Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of topical glucocorticoid treatment of hay fever: IL-5 and eosinophil activation during natural allergen exposure are suppressed, but IL-4, IL-6, and IgE antibody production are unaffected.

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis is traditionally defined as an IgE- and mast cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Allergen challenge models suggest that cytokines and eosinophil mediators may also play roles. However, the causal relationship among inflammatory cells, their products, and patients' symptoms during natural allergen exposure has not been established. OBJECTIVE We sought to elucidate the mechanisms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and the beneficial effects of topical glucocorticoids. METHODS Thirty patients with ragweed-induced hay fever and a strongly positive serologic test response for ragweed IgE antibody received budesonide nasal spray or placebo in a randomized, parallel, double-blind study. Nasal wash fluids and sera were collected before and during the hay fever season. The levels of inflammatory mediators and allergen-specific immunoglobulins were measured by immunoassay. The activation markers on blood eosinophils were quantitated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Compared with placebo-treated patients, budesonide-treated patients had strikingly reduced symptoms. In the placebo group, nasal symptoms correlated with nasal lavage fluid eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and IL-5 levels. At the season peak, the budesonide-treated group had significantly lower nasal fluid eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, IL-5, and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 levels. In the treated group eosinophil expression of CD11b was suppressed at the season peak. In contrast, levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in nasal fluid and the seasonal increases in serum ragweed-specific IgE and nasal fluid IgA antibodies did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION Eosinophilic inflammation plays a critical role in seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. One of the therapeutic effects of glucocorticoids is to suppress this inflammation.
The Employment Effects of Minimum Wages: Some Questions We Need to Answer

The literature on the employment effects of minimum wages is about a century old, and includes hundreds of studies. Yet the debate among researchers about the employment effects of minimum wages remains intense and unsettled. This essay discusses the key questions that have arisen in the past research that, if we can answer them, may prove most useful in making sense of the conflicting evidence. I also focus on additional questions we should consider to better inform the policy debate, in particular in the context of the very high minimum wages coming on line in the United States, about which past research is quite uninformative.
Genome architecture enables local adaptation of Atlantic cod despite high connectivity

Adaptation to local conditions is a fundamental process in evolution; however, mechanisms maintaining local adaptation despite high gene flow are still poorly understood. Marine ecosystems provide a wide array of diverse habitats that frequently promote ecological adaptation even in species characterized by strong levels of gene flow. As one example, populations of the marine fish Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are highly connected due to immense dispersal capabilities but nevertheless show local adaptation in several key traits. By combining population genomic analyses based on 12K single nucleotide polymorphisms with larval dispersal patterns inferred using a biophysical ocean model, we show that Atlantic cod individuals residing in sheltered estuarine habitats of Scandinavian fjords mainly belong to offshore oceanic populations with considerable connectivity between these diverse ecosystems. Nevertheless, we also find evidence for discrete fjord populations that are genetically differentiated from offshore populations, indicative of local adaptation, the degree of which appears to be influenced by connectivity. Analyses of the genomic architecture reveal a significant overrepresentation of a large ~5 Mb chromosomal rearrangement in fjord cod, previously proposed to comprise genes critical for the survival at low salinities. This suggests that despite considerable connectivity with offshore populations, local adaptation to fjord environments may be enabled by suppression of recombination in the rearranged region. Our study provides new insights into the potential of local adaptation in high gene flow species within fine geographical scales and highlights the importance of genome architecture in analyses of ecological adaptation.
Premature Deindustrialization and the Defeminization of Labor

Abstract: There is growing evidence of two related global processes happening. The late industrializers are deindustrializing at earlier stages of development than their predecessors, and the global trends in the gender composition of manufacturing and industrial employment are evolving. What is less well known is how these two trends are related to one another. Starting from the premise that industrial upgrading has been observed to have a male bias, we test the hypothesis that premature deindustrialization is likely to amplify that bias. For the empirical test and simulation, we use an economy’s global competitive position as a proxy for the deindustrialization regime type. To get to this position, we bring together the work of Nicholas Kaldor, feminist scholarship, and structuralist critiques. The results for sixty-two countries, spanning the years from 1990 to 2013, support our hypothesis that premature deindustrialization is likely to amplify the male bias of industrial upgrading.
Population structure of ice‐breeding seals

The development of population genetic structure in ice‐breeding seal species is likely to be shaped by a combination of breeding habitat and life‐history characteristics. Species that return to breed on predictable fast‐ice locations are more likely to exhibit natal fidelity than pack‐ice‐breeding species, which in turn facilitates the development of genetic differentiation between subpopulations. Other aspects of life history such as geographically distinct vocalizations, female gregariousness, and the potential for polygynous breeding may also facilitate population structure. Based on these factors, we predicted that fast‐ice‐breeding seal species (the Weddell and ringed seal) would show elevated genetic differentiation compared to pack‐ice‐breeding species (the leopard, Ross, crabeater and bearded seals). We tested this prediction using microsatellite analysis to examine population structure of these six ice‐breeding species. Our results did not support this prediction. While none of the Antarctic pack‐ice species showed statistically significant population structure, the bearded seal of the Arctic pack ice showed strong differentiation between subpopulations. Again in contrast, the fast‐ice‐breeding Weddell seal of the Antarctic showed clear evidence for genetic differentiation while the ringed seal, breeding in similar habitat in the Arctic, did not. These results suggest that the development of population structure in ice‐breeding phocid seals is a more complex outcome of the interplay of phylogenetic and ecological factors than can be predicted on the basis of breeding substrate and life‐history characteristics.
Effect of Pregnancy on the Rat Ovary Transplanted to the Spleen.∗

Summary In 24 rats the left ovary was transplanted to the spleen, and between 40 and 50 days later they were permitted to become pregnant. Six animals were sacrificed at the termination of pregnancy, and in all the intrasplenic ovary showed distinct proliferation of new follicles, and only one of these in addition contained a corpus luteum. Nine animals were sacrificed at intervals up to 60 days post partum, and in these the intrasplenic ovary showed progressive atrophy. In another series, the normal right ovary was removed at the termination of pregnancy and groups of 3 animals were sacrificed 10, 31, and 62 days later. The intrasplenic ovary of this series showed progressive enlargement with the continuous formation of new follicles and corpora lutea, and there was no evidence of involution of the latter. In this experiment, the gonadotrophic hormones of pregnant rats produced primarily follicular activity in the intrasplenic ovary, while simultaneously in the normally situated ovary corpora lutea were formed and maintained.
Maternal metabolic, immune, and microbial systems in late pregnancy vary with malnutrition in mice†

Abstract Malnutrition is a global threat to pregnancy health and impacts offspring development. Establishing an optimal pregnancy environment requires the coordination of maternal metabolic and immune pathways, which converge at the gut. Diet, metabolic, and immune dysfunctions have been associated with gut dysbiosis in the nonpregnant individual. In pregnancy, these states are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and offspring development. However, the impact of malnutrition on maternal gut microbes, and their relationships with maternal metabolic and immune status, has been largely underexplored. To determine the impact of undernutrition and overnutrition on maternal metabolic status, inflammation, and the microbiome, and whether relationships exist between these systems, pregnant mice were fed either a normal, calorically restricted (CR), or a high fat (HF) diet. In late pregnancy, maternal inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers were measured and the cecal microbiome was characterized. Microbial richness was reduced in HF mothers although they did not gain more weight than controls. First trimester weight gain was associated with differences in the microbiome. Microbial abundance was associated with altered plasma and gut inflammatory phenotypes and peripheral leptin levels. Taxa potentially protective against elevated maternal leptin, without the requirement of a CR diet, were identified. Suboptimal dietary conditions common during pregnancy adversely impact maternal metabolic and immune status and the microbiome. HF nutrition exerts the greatest pressures on maternal microbial dynamics and inflammation. Key gut bacteria may mediate local and peripheral inflammatory events in response to maternal nutrient and metabolic status, with implications for maternal and offspring health. Summary Sentence Malnutrition alters immune and metabolic systems in pregnancy, and gut microbes may mediate the maternal response to these suboptimal dietary exposures.
Effectiveness of Program and Project Aid in Sub-Sahara African Countries

본 논문의 목적은 사하라이남 아프리카의 경제적 발전을 촉진하기위한 원조 방식 중에서 프로그램 (예산지원) 또는 프로젝트(특정투자사업지원) 원조 간의 상대적 우위성을 평가하는데 있다. 2016년부터 시작되는 지속적 발전목표 (SDGs)의 달성에 필요한 재원의 규모는 새천년 개발목표 (MDGs)의 달성에 필요한 재원에 비하여 훨씬 많을 것으로 추정되고 있기.
Fundamentals of Efficient Factor Investing (corrected May 2017)

Combining long-only-constrained factor subportfolios is generally not a mean–variance-efficient way to capture expected factor returns. For example, a combination of four fully invested factor subportfolios—low beta, small size, value, and momentum—captures less than half (e.g., 40%) of the potential improvement over the market portfolio’s Sharpe ratio. In contrast, a long-only portfolio of individual securities, using the same risk model and return forecasts, captures most (e.g., 80%) of the potential improvement. We adapt traditional portfolio theory to more recently popularized factor-based investing and simulate optimal combinations of factor and security portfolios, using the largest 1,000 common stocks in the US equity market from 1968 to 2015.
On asymmetric information and tax morale in developing countries

Our paper investigates the implications of asymmetric non-tax revenue information for tax morale using micro data from thirty-six African countries. We utilize a model in which agents form their perceptions about the sufficiency of government non-tax revenue for development financing under asymmetric information conditions. We then construct a composite index of information access that generates predictions about these perceptions and tax morale at the household level. Two important predictions emerge: (i) in the presence of asymmetric information, households overestimate the ability of non-tax revenues alone to finance development, which (ii) has significant negative effects on household-level tax morale. Our findings—which are robust across specifications and controls of cross-country fixed differences in tax morale—provide evidence that improvement in government information supply regarding the use of non-tax revenues, beyond annual budget readings and households tax obligations, could significantly enhance tax morale and compliance.
Residents' attitudes toward ethnic neighborhood tourism (ENT): perspectives of ethnicity and empowerment

ABSTRACT Ethnic neighborhood tourism (ENT) has the potential to not only alter the identity of the ethnic landscape but to also influence the distribution of power and economic benefits from tourism between ethnic groups. Such unequal distribution may foster divergent attitudes toward tourism between minority residents whose culture is at the center of ENT and those of the majority population whose cultural heritage is being overshadowed. With this in mind, this study compared the relationship between Japanese and Brazilian residents’ perceived empowerment from tourism and their attitudes toward tourism development in the ENT destination of Oizumi, Japan. Results revealed that even though the Brazilians perceived themselves to be more psychologically and socially empowered from ENT, the perceptions of empowerment among the Japanese were slightly better predictors of support for tourism and Japanese residents’ perceptions of tourism's contributions within the community. The findings suggest the importance of sociocultural determinants of resident attitudes especially among those who do not perceive economic benefits from tourism. The study also indicates the appropriateness of combining social exchange theory with more holistic theories to capture the complexities influencing resident attitudes toward tourism.
Intracapsular and atmospheric pressure in the dynamics and stability of the hip. A biomechanical study.

A cadaver study was undertaken to evaluate (a) the relations between the rotation around the axis of the neck of the femur, intracapsular effusion, and intracapsular pressure; and (b) the importance of the atmospheric pressure in stabilizing the hip joint. The following conclusions were reached: (1) There is no increase in intracapsular pressure within the normal range of rotation ("flexion") around the axis of the neck of the femur. (2) Intracapsular fluid (e.g., blood, pus, synovial edema and/or free synovial fluid) decreases this pressureless range of rotation, a likely cause of pain and subsequently flexion contractures. (3) Joint stability is primarily maintained by the atmospheric pressure within the normal range of rotation. The joint capsule is tightened only in extreme extension or flexion and contributes to stability only in these positions. (4) The traction force needed to overcome the stabilizing effect of the atmospheric pressure and thus subluxate the adult joint is approximately 200 N, in a child less, proportional to the square of the diameter of the femoral head. We also propose that intracapsular fluid makes the joint potentially unstable, a prerequisite for unfavorable mechanical cartilage load. These findings have clinical implications in synovitis, septic and juvenile arthritis, congenital dislocation of the hip, arthroplasty, and trauma.
Tapping the Geoscience Two-Year College Student Reservoir: Factors that Influence Student Transfer Intent and Physical Science Degree Aspirations

Colleges and universities are facing greater accountability to identify and implement practices that increase the number of two-year college (2YC) students who transfer to four-year institutions (4YC) and complete baccalaureate degrees. This is particularly true for physical science and geoscience disciplines, which have the lowest STEM degree completion rates of students transferring from 2YCs (Wilson, 2014a). A better understanding of how academic engagement experiences contribute to increased 2YC student interest in these disciplines and student intent to transfer is critical in strengthening the transfer pathway for the physical sciences and geosciences. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of the influence that background characteristics, mathematics preparation, academic experiences (e.g. faculty-student interaction, undergraduate research experiences, and field experiences), and academic advisor engagement have on 2YC student intentions to transfer to a four-year institution (4YC) with physical science or geoscience degree aspirations. Incorporating the conceptual frameworks of student engagement and transfer student capital (Laanan et al., 2010), this study used Astin’s (1993; 1999) input-environment-outcomes (I-E-O) model to investigate what factors predict 2YC students’ intent to transfer to a 4YC and pursue physical science or geoscience degrees. This study used a quantitative research approach with data collected from 751 student respondents from 24 2YCs. Results from three sequential multiple regression models revealed advisor interaction, speaking with a transfer advisor, and visiting the intended 4YC were significant in increased 2YC student transfer intent. Student-faculty interaction and faculty and academic advisors discussing career opportunities in the physical sciences were significant in leading to increased 2YC student intent to pursue physical science degrees or geoscience
A comparative evaluation of ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement as a pulpotomy medicament

Introduction: Recently, some studies have compared mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with portland cement (PC), concluding that the principle ingredients of PC are similar to those of MTA. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of PC as a pulpotomy medicament. Materials and Methods: Thirty premolars that scheduled for extraction for therapeutic reasons were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: ProRoot MTA (PMTA) and PC. After isolation and pulp exposure, pulpotomy was carried out and pulps were dressed with PMTA and PC. After 6 months, the teeth were extracted and prepared for histological analysis based on Cox et al. criteria. The data were analyzed by Z-test of proportion with 1% of allowed error. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to inflammatory response, soft tissue organization, and dentine bridge formation (P > 0.05). Conclusions: PC was associated with similar favorable biological response to pulpotomy treatment as PMTA. The findings of this study support the idea that PC can be considered a cheaper substitute to MTA.
Republican patriotism and Machiavelli’s patriotism

ABSTRACT The theories of republican patriotism, especially articulated by Maurizio Viroli, promote Machiavelli's patriotism as the archetype of patriotism without nationalism. The upshot is that in Machiavelli's republicanism, the ideal of liberty as non-domination cultivates moral obligations towards humanity. Rather than engaging in debates on the tension between republican liberty and republican imperialism in Machiavelli's writings, this article tackles this interpretation with textual evidences that shed light on Machiavelli's patriotism prone to the same problems as those Maurizio Viroli sees in nationalism. More specifically, I argue that Machiavelli's patriotic aspiration neglects the role of regulative principle in guarding patriotic loyalty from degenerating into collective selfishness.
Prevention of Cerebral Hyperthermia During Cardiac Surgery by Limiting On-Bypass Rewarming in Combination with Post-Bypass Body Surface Warming: A Feasibility Study

Cerebral hyperthermia is common during the rewarming phase of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and is implicated in CPB-associated neurocognitive dysfunction. Limiting rewarming may prevent cerebral hyperthermia but risks postoperative hypothermia. In a prospective, controlled study, we tested whether using a surface-warming device could allow limited rewarming from hypothermic CPB while avoiding prolonged postoperative hypothermia (core body temperature <36°C). Thirteen patients undergoing primary elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were randomized to either a surface-rewarming group (using the Arctic Sun® thermoregulatory system;n = 7)or a control standard rewarming group (n = 6). During rewarming from CPB, the control group was warmed to a nasopharyngeal temperature of 37°C, whereas the surface-warming group was warmed to 35°C, and then slowly rewarmed to 36.8°C over the ensuing 4 h. Cerebral temperature was measured using a jugular bulb thermistor. Nasopharyngeal temperatures were lower in the surface-rewarming group at the end of CPB but not 4 h after surgery. Peak jugular bulb temperatures during the rewarming phase were significantly lower in the surface-rewarming group (36.4°C ± 1°C) compared with controls (37.7°C ± 0.5°C; P = 0.024). We conclude that limiting rewarming during CPB, when used in combination with surface warming, can prevent cerebral hypothermia while minimizing the risk of postoperative hypothermia.
Informal Intellectual Collaboration with Central Colleagues

When preparing a research article, academics engage in informal intellectual collaboration by asking their colleagues for feedback. This collaboration gives rise to a social network between academics. We study whether informal intellectual collaboration with an academic who is more central in this social network results in a research article having higher scientific impact. To address the well-known reflection problem in estimating network effects, we use the assignment of discussants at NBER summer institutes as a quasi-natural experiment. We show that manuscripts discussed by a discussant with a 10% higher than average Bonacich centrality rank results in 1.4% more citations and a 5% higher probability that an article is published in a top journal. To illustrate our results, we develop a structural model in which a positive externality from intellectual collaboration implies that collaborating with a more central colleague results in larger scientific impact of the research article.