Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Passing on Privilege: resources provided by self-employed parents to their self-employed children

We examined the argument that a " property barrier " explains the high degree of self-employed inheritance between propertied families and their children. Our study used data on 229 self-employed business owners in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada, obtained in 1995 via face-to-face interviews. We found little evidence for the property barrier hypothesis, as physical and financial capital had very little impact on business start-ups, through either inheritance of the business or transfer of wealth. We then tested the hypothesis that entrepreneurial capital-including childhood exposure, work in a family business, and jobs with managerial responsibility-is a resource differentiating children of self-employed parents from others. Our results were again negative, because we found no direct evidence that business owners with self-employed parents gained any more entrepreneurial capital than other owners. Notwithstanding our negative findings, we speculated that entrepreneurial capital is a resource needed for starting a business, and proposed further research to examine how entrepreneurial capital is obtained. 3 Theories about social classes, whether from a Marxist or Weberian perspective, treat the reproduction of social class advantage over generations as a central issue. Relative persistence in positions, from parents to children, has been taken as a sign of the success of privileged groups in closing off access to better locations, as well as the failure of disadvantaged groups to mount effective challenges to dominant groups. Persistence has also been attributed to a lack of permeability produced by the success of relatively privileged parents in passing on resources that are highly valuable to their children in various markets, such as managerial expertise. Analysts who view social classes from a Marxist perspective are more likely to see a unity of interests among the privileged and thus treat class relations in political terms, with classes standing in antagonistic relation to one another (Western and Wright, 1994: 610). By contrast, Weberian analysts tend to see individuals' life chances as influenced by their own unique constellation of resources – financial, social, cultural – and thus the concept of class relations itself is relegated to secondary importance. 1 Regardless of theoretical orientation, analysts agree that the extent to which class positions are inherited should be a central concern of social mobility research, and thus researchers have focused on the association between social origins and destinations. In more open and permeable social structures, intergenerational transmission of inequality is low and children's positions may diverge widely …
Automatic Optimization of Wayfinding Design

Wayfinding signs play an important role in guiding users to navigate in a virtual environment and in helping pedestrians to find their ways in a real-world architectural site. Conventionally, the wayfinding design of a virtual environment is created manually, so as the wayfinding design of a real-world architectural site. The many possible navigation scenarios, as well as the interplay between signs and human navigation, can make the manual design process overwhelming and non-trivial. As a result, creating a wayfinding design for a typical layout can take months to several years. In this paper, we introduce the Way to Go! approach for automatically generating a wayfinding design for a given layout. The designer simply has to specify some navigation scenarios; our approach will automatically generate an optimized wayfinding design with signs properly placed considering human agents’ visibility and possibility of making mistakes during a navigation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in generating wayfinding designs for different layouts such as a train station, a downtown and a canyon. We evaluate our results by comparing different wayfinding designs and show that our optimized wayfinding design can guide pedestrians to their destinations effectively and efficiently. Our approach can also help the designer visualize the accessibility of a destination from different locations, and correct any “blind zone” with additional signs.
Melatonin synthesis: a possible indicator of intolerance to shiftwork.

HYPOTHESIS Melatonin synthesis, which is directly controlled by the central circadian pacemaker indicates the circadian phase better than rectal temperature. METHODS Thirty four men (16-32 years, 7 morning, 13 neither, 14 evening types) performed a constant routine (24-26-hr bedrest, < 30 lux, 18-20 degrees C, hourly isocaloric diet). Salivary melatonin level was determined hourly and rectal temperature was continuously recorded. RESULTS The nadir of rectal temperature occurred 1.5 hr (P = 0.017), the onset of melatonin synthesis 3 hr earlier (P < 0.0001) in morning than in evening types. Morningness was not related to the quantitative but significantly to the temporal parameters, closer to those of melatonin than of rectal temperature. CONCLUSIONS The melatonin onset is a more reliable indicator of the diurnal type than the nadir of rectal temperature. As morningness has been associated with intolerance to shiftwork, melatonin profiling provides a suitable basis for the establishment of directed preventive measures.
An updated checklist of the ants of India with their specific distributions in Indian states (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract As one of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world and with four biodiversity hotspots represented in its borders, India is home to an impressive diversity of life forms. However, much work remains to document and catalogue the species of India and their geographic distributions, especially for diverse invertebrate groups. In the present study, a comprehensive and critical list of Indian ant species is provided with up-to-date state-wise distribution. A total of 828 valid species and subspecies names belonging to 100 genera are listed from India. Potential erroneous data, misidentifications and dubious distributional records that may exist in the literature are also identified. The present exhaustive listing of Indian ants will provide a holistic view about diversity and distribution and will also help to identify major undersampled areas where future sampling and taxonomic efforts should be directed.
Toward an HBCU-Based Model of Learning Communities

Drawing from the non-Eurocentric and Afrocentric approach of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the authors advance the first HBCU-based learning communities model in the literature to date. The model combines institution-level assets and inputs with student-level assets and inputs to foster a supportive learning community environment that is consistent with HBCU tradition and postmodern organization. Implications for practice and research conclude the chapter, with an emphasis on preparing HBCUs to meet relevant challenges and opportunities.
Cost-effectiveness of a disease management program for early childhood caries.

OBJECTIVES To assess the cost-effectiveness of a pilot disease management (DM) program aimed at preventing early childhood caries among children younger than 5 years. METHODS The DM program was implemented in the Boston Children's Hospital-based dental practice in 2008. Health care costs were obtained from the hospital finance department and non-health care costs were estimated through a parent survey. The measure of effectiveness was avoided hospital-based visits for restorative treatment or extractions. Incremental costs (2011 US$) and effectiveness were estimated from a health care system, societal, and public payer perspectives over 3, 6, and 12 months, by comparing DM participants (n = 395) to a historical comparison group (n = 123) using generalized linear models. Bootstrapping and other sensitivity analyses were used to incorporate uncertainty in the analyses. RESULTS The DM program was associated with a reduction in societal costs of $20 (p = 0.85), $215 (p = 0.24), and $669 (p < 0.01) per patient and a reduction in the number of hospital-based visits for restorative treatment or extractions by 0.44 (p < 0.01), 0.42 (p < 0.01), and 0.45 (p < 0.01) per patient over 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The probability of it being less costly and more effective was 61.5 percent, 81.9 percent, and 98.6 percent over 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Consistent results were observed from a health care system and public payer perspectives. CONCLUSIONS The DM program appears cost-effective and has the potential to reduce health care costs. Our results justify a multicenter trial to evaluate the DM program on a larger scale.
Fast Simulation of Scattering Problem for Magnetodielectric Materials With General Anisotropy in Layered Media

In this paper, the mixed-order stabilized biconjugate gradient fast Fourier transform (mixed-order BCGS-FFT) method is presented to solve the scattering problem of magnetodielectric materials with general anisotropy in layered media. While the volumetric roof-top functions are used as the testing functions for the coupled field volume integral equation and the basis functions for flux densities, the second-order curl conforming basis functions are applied to expand the vector potentials with the aim of both preserving the continuity of their tangential components and avoiding the zero terms that might otherwise be caused by the divergence operator. The layered medium Green's function (LMGF) is efficiently evaluated through the recursive matrix method along with an interpolation technique. Several numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the high accuracy and efficiency of the method. Different from the previously published works that aim to solve the similar problem, the new contribution of this work is to extend the mixed-order BCGS-FFT method to accommodate the layered background medium. Therefore, the 3-D FFT acceleration for integral kernels associated with the LMGF as well as the interpolation technique has been implemented and combined with the mixed-order BCGS-FFT method.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ribbon-Helix-Helix DNA-Binding Protein AlgZ (AmrZ) Controls Twitching Motility and Biogenesis of Type IV Pili

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is commonly found in water and soil. In order to colonize surfaces with low water content, P. aeruginosa utilizes a flagellum-independent form of locomotion called twitching motility, which is dependent upon the extension and retraction of type IV pili. This study demonstrates that AlgZ, previously identified as a DNA-binding protein absolutely required for transcription of the alginate biosynthetic operon, is required for twitching motility. AlgZ may be required for the biogenesis or function of type IV pili in twitching motility. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of an algZ deletion in nonmucoid PAO1 failed to detect surface pili. To examine expression and localization of PilA (the major pilin subunit), whole-cell extracts and cell surface pilin preparations were analyzed by Western blotting. While the PilA levels present in whole-cell extracts were similar for wild-type P. aeruginosa and P. aeruginosa with the algZ deletion, the amount of PilA on the surface of the cells was drastically reduced in the algZ mutant. Analysis of algZ and algD mutants indicates that the DNA-binding activity of AlgZ is essential for the regulation of twitching motility and that this is independent of the role of AlgZ in alginate expression. These data show that AlgZ DNA-binding activity is required for twitching motility independently of its role in alginate production and that this involves the surface localization of type IV pili. Given this new role in twitching motility, we propose that algZ (PA3385) be designated amrZ (alginate and motility regulator Z).
Duration of the Beneficial Effects of Levosimendan in Decompensated Heart Failure as Measured by Echocardiographic Indices and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

Levosimendan is effective in the treatment of decompensated heart failure. The beneficial effects of a single dose of levosimendan last much longer than those of other inotropes. However, the exact duration of the beneficial effects is unknown. We prospectively determined the duration of the cardiac effects, as measured by echocardiography, of levosimendan (LS) following a 24-hour infusion regimen in patients with decompensated heart failure (DHF). The effects of LS on plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were also examined. Twenty patients with DHF displaying (1) deteriorating symptoms despite optimal oral therapy, (2) left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) < 35%, and (3) cardiac indices of < 2.5 L/m2/min received 24 hours of LS infusion. Echocardiography and BNP measurements were performed pre- and postinfusion and were reassessed on days 7, 30, and 90. Left ventricular systolic function indices (cardiac output and LVEF), LV filling pressure indices, and right ventricular systolic function indices all improved following LS treatment. Most of these improvements were sustained for at least 7 days (P < 0.05) and returned to baseline by day 30 postinfusion and remained so on day 90. Plasma BNP also displayed the same pattern of transient improvements. In conclusion, LS transiently improved the cardiac function, and the effects lasted for at least 7 days after discontinuation of infusion. Most effects, except LVEF, were not significantly different from baseline on day 30.
Imaging vascular endothelial activation: an approach using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies against the endothelial cell adhesion molecule E-selectin.

UNLABELLED E-selectin is an endothelial cell-specific adhesion molecule for leukocytes expressed on the luminal surface of vascular endothelium during inflammatory responses. Because E-selectin expression is dependent upon ongoing stimulation by cytokines, this molecule offers a potentially useful target for imaging tissues in disease states involving cytokine-mediated endothelial cell activation. METHOD To assess the imaging potential of an anti-E-selectin monoclonal antibody (Mab) 1.2B6, the accumulation of intravenously injected 111In-labeled Mab 1.2B6 was compared to that of 111In-control antibody in a model of arthritis in the pig. Injection of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) into a knee led to E-selectin expression on vessels in the synovium and draining deep inguinal lymph nodes, as demonstrated by immunohistology. No E-selectin expression was seen in the control knee injected with buffer alone. Animals were given 111In-Mab 1.2B6 or 111In-control antibody intravenously 3 hr after the intra-articular injection of PHA. Radiolabeled antibody uptake was measured by direct counting of tissues 25 hr postmortem. RESULTS The accumulation of radiolabeled control IgG in synovium and draining deep inguinal lymph nodes of PHA-injected knees was significantly higher than accumulation in tissues injected with buffer alone; however, the comparable ratios in animals receiving radiolabeled Mab 1.2B6 were significantly greater. Scintigraphy performed 24 hr after 111In-Mab 1.2B6 injection showed obvious localization of activity in the inflamed knee in each of three animals. CONCLUSION Radiolabeled anti-E-selectin Mab can be used to image localized inflammatory tissues. This approach may be useful for investigating activated endothelium in human disease.
Strategic plan for pediatric respiratory diseases research: An NHLBI working group report

The Division of Lung Diseases of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recently held a workshop to identify gaps in our understanding and treatment of childhood lung diseases and to define strategies to enhance translational research in this field. Leading experts with diverse experience in both laboratory and patient‐oriented research reviewed selected areas of pediatric lung diseases, including perinatal programming and epigenetic influences; mechanisms of lung injury, repair, and regeneration; pulmonary vascular disease (PVD); sleep and control of breathing; and the application of novel translational methods to enhance personalized medicine. This report summarizes the proceedings of this workshop and provides recommendations for emphasis on targeted areas for future investigation. The priority areas identified for research in pediatric pulmonary diseases included: (1) epigenetic and environmental influences on lung development that program pediatric lung diseases, (2) injury, regeneration, and repair in the developing lung, (3) PVD in children, (4) development and adaptation of ventilatory responses to postnatal life, (5) nonatopic wheezing: aberrant large airway development or injury? (6) strategies to improve assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases, and (7) predictive and personalized medicine for children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:2–13. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome healing by de novo telomere addition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The repair of spontaneous or induced DNA damage by homologous recombination (HR) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae will suppress chromosome rearrangements. Alternative chromosome healing pathways can result in chromosomal instability. One of these pathways is de novo telomere addition where the end of a broken chromosome is stabilized by telomerase‐dependent addition of telomeres at non‐telomeric sites. De novo telomere addition requires the recruitment of telomerase to chromosomal targets. Subsequently, annealing of the telomerase reverse transcriptase RNA‐template (guide RNA) at short regions of homology is followed by extension of the nascent 3′‐end of the broken chromosome to copy a short region of the telomerase guide RNA; multiple cycles of this process yield the new telomere. Proteins including Pif1 helicase, the single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein Cdc13 and the Ku heterocomplex are known to participate in native telomere functions and also regulate the de novo telomere addition reaction. Studies of the sequences added at de novo telomeres have lead to a detailed description of the annealing–extension–dissociation cycles that copy the telomerase guide RNA, which can explain the heterogeneity of telomeric repeats at de novo and native telomeres in S. cerevisiae.
The prevalence and impact of prescription controlled substance use among injured patients at a Level I trauma center

BACKGROUND There has been increasing attention focused on the epidemic of prescription drug use in the United States, but little is known about its effects in trauma. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of prescription controlled substance use among trauma patients and determine its effects on outcome. METHODS A retrospective review of all patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, was performed. Patients dying within 24 hours or without home medication reconciliations were excluded. Data review included preexisting benzodiazepine or narcotic use, sex, age, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Scores (ISSs), intensive care unit (ICU) and overall length of stay, ventilator days, and overall cost. SAS version 9.3 was used for the analysis, and p ⩽ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 1,700 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 340 (20.0%) were on prescription narcotics and/or benzodiazepines at the time of admission. Patients in the narcotic/benzodiazepine group were significantly older (48 years vs. 43 years) and more likely to be women (43.7% vs. 28.9%). There was no difference in mechanism, ISS, or the presence of head injury between groups. Both ICU length of stay (3.3 days vs. 2.1 days) and total length of stay (7.8 days vs. 6.1 days) were significantly longer in patients on outpatient narcotics and/or benzodiazepines. Excluding severely injured patients, the need for mechanical ventilation was also increased among outpatient controlled substance users (15.8% vs. 11.0%). CONCLUSION There is a substantial prevalence of preexisting controlled substance use (20%) among patients at our Level 1 trauma center. Preexisting controlled substance use is associated with longer total hospital and ICU stays. Among mildly to moderately injured patients, preinjury controlled substance is also associated with the need for mechanical ventilation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III.
Reduction of hyperproduction of thyroid autoantibodies in patients without disturbance of the thyroid function: new patents.

UNLABELLED A new method of reduction of autoimmune process activity related to the thyroid in patients without signs of thyroiditis is presented in the article (patent of Ukraine No. 103742). New patents and inventions from different countries of the world related to the problem have been analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty one patients with a significant disturbance of tolerance to the thyroid antigens in the absence of disturbance of the thyroid function were involved in the research. Twenty two patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1 HCV, receiving antiviral therapy, were also included in the research. Patients were immunized intracutaneously with autoleukocytes for autoimmune process inhibition. After single immunization with autoleukocytes decrease in the level of antibodies against the thyroid antigens was observed in all patients. In some patients without chronic hepatitis C the levels of thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies decreased by 50% and more (33.33% and 20.51%, respectively). In patients with ChHC these indices were considerably lower, and the duration of the achieved effect was shorter. However, immunization inhibited activity of immune process in patients with ChHC due to interferon therapy. The suggested method enables to decrease the threat for thyroiditis development even in patients with chronic hepatitis C during antiviral therapy.
Can you program ethics into a self-driving car?

IT’S 2034. A drunken man walking along a sidewalk at night trips and falls directly in front of a driverless car, which strikes him square on, killing him instantly. Had a human been at the wheel, the death would have been considered an accident because the pedestrian was clearly at fault and no reasonable person could have swerved in time. But the "reasonable person" legal standard for driver negligence disappeared back in the 2020s, when the proliferation of driverless cars reduced crash rates by 90 percent. Now the standard is that of the reasonable robot. The victim's family sues the vehicle manufacturer on that ground, claiming that, although the car didn't have time to brake, it could have swerved around the pedestrian, crossing the double yellow line and colliding with the empty driverless vehicle in the next lane. A reconstruction of the crash using data from the vehicle's own sensors confirms this. The plaintiff's attorney, deposing the car's lead software designer, asks: "Why didn't the car swerve? "
Clinical and mutation profile of multicentric osteolysis nodulosis and arthropathy

Multicentric osteolysis nodulosis and arthropathy (MONA) is an infrequently described autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by progressive osteolysis and arthropathy. Inactivating mutations in MMP2, encoding matrix metalloproteinase‐2, are known to cause this disorder. Fifteen families with mutations in MMP2 have been reported in literature. In this study we screened thirteen individuals from eleven families for MMP2 mutations and identified eight mutations (five novel and three known variants). We characterize the clinical, radiographic and molecular findings in all individuals with molecularly proven MONA from the present cohort and previous reports, and provide a comprehensive review of the MMP2 related disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.