Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of irregular verb violations by children with and without SLI.

Fifty-seven children (ages in years;months: 5;7-8;8) with and without Specific Language Impairment (SLI) participated in judgment and elicitation tasks designed to evaluate their understanding of restrictions associated with irregular verb forms. The performance of the SLI group was similar to the performances of the control groups in that all children demonstrated high levels of sensitivity to violations involving verb-agreement errors (e.g., he am falling). The production and acceptance rates of past tense overregularizations (e.g., he falled) by the SLI and language-match groups were similar, and both were higher than the age-match group. Differences between affected and unaffected children were observed in their productions and relative levels of sensitivity to infinitive errors in finite positions (e.g., he fall off). As expected, children in the SLI group were more likely to produce and accept infinitive forms in finite positions. Children in the SLI group also accepted more finite form errors in VP complement positions (e.g., he made him fell) than the control groups, although the latter occurred rarely in children's productions. Implications for understanding morphophonological and morphosyntactic development in children with SLI are discussed.
Rotation of subunits during catalysis by Escherichia coli F1-ATPase.

During oxidative and photo-phosphorylation, F0F1-ATP synthases couple the movement of protons down an electrochemical gradient to the synthesis of ATP. One proposed mechanistic feature that has remained speculative is that this coupling process requires the rotation of subunits within F0F1. Guided by a recent, high-resolution structure for bovine F1 [Abrahams, J. P., Leslie, A. G. , Lutter, R. & Walker, J. E. (1994) Nature (London) 370, 621-628], we have developed a critical test for rotation of the central gamma subunit relative to the three catalytic beta subunits in soluble F1 from Escherichia coli. In the bovine F1 structure, a specific point of contact between the gamma subunit and one of the three catalytic beta subunits includes positioning of the homolog of E. coli gamma-subunit C87 (gamma C87) close to the beta-subunit 380DELSEED386 sequence. A beta D380C mutation allowed us to induce formation of a specific disulfide bond between beta and gamma C87 in soluble E. coli F1. Formation of the crosslink inactivated beta D380C-F1, and reduction restored full activity. Using a dissociation/reassembly approach with crosslinked beta D380C-F1, we incorporated radiolabeled beta subunits into the two noncrosslinked beta-subunit positions of F1. After reduction of the initial nonradioactive beta-gamma crosslink, only exposure to conditions for catalytic turnover results in similar reactivities of unlabeled and radiolabeled beta subunits with gamma C87 upon reoxidation. The results demonstrate that gamma subunit rotates relative to the beta subunits during catalysis.
Expression profile of genes identified in human spermatogonial stem cell‐like cells using suppression subtractive hybridization

Spermatogenesis is the process by which testicular spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) self‐renew and differentiate into mature sperm in the testis. Maintaining healthy spermatogenesis requires proper proliferation of SSCs. In this study, we sought to identify factors that regulate the proliferation of SSCs. Human SSC (hSSC)‐like cells were isolated from azoospermic patients by a modified culture method and propagated in vitro. After four to five passages, the SSC‐like cells spontaneously ceased proliferating in vitro, so we collected proliferating (P)‐hSSC‐like cells at passage two and senescent (S)‐hSSC‐like cells at passage five. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed between the P‐hSSC‐like and S‐hSSC‐like cells. We selected positive clones up‐regulated in P‐hSSC‐like cells using SSH and functionally characterized them by reference to public databases using NCBI BLAST tools. Expression levels of genes corresponding to subtracted clones were analyzed using RT‐PCR. Finally, we confirmed the differential expression of 128 genes in positive clones of P‐hSSC‐like cells compared with S‐hSSC‐like cells and selected 23 known and 39 unknown clones for further study. Known genes were associated with diverse functions; 22% were related to metabolism. Fifteen of the known genes and two of the unknown genes were down‐regulated after senescence of hSSC‐like cells. A comparison with previous reports further suggests that known genes selected, SPP1, may be related to germ cell biogenesis and cellular proliferation. Our findings identify several potential novel candidate biomarkers of proliferating‐ and senescencet‐hSSCs, and they provide potentially important insights into the function and characteristics of human SSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 752–762, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The right ventricle in Fabry disease

Aim: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is a common feature in Fabry disease‐related progressive infiltrative hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and affects both men and women, but at different ages. To date, however, little is known about the role of right ventricular (RV) function in Fabry disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the extent of RV involvement in patients with Fabry disease. Methods: Echocardiographic examination of the right and left ventricle was carried out in 129 patients (80 women and 49 men) with Fabry disease. Results: RV hypertrophy was present in 46 patients (35.7%). Of these patients, 13 showed signs of severely depressed right systolic function (tricuspid annulus movement <10 mm and a prolonged RV pre‐ejection period/pulmonary ejection time ratio) and six patients showed additional severe depression of parameters of diastolic function (pseudo‐normal or restrictive RV filling patterns). Those patients with RV hypertrophy and severely compromised systolic and diastolic function had the highest LV masses (92±11.7 g/m2.7).
Genetic-based reference values for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) according to I/D polymorphism in a Spanish population sample

Abstract Background: Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been related to sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases. It has been demonstrated that serum ACE activity is influenced by ACE gene I/D polymorphism. The aim of this study was to establish ACE activity reference values according to genotype in a Spanish population to improve diagnostic sensitivity and treatment monitoring in sarcoidosis patients. Methods: A sample population of 150 blood donors was included in the study. Serum ACE activity and genotype were determined and the reference intervals, defined as the 95% central range of the population (2.5th–97.5th percentiles) were obtained for all three genotypes (DD, DI, II) and for the entire sample. Results: Genotype frequencies were 37% DD (n=54), 43% DI (n=63), and 20% II (n=30). Individuals with DD genotype showed the highest ACE activity (mean 39.0 U/L, SD 13.6), ID genotype showed intermediate levels (mean 29.5 U/L, SD 10.2) and II genotype lowest levels (mean 19.1 U/L, SD 4.9). ACE activity differed significantly between these groups: F (2144)=33.15, p<0.05. The corresponding reference intervals for ACE activity were 13.3–63.9 U/L in the overall sample, 12.3–65.6 U/L in genotype DD, 9.5–49.5 U/L in DI and 9.6–28.7 in II. Conclusions: The preliminary reference values for ACE activity in healthy Spanish individuals according to I/D polymorphism are presented. Significant differences in these values were found between the genotype groups.
Five-year surveillance of human tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in Bologna, Italy: an underestimated problem

SUMMARY Human tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis surveillance is affected by a lack of data. The aims of the present study were: (i) to estimate the proportion of human TB caused by M. bovis over a period of 5 years in Bologna, Northern Italy, which, like most Western European countries, has been declared bovine TB-free; (ii) to compare the genetic profiles of M. bovis strains identified in humans with those circulating in cattle in the last 15 years in Italy. Among 511 TB patients, the proportion of human TB caused by M. bovis was 1·76%, significantly associated to extra-pulmonary localization (P = 0·004) and to being elderly (P < 0·001) and Italy-born (P = 0·036). The molecular epidemiology analysis by spoligotyping and Multilocus Variable Tandem Repeat Analysis confirmed that most M. bovis strains from Italy-born patients matched those circulating in cattle herds in Italy between 2001 and 2016. Two cases of Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection were also characterized. In conclusion, the rate of human TB caused by M. bovis was not negligible, highlighting the relevance of molecular typing in evaluating the effectiveness of programmes designed to eradicate TB in cattle in Italy.
International Capital Markets with Time-Varying Preferences

We propose a 2-country asset-pricing model where agents' preferences change endogenously as a function of the popularity of internationally traded goods. We determine the effect of the time-variation of preferences on equity markets, consumption and portfolio choices. When agents are more sensitive to the popularity of domestic consumption goods, the local stock market reacts more strongly to the preferences of local agents than to the preferences of foreign agents. Therefore, home bias arises because home-country stock represents a better investment opportunity for hedging against future fluctuations in preferences. We test our model and find that preference evolution is a plausible driver of key macroeconomic variables and stock returns.
Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Human Adults From Three Rural Communities in Durango State, Mexico

There is scarce information concerning the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in people of rural Mexico. Anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies were sought in 462 adult inhabitants from 3 rural communities of Durango, Mexico, using enzyme-linked immunoassays. In total, 110 (23.8%) of 463 persons had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. Ten (2.2%) of them also had IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies. Prevalences of T. gondii IgG antibodies in the 3 communities varied from 14.8 to 35.8%. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in participants older than 70 yr and in those with good housing conditions. Toxoplasma gondii infection was significantly associated with consumption of squirrel (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–16.05) and turkey meat (adjusted OR = 4.58; 95% CI = 1.14–18.44). This is the first epidemiological study of T. gondii prevalence in rural Mexico.
Entrepreneurship and Multinational Subsidiaries’ Performance in an Era of Financial Crisis and Economic Uncertainty

ABSTRACT Since entrepreneurial foreign investments may act as a catalyst for economic recovery in crisis periods, we examine the influence of entrepreneurship-related variables on the performance of multinational subsidiaries in Greece, in an era of financial recession and high economic uncertainty. Our conceptual foundation identifies in-house technological capabilities, autonomy and strategic mandates as core predictors of subsidiaries’ entrepreneurial aspects. Drawing upon a questionnaire-based survey of 87 foreign firms operating in the focal economy, our findings suggest that subsidiaries’ product mandate role and increased autonomy impacts positively on performance. Surprisingly enough, the performance effect of technology-related variables linked to entrepreneurship seems insignificant.
Foreign Investment and Shared Sovereignty

This study investigates how the legal provisions contained in Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) affect foreign direct investment inflows in OECD countries. This stands in contrast to the existing literature on two counts: first, we examine separate investor protection provisions contained in BITs; and second we cover OECD economies only. We also take account of the existence of investment clauses in Preferential Trade Agreements. Additional attention is paid to the role of trade in the gravity model, estimated using a Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood estimator. We find that it is the inclusion of Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions contained within BITs that matter most for foreign direct investment flows. In particular, the interaction of restrictive provisions contained in ISDS matters most for investment inflows. Our empirical analysis shows that BITs with ISDS provisions with both binding rules and a wide coverage for claims may increase investment flows by 73%. We believe that this is the first study to show the importance of ISDS provisions for direct investment inflows in advanced economies. However, the inclusion restrictive provisions can be interpreted as ceding sovereign control, making them politically controversial.
Reflex Muscle Contraction in the Unaware Occupant in Whiplash Injury

Study Design. Computer modeling and parametric analysis were used to determine the effect of reflex contraction of the neck muscles in the unaware occupant in whiplash. Objective. To delineate effects of reflex contraction on spinal segmental kinematics during the retraction phase. Summary of Background Data. The ability of reflex neck muscle contraction to mitigate whiplash injury in the unaware occupant remains unclear. Analyzing relative timing between electromyographic and head-neck kinematics, previous investigators theorized that muscle contraction alters spinal kinematics, decreasing injury likelihood. Other investigators suggested that injury occurs during the initial (retraction) phase of head-neck kinematics, before significant muscle force generation. Methods. Computer modeling was used to determine reflex contraction effects on segmental angulations, implementing parametric analysis techniques to vary reflex delay and impact severity. Results. Shorter reflex delays had a greater effect on segmental angulations later in the event and at lower impact severities. However, the magnitude of this effect, particularly at higher impact severities and during maximum cervical S-curvature (factors implicated in the whiplash injury mechanism) was minimal, altering segmental angulations by a maximum of 19%. Conclusions. Because reflex contraction did not substantially alter spinal kinematics, muscle contraction likely does not initiate in sufficient time to mitigate whiplash injuries that may occur during the retraction phase.
Differential Effects of 20‐Epi Vitamin D Analogs on the Vitamin D Receptor Homodimer

Vitamin D analogs have received increased attention because of their possible therapeutic benefits in treating osteoporosis and various proliferative disorders. Several analogs were examined for their effects on DNA binding of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) homodimer complex with the murine osteopontin vitamin D response element. All of the tested analogs increased complex binding by recombinant human VDR in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and notable differences in mobility of these complexes were observed. A panel of C‐terminal anti‐VDR antisera were screened for their ability to interact with analog‐bound VDR homodimer complexes or as a heterodimer complex with recombinant human retinoid X receptor α (rhRXRα). Like calcitriol, analog‐bound heterodimer complexes were largely resistant to interaction with these antisera; however, striking differences were observed with the various antisera in an analogous homodimer binding experiment. KH1060 and CB1093, analogs with 20‐epi conformations, produced homodimer complexes that were 3‐ to 6‐fold more resistant to supershifting with Ab180 compared with the hormone or EB1089. Chymotrypsin digestion in combination with Western blotting using a C‐terminal anti‐VDR antiserum revealed similar digestion patterns for all ligands. However, KH1060‐ and CB1093‐bound VDR complexes were more resistant to digestion than either calcitriol or EB1089. Finally, the ability of these compounds to yield stable homodimer complexes was assessed by challenging preformed homodimer with the exogenous addition of rhRXRα extracts. Although new heterodimer complexes appeared in a time‐dependent fashion, the preformed homodimer complexes exhibited stable binding throughout the time course of the experiment. The results indicate that VDR homodimers are targets of vitamin D analogs with differential effects on C‐terminal protein conformation that may partially explain the varied biological responses of these compounds.
Legionella pneumophila Utilizes the Same Genes To Multiply within Acanthamoeba castellanii and Human Macrophages

ABSTRACT In previous reports we described a 22-kb Legionella pneumophila chromosomal locus containing 18 genes. Thirteen of these genes (icmT, -R, -Q, -P, -O, -M, -L, -K, -E, -C, -D, -J, and -B) were found to be completely required for intracellular growth and killing of human macrophages. Three genes (icmS, -G, and -F) were found to be partially required, and two genes (lphA andtphA) were found to be dispensable for intracellular growth and killing of human macrophages. Here, we analyzed the requirement of these genes for intracellular growth in the protozoan hostAcanthamoeba castellanii, a well-established important environmental host of L. pneumophila. We found that all the genes that are completely required for intracellular growth in human macrophages are also completely required for intracellular growth in A. castellanii. However, the genes that are partially required for intracellular growth in human macrophages are completely required for intracellular growth in A. castellanii. In addition, the lphA gene, which was shown to be dispensable for intracellular growth in human macrophages, is partially required for intracellular growth in A. castellanii. Our results indicate that L. pneumophila utilizes the same genes to grow intracellularly in both human macrophages and amoebae.
METHODS FOR IMPROVING NEUROLOGICAL RECOVERY AFTER HYPOTHERMIC CIRCULATORY ARREST

During surgery of the aortic arch and pediatric heart surgery, the blood flow to the brain has to be interrupted at times to allow a bloodless operation field and adequate conditions for surgical repair. During this no-flow period the brain is exposed to a high risk of ischaemic injury, as it will become irreversibly damaged after 5 minutes of circulatory arrest at 37°C. Additional time can be gained by cooling the patient with an extracorporeal heart-lung machine, as hypothermia reduces the cerebral metabolic rate and allows longer safe periods of circulatory standstill. This method of cerebral protection, called hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), is widely used in clinical practice. Thus the brain becomes susceptible to ischaemic injury after 30 minutes of HCA at 15°C. Lower temperatures than this are not practicable, however, as they require longer periods of cardiopulmonary bypass, which may further aggravate cerebral injury. To ensure a better outcome for patients undergoing these operations, additional ways of protecting the brain are required. The present work focuses on neuroprotective biochemical and fluid therapy methods for use during HCA, employing a surviving porcine model. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP), a high-energy intermediate of glycolysis, was examined for potential neuroprotective properties in two cerebral injury settings associated with HCA. First, FDP was administered before and after a 75-minute period of HCA at a brain temperature of 18°C. This led to better survival, neurological recovery and brain histopathological findings and had supportive effects on brain metabolism (I). Second, a 25-minute period of HCA along with an iatrogenic embolic load produced by microsphere injection was used to generate a massive ischaemic injury to the brain. In this setting FDP did not affect the neurological outcome but had a clear supportive impact on cerebral metabolism (II). In addition, cerebral histopathological samples taken during the first study were analysed by electron microscopy, which revealed significant preservation of the ultrastructure in the FDP-treated animals (III). Hypertonic saline dextran (HSD) is a novel fluid therapy method which has been shown to enhance the outcome after hypovolaemic shock with or without head injury and is potentially very effective in reducing ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Its administration led to a decrease in intracranial pressure, improved brain metabolism, faster and better recovery and less histopathologically observable morphological damage (IV). The findings indicate that both FDP and HSD have significant neuroprotective properties and should be assessed in humans as well.
Model consensus projections of US regional hydroclimates under greenhouse warming

We investigate ensemble-mean (‘consensus’) values of resolution-weighted CMIP5 multi-model simulations of 1976–2005 summer regional hydroclimates, and of their projected 2070–2099 changes under three progressively more severe representative concentration pathways greenhouse scenarios. Uncertainties in these consensus values are estimated from the cross-ensemble scatter. We analyze differences among 30 year present-day and future consensus summer hydroclimates that are averaged over three disparate regions of the United States: the semi-arid Southern Great Plains, the arid Southwest, and the humid Southeast. Our study considers the impact of several scenarios of greenhouse forcing on the regional averages of both single hydroclimatic variables and on ratios of variables which are indicative of continental drying, as well as the partitioning of surface moisture or available energy into their respective subcomponents. In all three study regions, there is a projected robust increase in surface temperature as the severity of the greenhouse scenario increases; but the regional-average hydroclimatic changes are comparatively uncertain, and often are not proportional to the change in surface warming. There is, however, a projected robust increase in continental drying that is manifested by several complementary measures, but that differs in magnitude by region. The prospect of future continental aridification should be viewed with some caution, however, since it may be a result of various shortcomings in current-generation climate models or in the specified greenhouse scenarios.