Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuronal correlates of familiarity-driven decisions in artificial grammar learning

It has been proposed on the basis of behavioural data that grammaticality judgments in implicit artificial grammar learning paradigms are largely driven by priming based on fragment familiarity. A prediction that follows from this account is that neural deactivation, a common correlate of repetition priming, should be observed for grammatical compared to ungrammatical stimuli. We conducted an event-related fMRI study to investigate neuronal correlates of such fragment-based priming. In a study phase, participants performed a short-term memory task on a series of strings of pseudofont characters. Scanning was performed in a subsequent test phase in which participants classified new strings as either grammatical or ungrammatical. Test strings differed systematically from training strings in terms of exemplar and fragment similarity. Behaviourally, participants classified strings as grammatical based on fragment familiarity. Differential activity was evident during string classification as reduced activity in left lateral occipital complex and bilateral lingual gyri for strings with high fragment familiarity compared to strings with low fragment familiarity. Thus, consistent with the hypothesis, neuronal facilitation in extrastriate occipital regions may constitute one basis of implicit grammaticality decisions based on fragment priming.
Enzymatic and physiological properties of the tungsten‐substituted molybdenum TMAO reductase from Escherichia coli

The trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) reductase of Escherichia coli is a molybdoenzyme that catalyses the reduction of the TMAO to trimethylamine (TMA) with a redox potential of + 130 mV. We have successfully substituted the molybdenum with tungsten and obtained an active tungsto‐TMAO reductase. Kinetic studies revealed that the catalytic efficiency of the tungsto‐substituted TMAO reductase (W‐TorA) was increased significantly (twofold), although a decrease of about 50% in its kcat was found compared with the molybdo‐TMAO reductase (Mo‐TorA). W‐TorA is more sensitive to high pH, is less sensitive to high NaCl concentration and is more heat resistant than Mo‐TorA. Most importantly, the W‐TorA becomes capable of reducing sulphoxides and supports the anaerobic growth of a bacterial host on these substrates. The evolutionary implication and mechanistic significance of the tungsten substitution are discussed.
The interprotein scoring noises in glide docking scores

Small molecule drugs are rarely selective enough to interact solely with their designated targets. Unintended “off‐target” interactions often lead to side effects, but also serendipitously lead to new therapeutic uses. Identification of the off‐targets of a compound is therefore of significant value to the evaluation of its developmental potential. In computational biology, the strategy of “reverse docking” has been introduced to predict the targets of a compound, which uses a compound to virtually screen a library of proteins, reversing the bait and prey in “normal” docking screenings. The present study shows that, in reverse docking, additional optimization of the scoring function may help to improve the target prediction accuracy. In a case study with the Glide scores, we found that only 57% of the ligand–protein relationships could be correctly identified in a library of 58 complexes whose crystal binding conformations were all able to be accurately reproduced. This was likely a result of the constant over‐ or under‐estimation of the scores for specific proteins. In other words, there were interprotein noises in the Glide scores. Introducing a correction term based on protein characteristics improved the target‐prediction accuracy by 27% (57–72%). It is our hope that this focused discussion on the Glide scores would invite further efforts to characterize and normalize this type of interprotein noises in all docking scores, so that better target prediction accuracy can be achieved with the strategy of reverse docking. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence-Related Genes among Brazilian Group B Streptococci Recovered from Bovine and Human Sources

ABSTRACT In the present report we describe the characteristics of 189 antimicrobial-resistant Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from bovine (38 isolates) and human (151 isolates) sources. All the strains were resistant to tetracycline (TET), and 16 (8.5%) were also resistant to erythromycin, corresponding to 23.7% of the TET-resistant bovine isolates and 4.6% of the TET-resistant human isolates. The tet(O), erm(B), and mreA resistance-related genes, as well as the bca and scpB virulence-related genes, were the most frequent among the bovine isolates, while the tet(M), erm(A), mreA, bca, lmb, and scpB genes were the most prevalent among the isolates from humans. Although a few major clusters were observed, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results revealed a variety of profiles, reflecting the substantial genetic diversity among strains of this species isolated from either humans or bovines.
Family Firm Succession

We present a theory of family firm succession in which the incumbent regards a family member as a potential successor, as well as an outside candidate. Our setting considers that the incumbent can spend resources on training the family manager, as a key element in the intra-family transmission. The choice is explained in terms of quality of the candidates, monitoring costs, effectiveness of the training process and amenities. Our results account for observed findings, such as the partial retirement, the underperformance after succession, or the selection of a non-family manager only if he is markedly better than the family candidate.
Forecasting Banking Crises with Dynamic Panel Probit Models

Banking crises are rare events, but when they occur their consequences are often dramatic. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the toolkit of early warning models available to policy makers by exploring the dynamics and non-linearities embedded in a panel dataset covering several countries over four decades (from 1970Q1 to 2010Q4). The in-sample and out-of-sample forecast performance of several dynamic probit models is evaluated, with the objective of developing a common vulnerability indicator with early warning properties. The results obtained show that adding dynamic components and exuberance indicators to the models substantially improves the ability to forecast banking crises.
Retinoic acid inhibition of cardiac mesenchyme formation in vitro correlates with changes in the secretion of particulate matrix from the myocardium

Retinoic acid has been associated with a variety of cardiac defects. A percentage of these defects are related to changes in the endocardial cushions. Studies in mice and older chick embryos have shown a decrease in mesenchymal cell formation attributable to retinoic acid and have suggested that retinoic acid was affecting the extracellular matrix. In this study we have tested the effect of retinoic acid on cardiac mesenchyme formation in vitro and then tested retinoic acid treated myocyte cultures for changes in the expression of hLAMP‐1, fibronectin and transferrin members of the particulate matrix that is required for mesenchyme formation. Initial experiments tested the effect of retinoic acid on mesenchymal cell formation first in atrioventricular canal and outflow tract explant cultures and then in AV endothelial monolayer cultures using myocyte conditioned media or the particulate matrix fraction from retinoic acid treated myocyte cultures. In all cases, mesenchymal cell formation was suppressed while no suppression was observed when MyoCM was included with retinoic acid. Protein analysis showed that retinoic acid had a stimulatory effect on protein synthesis. ELISA assays revealed that retinoic acid treated myocyte cultures contained significantly more hLAMP‐1 and fibronectin than either normal or DMSO controls. However, transferrin was not affected by retinoic acid treatment in these experiments. Our results suggest that retinoic acid affects the expression of the particulate matrix and that these changes may be responsible for the observed decrease in mesenchymal cell formation. Anat Rec 258:186–197, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnant Women from Gangetic Plain Region of Allahabad, India

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common pathogen that leads to lifelong latent infection and may be associated with transmission from mother to their fetus. A total of 191 blood samples of preg- nant women were collected to check the prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It was ob- served that 124 (64.9%) and 04 (2.1%) samples were positive for HSV IgG and HSV IgM, respec- tively. Seropositivity of HSV IgG was the highest for third trimester and it was followed by second and first trimester; while it was the highest for first trimester for HSV IgM and it was followed by third and second trimester. Seroprevalence of HSV IgG and IgM was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) according to gestation age. A significant correlation was observed between HSV IgG and age groups of pregnant women; while it was insignificant for HSV IgM. Seroprevalence of HSV IgG+ IgM- was 32 (53.3%), 61 (66.3%), and 27 (69.2%) for first, second and third trimester, respectively. Seroprevalence of HSV IgG+ IgM+ group was 02 (3.3%), 01 (1.1%) and 01 (2.6%) for first, second and third trimester, respectively. Seroprevalence of HSV IgG- IgM- group was 26 (43.3%), 30 (32.6%), and 11 (28.2%) for first, second and third trimester, respectively.
Factors associated with attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment postpartum

ABSTRACT Attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment are a major predictor of seeking such treatment. Rates of seeking mental health treatment for postpartum depression are low despite contacts with health-care providers and available treatment. This study examined factors associated with four dimensions of attitude toward seeking mental health treatment among Israeli women in the postpartum period. Women (N = 1,059) were recruited (June 2008–February 2009) from a medical center’s maternity department within the first two days following delivery and completed a sociodemographic survey and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. Low recognition of need for mental health treatment was associated with having a below average income and no personal and family depression history; low stigma tolerance was associated with being younger, having more children, and defining oneself as ultra-orthodox; low interpersonal openness was associated with having a below average income. Moreover, low confidence in mental health practitioners was associated with being younger and non-ultra-orthodox. Understanding which women are likely to score low on various dimensions of attitude can help target interventions for improving these factors, reducing barriers to receiving mental health treatment among specific groups of women. Research should continue to explore specific attitude dimensions among various populations.
Tipping the balance: use of advergames to promote consumption of nutritious foods and beverages by low-income African American children.

OBJECTIVE To examine how advergames, which are online computer games developed to market a product, affect consumption of healthier and less healthy snacks by low-income African American children. DESIGN Cross-sectional, between-subjects examination of an advergame in which children were rewarded for having their computer character consume healthier or less healthy foods and beverages. Children were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 3 conditions: (1) the healthier advergame condition, (2) the less healthy advergame condition, or (3) the control condition. SETTING Urban public elementary schools. PARTICIPANTS Thirty low-income, African American children aged 9 to 10 years. Main Exposure Children in the treatment conditions played a less healthy or a healthier version of an advergame 2 times before choosing and eating a snack and completing the experimental measures. Children in the control group chose and ate a snack before playing the game and completing the measures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The number of healthier snack items children selected and ate and how much children liked the game. RESULTS Children who played the healthier version of the advergame selected and ate significantly more healthy snacks than did those who played the less healthy version. Children reported liking the advergame. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that concerns about online advergames that market unhealthy foods are justified. However, advergames may also be used to promote healthier foods and beverages. This kind of social marketing approach could tip the scales toward the selection of higher-quality snacks, thereby helping to curb the obesity epidemic.
Forward-Looking Intellectual Capital Disclosure in IPOs: Implications for Intellectual Capital and Integrated Reporting

Purpose This study contributes to intellectual capital (IC) disclosure research. Focussing on reducing the information asymmetry associated with agency theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which managers and owners disclose IC in initial public offering (IPO) prospectuses. In particular, it examines the influence on post-issue stock performance based on the IPOs of technology companies listing on the NASDAQ from 2002 to 2013. Parallels are drawn to integrated reporting ( ), which was developed after the global financial crisis (GFC) because of the perceived shortcomings of regulated forms of financial reporting. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply a two-stage methodology, using content analysis of prospectuses to determine the extent of IC disclosure, then combining this data with market data using regression analysis to determine the influence of IC disclosure in IPO prospectuses on post-issue stock performance. Findings According to the content analysis results, these IPO prospectuses contain significant amounts of IC disclosure for the subsequent analysis. The authors find that after the GFC technology companies disclose more IC information. The econometric analysis also reveals that IC disclosure has a higher influence on post-issue stock performance after the GFC than before. Research limitations/implications The research shows how IPO prospectuses are a valid form of disclosure to investigate the impact of reducing IC information asymmetry because they contain significant amounts of forward-looking non-financial information about the company’s development. Additionally, the results are relevant to discussions about the impact of . If IC and non-financial disclosures contained in an integrated report are forward-looking and reduce information asymmetry then may have value relevance to a firm. Practical implications The research confirms that more IC disclosure information in prospectuses may positively influence companies’ post-issue stock performance, especially in the long run. However, the authors caution that disclosing IC information to investors is not the panacea for increased post-IPO share performance. Originality/value This paper is novel because it shows the value relevance of IC disclosures to reduce information asymmetry through its focus on prospectuses, which helps to understand of the potential impact of .
Observational study on the use of emergency contraception in Spain: results of a national survey

The Consensus Statement on Emergency Contraception recommends the collection of data within each country in order to facilitate the use of emergency contraception; this has led us to design a prospective observational study with a view to identifying the reality in Spain regarding emergency contraception. We have conducted a national observational study including 4390 cases of requests for the prescription of emergency contraception in the entire Spanish territory, collected by means of a questionnaire completed by the person prescribing the emergency contraception between April and December 2002. The mean age of the women requesting emergency contraception was 23 years, with 35.1% of these being adolescents and 71% of them under the age of 24 years. Of the applicants, 40% reported that they were students and 31.8% were working. The educational level of studies was medium or higher. Emergency contraception had previously been used by 19.8% of the women and, of these, 75% used it on a single occasion. The main reason put forward for requesting emergency contraception was condom breakage (68.7%), followed by the failure to use any contraceptive measures whatsoever (15.4%). The Spanish women requesting emergency contraception are young students and resort to this method on one occasion.
[Clinical significance of expression of VEGF and bFGF in thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical significance of expression of VEGF and bFGF in thyroid carcinoma. METHODS Immunohistochemical SP technic was used to investigate the expression of VEGF and bFGF in 90 cases of papillary carcinoma, 14 cases of undifferentiated carcinoma, 10 cases of normal thyroid tissue. RESULTS The positive rate of VEGF and bFGF in thyroid carcinoma was 63.5% and 59.6% respectively, Which was significantly higher than that in normal thyroid tissue (P < 0.01); The positive rate of VEGF and bFGF in undifferentiated carcinoma was 92.9% and 85.7% respectively, which was significantly higher than that in papillary carcinoma (P < 0.05); The positive rate of expression of VEGF and bFGF was correlated with lymph gland metastasis (P < 0.05); A positive correlation between these two expresses existed in thyroid carcinoma (gamma = 0.596, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION VEGF and bFGF can be regarded as a parameter to evaluate the biological behavior and prognosis of thyroid carcinoma.
Electrical properties of wall of endolymphatic space of the cochlea (guinea pig).

By measuring potential drop produced by a constant current across the partition between scala media and scala tympani the average resistance of this partition was found to be 4700 ohms at the round window, 3500 ohms at the first turn, 1200 ohms at the second turn and 600 ohms at the third turn. Just preceding or simultaneously with a drop in d.c. potential there was a drop in resistance in response to loud sound. Recovery of the resistance preceded recovery of d.c. potential. Anoxia first lowered d.c. potential, then resistance. Both appeared to recover at nearly the same time. Destruction of the fourth, third and second cochlear turns did not affect d.c. potential or microphonics in scala media recorded from the first turn through the round window. Both were abolished upon destruction of the first turn. No spread of current was found from one turn to another. Implications of these results are discussed.
Analysis of the efficacy of urine culture as part of sepsis evaluation in the premature infant

Background. Premature infants have a higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) than full term infants. UTI in premature infants can present with signs of sepsis: poor weight gain; temperature instability; metabolic acidosis; poor feeding; and abdominal distention. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of routine urine culture as part of a sepsis evaluation in the preterm infants. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of all infants with birth weight <1500 g (very low birth weight) who underwent sepsis evaluation at MetroHealth Medical Center between January 1991 and February 1998. All infants from whom urine and blood specimens were collected concomitantly for culture as part of a sepsis evaluation were included. Results. Included were 538 infants. Their mean gestational age was 28.5 ± 2.7 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1072 ± 276 g. Blood and urine specimens for culture were taken from 349 infants on admission or in the first 24 h of life (Group A), their mean birth weight was 1147 ± 244 g, and mean gestational age was 28.9 ± 2.6 weeks. None of these infants had positive urine cultures; 8 infants (2%) had positive blood cultures. Blood and urine specimens were obtained from 189 infants later between Days 6 and 150 of life (Group B); their mean birth weight was 933 ± 278 g, and mean gestational age was 27.5 ± 2.5 weeks. Forty-eight infants (25.3%) in Group B had positive urine cultures, and 79 infants (41.7%) had positive blood cultures. Eighteen infants (38%) with positive urine cultures had positive blood cultures, and 30 infants (62%) had negative blood cultures. Conclusions. There is minimal benefit in obtaining urine cultures from very low birth weight infants as part of a sepsis evaluation in the first 24 h of life. It is important to obtain urine cultures from older infants with signs of sepsis to identify patients with UTI with or without bacteremia.
Estimating the Effect of Casino Loyalty Program Offers on Slot Machine Play

Annual investment in casino free-play campaigns is usually great, yet little is known about its ability to generate increased gaming expenditures/behavioral loyalty. A method and model are advanced to estimate the impact of these costly and notoriously difficult-to-measure programs, providing critical business intelligence for use in the management of these ongoing campaigns. Actual slot machine performance data from two tribal casinos were examined, allowing for an empirical test of a critical link within an existing theoretical model of customer responses to loyalty programs. Using data from two 365-day samples, our model successfully explains the variation in slot wagering at both donor casinos. One resort’s free-play campaign shows signs of success while the other’s indicates a need to retool its $15 million annual campaign. Although the theoretical linkage of customer responses to loyalty programs (LPs) is well established in the broader context, yet its applicability to casino LPs remains questionable given the mixed support from this study and the results of extant free-play research.
Target‐controlled infusion of remifentanil or fentanyl during extra‐corporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy

Background and objective: Target‐controlled infusions (TCIs) of remifentanil and fentanyl in conscious sedation regimes for extra‐corporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy have not been reported. We estimated the effect site concentrations of remifentanil and fentanyl needed to obtain adequate analgesia in 50% of patients (EC50) and compared both drugs in terms of intra‐ and post‐procedure complications. Methods: Forty‐four adult patients were randomly distributed into two groups: Group R received remifentanil and Group F received fentanyl TCI with initial effect site concentrations of 1.5 and 2 ng mL−1, respectively. Pain was assessed using a 10‐point verbal analogue scale and <3 was considered adequate analgesia. Increments or decrements of 0.5 ng mL−1 were then introduced for subsequent patients according to Dixon's up and down method. During the rest of the procedure, TCI was adjusted to maintain verbal analogue scale <3. Results: Remifentanil and fentanyl EC50 were 2.8 ng mL−1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8‐3.7 ng mL−1) and 2.9 ng mL−1 (95% CI: 1.7‐4.1 ng mL−1), respectively (n.s.). At EC50, the probability of having a respiratory rate <10 was 4% (95% CI: 0‐57%) for remifentanil and 56% (95% CI: 13‐92%) for fentanyl. Hypoxaemia, vomiting and sedation were more frequent in Group F during and after the procedure (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A similar EC50 but more respiratory depression, sedation and PONV were found with fentanyl TCI than with remifentanil TCI.