Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic examination of the polymorphic Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus of Thingvallavatn, Iceland

Thingvallavatn, Iceland contains two sympatric morphotypes (benthic and limnetic) of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus. Each morphotype is composed of two morphs and these differ markedly in ecology, behaviour and life history. We used molecular genetic approaches to test whether (i) genetic heterogeneity exists among morphs and (ii) if morphs arose in allopatry and came into secondary contact or arose sympatrically within the lake through genetic segregation and/or phenotypic plasticity. Direct sequencing of 275 bp of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region, mtDNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms and single locus minisatellite analyses detected insufficient variation to test our hypotheses. Analysis of multilocus minisatellite band sharing detected no significant differences between morphs within the same morphotype. However, significant differences among morphs belonging to different morphotypes suggest some genetic heterogeneity in Thingvallavatn charr. Limnetic charr from Thingvallavatn were more similar to sympatric benthic charr than to allopatric limnetics from two other Icelandic lakes. This suggests that the Thingvallavatn morphs arose sympatrically within the lake rather than in allopatry followed by secondary contact.
Determinants of antenatal booking time in a South-Western Nigeria setting.

BACKGROUND Utilisation of antenatal services and early booking are important factors in the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity and these are influenced negatively by social, cultural and religions factors. OBJECTIVE To determine factors that influence the booking time in South Western Nigeria with the intention of identifying areas needing educational intervention. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study of 327 antenatal patients done between January to March 2005. Using both structured and semi-structured questionnaires information were collected on the socio-demographic and complete medical history. RESULTS Two hundred and forty-six (90.4%) out of the 272 women who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed. The mean (SD) age of patients was 30.47 (5.52) years, of which 60% of the mothers were educated beyond secondary school level and 44.3% of the patients booked late. Late booking was thrice as common in multiparae as in nulliparae. Variables that were significantly associated with time of booking included educational level of the husband (P = 0.005), parity (P = 0.012), previous miscarriage (P < 0.001) and medical problem in the index pregnancy. Stepwise regression analysis showed the latter two factors as predictors of booking time. (Beta of -0.566 and -0.643, respectively). 57.3% of pregnant mothers felt that women should book by the first trimester but half of them actively booked late. Early detection of problems was the commonest reason for the choice of time of booking. CONCLUSION The socio-cultural and religious determinants of health-seeking behaviours need to be researched further and unless these are modified by interventional campaigns good education may not easily translate to optimum utilisation of antenatal services.
Representation of the cecum in the lateral dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and commissural subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarii in rat

Motor fibers of the accessory celiac and celiac vagal branches are derived from the lateral columns of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. These branches also contain sensory fibers that terminate within the nucleus of the tractus solitarii. This study traces the innervation of the intestines by using the tracer cholera toxin‐horseradish peroxidase. In 53 rats, the tracer was injected into either the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, terminal ileum, cecum, or ascending colon.
Face Recognition with Multi-Tone and Two-Tone Photographic Negatives

The effects of photographic negatives on face recognition are often studied in two different ways—faces are learned and tested in photographic negatives (NN) or the contrast is reversed between learning and testing, ie they are learned in positives and tested in negatives (PN) or vice versa (NP). We have examined recognition performance for faces under these three conditions along with a control condition where faces were learned and tested in positives (PP). Using multi-tone face images, we found that the effect of photographic negatives was more pronounced in PN and NP than in NN. No differences were found between PN and NP or between NN and PP. When two-tone face images were used, recognition performance was worse in all conditions, except PP, when compared to the multi-tone counterparts. Our results show that contrast incongruency between learning and testing is the predominant factor affecting performance and that deficits in sensory coding or retention of negative face images are unlikely to be major factors. The advantage of multi-tone over two-tone negatives can be attributed to preserved facial information carried by the high-spatial-frequency components of the image.
Safety and Efficacy of Fibrin Glue versus Vicryl Sutures in Recurrent Pterygium with Amniotic Membrane Grafting

Purpose: The study aimed to compare surgical outcomes with likely toxic side effects when using pterygium excision and amniotic membrane grafting with fibrin glue versus Vicryl sutures. Method: This is a prospective randomized study. Patients were classified into two groups: group 1 consisted of 20 patients with Vicryl-sutured grafts, and group 2 consisted of 20 patients with fibrin-glued grafts that were prepared from autologous blood. Results including surgery time, patient discomfort, complications and recurrence rates within 1, 6 and 12 months were analyzed. Results: The study demonstrated that there was a statistically significant decrease in surgery time in the fibrin glue group (the procedure took 17 min) relative to the sutured group (28 min; p < 0.05). Additionally, both postoperative pain and discomfort were noted significantly less often in the fibrin glue group. Complications were also decreased in the fibrin glue group. Conclusion: The study revealed that the use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane grafting was safer, less toxic and less time-consuming, and resulted in fewer complications than graft surgery with sutures.
Effects of coaching on educators' and preschoolers' use of references to print and phonological awareness during a small-group craft/writing activity.

PURPOSE The current study investigated the effects of coaching as part of an emergent literacy professional development program to increase early childhood educators' use of verbal references to print and phonological awareness during interactions with children. METHOD Thirty-one educators and 4 children from each of their classrooms (N = 121) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (21 hr of in-service workshops plus 5 coaching sessions) and a comparison group (workshops alone). The in-service workshops included instruction on how to talk about print and phonological awareness during a post-story craft/writing activity. All educators were video-recorded during a 15-min craft/writing activity with a small group of preschoolers at pretest and posttest. All videotapes were transcribed and coded for verbal references to print and phonological awareness by the educators and children. RESULTS Although at posttest, there were no significant group differences in the educators' or the children's references to print as measured by rate per minute, both the educators and the children in the experimental group used a significantly higher rate per minute of references to phonological awareness relative to the comparison group. CONCLUSION Professional development that included coaching with a speech-language pathologist enabled educators and children to engage in more phonological awareness talk during this activity.
Expected Stock Returns and Forward Variance

Bakshi, Panayotov, and Skoulakis (2011) show that forward variances are predictive of real economic activity and asset returns. In this paper, we study this relation by using CBOE VIX term structure data between January 1992 and August 2009. We find that certain combinations of the 3-, 6-, and 9-month forward variances (single forward variance factor) are predictive of stock market returns at 1-, 3-, and 6-month horizons. Forward variances constructed from seven out of nine sectors are also predictive of market returns and growth in measures of real economic activity. Out-of-sample analysis confirms the prediction power of the single forward variance factor.
Down‐regulation of reduced folate carrier may result in folate malabsorption across intestinal brush border membrane during experimental alcoholism

Folate plays a critical role in maintaining normal metabolic, energy, differentiation and growth status of all mammalian cells. The intestinal folate uptake is tightly and diversely regulated, and disturbances in folate homeostasis are observed in alcoholism, attributable, in part, to intestinal malabsorption of folate. The aim of this study was to delineate the regulatory mechanisms of folate transport in intestinal absorptive epithelia in order to obtain insights into folate malabsorption in a rat model of alcoholism. The rats were fed 1 g·kg−1 body weight of ethanol daily for 3 months. A reduced uptake of [3H]folic acid in intestinal brush border membrane was observed over the course of ethanol administration for 3 months. Folate transport exhibited saturable kinetics and the decreased intestinal brush border membrane folate transport in chronic alcoholism was associated with an increased Km value and a low Vmax value. Importantly, the lower intestinal [3H]folic acid uptake in ethanol‐fed rats was observed in all cell fractions corresponding to villus tip, mid‐villus and crypt base. RT‐PCR analysis for reduced folate carrier, the major folate transporter, revealed that reduced folate carrier mRNA levels were decreased in jejunal tissue derived from ethanol‐fed rats. Parallel changes were observed in reduced folate carrier protein levels in brush border membrane along the entire crypt–villus axis. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for reduced folate carrier protein showed that, in alcoholic conditions, deranged reduced folate carrier localization was observed along the entire crypt–villus axis, with a more prominent effect in differentiating crypt base stem cells. These changes in functional activity of the membrane transport system were not caused by a general loss of intestinal architecture, and hence can be attributed to the specific effect of ethanol ingestion on the folate transport system. The low folate uptake activity observed in ethanol‐fed rats was found to be associated with decreased serum and red blood cell folate levels, which might explain the observed jejunal genomic hypomethylation. These findings offer possible mechanistic insights into folate malabsorption during alcoholism.
Granular cell myoblastoma of the supraglottis

Abstract Granular cell myoblastoma is an unusual benign tumour, which, when occuring in the larynx usually affects the vocal cords and causes hoarseness. We present a case presenting with symptoms strongly suggestive of globus pharyngis. These tumours probably arise from neuroectodermal tissue, and the current nomenclature is a misnomer. Complete excision rather than biopsy is recommended, as biopsy material may be misinterpreted as squamous carcinoma. In this case, endoscopic removal of the tumour was successful in producing complete symptomatic relief.
Change in Systematic Bias and News as Drivers of Earnings Forecast Revision - A New Forecast Revision Model

We predict and find that revisions are driven by the same determinants as forecast errors. In addition to the intuitive impact of news on revisions, we show that a second major driver of revisions is the change in analyst incentives to systematically bias their earnings forecasts. Taken together, both drivers explain about 42% of the variability in earnings forecast revisions. Price reaction to revision depends crucially on the underlying revision driver. Therefore, when allocating a revision according to the revision drivers, the explanatory power of a regression of price changes on revision more than doubles. Moreover, we find that revisions can be at least partly predicted by using prior information. This information refers to the downward revision to compensate for the initial induced forecast optimism.
Farewell to flexicurity? Austerity and labour policies in the European Union

For the past decade the European Commission has urged EU member states to pursue ‘flexicurity’ policies aimed at achieving employment growth and social inclusion. However, the economic crisis and turn to austerity across the EU has presented the flexicurity model with a substantial challenge. This article argues that since 2008 labour policies across the EU have exhibited shared tendencies, but support for measures that might contribute to the achievement of the security aspects of flexicurity has been substantially weakened. In developing this argument, the article presents findings from a cluster analysis and detailed investigations of labour policies in EU member countries. The article also discusses the implications of the findings for comparative institutional analysis. It highlights differences in the approaches of countries that are commonly treated as members of the same institutional family, as well as similarities in the policies adopted by countries commonly associated with different ‘varieties’ of capitalism.
The Predictive Ability of P/E Ratio: Evidence from Australia and New Zealand

We find negative relationship between historical price-earnings (P/E) ratio and following year’s stock returns in Australia and New Zealand. The existence of P/E effect is consistent with prior research in US market but the effect seems to be stronger and short-lived. Whilst the excess returns of low P/E stocks are not explained by the market risk factor, they are not significant after controlling for size, value, and momentum. We also find evidence of a positive relationship between P/E ratio and the following year’s earnings growth that suggests that investors are generally good at assessing relative earnings growth prospect of companies.
Mammography screening and breast cancer mortality in Sweden.

BACKGROUND Swedish women aged 40-69 years were gradually offered regular mammography screening since 1974, and nationwide coverage was achieved in 1997. We hypothesized that this gradual implementation of breast cancer screening would be reflected in county-specific mortality patterns during the last 20 years. METHODS Using data from the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare from 1960 to 2009, we used joinpoint regression to analyze breast cancer mortality trends in women aged 40 years and older (1,286,000 women in 1995-1996). Poisson regression models were used to compare observed mortality trends with expected trends if screening had resulted in breast cancer mortality reductions of 10%, 20%, or 30% among women screened during 18 years of follow-up after the introduction of screening. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS From 1972 to 2009, breast cancer mortality rates in Swedish women aged 40 years and older declined by 0.98% annually, from 68.4 to 42.8 per 100,000, and it continuously declined in 14 of the 21 Swedish counties. In three counties, breast cancer mortality declined sharply during or soon after the implementation of screening; in two counties, a steep decline started at least 5 years after screening was introduced; and in two counties, breast cancer mortality increased after screening started. In counties in which screening started in 1974-1978, mortality trends during the next 18 years were similar to those before screening started, and in counties in which screening started in 1986-1987, mortality increased by approximately 12% (P = .007) after the introduction of screening compared with previous trends. In counties in which screening started in 1987-1988 and in 1989-1990, mortality declined by approximately 5% (P = .001) and 8% (P < .001), respectively, after the introduction of screening. Conclusion County-specific mortality statistics in Sweden are consistent with studies that have reported limited or no impact of screening on mortality from breast cancer.
Functioning and disability associated with mental disorders: the evolution since ICIDH

The International Mental Health Task Force participated actively from the outset of the revision of the ICIDH and development of the ICF. The Task Force was responsible for development of all aspects of functioning and disability associated with mental disorders. Building upon knowledge gained since the publication of the ICIDH, it had unique responsibility for development of the ICF chapter on mental functioning. It was also responsible to assure the ICF section on activities and participation integrated and reflected the functioning and disability associated with mental disorders without the redundancy of ICIDH. As context to the revision, the article describes the relationship of diagnostic classifications of mental disorders with disability, and analyses the mental disorder aspects of impairments and disabilities in the ICIDH. Membership in the Task Force represented diversity in geographical, cultural, professional, and personal perspectives on disabilities. This diverse acumen was focused on a range of activities that both specified the unique aspects of functioning and disability associated with mental disorders and assured inclusion of the mental health perspective on the domains of functioning and disability common to physical conditions. Finally, the article notes four current applications of the ICF that are inclusive of the mental health perspective.
Evaluation of HEMA Released from Four Different Adhesive Systems by HPLC

Purpose This study evaluated the elution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) from 4 different adhesives, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Materials and Methods The adhesives were applied on a bovine dentin surface and polymerized using an LED curing unit (n=5). After polymerization, specimens were stored in 75% ethanol solution (6 mL). Residual HEMA that was eluted from adhesives (after 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days and 30 days) was analyzed using HPLC. Statistical analyses were performed using 1-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD test and paired 2-sample t-test. Results There were statistically significant differences among adhesive systems for the cumulative released HEMA and among the time periods (p<0.05). Clearfil SE Bond showed the highest amount of HEMA released, while Easy Bond showed the lowest. Among the time periods, the highest eluted HEMA value was detected in 10 minutes for all adhesives, and elution continued for up to 30 days. Conclusions The HEMA eluted from adhesives was in different amounts, and the elution continued for a long time. The amount of eluted HEMA from adhesives used in this study was not viewed as critical for toxic reactions in biological tissues.
An updated assessment of dairy sector vulnerabilities

Low global milk prices are placing dairy farmers under significant cash flow pressure. This article investigates the severity of these cash flow pressures, and the potential financial stability implications if the payout remains low for an extended period. Most farmers are estimated to make cash losses in the current season, compounding cash flow pressures experienced in the later part of the 2014-15 season. Despite some farms with high debts facing considerable difficulties, most farms are expected to remain viable over the medium term. Losses for the banking system as a whole are estimated to be manageable even under a severe stress scenario for the dairy sector.
Remembering to Execute a Goal

Remembering to execute deferred goals (prospective memory) is a ubiquitous memory challenge, and one that is often not successfully accomplished. Could sleeping after goal encoding promote later execution? We evaluated this possibility by instructing participants to execute a prospective memory goal after a short delay (20 min), a 12-hr wake delay, or a 12-hr sleep delay. Goal execution declined after the 12-hr wake delay relative to the short delay. In contrast, goal execution was relatively preserved after the 12-hr sleep delay relative to the short delay. The sleep-enhanced goal execution was not accompanied by a decline in performance of an ongoing task in which the prospective memory goal was embedded, which suggests that the effect was not a consequence of attentional resources being reallocated from the ongoing task to the prospective memory goal. Our results suggest that consolidation processes active during sleep increase the probability that a goal will be spontaneously retrieved and executed.
Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Nepeta cataria Accessions

A method was developed for the identification and quantification of polyphenols in the flowers, upper leaves and lower leaves of Nepeta cataria using HPLC/UV/MS. This led to the identification of two phenolic acids including caffeic and rosmarinic acid along with eight flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin and their glucosyl and glucuronyl derivatives. The results indicated that total polyphenols averaged 11.32 ± 3.95 mg/g, 12.31 ± 2.5 mg/g and 11.29 ± 2.88 mg/g for the flowers, upper leaves and lower leaves, respectively. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts from N. cataria were determined using the ABTS+ radical scavenging assay and averaged 30.35 ± 3.56 μM, 30.56 ± 4.71 μM and 29.7 ± 4.61 μM equivalent / g DW for the flowers, upper leaves and lower leaves, respectively. Antiinflammatory activity was assayed by measuring nitric oxide concentrations after treating RAW 264.7 murine macrophages stimulated by E. coli lipopolysaccharide and the IC50 values averaged 81.96 ± 37.49 μg/mL, 95.99 ± 85.55 μg/mL and 91.28 ± 47. 71μg/mL for the flowers, upper leaves and lower leaves, respectively. All extracts from the different plant tissues demonstrated radical scavenging capabilities and dose dependent activity in the inhibition of nitric oxide similar to other members of the Lamiaceae family. INTRODUCTION Catnip, (Nepeta cataria; Family, Lamiaceae), has long been recognized for its phytochemical and medicinal properties (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, 1982; Sastry et al., 1972). Members of this plant family are highly aromatic with many species renown for culinary uses such as basil, mints, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme and others such as peppermint, spearmint, clary sage and others are grown to distill their essential oils for use in foods, flavors, personal hygiene and industrial products (Ellis and Stevenson, 1950; Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, 1982). While catnip is well known for producing volatile monoterpene iridoid nepetalactones, the compounds responsible for eliciting euphoria in felines (Waller et al., 1969), members of this genus have been reported to produce a wide array of nonvolatile medicinally bioactive polyphenols that are Simon: Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Nepeta c