% (2006) to 42% (2012). There was significant geographic variation in rates of prenatal diagnosis across states (range 11.8%–53.4%, P < .0001). Significant variability by defect type was also observed, with higher rates for lesions identifiable on 4-chamber view than for those requiring outflow tract visualization (57% vs 32%, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of prenatal CHD detection in the United States remain low for patients undergoing surgical intervention, with significant variability between states and across defect type. Additional studies are needed to identify reasons for this variation and the potential impact on patient outcomes.
Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) Genetic Diversity and Traditional Subsistence: A Worldwide Population Survey

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is involved in human physiological responses to a variety of xenobiotic compounds, including common therapeutic drugs and exogenous chemicals present in the diet and the environment. Many questions remain about the evolutionary mechanisms that have led to the high prevalence of slow acetylators in the human species. Evidence from recent surveys of NAT2 gene variation suggests that NAT2 slow-causing variants might have become targets of positive selection as a consequence of the shift in modes of subsistence and lifestyle in human populations in the last 10,000 years. We aimed to test more extensively the hypothesis that slow acetylation prevalence in humans is related to the subsistence strategy adopted by the past populations. To this end, published frequency data on the most relevant genetic variants of NAT2 were collected from 128 population samples (14,679 individuals) representing different subsistence modes and dietary habits, allowing a thorough analysis at both a worldwide and continent scale. A significantly higher prevalence of the slow acetylation phenotype was observed in populations practicing farming (45.4%) and herding (48.2%) as compared to populations mostly relying on hunting and gathering (22.4%) (P = 0.0007). This was closely mirrored by the frequency of the slow 590A variant that was found to occur at a three-fold higher frequency in food producers (25%) as compared to hunter-gatherers (8%). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the Neolithic transition to subsistence economies based on agricultural and pastoral resources modified the selective regime affecting the NAT2 acetylation pathway. Furthermore, the vast amount of data collected enabled us to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date description of NAT2 worldwide genetic diversity, thus building up a useful resource of frequency data for further studies interested in epidemiological or anthropological research questions involving NAT2.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Preterm Infants

To the Editor. — In their recent review article in Pediatrics , “Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review,”1 Barrington and Finer report on meta-analyses of nitric-oxide (NO) studies in premature infants. They include our NO CLD study2 as 1 of 2 studies testing the effect of inhaled NO (iNO) started beyond the first 3 days of life with the primary outcome of improving survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) measured at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. In their article, Barrington and Finer stated that “[t]he study by Ballard et al reported a significant benefit of iNO in improving rates of survival without BPD. However, the figures given in the article (165 of 294 vs 182 of 288 patients) were not significant when RevMan software was used to calculate the [relative risk] and its CIs [confidence intervals] … or when SPSS software was used to perform a simple χ2 test … or unadjusted, logistic regression analysis. The reason for this discrepancy is not clear. ” On the basis of this analysis, they stated in their abstract that “[l]ater use of inhaled nitric oxide to prevent …
Hazard proximities of childhood cancers in Great Britain from 1953-80.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Firstly, to examine relationships between the birth and death addresses of children dying from leukaemia and cancer in Great Britain, and the sites of potential environmental hazards; and secondly to measure relative case densities close to, and at increasing distances from, different hazard types. DESIGN: Home address postcodes (PCs) and their map coordinates were identified at birth and at death in children who died from leukaemia or cancer. Potentially hazardous industrial addresses and PCs were listed from business and other directories, and map coordinates obtained from the Central Postcode Directory or else located directly on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. Railway lines and motorways were digitised from OS maps. Numbers of deaths (and births) at successive radial distances from these hazards were counted and compared with expected numbers. The latter were based on a count of all PCs at similar distances. Relative case density ratios at successive distances from the hazards were obtained from observed and expected numbers, aggregated over similar sites. This was repeated for different hazard types and results were tested for evidence of systematic centrifugal case density gradients. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: All 22,458 children dying from leukaemia or cancer aged 0-15 years, in England, Wales, and Scotland, between 1953 and 1980. MAIN RESULTS: Relative excesses of leukaemias and of solid cancers were found near the following: (1) oil refineries, major oil storage installations, railside oil distribution terminals and factories making bitumen products; (2) motor car factories, coach builders, and car body repairers; (3) major users of petroleum products including manufacturers of solvents, paint sprayers, fibreglass fabricators, paint and varnish makers, plastics and detergent manufacturers, and galvanisers; (4) users of kilns and furnaces including steelworks, power stations, galvanisers, cement makers, brickworks, crematoria and aluminium, zinc, and iron/steel foundries; (5) airfields, railways, motorways and harbours. The findings for leukaemias and for solid cancers were indistinguishable. The hazard proximities of birth addresses were stronger than for death addresses. For children who had moved house between birth and death, the proximity effect was limited to the birth addresses. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood cancers are geographically associated with two main types of industrial atmospheric effluent namely: (1) petroleum derived volatiles and (2) kiln and furnace smoke and gases, and effluents from internal combustion engines.
Application benefits of Line- or self-commutated Static Var Compensator

The power grid development in recent years shows that the transmission system increases its complexity due to such aspects as increasing contribution of renewable energy sources and the change of top-down energy flow to bidirectional flow. This has an impact on the voltage stability and necessitates system voltage support. Line commutated Static Var Compensators (SVC) as well as self-commutated Static Var Compensators provide means to achieve system voltage control in affected system nodes. The proper selection of the technology applied to accomplish this task depends on the power grid conditions. This paper presents a comparison of self- and line-commutated SVC technologies. The proper selection of the technology based on an exemplary SVC design is also shown.
Analytic calculation of the power delay profile for single room wireless LAN environments

The design of high frequency wireless local area networks requires knowledge about the radio channel within very small cells down to the size of single rooms. In this paper the power delay profile of a single room with homogeneous walls is calculated analytically. It is shown to be an exponential function that depends on the delay spread only, which itself is a function of the wall attenuation and the side length of the room. The derived expression can be easily implemented on any computer or programmable pocket calculator and describes very well the power delay profiles obtained by ray tracing simulations and measurements in many different scenarios such as closed and open rooms, non cubic rooms, and corridors.
Human Histocompatibility Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-G Molecules Inhibit NKAT3 Expressing Natural Killer Cells

The crucial immunological function of the classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B, and -C, is the presentation of peptides to T cells. A secondary function is the inhibition of natural killer (NK) cells, mediated by binding of class I molecules to NK receptors. In contrast, the function of the nonclassical human MHC class I molecules, HLA-E, -F, and -G, is still a mystery. The specific expression of HLA-G in placental trophoblast suggests an important role for this molecule in the immunological interaction between mother and child. The fetus, semiallograft by its genotype, escapes maternal allorecognition by downregulation of HLA-A and HLA-B molecules at this interface. It has been suggested that the maternal NK recognition of this downregulation is balanced by the expression of HLA-G, thus preventing damage to the placenta. Here, we describe the partial inhibition of NK lysis of the MHC class I negative cell line LCL721.221 upon HLA-G transfection. We present three NK lines that are inhibited via the interaction of their NKAT3 receptor with HLA-G and with HLA-Bw4 molecules. Inhibition can be blocked by the anti-NKAT3 antibody 5.133. In conclusion, NK inhibition by HLA-G via NKAT3 may contribute to the survival of the fetal semiallograft in the mother during pregnancy.
Angiotensin and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism attenuates cardiac oxidative stress in angiotensin II‐infused rats

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone contribute to hypertension, oxidative stress and cardiovascular damage, but the contributions of aldosterone during Ang II‐dependent hypertension are not well defined because of the difficulty to assess each independently. To test the hypothesis that during Ang II infusion, oxidative and nitrosative damage is mediated through both the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1), five groups of Sprague–Dawley rats were studied: (i) control; (ii) Ang II infused (80 ng/min × 28 days); (iii) Ang II + AT1 receptor blocker (ARB; 10 mg losartan/kg per day × 21 days); (iv) Ang II + mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist (Epl; 100 mg eplerenone/day × 21 days); and (v) Ang II + ARB + Epl (Combo; × 21 days). Both ARB and combination treatments completely alleviated the Ang II‐induced hypertension, whereas eplerenone treatment only prolonged the onset of the hypertension. Eplerenone treatment exacerbated the Ang II‐mediated increase in plasma and heart aldosterone 2.3‐ and 1.8‐fold, respectively, while ARB treatment reduced both. Chronic MR blockade was sufficient to ameliorate the AT1‐mediated increase in oxidative damage. All treatments normalized protein oxidation (nitrotyrosine) levels; however, only ARB and Combo treatments completely reduced lipid peroxidation (4‐hydroxynonenal) to control levels. Collectively, these data suggest that receptor signalling, and not the elevated arterial blood pressure, is the principal culprit in the oxidative stress‐associated cardiovascular damage in Ang II‐dependent hypertension.