Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stress induced impairment in goal directed instrumental behaviour is moderated by baseline working

Acute stress has been found to impair goal-directed instrumental behaviour, a cognitively flexible behaviour that requires cognitive control. The current study aimed to investigate the role of individual differences in baseline and stress-induced changes in working memory (WM) on the shift to less goal-directed responding under stress. To this end, 112 healthy participants performed an instrumental learning task. In phase 1, participants learned instrumental actions that were associated with two different food rewards. In phase 2, one of these food rewards was devalued by eating until satiety. Before the extinction test in phase 3, participants were subjected to the Maastricht Acute Stress Test or a no-stress control procedure. Results showed that the effect of stress on instrumental behaviour is modulated by baseline, but not stress-induced changes in WM capacity. Specifically, only at low baseline WM capacity did stress induce a shift to less goal-directed behaviour. These findings highlight that our cognitive resources are limited and for those who already have limited resources at baseline taking into account motivational value is impaired under stress.
Economic Influence Activities and Strategic Location Investment Economic Influence Activities and Strategic Location Investment February 2019

This paper empirically examines the economic influence activities (EIA) of firms. We argue that firms invest in innovative jobs and establishments in congressional committee member districts that have oversight and influence over their businesses and industries. This investment increases as the legislator increases in power in Congress. However, as the legislator exits the committee, this investment slows. Firms do not exit their investments, but cease to continue investment in the district. Our theory makes three predictions. First, EIA by firms will be higher in congressional districts where the legislators have substantial political influence over the firm, relative to congressional districts in where legislators have little influence over the firm. Second, EIA will increase with the legislators’ power on the focal committee. Third, when a legislator exits the committee, EIA will diminish. We test these predictions by analyzing the Trinet biennial census of establishments, mapped into the congressional committee structure of the U.S. Congress. With these datasets, we are able to track the investment and employment of firms in each industry in each congressional district over time. Using fixed effects models, we show that the predictions of the theory are largely supported in the data. We explore causality by using exogenous exits by politicians by death and scandals to further complement our core analysis. Economic Influence Activities and Strategic Location Investment Economic Influence Activities and Strategic Location Investment
Chemoprevention of Azoxymethane-induced Colon Carcinogenesis by Delta-Tocotrienol

This study evaluated the preclinical activity of δ-tocotrienol (DT3), a bioactive form of vitamin E, in the inhibition of colorectal cancer growth and development in vitro and in vivo. DT3 is the most bioactive isomer of vitamin E in inhibiting growth of colorectal cancer cells. However, it had little effect on the proliferation of normal colon mucosal cells NCM460. In HCT-116 and SW-620 colorectal cancer cells, DT3 (50 μmol/L) significantly inhibited malignant transformation (P < 0.02, P < 0.001), cell migration (P < 0.02, P < 0.05), and invasion (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with vehicle. DT3 inhibited markers for epithelial (E-cadherin) to mesenchymal (vimentin) transition, metastasis (matrix metalloproteinase 9), angiogenesis VEGF, inflammation (NF-κB), and Wnt signaling (β-catenin) compared with vehicle in colorectal cancer cells. DT3 induced apoptosis selectively in colorectal cancer cells (SW-620 cells, HCT-116 cells, and HT-29) without affecting the normal colon cells. In the azoxymethane-induced colorectal carcinogenesis model in rats, DT3 (200 mg/kg orally twice a day) for 20 weeks significantly inhibited colorectal polyps by 70% and colorectal cancer by almost 99% compared with the vehicle treatment group (P < 0.02, P < 0.001), and the cancer inhibition effect was more potent than sulindac (50%). Taken together, these data demonstrate that DT3 is a potential chemopreventive agent in colorectal cancer, warranting further investigation into its clinical use in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
THE REMOVAL OF METHYLENE BLUE AND REMAZOL BRILLIANT BLUE R DYES BY USING ORANGE PEEL

This study explored the low-cost adsorbent of orange peel and spent tea leave for Methylene Blue (MB) and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dyes removal from aqueous solutions. The removal rate and adsorption capacity on the adsorption of dyes were investigated using the batch adsorption study. The present study indicates that the MB was easier to remove by both orange peel and spent tea leave compared to RBBR with percentage removal of 95.72 % and 99.02 % respectively. The effects of morphology, functional groups, and surface area of adsorbents were investigated by using FESEM, FTIR, and BET. The result proved that orange peel and spent tea leave were promising material as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of MB from aqueous solution.
EFFECT OF PUTATIVE MITOK ATP CHANNEL BLOCKER ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED EFFECTS IN HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Heart failure and high mortality rates are associated with severe sepsis. Recently, focus has been on mitochondrial ultrastructural changes and function due to sepsis and sepsis-related pathologies. Chopra et al. (2011) has provided data showing the involvement of the mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptosis cascade in regulating adult rat ventricular myocyte (ARVM) dysfunction in sepsis. Experimental endotoxemia has shown mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, membrane permeability changes and release of cytochrome C to be indicators of mitochondrial dysfunction. Outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) permeability is controlled by Bax translocation, resulting Voltage Dependent Anion Channels (VDACs) pores in the OMM and activation of mitoKATP channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Endotoxins can induce mitochondrial damage and there is a correlation between the severity of sepsis and mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Since the progression of sepsis occurs from vascular dysfunction to organ dysfunction, in the current study we examined mitochondrial dysfunction in endotoxic HUVEC cells. This study has provided evidence for 5HD, a putative mitoKATP blocker, in the preservation of ∆Ψm in endotoxic HUVEC. Additionally, 5HD appears to prevent Apaf-1 expression and reduce H2O2 generation in endotoxic HUVEC.
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON YIELDING AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF SPINACH GROWN FOR AUTUMN HARVEST

The nutritional value of some vegetables may greatly vary depending on the cul- tivation method and kind of fertilization. In 2007-2009 there was conducted a field experi- ment to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, am- monium sulphate, urea, Entec-26) and their doses (80, 160 kgN·ha -1 ) on yielding and bio- logical quality of two spinach cultivars (Spokane F1, Rembrandt F1) grown for autumn har- vest. The use of Entec-26 fertilizer assured the highest mean marketable yield of spinach (12.25 t·ha -1 ). Comparable results were observed for ammonium sulphate and ammonium ni- trate while lower yield was obtained in treatment supplied with calcium nitrate. The highest accumulation of nitrates and vitamin C was associated with the application of calcium nitrate and the lowest one with ammonium sulphate and Entec-26. An increase of the dose of fertil- izer from 80 to 160 kg N·ha -1 did not significantly affect yielding of spinach and its nutri- tional value expressed by the content of dry matter, vitamin C and nitrates. Among the two cultivars, Rembrandt F1 produced higher yield of leaves and showed some tendency to a higher accumulation of nitrates, whereas lower content of dry matter and vitamin C. The levels of P, K, Mg and Ca were not dependent on the cultivar as well as kind and dose of nitrogen fertilizer.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN KASAMA DISTRICT

This article examines the determinant factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV infected patients in Kasama District in Zambia. A cross-sectional study design was used and data were collected by interviewing 200 study participants from four health facilities using structured questionnaire. The research finding revealed 82.0% of the study participants had optimal combined adherence to dose, schedule and dietary instructions in the past three days. The non-adherence rate was 21.0%. In multivariate analysis only WHO clinical stage, change of ARV medication, knowledge about HIV disease and ART, and use of reminders were found to be independently associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The most common reasons for missing HIV medications in the past one month were forgetfulness (36.19%), lack of family support system (40%), effects of medication (43.33%), ignorance (10%) and running out of pills (10.5%). Adherence improving interventions should be emphasized to address multi-faceted problems. This study recommends setting of convenient appointment schedule, disclosure of one's HIV status, maintaining confidentiality of patient-related information, enhancing patientprovider relationship, use of reminders including SMS text messages, and engagement of PLHIV in adherence improving interventions through peer support, and providing regular health education to the PLHIV to improve adherence of patients to ART.
Does anxiety in science classrooms impair math and science motivation? - Gender differences beyond the mean level

This study investigated gender differences in the experience of situational anxiety (referred to as ‘state anxiety’) among a sample of 268 US and 202 Finnish lower- and upper-secondary-school / high-school students (51.0% female; 177 ninth-graders, 218 tenth-graders, 37 eleventh-graders, 38 twelfth-graders, 10 unspecified grade). Three main research questions guided our study: 1 ) Do male and female students differ in their anxiety during science lessons if in-the-moment state measures are used? ; 2) How does anxiety affect motivation in science classes? ; and 3) Does the relationship of anxiety to motivation differ by gender We employed the experience sampling method (ESM), a form of time/diary instrument, to assess experiences of anxiety in the moment in which they occur, in different contexts, e.g., in and out of school and in specific science lessons. Males and females did not differ in mean levels of state anxiety with in-the-moment measures, which corroborates previous findings. Females tended to experience less positive affect and intrinsic motivation, and more negative affect and withdrawal motivation in anxious states across all their everyday life experiences. In science lessons, the only consistent finding was that females tended to experience more stress in anxious situations than males. The findings suggest that previously found gender differences in math and science anxiety might be due to biases in the applied measures (see Goetz et al., 2013), which has important theoretical and practical implications for the assessment and interpretation of gender differences in science classrooms. Normal 0 21 false false false DE X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; text-align:justify; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
WP / 18 / 171 Heterogeneity and Persistence in Returns to Wealth

We provide a systematic analysis of the properties of individual returns to wealth using twelve years of population data from Norway’s administrative tax records. We document a number of novel results. First, during our sample period individuals earn markedly different average returns on their financial assets (a standard deviation of 14%) and on their net worth (a standard deviation of 8%). Second, heterogeneity in returns does not arise merely from differences in the allocation of wealth between safe and risky assets: returns are heterogeneous even within asset classes. Third, returns are positively correlated with wealth: moving from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the financial wealth distribution increases the return by 3 percentage points and by 17 percentage points when the same exercise is performed for the return to net worth. Fourth, wealth returns exhibit substantial persistence over time. We argue that while this persistence partly reflects stable differences in risk exposure and assets scale, it also reflects persistent heterogeneity in sophistication and financial information, as well as entrepreneurial talent. Finally, wealth returns are (mildly) correlated across generations. We discuss the implications of these findings for several strands of the wealth inequality debate. JEL Classification Numbers: D31, D91, E21, E24, G11
Major trematodes of cattle slaughtered at Hirna municipal Abattoir: Prevalence, associated risk factors and test agreement of sedimentation technique in Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of fasciolosis and paramphistomosis in Hirna town, assess the associated risk factors and evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of fecal sedimentation technique for both flukes. On coproscopy, out of the total of 387 cattle examined, 24 (6.2%) and 21(5.43%) cattle were positive for Fasciola and Paramphistomum, respectively. Postmortem examination of hepatobilary organs and fore-stomachs of the slaughtered cattle (n=387) revealed adults of Fasciola gigantic (8.53%, n= 33) and Paramphistomum spp. (5.43%, n=21), respectively. There was statistically significant difference in prevalence of both Fasciola and Paramphistomum between medium and good body conditions. Cattle with medium body condition were more frequently affected by Fasciola (OR=13.64, 11.3%) and Paramphistomum (OR=8.26, 7.06%) than cattle with good body condition. Considering necropsy examination as gold standard, the sensitivity of fecal sedimentation technique compared and found to be 72.7% (kappa = 0.83) and 100% (kappa=1) in agreement for fasciolosis and paramphistomosis, respectively. Though the existing prevalence of fasciolosis and paramphistomosis is low, the presence of flukes pose enormous economic loss through liver condemnation, poor weight gain and productivity, treatment cost, predisposition to infectious diseases and death in severely affected young animals. Therefore, strategic deworming and further investigation on the ecology of the intermediate hosts and socioeconomic impact of the problem deemed necessary. Key words: Fasciola, paramphistomum, cattle, coproscopy, necropsy, Hirna, Ethiopia.
Early lexicon and language skills at 42 months

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that early lexical development is associated with later language development. It is less clear which language domains early receptive/expressive lexicons are associated with. This study analyses these associations. The study also investigates whether children with slow/typical/fast developing early receptive/expressive lexical skills differed in their language skills at three and a half years (42 months) and the predictive value of early receptive/expressive lexical skills for later language skills. The participants of this longitudinal study were 68 healthy, monolingual Finnish-speaking children whose language development was measured using the Finnish, short-form-version of the Communicative Development Inventories at 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. At 42 months, language skills of the participants were assessed using tests measuring lexical, phonological, morphological and general receptive/expressive language skills. Early receptive lexicon was associated with later morphological skills from 15 months and onwards and with other language domains at 24 months. Early expressive lexicon was associated with later morphological skills at 15 months and onwards but with other language domains from 18 months. A trend was found that children with different early lexical growth rates differed in their language skills at 42 months. The best models for predicting later receptive/expressive language skills included variables from both early receptive and expressive lexicons. These models worked well to explain receptive/expressive language skills at 42 months (63/78% of the variance). This study provides novel information on the specific associations between receptive and expressive lexicon growth and later language skills. For clinicians, measuring both receptive and expressive lexicons provides the most representative information on children’s language development.
Small , young , and early exporters : New evidence on the determinants of firm growth

This work investigates how the interaction of firms? age, size and export status contribute to shape the relative growth patterns of business firms. We address this research question resorting to a novel set of data that covers the universe of Italian firms and detailed data on export transactions. We find that, even when accounting for the role of age, the negative size-growth relationship does not disappear, contrary to some recent evidence. Exploiting available trade data we identify firms that since the beginning of their activity are engaged in international trade. Those firms are characterized by both higher efficiency and willingness to take up growth opportunities. We show that, once accounted for size differences, the value of exports of born-global firms within each product-country destination is at least as big as that of more mature exporting firms. We also provide support for such result and alleviate potential endogeneity concerns by investigating the reactions of firms? exports to an exogenous source of variation such as real exchange rate shocks.
Testing the applicability of a general exercise program to a multiethnic group of mothers in practice

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Larvicidal activity of Leucas aspera ( Willd . ) against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say . and Aedes aegypti

Crude leaf extracts of Leucas aspera were tested for their larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. The hexane extract of Leucas aspera showed highest larvicidal activity against the two vector mosquitoes followed by chloroform and ethanol. The LC50 values of L. aspera against first, second, third and fouth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus were 122.50, 149.97, 193.43 and 230.71 ppm and against Ae. aegypti the LC50 values were 77.40, 144.00, 199.72 and 257.17 ppm respectively. No mortality was observed in control. The results were statistically significant at P<0.05 level. The hexane extract of L. aspera showed good larvicidal activity.
A compressed multiple feature and adaptive scale estimation method for correlation filter-based visual tracking

The core part of the popular tracking-by-detection trackers is the discriminative classifier, which distinguishes the tracked target from the surrounding environment. Correlation filter-based visual tracking methods have the advantage of computing efficiency over the traditional methods by exploiting the properties of circulant matrix in learning process, and the significant progress in efficiency has been achieved by making use of the fast Fourier transform at detection and learning stages. But most existing correlation filter-based approaches are mainly restricted to translation estimation, which are susceptible to drifting in long-term tracking. In this article, a compressed multiple feature and adaptive scale estimation method is presented, which uses multiple features, including histogram of orientation gradients, color-naming, and raw pixel value to further improve the stability and accuracy of translation estimation. And for the scale estimation, another correlation filter is trained, which uses the compressed histogram of orientation gradients and raw pixel value to construct a multiscale pyramid of the target, and the optimal scale is obtained by exhaustively searching. The translation and scale estimation are unified with an iterative searching strategy. Extensively experimental results on the benchmark data set of scale variation show that the performance of the proposed compressed multiple feature and adaptive scale estimation algorithm is competitive against state-of-the-art methods with scale estimation capabilities in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Mucus accumulation in the lungs precedes structural changes and infection in children with cystic fibrosis

Increased airway mucus, occurs before infection or structural lung disease in early cystic fibrosis and promotes inflammation. Early changes in cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. The lung is one of the most affected organs. Mucus accumulation, inflammation, and infection are already evident early during development. Understanding early disease pathophysiology could help the development of preventive therapies. Here, Esther et al. analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from toddlers with CF to understand the mechanisms initiating lung disease. Abnormal mucus accumulation was evident in CF BALF, associated with increased mucin and inflammatory marker expression. These abnormalities occurred despite low bacterial infection. The results suggest that mucolytic and anti-inflammatory treatments might be effective during the early stages in CF. Although destructive airway disease is evident in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF), little is known about the nature of the early CF lung environment triggering the disease. To elucidate early CF pulmonary pathophysiology, we performed mucus, inflammation, metabolomic, and microbiome analyses on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 46 preschool children with CF enrolled in the Australian Respiratory Early Surveillance Team for Cystic Fibrosis (AREST CF) program and 16 non-CF disease controls. Total airway mucins were elevated in CF compared to non-CF BALF irrespective of infection, and higher densities of mucus flakes containing mucin 5B and mucin 5AC were observed in samples from CF patients. Total mucins and mucus flakes correlated with inflammation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Many CF BALFs appeared sterile by culture and molecular analyses, whereas other samples exhibiting bacterial taxa associated with the oral cavity. Children without computed tomography–defined structural lung disease exhibited elevated BALF mucus flakes and neutrophils, but little/no bacterial infection. Although CF mucus flakes appeared “permanent” because they did not dissolve in dilute BALF matrix, they could be solubilized by a previously unidentified reducing agent (P2062), but not N-acetylcysteine or deoxyribonuclease. These findings indicate that early CF lung disease is characterized by an increased mucus burden and inflammatory markers without infection or structural lung disease and suggest that mucolytic and anti-inflammatory agents should be explored as preventive therapy.