Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Livelihood Continuity and Change: Adaptation to Climate and Environmental Change in Northern Unguja, Zanzibar 1916-2016

Coastal community continuity and change in livelihoods become a prime adaptation strategy worldwide because of climate and environmental change. The changes in climate and environment along the coast have been associated with natural and human induced factors. This paper analysed the livelihood continuity and change as adaptation measures in northern Unguja, in relation to temperature and rainfall change. Archival and current reviews, interview and observation which represent the livelihoods change over last 100years were used. The paper also, analyzed how local community processes of continuity and change have interconnected with local climate events and changes over last 100 years. The results reveal that there were societal change both North Western Zone and North Eastern Zone in livelihoods activities as an adaptation mechanism due to gradual environmental changes, such as coastal erosion, coastal floods, unreliable rainfall and droughts. Such scenario increases the risk and vulnerability to the local community. The study also reveals that the identification of risks and vulnerability depends on the local community perceptions of what functions the coastal and terrestrial land should provide, as they informed by past experience, histories and current situation. Therefore, the successful adaptation from the local perspective should go beyond protecting what is already there and allow for future development of the village.
The processes leading to deception: ERP spatiotemporal principal component analysis and source analysis

The cognitive and neural mechanisms leading to deception were studied by the event-related brain potential (ERP) technique. In a simulated deception situation with graded monetary incentives, participants made a decision to lie or be truthful in each trial and held their response until a delayed imperative signal was presented. Spatiotemporal principal component analysis (PCA) and source analysis revealed that brain activities dominant in the left lateral frontal area approximately 800–1,000 ms post-stimulus and over the central-frontal-parietal and right frontal areas after 1,300 ms were significantly more negative in the deceptive condition than in the truthful condition. These results suggest that two serial cognitive processes, decision making and response preparation, are related to deliberate deception.
Price Reversal and Momentum Strategies

This paper investigates the role of price reversal in momentum strategies. We hypothesize that the momentum strategies implemented in the early stage of price reversal (MSES) are more profitable than those implemented in the late stage of price reversal (MSLS). Empirical results shows that while MSES records significant positive returns, the profits to MSLS are not significant. There is a continuation of momentum profits in MSES but a reversal in MSLS. Regression analysis shows that returns in MSES could be captured by the book-to-market factor in the Fama and French three-factor model. JEL classification: G11; G14
Uncultivated Bacteria as Etiologic Agents of Intra-Amniotic Inflammation Leading to Preterm Birth

ABSTRACT Intra-amniotic infection and inflammation are major causes of preterm birth (PTB). However, intra-amniotic inflammation is often detected in the absence of infection. This may partly be due to the culturing methods employed in hospital laboratories, which are unable to detect the uncultivated species. In this study, intra-amniotic microbial infections associated with PTB were examined by both culture and 16S rRNA-based culture-independent methods and were corroborated by the presence of intra-amniotic inflammation. Amniotic fluid (AF) specimens from 46 pregnancies complicated by PTB and 16 asymptomatic women were analyzed. No bacterial DNA was amplified in AF collected from the asymptomatic women. Among the 46 samples associated with PTB, bacterial DNA was amplified from all (16/16) of the culture-positive samples and 17% (5/30) of the culture-negative samples. In the culture-positive group, additional species were detected in more than half (9/16) of the cases by PCR and clone analysis. Altogether, approximately two- thirds of the species detected by the culture-independent methods were not isolated by culture. They included both uncultivated and difficult-to-cultivate species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Leptotrichia (Sneathia) spp. , a Bergeyella sp. , a Peptostreptococcus sp. , Bacteroides spp. , and a species of the order Clostridiales. To examine intra-amniotic inflammation, an AF proteomic fingerprint (mass-restricted score) was determined by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Inflammation was detected in all five samples which were culture negative but PCR positive. Women who were PCR positive more often had elevated interleukin-6 levels in their AF, histological chorioamnionitis, and funisitis and delivered neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis. Previously unrecognized, uncultivated, or difficult-to-cultivate species may play a key role in the initiation of PTB.
The Diverse Impacts of Politically Diverse Networks: Party Systems, Political Disagreement, and the Timing of Vote Decisions

When friends and family members disagree about politics, do they begin to vacillate and become demobilized? Or does a little friendly political discord aid decision-making? Recently, scholars have argued that many citizens dislike disagreement and disengage from conversation even at the prospect of encountering it (Eliasoph, 1999; Hibbing & Theiss-Morse, 2002; Hopmann, 2012; Mutz, 2002, 2006). Others, however, maintain that citizens often welcome deliberation, controversy, and compromise (Neblo, Esterling, Kennedy, Lazer, & Sokhey, 2010). In fact, exposure to some forms of disagreement might even mobilize some types of citizens (Bello, 2012; Eveland & Hively, 2009; Fitzgerald & Curtis, 2012; Huckfeldt, Mendez, & Osborn, 2004; Jang, 2009; Klofstad, Sokhey, & McClurg, 2013; Matthes, 2013; Nir, 2005, 2011; Pattie & Johnston, 2009; Therriault, Tucker, & Brader, 2011). Until recently, however, this debate has focused on the American case. In this research note, I explore data on citizens’ political discussions in 22 elections in 17 countries, using three rounds of the Comparative National Elections Project (CNEP). I find that the United States is something of an outlier when it comes to the consequences of disagreement. These differences, I argue, are because of the nature of the party system. Party systems affect the number of choices available to citizens, available information about parties, and party viability. But citizens do not absorb influences from the choice and information environment via osmosis; the media, civil society, and social networks mediate contextual influences. In other words, political information from network members is shaped by the party system, and in turn shapes networks’ political effects (Ikeda, 2010). I identify a paradox: In systems with fewer parties, exposure to disagreement will be simultaneously less frequent and more impactful. In a world
Quantification of Lumbar Function: Part 1: Isometric and Multispeed Isokinetic Trunk Strength Measures in Sagittal and Axial Planes in Normal Subjects

The goals of this study were to: (1) evaluate the repeatability of a method of measuring trunk strength; (2) measure isometric and isokinetic strength of trunk flexors, extensors and rotators; (3) explore relationships among these muscle groups; and (4) compare a torque to body weight adjustment measure versus lean body weight. One hundred twenty-five normal subjects (62 males, 63 females) were tested using a Cybex prototype trunk extension-flexion system. Sixty-seven subjects (25 males, 42 females) were tested using a prototype torso rotation unit. Fifty were tested on both devices. Results demonstrated that the strength data were reliable, with strength being greatest in extension. The following were also learned-torque output declined slightly with increased speed; extensor-flexor strength remained consistent from 18 to 44 years; extension-flexion ratios exceeded 1.1:1; left to right rotation ratios remained 1:1; there was no significant difference between torque adjusted to body weight or to lean body weight.
Core Temperature Changes and Sprint Performance of Elite Female Soccer Players After a 15-minute Warm-Up in a Hot-Humid Environment

Abstract Somboonwong, J, Chutimakul, L, and Sanguanrungsirikul, S. Core temperature changes and sprint performance of elite female soccer players after a 15-minute warm-up in a hot-humid environment. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 262–269, 2015—Warm-up session should be modified according to the environmental conditions. However, there is limited evidence regarding the proper soccer warm-up time for female players in the heat. The purpose of this study was to examine the rise in core body temperature and the sprint performance after a 15-minute warm-up in a hot-humid environment using female soccer players during the different phases of their menstrual cycle. Thirteen eumenorrheic national female soccer players (aged 18.8 ± 1.3 years, 53.05 ± 6.66 ml·kg−1·min−1) performed a 15-minute warm-up protocol at an ambient temperature of 32.5 ± 1.6° C with a relative humidity of 53.6 ± 10.2% during their early follicular and midluteal phases of their cycle. The warm-up protocol is composed of jogging, skipping by moving the legs in various directions, and sprinting alternated with jogging, followed by a 45-minute recovery period. Rectal temperatures were recorded during the rest period and every 5 minutes throughout the warm-up and recovery phases of the study. Heart rate was monitored at rest and every 5 minutes during the warm-up. Forty-yard sprint time was assessed immediately after the completion of warm-up, which was later compared with the time at baseline. The value for the baseline was obtained at least 2 days before the experiment. During the early follicular and midluteal phases, the rectal temperatures obtained at the end of the warm-up period were significantly (p < 0.05) higher by 1.26° C (95% confidence interval [CI] = +0.46 to +2.06° C) and 1.18° C (95% CI = +0.53 to +1.83° C), whereas the heart rates increased to 153.67 ± 20.34 and 158.38 ± 15.19 b·min−1, respectively. After 20 minutes of the recovery period, the rectal temperature decreased by approximately 50%. The sprint times were significantly (p < 0.05) faster post–warm-up during both the early follicular (5.52 seconds; 95% CI = 5.43–5.60 seconds) and midluteal phases (5.51 seconds; 95% CI = 5.41–5.60 seconds) compared with the baseline time (5.66 seconds; 95% CI = 5.58–5.74 seconds). There were no significant differences in any parameters assessed after warm-up between the 2 phases. In conclusion, a 15-minute warm-up increased the core temperature by approximately 1° C and improved the 40-yd sprint time for elite female soccer players in a hot environment regardless of menstrual phase.
Sequential deglycosylation and utilization of the N-linked, complex-type glycans of human alpha1-acid glycoprotein mediates growth of Streptococcus oralis.

Streptococcus oralis is the agent of a large number of infections in immunocompromised patients, but little is known regarding the mechanisms by which this fermentative organism proliferates in vivo. Glycoproteins are widespread within the circulation and host tissues, and could provide a source of fermentable carbohydrate for the growth of those pathogenic organisms with the capacity to release monosaccharides from glycans via the production of specific glycosidases. The ability of acute phase serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein to support growth of S.oralis in vitro has been examined as a model for growth of this organism on N-linked glycoproteins. Growth was accompanied by the production of a range of glycosidases (sialidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and beta-D-galactosidase) as measured using the 4-methylumbelliferone-linked substrates. The residual glycoprotein glycans remaining during growth of this organism were released by treatment with hydrazine and their analysis by HPAEC-PAD and MALDI demonstrated extensive degradation of all glycan chains with only terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues attached to asparagines of the protein backbone remaining when growth was complete. Monosaccharides were released sequentially from the glycans by S.oralis glycosidases in the order sialic acid, galactose, fucose, nonterminal N-acetylglucosamine, and mannose due to the actions of exo-glycosidic activities, including mannosidases which have not previously been reported for S.oralis. All released monosaccharides were metabolized during growth with the exception of fucose which remained free in culture supernatants. Direct release of oligosaccharides was not observed, indicating the absence of endo-glycosidases in S.oralis. We propose that this mechanism of deglycosylation of host glycoproteins and the subsequent utilization of released monosaccharides is important in the survival and persistence of this and other pathogenic bacteria in vivo.
The Role of Founder and Other Family Participation on Us Private Foundation Efficiency

Founders make significant financial contributions in creating US private foundations. Therefore, we hypothesize that founders monitor foundation operations and predict a positive relation between founder participation and foundation efficiency. In contrast, we propose competing hypotheses in examining the relation between other family member participation and foundation efficiency. Other family member participation has the potential to enhance foundation efficiency if founders are able to transfer their philanthropic values to their progeny. However, other family participation also has the potential to diminish foundation efficiency if the founders’ withdrawal leaves their foundations without true principals to monitor managerial actions. We find that both founder and other family participation are positively associated with foundation efficiency. We also provide limited evidence that the positive association between founding family participation and foundation efficiency is transferred to second generation family members, but is not transferred to subsequent generations.
Association of the human leukocyte antigen class II alleles with chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinoma in Koreans

OBJECTIVE: Gastric carcinogenesis is a multi‐step process and is influenced by several etiological agents, including the host's genetic factors. Since whether a patient remains with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) or progresses to either chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) or gastric carcinoma (GC) could be a genetic predisposition unique in each population, we hypothesized that host human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles could be discriminative in predicting the risk of CSG progression to precancerous CAG and GC in Koreans.
Donor and Isolation Variables Predicting Human Islet Isolation Success

Background. Recent advances in the fields of islet transplantation and in vitro islet cell expansion place a renewed emphasis on the optimization of islet isolation from cadaveric human donor organs. We retrospectively analyzed 171 islet isolations to identify variables that predict islet yield and isolation success. Methods. Cadaveric human donor pancreata were procured and processed according to established protocols. Donor-, procurement-, and isolation-related variables were analyzed for correlation with islet yield and isolation success (≥250,000 islet equivalents). Results. Univariate analysis suggested correlations between islet yield and donor age (P<0.005), body surface area (P<0.005), duration of enzymatic digestion (P<0.001), and pancreatic β-cell volume (P<0.05). Donor sex (P<0.01), procurement team (P<0.05), and peridigestion serine protease inhibition (P<0.05) affected islet yield, whereas enzyme lot (P<0.01) and pancreatic fatty infiltration (P<0.05) influenced isolation success. By logistic regression, donor sex and age, and duration of enzymatic digestion could predict a successful isolation with 72% accuracy. The use of Liberase CI improved islet yield (P<0.05) in young donors (≤25 years). Conclusions. While donor-related variables are useful in predicting islet yield, these are likely surrogates for pancreatic β-cell volume. Enzyme lot, and the associated duration of enzymatic digestion (P<0.05), appears to be key determinants of isolation success.
TMVA, a novel GPIb‐binding protein, significantly prevents platelet microthrombi formation and prolongs discordant cardiac xenograft survival

Abstract: In xenotransplantation, donor endothelium is the first target of immunological attack. Activation of the endothelial cell by preformed natural antibodies leads to platelet binding via the interaction of the glycoprotein (GP) Ib and von Willebrand factor (vWF). TMVA is a novel GPIb‐binding protein purified from the venom of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus. In this study, the inhibitory effect of TMVA on platelet aggregation in rats and the effect on discordant guinea pig‐to‐rat cardiac xenograft survival were investigated. Three doses (8, 20 or 40 μg/kg) of TMVA were infused intravenously to 30 rats respectively. Platelet aggregation rate was assayed 0.5, 12, and 24 h after TMVA administration. Wister rats underwent guinea pig cardiac cervical heterotopic transplantation using single dosing of TMVA (20 μg/kg, i.v., 0.5 h before reperfusion). Additionally, levels of TXB2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α within rejected graft tissues were determined by radioimmunoassay. Treatment with TMVA at a dose of 20 or 40 μg/kg resulted in complete inhibition of platelet aggregation 0.5 h after TMVA administration. Rats receiving guinea pig cardiac xenografts after TMVA therapy had significantly prolonged xenograft survival. Histologic and immunopathologic analysis of cardiac xenografts in TMVA treatment group showed no intragraft platelet microthrombi formation and fibrin deposition. Additionally, the ratio of 6‐keto‐PGF1α to TXB2 in TMVA treatment group was significantly higher than those in control group. We conclude that the use of this novel GPIb‐binding protein was very effective in preventing platelet microthrombi formation and fibrin deposition in a guinea pig‐to‐rat model and resulted in prolongation of xenograft survival. The increased ratio of PGI2/TXA2 in TMVA treatment group may protect xenografts from the endothelial cell activation and contribute to the prolongation of xenograft survival.
The GABAA agonist THIP (gaboxadol) increases non‐REM sleep and enhances delta activity in the rat

To investigate the effects of the selective γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxa-zolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol (THIP) on sleep, vehicle or 2 or 4 mg kg−1 of THIP were randomly administered i.p. to 8 rats at light onset. EEG and EMG were recorded during the first 6 hours after injection. THIP 4 mg kg−1 transiently evoked bursts of absence epilepsy-like EEG hyper-synchronization. It significantly promoted non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep and elevated delta activity within non-REM sleep. This was accompanied by an increase in both the rise rate and maximal level of delta activity within the non-REM sleep episodes. The effects of THIP on sleep resemble those reported earlier for the GABAA agonist muscimol and are dissimilar from those induced by benzodiazepine-agonistic modulators of GABAA receptors. These data indicate that agonists and agonistic modulators of GABAA receptors affect sleep differentially.
Epidemiological predictors of metabolic syndrome in urban West Bengal, India

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is one of the emerging health problems of the world. Its prevalence is high in urban areas. Though pathogenesis is complex, but the interaction of obesity, sedentary lifestyle, dietary, and genetic factors are known as contributing factors. Community-based studies were very few to find out the prevalence or predictors of the syndrome. Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence and epidemiological predictors of metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: A total of 690 study subjects were chosen by 30 clusters random sampling method from 43 wards of Durgapur city. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 software and binary logistic regression was done to find out statistical significance of the predictors. Results: Among 32.75% of the study population was diagnosed as metabolic syndrome according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition with a modification for Asia Pacific cut-off of waist circumference. Odds were more among females (2.43), upper social class (14.89), sedentary lifestyle (17.00), and positive family history. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high in urban areas of Durgapur. Increased age, female gender, higher social status, sedentary lifestyle, positive family history, and higher education were the statistically significant predictors of metabolic syndrome.
Characteristics of extracellular potentials recorded from the sinoatrial pacemaker of the rabbit.

SUMMARY We have identified the extracellular potential changes associated with electrical activity of the sinoatrial (SA) pacemaker. Unipolar Ag-AgCI electrodes and DC amplification were used to record unipolar electrograms from the endocardial surface of the isolated rabbit atrium. Transmembrane action potentials (TAP) from the SA pacemaker were recorded to identify the pacemaker region and to monitor intracellular potential changes simultaneously with the electrogram. The SA electrogram showed two characteristic potentials when the electrode was in immediate proximity to pacemaking cells: (1) during phase 4 there was a steady slope (of the order of magnitude of —30 to —90 /xV/sec at the cycle lengths studied) opposite in polarity to the slope of phase 4 of the TAP; (2) during the transition from phase 4 to phase 0 of the TAP the slope of the electrogram increased smoothly to approximately -400 to -800 ptV/sec. We have called these two deflections the diastolic slope and the upstroke slope. As cells in the perinodal region and crista lerminalis depolarized, these low frequency potential changes were interrupted by high frequency deflections. Tetrodotoxin (2-10 mg/liter) rendered the atrial muscle inexcitable and delayed and then abolished the high frequency activity in the SA electrogram, which then appeared as a continuous smooth tracing similar to the SA nodal TAP but reversed in polarity. The correlations between transmembrane and extracellular records were maintained when sinus automaticity was suppressed by cooling (36.5°C to 30°C). A potential resulting from pacemaker depolarization also could be recognized when the SA node was depolarized in a retrograde fashion by a paced atrial rhythm. These results demonstrate that rabbit SA pacemaker cells produce detectable and characteristic extracellular potential changes.