Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growing and slowing down like China

This article is based on the presidential address delivered at the EEA Annual Congress 2016. It discusses China's institutional and economic transformation through the lens of the model of growth and convergence developed in Acemoglu, Aghion, and Zilibotti (JEEA 2006), which emphasizes the dichotomy between investment- and innovation-led growth. The economic reforms introduced in the 1980s and 1990s have enabled the Chinese economy to grow at historically unprecedented rates through fostering investment, reallocation, and technology adoption from abroad. The Chinese stimulus package introduced in 2008 appears to have prolonged the longevity of China's investment-driven growth beyond its optimal point. Over the last decade, China has activated the engine of innovation-led growth. The article discusses the virtues and limits of such ongoing transition, based on research in progress using firm-level data on R&D and productivity growth. Finally, it provides an appraisal of the institutional and policy reforms that are necessary for China to continue on its path of rapid convergence.
Healthcare vs. Hawkishness: The Divergent Effects of Affect on Context-Driven Shifts in Attitudes

OF THE DISSERTATION Healthcare vs. Hawkishness: The Divergent Effects of Affect on Context-Driven Shifts in Attitudes by Fade Rimon Eadeh Doctor of Philosophy in Psychological and Brain Sciences Washington University in St. Louis, 2017 Professor Alan J. Lambert, Chair There is a tradition of research in affective science suggesting different affective states (e.g., anger vs. anxiety) are associated with relatively unique goals and motives (Frijda, 1986; 1988; Schwarz & Clore, 2007, Lerner & Keltner, 2000; 2001). Although this approach has received considerable empirical support, this work has yet to fully resolve an important issue. For any given type of emotion (say, anger), such feelings can be activated in a variety of different “triggering” contexts. If so, to what extent does the triggering context matter when examining the consequences of that emotion for attitudes? Some findings suggest that context does not matter (Johnson & Tversky, 1983), whereas others imply that context should matter (Frijda, 1988; Smith & Ellsworth, 1985). In my dissertation, I examine the role of context as it bears on the relationship between affect and judgment, across different threatening contexts (terrorism, healthcare). Across 3 Experiments, I find the role of affect, and its effects on attitudes, are contingent on the context in which the affect is activated. These findings demonstrate that the role of context plays an important role in understanding when, if, and in which direction, affect plays a role in shaping attitudes and behavior.
Bank Lending in Uncertain Times

We study the impact of economic uncertainty on the supply of bank credit using a monthly dataset that includes all loan applications submitted by a sample of 650,000 Italian firms between 2003 and 2012. We find that an increase in aggregate uncertainty has three effects. First, it reduces banks' likelihood to accept new credit applications. Second, it lengthens the time firms have to wait for their loans to be released. Third, it makes banks less responsive to fluctuations in short-term interest rates, weakening the bank lending channel of monetary policy. The influence of uncertainty is relatively stronger for poorly capitalized lenders and geographically distant borrowers.
Quality of life in an Italian cohort of people living with HIV in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (Evidence from I.A.N.U.A. study-investigation on antiretroviral therapy)

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were to assess the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who attend outpatient services in Genoa, Italy, and to evaluate the relationship between HRQoL and clinical factors, primarily: CD4+ cell count, viral load and HIV-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection. A cross-sectional study was performed involving a sample of 943 consecutive patients. Firstly the EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Three Level (EQ-5D-3L) self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQoL, while socio-demographic information was collected using a separate self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was then used to show the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the sample. Having characterized the sample, Pearson's correlation technique was used to assess the relationship between HRQoL and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, multivariable linear regression was used to determine factors associated with HRQOL. The median EQ-Visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) score was 75.4 (SD 18.4). We found statistically significant associations between the EQ-VAS score and age, coinfection with HCV+, education, other drugs taken over cART, hospitalization due to HIV and a CD4+ cell count <200 mm3 compared with CD4+ cell count >500 mm3. Factors independently associated with lower HRQoL were: older age, coinfection with HCV+, other drugs used in addition to cART, hospitalization due to HIV and CD4+ cell count <200 mm3 compared with CD4+ cell count >500 mm3.
Coordinate regulation of myelomonocytic phenotype by v-myb and v-myc

Both avian myeloblastosis virus (by the action of v-myb) and avian myelocytomatosis virus MC29 (by the action of v-myc) transform cells of the myelomonocytic lineage. Whereas avian myeloblastosis virus elicits a relatively immature phenotype, cells transformed by MC29 resemble mature macrophages. When cells previously transformed by v-myb were superinfected with MC29, their phenotype was rapidly altered to that of a more mature cell. These superinfected cells expressed both v-myb (at a level similar to that found before superinfection) and v-myc. It therefore appears that the expression of v-myc can elicit certain properties of a more differentiated phenotype. In addition, unlike cells transformed by v-myb alone, the cells expressing both v-myb and v-myc could not be induced by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to differentiate to fully mature macrophages. Cells with a morphology similar to that of the superinfected cells were elicited by simultaneously infecting yolk sac macrophages with avian myeloblastosis virus and MC29. Such cells expressed both v-myb and v-myc. These results indicate that expression of v-myb and v-myc in infected cells coordinately regulates myelomonocytic phenotype and that the two viral oncogenes vary in their ability to interfere with tumor promoter-induced differentiation. Our findings also sustain previous suggestions that the oncogenes v-myb and v-myc may not transform target cells by simply blocking differentiation.
Suppression of Proinflammatory and Prosurvival Biomarkers in Oral Cancer Patients Consuming a Black Raspberry Phytochemical-Rich Troche

Black raspberries (BRB) demonstrate potent inhibition of aerodigestive tract carcinogenesis in animal models. However, translational clinical trials evaluating the ability of BRB phytochemicals to impact molecular biomarkers in the oral mucosa remain limited. The present phase 0 study addresses a fundamental question for oral cancer food–based prevention: Do BRB phytochemicals successfully reach the targeted oral tissues and reduce proinflammatory and antiapoptotic gene expression profiles? Patients with biopsy-confirmed oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) administered oral troches containing freeze-dried BRB powder from the time of enrollment to the date of curative intent surgery (13.9 ± 1.27 days). Transcriptional biomarkers were evaluated in patient-matched OSCCs and noninvolved high at-risk mucosa (HARM) for BRB-associated changes. Significant expression differences between baseline OSCC and HARM tissues were confirmed using a panel of genes commonly deregulated during oral carcinogenesis. Following BRB troche administration, the expression of prosurvival genes (AURKA, BIRC5, EGFR) and proinflammatory genes (NFKB1, PTGS2) were significantly reduced. There were no BRB-associated grade 3–4 toxicities or adverse events, and 79.2% (N = 30) of patients successfully completed the study with high levels of compliance (97.2%). The BRB phytochemicals cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-xylosylrutinoside were detected in all OSCC tissues analyzed, demonstrating that bioactive components were successfully reaching targeted OSCC tissues. We confirmed that hallmark antiapoptotic and proinflammatory molecular biomarkers were overexpressed in OSCCs and that their gene expression was significantly reduced following BRB troche administration. As these molecular biomarkers are fundamental to oral carcinogenesis and are modifiable, they may represent emerging biomarkers of molecular efficacy for BRB-mediated oral cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Prev Res; 9(2); 159–71. ©2015 AACR.
Cross-reactions among hair dye allergens

Background: p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is an important hair dye allergen, but there remains a reasonable suspicion that other hair dye chemicals may also be responsible for a proportion of the clinical burden of hair dye allergy. Objective: To assess to what extent presently assessed additional patch test agents contribute to the diagnosis of non-PPD hair dye allergy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patch test results with hair dye allergens, focusing on the extent to which patients who were positive for allergic reactions to other hair dye allergens also had a concomitant positive reaction to PPD. Results: For the hair dye allergens other than p-toluenediamine (PTD), reactions in the absence of a concomitant positive reaction to PPD were very rare. Positive reactors to PTD were also positive for reactions to PPD in 5 of every 6 cases. Pyrogallol positives often occurred in the absence of a PPD positive, but were never judged to be of clinical relevance. Conclusions: Hair dye chemicals other than PPD may be of importance, but the presently tested materials, with the possible exception of PTD, are normally positive only when a PPD-positive reaction is also present, suggesting that their use in patch testing in hair dye allergy is likely to be of limited value.
Anatomic relationship between the anterior sylvian point and the pars triangularis

The aim of this study was to show morphological sulcal variations of the pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus and to provide a clearer description of the anterior sylvian point. Thirty‐six hemispheres of 18 adult cadavers were studied. The hemispheres were harvested by the classical autopsy method and fixed in 10% formalin solution for three weeks. In six hemispheres, the arteries and veins were filled with colored silicone. The proximal and distal segments of the sylvian fissure, the perpendicular distance of both the anterior sylvian point and inferior rolandic point to the insular cortex and the distances between the anterior ascending ramus and the precentral, central, and postcentral sulcus were measured. The anterior horizontal and ascending rami were exposed. The sulcus located on the pars triangularis was appraised. The relationship between the anterior sylvian point and the vascular structure around the sylvian fissure was examined. The rising of the anterior horizontal and ascending ramus from the sylvian fissure defines the shape of the pars triangularis. The pars triangularis has three shapes: V, U, and Y. In V‐ and Y‐shaped pars triangularis both rami merge but in U‐shaped pars triangularis the rami do not merge. The pars triangularis was Y‐shaped in 30.76% (4/13) of the right hemispheres and in 50% (7/14) of the left hemispheres; U‐shaped in 20.3% (3/13) of the right hemispheres and in 35.71% (5/14) of the left hemispheres; V‐shaped in 40.61% (6/13) of the right hemispheres and in 14.29% (2/14) of the left hemispheres. Minimally invasive procedures use basic anatomic landmarks intracranially to reach the targeted area; therefore, exact and detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the sylvian fissure and pars triangularis is of great importance. Clin. Anat. 25:429–436, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Single Pore Residue Asp542 Determines Ca2+ Permeation and Mg2+ Block of the Epithelial Ca2+ Channel*

The epithelial Ca2+ channel (ECaC), which was recently cloned from rabbit kidney, exhibits distinctive properties that support a facilitating role in transcellular Ca2+ (re)absorption. ECaC is structurally related to the family of six transmembrane-spanning ion channels with a pore-forming region between S5 and S6. Using point mutants of the conserved negatively charged amino acids present in the putative pore, we have identified a single aspartate residue that determines Ca2+ permeation of ECaC and modulation by extracellular Mg2+. Mutation of the aspartate residue, D542A, abolishes Ca2+ permeation and Ca2+-dependent current decay as well as block by extracellular Mg2+, whereas monovalent cations still permeate the mutant channel. Variation of the side chain length in mutations D542N, D542E, and D542M attenuated Ca2+ permeability and Ca2+-dependent current decay. Block of monovalent currents through ECaC by Mg2+ was decreased. Exchanging the aspartate residue for a positively charged amino acid, D542K, resulted in a nonfunctional channel. Mutations of two neighboring negatively charged residues, i.e.Glu535 and Asp550, had only minor effects on Ca2+ permeation properties.
Dynamics of non-holonomic systems with stochastic transport

This paper formulates a variational approach for treating observational uncertainty and/or computational model errors as stochastic transport in dynamical systems governed by action principles under non-holonomic constraints. For this purpose, we derive, analyse and numerically study the example of an unbalanced spherical ball rolling under gravity along a stochastic path. Our approach uses the Hamilton–Pontryagin variational principle, constrained by a stochastic rolling condition, which we show is equivalent to the corresponding stochastic Lagrange–d’Alembert principle. In the example of the rolling ball, the stochasticity represents uncertainty in the observation and/or error in the computational simulation of the angular velocity of rolling. The influence of the stochasticity on the deterministically conserved quantities is investigated both analytically and numerically. Our approach applies to a wide variety of stochastic, non-holonomically constrained systems, because it preserves the mathematical properties inherited from the variational principle.
Physical fitness and physical activity in fatigued and non-fatigued inflammatory bowel disease patients

Abstract Objective. To assess physical fitness and physical activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and whether fatigue is associated with impaired physical fitness and impaired physical activity. Materials and methods. Ten patients with quiescent IBD and fatigue (fatigue group [FG]) based on the Checklist Individual Strength-Fatigue score of ≥35 were matched for age (±5 years) and sex with a non-fatigue group (NFG) with IBD. Physical fitness was measured with a cyclo-ergometric-based maximal exercise test, a submaximal 6-min walk test, and a dynamometer test to quantify the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors. Level of physical activity was measured with an accelerometer-based activity monitor. Results. The patients in both groups did not differ in regard to medication use, clinical characteristics, and body composition. However, medium-to-large effect sizes for impaired physical fitness (both cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength) and physical activity were seen between the patients in the FG and the NFG. Especially, intensity of physical activity was significantly lower in the FG patients compared with the NFG patients (effect size: 1.02; p = 0.037). Similar results were seen when outcomes of the FG and NFG were compared with reference values of the normal population. Conclusion. Fatigued IBD patients show an impaired physical fitness and physical activity compared with non-fatigued IBD patients. This gives directions for a physical component in fatigue in IBD patients. Therefore, these new insights into fatigue indicate that these patients might benefit from an exercise program to improve physical fitness and physical activity.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase subunit β of Lactobacillus plantarum is a collagen adhesin involved in biofilm formation

Multi‐functional surface proteins have been observed in a variety of pathogenic bacteria, where they mediate host cell adhesion and invasion, as well as in commensal bacterial species, were they mediate positive interaction with the host. Among these proteins, some glycolytic enzymes, expressed on the bacterial cell surface, can bind human extracellular matrix components (ECM). A major target for them is collagen, an abundant glycoprotein of connective tissues. We have previously shown that the enolase EnoA1 of Lactobacillus plantarum, one of the most predominant species in the gut microbiota of healthy individuals, is involved in binding with collagen type I (CnI). In this study, we found that PDHB, a component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, contributes to the L. plantarum LM3 adhesion to CnI. By a cellular adhesion assay to immobilized CnI, we show that LM3‐B1 cells, carrying a null mutation in the pdhB gene, bind to CnI – coated surfaces less efficiently than wild‐type cells. Moreover, we show that the PDHB–CnI interaction requires a native state for PDHB. We also analyzed the ability to develop biofilm in wild‐type and mutant strains and we found that the lack of the PDHB on cell surface generates cells partially impaired in biofilm development.
Elevated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin contributes to erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) demonstrate efficacy in NSCLC patients whose tumors harbor activating EGFR mutations. However, patients who initially respond to EGFR TKI treatment invariably develop resistance to the drugs. Known mechanisms account for approximately 70% of native and acquired EGFR TKI resistance. In the current study we investigated a novel mechanism of NSCLC resistance to erlotinib. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The mechanisms of acquired erlotinib resistance were evaluated by microarray analysis in thirteen NSCLC cell lines and in vivo in mice. Correlations between plasma neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels, erlotinib response and the EGFR mutational status were assessed in advanced stage NSCLC patients treated with erlotinib. RESULTS In 5 of 13 NSCLC cell lines NGAL was significantly upregulated. NGAL knockdown in erlotinib-resistant cells increased erlotinib sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. NGAL overexpression in erlotinib-sensitive cells augmented apoptosis resistance. This was mediated by NGAL-dependent modulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim levels. Evaluation of the plasma NGAL levels in NSCLC patients that received erlotinib revealed that patients with lower baseline NGAL demonstrated a better erlotinib response. Compared to patients with wild type EGFR, patients with activating EGFR mutations had lower plasma NGAL at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. CONCLUSIONS Our studies uncover a novel mechanism of NGAL-mediated modulation of Bim levels in NSCLC that might contribute to TKI resistance in lung cancer patients. These findings provide the rationale for the further investigations of the utility of NGAL as a potential therapeutic target or diagnostic biomarker.
The in vivo pig‐a gene mutation assay, a potential tool for regulatory safety assessment

The Pig‐a (phosphatidylinositol glycan, Class A) gene codes for a catalytic subunit of the N‐acetylglucosamine transferase complex involved in an early step of glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) cell surface anchor synthesis. Pig‐a is the only gene involved in GPI anchor synthesis that is on the X‐chromosome, and research into the origins of an acquired genetic disease involving GPI anchor deficiency (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria) indicates that cells lacking GPI anchors, or GPI‐anchored cell surface proteins, almost always have mutations in the Pig‐a gene. These properties of the Pig‐a gene and the GPI anchor system have been exploited in a series of assays for measuring in vivo gene mutation in blood cells from humans, rats, mice, and monkeys. In rats, flow cytometric measurement of Pig‐a mutation in red blood cells requires microliter volumes of blood and data can be generated in hours. Spontaneous mutant frequencies are relatively low (<5 × 10−6) and rats treated with multiple doses of the potent mutagen, N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea, display Pig‐a mutant frequencies that are close to the sum of the frequencies produced by the individual exposures. A general observation is that induced mutant frequencies are manifested earlier in reticulocytes (about 2 weeks after treatment) than in total red blood cells (about 2 months after exposure). Based on data from a limited number of test agents, the assay shows promise for regulatory applications, including integration of gene mutation measurement into repeat‐dose toxicology studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2010. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On bringing down Egypt's budget deficit to GDP ratio: are expenditure cuts required?

It is a common argument for a developing country like Egypt that the adoption of a contractionary fiscal policy that aims at reducing the level of government expenditure and its various components is necessary to lower the budget deficit as a percentage of GDP. However, such an argument can be flawed due to the fact that changes in the government expenditure might lead to unexpected changes in both the budget deficit and GDP. Accordingly, the net effect on the budget deficit-to-GDP ratio should depend on the elasticity of both the budget deficit and GDP with respect to changes in the government expenditure. This study aims to test empirically whether cutting the government expenditure in Egypt should actually be expected to lower the budget deficit-to-GDP ratio; it employs a mathematical framework that is based on differential calculus and the concept of elasticity using a time series dataset for the Egyptian economy for the period from fiscal year 1981/1982 to fiscal year 2013/2014. The findings indicate that lowering the government expenditure so as to decrease the budget deficit-to-GDP ratio might not achieve the expected aims and thus may not be the proper policy option.
Fire-fighting mobile robotics and interdisciplinary design-comparative perspectives

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the benefits of an autonomous fire-fighting robot design competition as an effective tool for undergraduate education. It presents experiences at the United States Air Force Academy, USAF Academy, CO; Pennsylvania State University-Abington; and Trinity College, Hartford, CT, together with the results of the contest surveys conducted in collaboration with The Technion*Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa. The primary goal of the design project is to create an autonomous mobile robot that navigates through a maze searching for a fire (simulated by a burning candle), detects the candle's flame, extinguishes the flame, and returns to a designated starting location in the maze. The fire-fighting design contest promotes interdisciplinary design and teamwork. To accomplish the stated goal, students must integrate knowledge gained from such classes as engineering design, circuits, controls, signals and systems, computer programming, mathematics, and engineering mechanics. Within the three institutions, the contest has been successfully utilized as a foundation for a wide range of educational goals. These activities include freshman design, robotics courses, K-12 outreach, senior design projects, and undergraduate research.