scholarly journals Predictors of literacy in adulthood: Evidence from 33 countries

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0243763
Author(s):  
Aki-Juhani Kyröläinen ◽  
Victor Kuperman
Keyword(s):  
Parental Influence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Time Estimates ◽  
Literacy Performance ◽  
Literacy Scores ◽  
Gains And Losses ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

What makes a literate person? What leads to literacy gains and losses within and between individuals and countries? This paper provides new evidence that helps answer these questions. The present comparative analysis of literacy is based on large representative samples from the Survey of Adult Skills conducted in 33 countries, with 25–65 year old participants. We provide, for the first time, estimates of relative importance for a comprehensive set of experiential factors, motivations, incentives, parental influence, demands of workplace, and other predictors of influence. We sketch a configuration of factors that predicts an “ideal” reader, i.e., the optimal literacy performance. Moreover, we discover a pivotal role of the age effect in predicting variability between countries. Countries with the highest literacy scores are the ones where literacy decreases with age the most strongly. We discuss this finding against current accounts of aging effects, cohort effects and others. Finally, we provide methodological recommendations for experimental studies of aging in cognitive tasks like reading.

scholarly journals Role of Tumor Associated Fibroblasts in Human Liver Regeneration, Cirrhosis, and Cancer

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Cesselli ◽  
Antonio Paolo Beltrami ◽  
Alessandra Poz ◽  
Stefania Marzinotto ◽  
Elisa Comisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Human Liver ◽  
Adult Stem Cells ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Tumor Cell Lines ◽  
Liver Scan ◽  
First Time

Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are considered a microenvironmental element critical for tumor growth and progression. Experimental studies suggest that their origin could be from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow. However, the role played by TAFs in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma development, and progression is largely unknown, andin vitrohuman models are missing. This paper for the first time demonstrates that (1) human neoplastic livers possess a population of multipotent adult stem cells (MASCs) with properties of TAFs; (2) a population of MASC-derived TAFs is already present in cirrhotic, not yet neoplastic, livers; (3) MASCs isolated from nonneoplastic and noncirrhotic liver scan acquire a TAF phenotype when grown in a medium conditioned by tumor cell lines, supporting the notion that TAF could originate from resident primitive cells (MASCs), possibly through a paracrine mechanism.

Who actually decides? Parental influence on the housing tenure choice of their children

Urban Studies ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 406-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lux ◽  
Tomáš Samec ◽  
Vojtech Bartos ◽  
Petr Sunega ◽  
Jan Palguta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Influence ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Housing Tenure ◽  
Tenure Choice ◽  
Housing Preferences ◽  
Housing Tenure Choice ◽  
Resource Transfers ◽  
Czech Society ◽  
The Relationship

We focus on the role of within-family socialisation and the relationship between socialisation and resource transfers in the intergenerational transmission of housing preferences, the formation of familial housing attitudes and thus the reproduction of a normative housing tenure ladder across generations in Czech society. We show that resource transfers and the within-family socialisation of housing preferences, including preferences concerning housing tenure, are closely interconnected. In other words, parental influence on decision to buy own housing (and on housing preferences in general) of their adult children through socialisation is stronger if there is an (actual or assumed) intergenerational resource transfer. This has several implications for how housing markets and systems work. The paper draws on findings from qualitative, quantitative and experimental studies.

scholarly journals Meanings attributed to fatherhood by adolescents

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Jimena Araújo de Jesus Sampaio ◽  
Wilza Vieira Villela ◽  
Eleonora Menicucci de Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Material Synthesis ◽  
Gains And Losses ◽  
First Time ◽  
Young Father

OBJECTIVE: To understand how adolescents perceive the experience and what meanings they attribute to fatherhood.METHODS: Research of a qualitative method, using interviews of 25 young people who had become fathers for the first time. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, taped and transcribed in their entirety. Data analysis occurred using an initial and then an exhaustive reading of the material, synthesis of the results obtained, and identification of implicit content.RESULTS: The analysis and interpretation of this material allowed us to identify three thematic categories: the role of the young father; gains and losses with fatherhood, and solutions adopted during the experienced difficulties. It was evident that the exercise of fatherhood contributed to the assumption of masculinity, to play the role of guardian of the home and provider for the family.CONCLUSION: Fatherhood was seen as a positive experience that transformed teenagers into adults.

Abstract WP308: Role of Microthrombi and Vasospasm in the Development of Delayed Neurological Deficits After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devin W McBride ◽  
Ari Dienel ◽  
Remya A Veettil ◽  
Kanako Matsumura ◽  
Peeyush Kumar T. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Delayed Neurological Deterioration ◽  
First Time

Rationale: Microthrombosis has been suggested as a major factor contributing to delayed neurological deterioration in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, experimental studies on the role of microthrombi in delayed deficits after SAH has not been investigated. Our hypothesis is that, following SAH, mice which develop delayed neurological deficits have a greater number of microthrombi than mice which do not develop delayed neurological deficits. Methods: SAH was induced in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice via endovascular perforation. Mice were randomly assigned into sham (n=6/sex) or SAH groups (n=22-24/sex). Neurobehavior was performed on days 1-3, 5, and 7 post-SAH using a composite neuroscore. Animals were sacrificed on the day of delayed deficits or 7 days post-SAH. Microthrombi count and vessel diameters (for vasospasm) were measured using H&E stained brain slices. All outcomes were performed and all data were analyzed by a blinded investigator. Results: Seventeen percent (4/24) of male mice and thirty-six percent (8/22) of female mice developed delayed deficits on days 3-5 post-SAH (Figures 1A and 1B). Those mice which developed delayed deficits had significantly more microthrombi in their brains than mice which did not develop delayed deficits; vasospasm did not correlate with delayed deficits. Additionally, female SAH mice develop delayed deficits at a higher frequency than males (Figure 1C). Conclusions: This work shows for the first time delayed deficits in a SAH mouse model. Further, microthrombi correlated with delayed deficits, whereas no correlation was between delayed deficits and vasospasm. The data within this study suggests that preventing microthrombi may improve functional recovery and reduce the risk of delayed deficits.

The Gender Ambiguity of Fertilization

2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
M. Victoria Almansa-Villatoro
Keyword(s):  
Ancient Egypt ◽  
Sexual Ambiguity ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Role Of Women ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Gender Ambiguity

SummaryThe role of women in the processes of fertilization and procreation in ancient Egypt has been traditionally regarded as passive. This article sets out to challenge this view, by introducing the new evidence that the study of the Hemusets provide. The Hemusets have been largely neglected by the Egyptological scholarship, and consequently, their important contribution to the discussion of fertilization is still ignored, but this research examines for the first time their relevant textual and iconographic sources. This investigation shows that the Hemusets are involved in the creation of food and provision of fertility for both lands and humans. Furthermore, the sexual ambiguity of their iconography, and their chthonic nature frames them in a broader Mediterranean context of androgynous creative goddesses.

scholarly journals A hormone causing pupation in the blowfly calliphora erythrocephala

1935 ◽  
Vol 118 (807) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Present Position ◽  
Chemical Changes ◽  
Calliphora Erythrocephala ◽  
Excellent Review ◽  
Insect Metamorphosis ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

Excellent descriptions exist of the morphological and chemical changes in the metamorphosis of insects. But until the last few years practically nothing was known about the actual forces which induce, initiate, or control moulting and pupation. In growth and metamorphosis of vertebrates the dominant controlling role of hormones becomes more and more obvious. It is especially in changes which concern simultaneously the whole body that the action of hormones is involved. The metamorphosis of insects consists also of profound changes on the whole animal which manifest themselves even more abruptly than do analogous processes in vertebrates. But it was only about 10 years ago that the action of a hormone in the metamorphosis of insects was suggeste for the first time by Kopeć (1922). The matter was raised again by von Buddenbrock (1930, 1931) and Koller (1929), a preliminary report having appeared in Koller’s survey on hormones in invertebrates. Recently new evidence has been brought forward by Bytinski-Salz (1933) and Bodenstein (1933, a and b ). The present position of the problem is given in an excellent review by Bodenstein (1933, b ), and he comes to the conclusion that the action of hormones in insect metamorphosis can be shown to be very probable from several facts, even if definite proofs are still lacking. It may be mentioned here that both Koller and Bodenstein failed to recognize the important and convincing results of Kopeć. A preliminary report of the present paper appeared in ‘Nature’ (Fraenkel, 1934).

scholarly journals Assessing the microbial community dynamics and the role of bacteriophages in bacterial mortality in Lake Geneva

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solange Duhamel ◽  
Isabelle Domaizon-Pialat ◽  
Sébastien Personnic ◽  
Stéphan Jacquet
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Lake Geneva ◽  
Bacterial Mortality ◽  
Microbial Community Dynamics ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

SummaryThe aims of this work were to study, for the first time, the succession of microbial communities (from viruses to ciliates) in the largest occidental European lake (Lake Geneva) and to perform two one-weekin situexperiments in March-April (Exp1) and May (Exp2) 2004 in order to assess both small flagellate protozoan and virus-induced mortality of heterotrophic bacteria. Both nanoflagellates and viruses could be responsible for 31 to 42% of the total daily mortality of heterotrophic bacteria. In May (Exp2), viruses could explain up to 10% of the bacterial mortality whereas flagellates were responsible for 32% of the bacterioplankton removal. These results provide new evidence for the critical role played by viruses in the functioning of the microbial food webs and highlight the importance of further considering this biological compartment for a better understanding of the plankton ecology of Lake Geneva.

scholarly journals CXCR2 in Acute Lung Injury

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. M. Konrad ◽  
J. Reutershan
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lung Injury ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Pulmonary Inflammation ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Pharmacologic Agent ◽  
First Time ◽  
Cxcr2 Antagonist

In pulmonary inflammation, recruitment of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes is essential for host defense and initiates the following specific immune response. One pathological hallmark of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome is the uncontrolled transmigration of neutrophils into the lung interstitium and alveolar space. Thereby, the extravasation of leukocytes from the vascular system into the tissue is induced by chemokines that are released from the site of inflammation. The most relevant chemokine receptors of neutrophils are CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 1 and CXCR2. CXCR2 is of particular interest since several studies implicate a pivotal role of this receptor in development and promotion of numerous inflammatory disorders. CXCR2 gets activated by ELR+chemokines, including MIP-2, KC (rodents) and IL-8 (human). Since multiple ELR+CXC chemokines act on both receptors—CXCR1 and CXCR2—a pharmacologic agent blocking both receptors seems to be advantageous. So far, several CXCR1/2 antagonists have been developed and have been tested successfully in experimental studies. A newly designed CXCR1 and CXCR2 antagonist can be orally administered and was for the first time found efficient in humans. This review highlights the role of CXCR2 in acute lung injury and discusses its potential as a therapeutic target.

Early stages of Al-nanocrystal formation in Al92Sm8

2003 ◽  
Vol 806 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Wilde ◽  
H. Rösner ◽  
N. Boucharat ◽  
J. Hamann ◽  
W. S. Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Crystallization ◽  
Model Alloy ◽  
Quantitative Electron Microscopy ◽  
Glass Forming ◽  
Nanocrystal Synthesis ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Resolution Imaging ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

ABSTRACTSeveral proposals involving solute effects, phase separation or quenched-in nuclei and heterogeneous nucleation have been advanced to account for the high nanocrystal density that evolves during primary crystallization in marginal glass-forming alloys, but recent crystallization measurements and kinetics analyses provide new evidence for the role of the as-quenched structure on nanocrystal synthesis. Here, isothermal microcalorimetry investigations and quantitative electron microscopy measurements including high-resolution imaging and electron spectroscopy analyses were performed on a model system at different temperatures well below the glass transition to monitor the nanocrystallization isothermally as a function of time. From the combined measurements, the size distribution and the transformed fraction can be determined with a high accuracy for extended ranges of temperatures and times. In addition, calorimetric measurements in the glassy, liquid and crystalline states of the model alloy serves to analyze, for the first time, the fragility characteristics of a marginal glass-former that presents an important parameter in the context of the kinetic stability of the material against premature crystallization.

scholarly journals Corruption, Provincial Institutions and Capital Structure: New Evidence From a Transitional Economy

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Trung Thanh
Keyword(s):  
Capital Structure ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Bank Loans ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Robust Tests ◽  
First Time ◽  
New Evidence

Using a unique firm-provincial level panel dataset from 2005 to 2011, this study for the first time investigates the role played by corruption and provincial institutions in determining a company’s capital structure in Vietnam’s legal environment. Contrasting to the majority of previous studies, the results show that corruption has an insignificant influence on a company’s bank loans, consistent with institutional theory. However, the role of corruption is different for types of various capital structures after controlling for both unobservable characteristics and endogeneity problems. More specifically, corruption has significantly positive influence on short-term capital structure, but a negative impact on long-term loans. All of these results hold after a series of robust tests.  

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