Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Working Paper 279 - Teen Fertility and Labor Market Segmentation in Madagascar

Women represent the majority of informal sector workers in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where adolescent pregnancy rates are high. Little empirical evidence exists concerning the relationship between teen fertility and the likelihood that a woman will be employed in the informal sector. Using a panel survey in Madagascar designed to capture the transition from adolescence to adulthood, we estimate a multinomial logit model to capture the effect of the timing of first birth on female selection into four categories: non-participation, informal, formal, and student. To address the endogeneity of fertility and labor market outcomes, we instrument the timing of first birth using young women’s community-level access, and duration of exposure to family planning. Our results suggest that motherhood increases the probability of employment for young women and that women whose first birth occurs during adolescence largely select into low-quality informal jobs. This effect is partially, but not entirely, mediated by the effect of teen pregnancy on schooling.
Implantation of the Malformed Cochlea

Objective This study assesses the results of cochlear implantation in children with cochlear malformations. Study Design Retrospective, matched-pairs analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting University-based regional cochlear implant center. Patients Seventeen children with osseous cochlear malformations who had undergone implantation were matched and compared with a group of children with normal cochleae who had undergone implantation. Interventions All subjects received a multichannel cochlear implant and habilitation. Main Outcome Measures All subjects were tested with the Early Speech Perception test, and the Glendonald Auditory Speech Perception tests for words and sentences. Patients were classified in a standardized speech perception category based on performance on the Early Speech Perception test. Results All subjects demonstrated improving performance on all measures of speech perception over time. Overall, the two groups showed no statistically significant differences in performance at 6 and 24 months. However, subjects with malformed cochleae evidenced slower rates of improvement than did their matched control subjects. Subjects with more severe malformations demonstrated poorer performance, but this may have been attributable to preoperative factors rather than to implant performance. Conclusions Children with radiographic cochlear malformations benefit from cochlear implantation with multichannel devices. They ultimately perform as well as their matched counterparts with normal cochleae, although they may improve more slowly over time.
Relationship between maternal church attendance and adolescent mental health and social functioning.

OBJECTIVE This study compared maternal attendance at religious services with standard demographic characteristics such as race, type of religion, and mother's education in terms of their relative association with the behavioral and social functioning of young adolescents. METHODS The Child Health and Illness Profile--Adolescent Edition and the Children's Depression Inventory were used to screen 445 youths age 11 through 13 who were randomly selected from two public middle schools in Baltimore. Based on the findings, the investigators selected a sample of 143 youths in which approximately two-thirds were at risk of having a psychiatric disorder and the remaining third were unlikely to have a psychiatric disorder. The youths and their mothers were interviewed at home to determine the mothers' frequency of participation in religious services and the youths' self-reported health and mental health status and social role functioning. RESULTS Youths whose mothers attended religious services at least once a week had greater overall satisfaction with their lives, more involvement with their families, and better skills in solving health-related problems and felt greater support from friends compared with youths whose mothers had lower levels of participation in religious services. Maternal attendance at religious services had a strong association with the youths' outcome in overall satisfaction with health and perceived social support from friends, although family income was the strongest predictor of five other aspects of functioning, including academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Frequent maternal participation in religious services was associated with healthy functioning and well-being in this sample of young adolescents. This association is as important as or more important than associations involving other traditional demographic variables, with the exception of family income.
Retesting in selection: a meta-analysis of coaching and practice effects for tests of cognitive ability.

Previous studies have indicated that as many as 25% to 50% of applicants in organizational and educational settings are retested with measures of cognitive ability. Researchers have shown that practice effects are found across measurement occasions such that scores improve when these applicants retest. In this study, the authors used meta-analysis to summarize the results of 50 studies of practice effects for tests of cognitive ability. Results from 107 samples and 134,436 participants revealed an adjusted overall effect size of . 26. Moderator analyses indicated that effects were larger when practice was accompanied by test coaching and when identical forms were used. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of retesting on the validity inferences drawn from test scores.
T-cell epitope of alpha3 chain of type IV collagen induces severe glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND Anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis is among the earliest recognized human autoimmune diseases. However, the etiology of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis remains unclear. We have previously shown that CD4+ T cells, specific to alpha3 NC1 of type IV collagen (Col4alpha3NC1), were able to induce anti-GBM glomerulonephritis in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In the present study, we continued to map the nephritogenic T cell epitope in Col4alpha3NC1. METHODS Synthetic peptides, which covered Col4alpha3NC1, were used as immunogens to induce glomerulonephritis in WKY rats. T-cell and B-cell responses to the peptides in the animals were analyzed. RESULTS One potent nephritogenic T-cell epitope, pCol(28-40) (SQTTANPSCPEGT), was identified. A single immunization with pCol(28-40) induced extremely severe glomerulonephritis in all 23 rats. Renal pathology revealed nearly 100% of glomeruli with crescentic lesions or tuft necrosis in 21 animals. pCol(28-40) elicited a T-cell response to the peptide; T cells isolated from rats immunized with recombinant Col4alpha3NC1 reacted with pCol(28-40). pCol(28-40) elicited a peptide specific antibody response, which did not react with polypeptide Col4alpha3NC1 or native GBM. An 11-mer peptide, pCol(a30-40) (Ac-TTANPSCPEGT), was further mapped to be the core of the T-cell epitope in pCol(28-40). As expected, immunization with pCol(a30-40) induced severe glomerulonephritis in 10 out of 19 rats. CONCLUSION Our study not only demonstrated that a single T-cell epitope of Col4alpha3NC1 is sufficient to induce severe glomerulonephritis, but also provides a unique model for studying T-cell-mediated mechanisms in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis pathogenesis.
Higher plasma docosahexaenoic acid is associated with reduced progression of coronary atherosclerosis in women with CAD Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 18, 2006.

Fish intake, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and in some cases α-linolenic acid (ALA) have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events and death. The association between n-3 fatty acids in plasma lipids and the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis was assessed among women with established coronary artery disease (CAD). A prospective cohort study involved postmenopausal women (n = 228) participating in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Trial. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed at baseline and after 3.2 ± 0.6 (mean ± SD) years. Women with plasma phospholipid (PL) DHA levels above the median, compared with below, exhibited less atherosclerosis progression, as expressed by decline in minimum coronary artery diameter (−0.04 ± 0.02 and −0.10 ± 0.02 mm, respectively; P = 0.007) or increase in percentage stenosis (1.34 ± 0.76% and 3.75 ± 0.74%, respectively; P = 0.006), and had fewer new lesions [2.0% (0.5–3.5%) of measured segments (95% confidence interval) and 4.2% (2.8–5.6%), respectively; P = 0.009] after adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors. Similar results were observed for DHA in the triglycerides (TGs). EPA and ALA in plasma lipids were not significantly associated with atherosclerosis progression. Consistent with higher reported fish intake, higher levels of plasma TG and PL DHA are associated with less progression of coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with CAD.
Monetary Policy and Digital Currencies: Much Ado About Nothing?

In spite of a still very low volume at the global level, in comparison with the main reserve currencies, digital currencies attract a lot of attention. The paper reminds that it is above all the exchange mechanism incorporated in digital currencies (the distributed ledger technology) which should contribute to their success. It is shown that a widespread use of these currencies is likely to materialize only under conditions that would essentially leave unchanged the capacity of the central bank to pursue the same inflation target using the same instruments as today, by setting an interest rate level. However, some adjustments may have to be made to the definition of monetary aggregates and possibly also to the base and/or the ratios of reserve requirements. Even in the most extreme and unlikely scenario, where the central bank would issue CBDC the public would have access to and massively adopt, banks’ role in distributing credit would likely not be seriously impaired. Banks might rather have less direct information on their clients. They would possibly also become more dependent on central bank refinancing, which would call for a clear and pre-announced lending of last resort policy in order to limit moral hazard considerations.
Solution of the Structure of the TNF-TNFR2 Complex

Structural differences in the binding of tumor necrosis factor to its two receptors may aid in the development of receptor-specific therapeutics. Structural Differences The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) functions in the immune response; however, TNF also plays a pathophysiological role in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. The effects of TNF are mediated by TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2; whereas TNFR1 is ubiquitously expressed, TNFR2 is mostly restricted to cells of the immune system. Currently available therapies that block TNF include monoclonal antibodies against TNF and a soluble form of TNFR2; however, these therapies can result in serious side effects, some of which may be due to their nonselective effects. Here, Mukai et al. solved the structure of TNF in complex with TNFR2 and found differences between the ligand-binding interface of TNFR2 and that of TNFR1, whose structure is known. The authors also observed the formation of TNF-TNFR2 aggregates on the surface of transfected cells, which may be required for signal initiation. Solution of the TNFR2 structure may aid in the development of receptor-specific therapies. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine that has important roles in various immune responses, which are mediated through its two receptors, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2. Antibody-based therapy against TNF is used clinically to treat several chronic autoimmune diseases; however, such treatment sometimes results in serious side effects, which are thought to be caused by the blocking of signals from both TNFRs. Therefore, knowledge of the structural basis for the recognition of TNF by each receptor would be invaluable in designing TNFR-selective drugs. Here, we solved the 3.0 angstrom resolution structure of the TNF-TNFR2 complex, which provided insight into the molecular recognition of TNF by TNFR2. Comparison to the known TNFR1 structure highlighted several differences between the ligand-binding interfaces of the two receptors. Additionally, we also demonstrated that TNF-TNFR2 formed aggregates on the surface of cells, which may be required for signal initiation. These results may contribute to the design of therapeutics for autoimmune diseases.
Melanin-concentrating hormone neurons discharge in a reciprocal manner to orexin neurons across the sleep–wake cycle

Neurons containing melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are codistributed with neurons containing orexin (Orx or hypocretin) in the lateral hypothalamus, a peptide and region known to be critical for maintaining wakefulness. Evidence from knockout and c-Fos studies suggests, however, that the MCH neurons might play a different role than Orx neurons in regulating activity and sleep–wake states. To examine this possibility, neurons were recorded across natural sleep–wake states in head-fixed rats and labeled by using the juxtacellular technique for subsequent immunohistochemical identification. Neurons identified as MCH+ did not fire during wake (W); they fired selectively during sleep, occasionally during slow wave sleep (SWS) and maximally during paradoxical sleep (PS). As W-Off/Sleep-On, the MCH neurons discharged in a reciprocal manner to the W-On/Sleep-Off Orx neurons and could accordingly play a complementary role to Orx neurons in sleep–wake state regulation and contribute to the pathophysiology of certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy with cataplexy.
Design, implementation and verification of a quadrotor tail-sitter VTOL UAV

This paper presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective, lightweight, yet power efficient tail-sitter Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV consists a pair of wings for efficient level flight and four rotors for attitude control. The aerodynamic and mechanical configurations of the UAV are designed and implemented from scratch to meet the required power efficiency, and subsequently optimized to enhance the stability and maneuverability. The developed VTOL UAV has a weight and cost comparable to a typical quadrotor, while consuming only half power, as shown by real flight tests. In addition, it can achieve all key VTOL maneuvers, including vertical take-off, landing, hovering, cruising and transition.
Intraprostatic Chronic Inflammation is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer in Patients Elected to a First Random Biopsy Set

Objectives To investigate the associations of clinical factors and intraprostatic chronic inflammatory infiltrate (CII) with the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in a large contemporary cohort of patients elected to a first random biopsy set. Materials and Methods The study evaluated 596 patients who were elected to a first random biopsy set because of suspected PCa in the period between September 2010 and September 2015. The multivariate logistic regression model investigated the possible associations of clinical factors and intraprostatic CII with PCa. Results Prostate cancer was detected in 292 of 596 patients (49%). Intraprostatic CII was detected in 26.3% of cases. Age (odds ratio, OR = 1.060; p<.0001), prostate-specific antigen (PSA; OR = 1.174; p<.0001), prostate volume (PV; OR = 0.951; p<.0001) and abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE; OR = 2.170; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of PCa risk; moreover, intraprostatic CII was an important independent factor lowering the risk of PCa (OR = 0.258; p<.0001) in the multivariate clinical model. Conclusions In a large contemporary cohort of patients elected to a first random biopsy set, the detection of intraprostatic CII was not negligible (26.3%) and associated with a reduced risk of PCa. In the prostate microenvironment, intraprostatic CII might lower the risk of PCa by activating the response of the immune system at the early stages of cancer induction and progression. Specific serum biomarkers and imaging modalities associated with intraprostatic CII are required. Advanced basic science research is warranted to investigate and develop the controversial topic of intraprostatic chronic inflammation in relation to PCa.
Release Mechanisms Behind Polysaccharides-Based Famotidine Controlled Release Matrix Tablets

Polysaccharides, which have been explored to possess gelling properties and a wide margin of safety, were used to formulate single-unit floating matrix tablets by a direct compression technique. This work has the aim to allow continuous slow release of famotidine above its site of absorption. The floating approach was achieved by the use of the low density polypropylene foam powder. Polysaccharides (κ-carrageenan, gellan gum, xyloglucan, and pectin) and blends of polysaccharides (κ-carrageenan and gellan gum) and cellulose ethers (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) were tried to modulate the release characteristics. The prepared floating tablets were evaluated for their floating behavior, matrix integrity, swelling studies, in vitro drug release studies, and kinetic analysis of the release data. The differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed that changing the polymer matrix system by formulation of polymers blends resulted in formation of molecular interactions which may have implications on drug release characteristics. This was obvious from the retardation in drug release and change in its mechanistics.
The strength of reproductive isolation in two hybridizing food‐deceptive orchid species

Reproductive isolation is of fundamental importance for maintaining species boundaries in sympatry. In orchids, the wide variety of pollination systems and highly diverse floral traits have traditionally suggested a prominent role for pollinator isolation, and thus for prezygotic isolation, as an effective barrier to gene flow among species. Here, we examined the nature of reproductive isolation between Anacamptis morio and Anacamptis papilionacea, two sister species of Mediterranean food‐deceptive orchids, in two natural hybrid zones. Comparative analyses of the two hybrid zones that are located on soils with volcanic origin and have different and well‐dated ages consistently revealed that all hybrid individuals were morphologically and genetically intermediate between the parental species, but had strongly reduced fitness. Molecular analyses based on nuclear ITS1 and (amplified fragment length polymorphism) AFLP markers clearly showed that all examined hybrids were F1 hybrids, and that no introgression occurred between parental species. The maternally inherited plastid DNA markers indicated that hybridization between A. morio and A. papilionacea was bidirectional, as confirmed by the molecular analysis of seed families. The genetic architecture of the two hybrid zones suggests that the two parental species easily and frequently hybridize in sympatry as a consequence of partial pollinator overlap but that strong postzygotic barriers reduce hybrid fitness and prevent gene introgression. These results corroborate that chromosomal divergence is instrumental for reproductive isolation between these food‐deceptive orchids and suggest that hybridization is of limited importance for their diversification.
Universal newborn hearing screening; automated transient evoked otoacoustic emissions.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to describe the results of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) in 2229 newborns and to assess the effectiveness of a two-stage automated transient evoked otoacoustic emission (a-TEOAE) test protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between May 2007 and January 2008, a universal newborn hearing screening program, instituting two-stage a-TEOAE, was evaluated. The hearing status of the newborns who failed the two-stage screening tests were evaluated with the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test during the diagnostic stage. The risk factors for hearing loss determined by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Loss (JCIH) and prematurity, consanguineous marriage, and birth type as presumptive risk factors were recorded. RESULTS During the study period, 2229 newborns were screened. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was identified in 8 newborns. Fourteen newborns were lost to follow-up. One hundred thirty six newborns were high-risk neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. The prevalence of SNHL was 2.9% (4/136) in NICU newborns, and 0.19% (4/2079) in the well-baby nursery. SNHL prevalence in the study group overall was found to be 0.36% (8/2215). Craniofacial anomalies and family history of hearing loss were found to be significantly related to SNHL in newborns. Prematurity and consanguinity that are not listed among JCIH risk factors were also found to be statistically significantly related with SNHL. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a universal hearing screening program in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Two-stage a-TEOAE is an efficient and feasible hospital-based screening protocol in newborns.
DNA methylation and expression of HLA-DR alpha

B-cell lines established from two individuals with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) express HLA-DR antigens, whereas the isogenic T-cells do not. The lack of expression correlates with a lack of detectable HLA-DR mRNA. All of the DR alpha DNA sequences detected by a cloned DR alpha cDNA probe are contained in a BglII fragment which varies slightly in size (4.0 to 4.8 kilobases) from one individual to another. In DNA from the T-cells not expressing DR alpha mRNA, all of the potential HpaII sites within the BglII fragment appeared to be methylated. In contrast, at least some of these sites were not methylated in DNA from the B-cells expressing high levels of DR alpha mRNA. Treatment of these T-cells with 5-azacytidine resulted in the induction of DR surface antigen expression, the appearance of DR alpha mRNA, and the partial demethylation of the DR alpha DNA sequences. T-cell lines established from human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus associated T-cell neoplasias, in contrast to the T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia cell lines, expressed both DR antigens and DR alpha mRNA; the HpaII sites within the BglII fragment of DR alpha DNA of these human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus-positive T-cell lines were in all cases at least partially unmethylated. Uncultured peripheral blood T-cells from human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus-infected individuals expressed DR antigens at a low level, and the DR alpha locus was partially unmethylated. After 48 h in culture, DR antigen expression was substantially increased, but no significant changes were observed in methylation of the DR alpha locus or in the amount of DR mRNA which was present. This suggests that expression of DR antigens also can be modulated post-transcriptionally.