Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective Memory and Antiretroviral Medication Non-Adherence in HIV: An Analysis of Ongoing Task Delay Length Using the Memory for Intentions Screening Test

Abstract Using multi-process framework by McDaniel and Einstein (2000), the current study examined whether the length of prospective memory (PM) delay intervals as measured by the 2- and 15-min subscales of the Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST) have differential predictive value for antiretroviral (ARV) adherence. Participants included 74 HIV-infected individuals whose ARV adherence was tracked with an electronic monitoring system. Participants were classified as “adherent” (n = 49) or “non-adherent” (n = 25) based on recorded pill bottle openings of ≥90% of prescribed doses over 30 days. An adherence group by MIST delay interval interaction was observed, such that non-adherent participants had worse performance on the 15-min, but not 2-min delay PM MIST subscales. The observed MIST 15-min delay effects were significantly more pronounced on time- versus event-cued PM trials. Long-delay time-based PM was predictive of non-adherence independent of demographics, mood state, self-reported adherence, and general cognitive functioning. Findings from this clinical study indicate that ARV non-adherence may be particularly associated with deficits in strategic cue monitoring over longer PM delays, which may inform interventions to improve adherence among persons living with HIV infection. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–7)
Effects of health education tool on select epidemiological factors associated with adult obese urban slum women

Background: National Family Health Survey-3 (2005–2006) India, found that 14.8% of Ever-Married Adults (age 15–49 years) had Body Mass Index (BMI) in the ranges of overweight and obese; compared to 10.6% in the National Family Health Survey-2. These figures highlighted the fact that India already faces a dual burden of chronic malnutrition, i.e., obesity, besides undernutrition. Higher BMI, especially, increased abdominal fat is an important determinant of the development of diabetes. Objective: This study aims to understand the effect of health education on obesity status of adult women above the age of 20 years in an urban slum area. Methods: Community-based, interventional study, to assess select epidemiological factors associated with obesity-including measurement of anthropometry and assessing random blood sugar level; followed by an intervention (health education to only obese women by means of flip-chart); followed by a follow-up 6 months later. Results: About 22.6% women were found to be obese. Almost, all dietary and physical activity parameters as well as weight improved for the better after the intervention, and the change was statistically significant. Conclusions: This community based interventional study was able to understand certain factors associated with pathophysiology of obesity in slum dwelling adult women, and effectively documented a reduction in weight along with a change in their obesogenic practices postintervention.
Clostridium difficile MazF Toxin Exhibits Selective, Not Global, mRNA Cleavage

ABSTRACT Clostridium difficile is an important, emerging nosocomial pathogen. The transition from harmless colonization to disease is typically preceded by antimicrobial therapy, which alters the balance of the intestinal flora, enabling C. difficile to proliferate in the colon. One of the most perplexing aspects of the C. difficile infectious cycle is its ability to survive antimicrobial therapy and transition from inert colonization to active infection. Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems have been implicated in facilitating persistence after antibiotic treatment. We identified only one TA system in C. difficile strain 630 (epidemic type X), designated MazE-cd and MazF-cd, a counterpart of the well-characterized Escherichia coli MazEF TA system. This E. coli MazF toxin cleaves mRNA at ACA sequences, leading to global mRNA degradation, growth arrest, and death. Likewise, MazF-cd expression in E. coli or Clostridium perfringens resulted in growth arrest. Primer extension analysis revealed that MazF-cd cleaved RNA at the five-base consensus sequence UACAU, suggesting that the mRNAs susceptible to cleavage comprise a subset of total mRNAs. In agreement, we observed differential cleavage of several mRNAs by MazF-cd in vivo, revealing a direct correlation between the number of cleavage recognition sites within a given transcript and its susceptibility to degradation by MazF-cd. Interestingly, upon detailed statistical analyses of the C. difficile transcriptome, the major C. difficile virulence factor toxin B (TcdB) and CwpV, a cell wall protein involved in aggregation, were predicted to be significantly resistant to MazF-cd cleavage.
The effect of bright light on sleepiness among rapid-rotating 12-hour shift workers.

OBJECTIVE About 20% of workers in industrialized countries are shift workers and more than half of them work on night or rotating shifts. Most night workers complain of sleepiness due to lack of adjustment of the circadian rhythm. In simulated night-work experiments, scheduled exposure to bright light has been shown to reduce these complaints. Our study assessed the effects of bright light exposure on sleepiness during night work in an industrial setting. METHODS In a cross-over design, 94 workers at a ceramic factory were exposed to either bright (2500 lux) or normal light (300 lux) during breaks on night shifts. We initiated 20-minute breaks between 24.00 and 02.00 hours. Sleepiness ratings were determined using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale at 22.00, 24.00, 02.00 and 04.00 hours. RESULTS Under normal light conditions, sleepiness peaked at 02:00 hours. A significant reduction (22% compared to normal light conditions) in sleepiness was observed after workers were exposed to bright light. CONCLUSION Exposure to bright light may be effective in reducing sleepiness among night workers.
Financial Development Impact on Firm Dynamic Creation: Panel Data Evidence on MENA Countries

ABSTRACT Using a panel of 14 MENA countries, this paper investigates and examines whether financial development trains a substantial effect on entrepreneurship development by facilitating the rise of new firms. Generalized Two-Stage Least Squares estimate results with instrumental variables highlight the relevance of developed financial systems for the creation of new firms. In overall, financial development and its component explained by the institutional quality exert a positive and significant effect on new entry density in oil MENA countries compared to non-oil ones.
Statistical Learning Signals in Macaque Inferior Temporal Cortex

Humans are sensitive to statistical regularities in their visual environment, but the nature of the underlying neural statistical learning signals still remains to be clarified. As in human behavioral and neuroimaging studies of statistical learning, we exposed rhesus monkeys to a continuous stream of images, presented without interstimulus interval or reward association. The stimulus set consisted of 3 groups of 5 images each (quintets). The stimulus order within each quintet was fixed, but the quintets were presented repeatedly in a random order without interruption. Thus, only transitional probabilities defined quintets of images. Postexposure recordings in inferior temporal (IT) cortex showed an enhanced response to stimuli that violated the exposed sequence. This enhancement was found only for stimuli that were not predicted by the just preceding stimulus, reflecting a temporally adjacent stimulus relationship, and was sensitive to stimulus order. By comparing IT responses with sequences with and without statistical regularities, we observed a short latency, transient response suppression for stimuli of the sequence with regularities, in addition to a later sustained response enhancement to stimuli that violated the sequence with regularities. These findings constrain models of mechanisms underlying neural responses in predictable temporal sequences, such as predictive coding.
The Local Benefit-Transfers Issue in China: Based on Game Analysis Between Central and Local Governments

In the process of China's reform, an underlying reason that arouses economic and political challenges is the local benefit-transfers issue. This paper frames the game between central and local governments of China to provide insightful policies for addressing the issue under the current political-economic mechanism. Empirical study on provincial panel data between 1995 and 2005 is then conducted to verify propositions of the general model and effects of parameters. Supporting evidence is found that (1) fiscal incentives promote social welfare while benefit-transfers impair it; (2) governmental competition aggravates the benefit-transfers issue while fiscal incentives alleviate it.
Schwartz Values Clusters and Tourists’ Activities.

Values have been related to tourist activities, producing contrasting results in different studies. This study helps to clarify the relationship between value patterns or segments and tourist activities using two different approaches to measuring Schwartz’s (1992) values: the traditional rating scales and best-worst scaling approaches. The two measures suggested very similar four-cluster solutions that reflected Schwartz’s higher order value dimensions. Further, the differences in the segments’ tourist related activities were sensible, suggesting people’s holiday activities were influenced by their values and that tourism operators may benefit from taking values into account when considering target segments and appropriate marketing strategy and tactics. Introduction Values have been defined as “enduring beliefs that a specific mode of conduct or end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse mode of conduct or end-state” (Rokeach, 1973, pp. 5). Values determine what is important and impact behaviour (Kahle, 1983; Rokeach, 1973). Consequently, it is not surprising that many researchers have suggested values influence people’s consumption decisions (e.g., Carman, 1978; Vinson, Scott, and Lamont, 1977; Prakash and Munson, 1985; McCarty and Shrum, 1993; Donthu and Cherian, 1994). It has also been suggested that people’s values system, rather than individual values, impact on attitudes and behaviour (Kamakura and Novak, 1992; Schwartz and Bilsky, 1987). The present study was undertaken to see if this was the case, at least in a tourism activities context. Values have been researched in a variety of tourism related contexts. They influence general leisure activities (Beatty, Kahle, Homer, and Misra, 1985; Boote, 1981; Jackson, 1986; Kamakura and Novak, 1992; Crick-Furman and Prentice, 2000), activities undertaken while on holiday (Madrigal and Kahle, 1994), and holiday destination choices (Dalen, 1989; Klenosky, Gengler, and Mulvey, 1993; Muller, 1991; Pitts and Woodside, 1986). Kahle’s (1983) List of Values (LOV) has been found to significantly influence people’s choice of leisure and vacation activities (e.g., Beatty et al., 1985; Madrigal and Kahle, 1994). In some cases results have been consistent. For instance, Madrigal and Kahle (1994) and Beatty et al. (1985) found people who place a high value on hedonism were more likely to participate in sport and outdoor activities. Both studies also found people who place a high value on being well respected were less likely to participate in outdoor activities. In contrast, other values were linked to opposing patterns in the studies. For instance, people who placed a high value on self-fulfilment were more likely to participate in outdoor activities in Madrigal and Kahle’s (1994) study and less likely in Beatty et al.’s (1985) study. Similarly, those who placed a high value on security were more likely to participate in outdoor activities
Incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas, in Triatoma Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in Texas.

Summary In Texas 286 of 859 (33.3 per cent) specimens of the genus Triatoma were found naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The species of Triatoma which were examined included: T. gerstaeckeri, T. lecticularius, T. protracta, T. Sanguisuga, T. neotomae and T. rubida. One or more individuals of each of these 6 species were found to be carriers of the trypanosome.
On tower impedances for transient analysis

The analysis of the dynamic behavior of power transmission line and telecommunication towers is of interest in protection and EMC studies related to lightning. Usually, time-domain surge impedance is used to characterize tower dynamic behavior. The main drawback in the definition of such surge impedance is that it is dependent on the excitation waveshape and there is no consensus on the current waveshape to be used. Also, there is no consensus on the unique definition of the involved voltage. This paper explores possibilities for a systematized approach to the analysis and uniquely defined quantities that characterize transient response of towers. Further, limitations associated with simplified approaches are emphasized by examining examples of direct comparison between computations based on transmission-line approach and antenna theory for a 100-m tall tower. It is pointed out that problems in the definition of voltages might occur above 100 kHz, especially near resonant frequencies, while differences in current distribution exist already at the lowest frequencies.
Rapid Brain Responses Independently Predict Gain Maximization and Loss Minimization during Economic Decision Making

Success in many decision-making scenarios depends on the ability to maximize gains and minimize losses. Even if an agent knows which cues lead to gains and which lead to losses, that agent could still make choices yielding suboptimal rewards. Here, by analyzing event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded in humans during a probabilistic gambling task, we show that individuals' behavioral tendencies to maximize gains and to minimize losses are associated with their ERP responses to the receipt of those gains and losses, respectively. We focused our analyses on ERP signals that predict behavioral adjustment: the frontocentral feedback-related negativity (FRN) and two P300 (P3) subcomponents, the frontocentral P3a and the parietal P3b. We found that, across participants, gain maximization was predicted by differences in amplitude of the P3b for suboptimal versus optimal gains (i.e., P3b amplitude difference between the least good and the best gains). Conversely, loss minimization was predicted by differences in the P3b amplitude to suboptimal versus optimal losses (i.e., difference between the worst and the least bad losses). Finally, we observed that the P3a and P3b, but not the FRN, predicted behavioral adjustment on subsequent trials, suggesting a specific adaptive mechanism by which prior experience may alter ensuing behavior. These findings indicate that individual differences in gain maximization and loss minimization are linked to individual differences in rapid neural responses to monetary outcomes.
Were 364 Economists All Wrong?

In March 1981, 364 economists agreed to write to The Times arguing strongly against the then government's monetary and fiscal policy. However, the Thatcher government decided to ignore these voices and continue the pursuit of policies to defeat inflation and restore fiscal responsibility. To the opponents of the 364, this decision marked a turning point in British post-war economic history: every other post-war government had capitulated and returned to policies of reflation and direct control of prices and incomes in the face of intense political pressures when the going was tough. The 1981 Budget, which precipitated the letter, was also a turning point in other respects: from 1981 there was continual growth, falling inflation and eventually, employment growth. Arguably, the 1981 Budget set the scene for today's benign macro-economic outlook and political consensus in favour of stable prices and fiscal prudence. Amongst the 364 were many economists who play a very prominent part in public life today. Some dissent from their former views and others continue to justify them. In this publication some of the signatories of the letter to The Times, together with their opponents discuss the key issues raised and its relevance to economic policy today. Included is a list of the original signatories and other relevant historical material.
Racial differences in pre‐ and postmenopausal bone homeostasis: Association with bone density

The disparity in fracture incidence and bone mass in women of European (white) and African (black) ancestry is of unknown etiology. To determine if racial differences in bone mass reflected racial differences in the mechanisms of bone turnover underlying bone mineral loss, we measured serum osteocalcin, serum alkaline phosphatase, fasting urinary calcium and hydroxyproline excretion, 24 h urinary excretion of calcium and sodium, and dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D in 263 healthy pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal white and black women. In addition, radial and spinal bone density were measured cross‐sectionally for comparison with biochemical measures of bone turnover. The biochemical parameters thought to reflect bone resorption (fasting urinary calcium and hydroxyproline excretions) were lower in black than in white women throughout the age and menopausal stages studied. The parameters thought to reflect bone formation (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin), were similar in the two racial groups among the premenopausal women, but osteocalcin was significantly lower among the peri‐ and postmenopausal blacks. Cross sectionally measured radial bone density increased with age in premenopausal black women, but it did not change with age in the white premenopausal subjects, a statistically significant difference. In peri‐ and postmenopausal women radial density declined significantly with years after menopause in both racial groups, but the rate of decline was significantly slower in the black women. Lumbar bone density in premenopausal white and black women did not change with age. After menopause lumbar bone density declined significantly and similarly in both racial groups. The biochemical findings and the densitometric data at the radial site are consistent, both suggesting lower bone resorption and lower rates of cortical bone loss in pre‐ and postmenopausal black women than in whites. Together these findings indicate that racial differences in bone density result, at least in part, from measurable racial differences in bone homeostasis and support the hypothesis of a more positive bone balance in both pre‐ and postmenopausal black women.
Testing of a Resistive Fault Current Limiter Component Based on Bi-2212 Bifilar Coil

A shunted bulk Bi-2212 bifilar coil was cooled with liquid nitrogen (77 K) and subjected to controlled fault current tests. Prospective currents achieving 11 kA were limited to about 5 kA (first peak) and to 3 kA (following peaks), under 200-300 V. The Bi-2212 coil was able to withstand several short circuits, showing a fast response and reproducible results. A recovery time of minutes was needed between two successive tests. Therefore, the bulk coil was damaged when the interval between subsequent short-circuits was reduced to 30-60 seconds. The critical current was severely reduced by those last tests and further thermal shock. The bulk coil was cut in transversal and longitudinal sections, in order to evaluate the damages.
Individual Microcredit and Social Pressure

The purpose of this article is to analyse the efficiency of the repayment incentive mechanisms used for individual microcredit, the guarantor mechanism in particular. Little academic research has been devoted to this instrument whereas it is very frequently used. Churchill (1999) notably underscored the fact that, within the framework of microfinance institutions (MFI), the guarantor acts as a vector of social pressure on the borrower rather than as an alternative source of reimbursement. Little to no econometric studies have been devoted to testing this assumption. This is what we propose to do in this article, based on original data from a Brazilian microcredit programme, VivaCred, operating in the Rio de Janeiro favelas. Using a simple theoretical model, we will first of all describe the relations between an individual microcredit institution and a borrower in order to highlight the role of social sanction. Next, with an ordered multinomial logit model, we will study the probability of a change in behaviour by the borrower in terms of adherence to the repayment schedule. To be more precise, we will analyse the behaviour of borrowers with repayments significantly overdue in order to determine what encourages them to adhere to repayment deadlines in the future (economic conditions, policy of the MFI, etc.). In particular, results show that the number of guarantors has a positive impact on the likelihood of adherence to the loan repayment schedule in the future. However, it is a one-shot mechanism: the MFI cannot increase the number of guarantors required in the event of repeated delays in repayment over a period of time. On the contrary, the guarantor mechanism does not affect the likelihood of reverse transition. This mechanism thus proves efficient ex post, that is to say to encourage borrowers to adhere to the schedule in the event of repayment difficulties but has no preventive properties.
Propagation of infectious human papillomavirus type 16 by using an adenovirus and Cre/LoxP mechanism

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) infection is a major risk factor for the development of squamous cell cancers of the cervix and of the head and neck. A major barrier to understanding the progression from initial infection to cancer has been the lack of in vitro models that allow infection, replication, and persistence of the viral genome as an episome in differentiated epithelial cells. To overcome this barrier, we designed an adenoviral delivery vector that contained a full HPV16 genome flanked by LoxP homologous recombination sites and a fluorescent reporter that was expressed only after the HPV genome was excised by Cre recombinase. This system delivered circular HPV16 genomes to cervical epithelial cells and well differentiated human airway epithelia. After delivery, the HPV16 genome replicated and persisted as an episome in cervical keratinocytes. These cells developed an immortalized phenotype and a dysplastic epithelial appearance. Moreover, induction of differentiation led to the expression of late genes and production of infectious HPV16 virions. This work provides a means of introducing biologically active HPV genomes into epithelial cells, which are normally difficult to transfect. These methods allow the study of HPV genome replication and gene expression in the earliest stages of HPV genome establishment, and they may provide a means to study nononcogenic HPV viral types.
Molecular evolutionary analyses of mariners and other transposable elements in fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Screens of a library of genomic DNA made during a recent study of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta revealed the presence of three distinct types of transposable elements (TEs). Two of the recovered sequences showed a high similarity to long‐terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, while the third showed a high homology to mariner elements. To investigate the distribution and relationships of mariners in related ants, we PCR‐amplified these elements from additional Solenopsis species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that they form a single group within the mauritiana subfamily that is part of a larger clade derived from hymenopteran species. We also present partial sequence data for the two LTR‐retrotransposons and describe their phylogenetic affinities.