Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The blocking effect in associative learning involves learned biases in rapid attentional capture

Blocking refers to the finding that less is learned about the relationship between a stimulus and an outcome if pairings are conducted in the presence of a second stimulus that has previously been established as a reliable predictor of that outcome. Attentional models of associative learning suggest that blocking reflects a reduction in the attention paid to the blocked cue. We tested this idea in three experiments in which participants were trained in an associative learning task using a blocking procedure. Attention to stimuli was measured 250 ms after onset using an adapted version of the dot probe task. This task was presented at the beginning of each learning trial (Experiments 1 and 2) or in independent trials (Experiment 3). Results show evidence of reduced attention to blocked stimuli (i.e. “attentional blocking”). In addition, this attentional bias correlated with the magnitude of blocking in associative learning, as measured by predictive-value judgments. Moreover, Experiments 2 and 3 found evidence of an influence of learning about predictiveness on memory for episodes involving stimuli. These findings are consistent with a central role of learned attentional biases in producing the blocking effect, and in the encoding of new memories.
Joining of linear plasmid DNA is reduced and error‐prone in Bloom's syndrome cells.

A linearized, replicating, shuttle vector plasmid, pZ189, was used to measure in vivo DNA joining ability of cells from patients with the cancer‐prone, immunodeficient, chromosome breakage disorder, Bloom's syndrome (BS). The BS cell lines we studied were reported to contain reduced in vitro activity of DNA ligase I. We assessed in vivo joining ability by transfecting linear plasmids with overlapping or blunt ends (produced by EcoRI or StuI) into BS and normal fibroblast or lymphoblast host cells and measuring the amount of re‐joined, replicated plasmids by their ability to transform bacteria. With plasmids having either overlapping or blunt ends we found a 1.3‐ to 3‐fold lower (P less than 0.05) joining efficiency in BS cells than in the normal cells. The mutation frequency of the recovered plasmids was measured by screening for function of the suppressor tRNA contained in pZ189, for plasmid size, for presence of restriction sites, or by DNA sequencing. The spontaneous mutation frequency with the circular plasmid was 0.05‐0.08% with both BS cell lines, values 2‐ to 21‐fold higher (P less than 0.03) than with the normal cell lines. The mutation frequency with the linear plasmid passaged through both BS cell lines was 21‐52%, values 1.4‐ to 5.4‐fold higher (P less than 0.001) than with the normal lines. Detailed analysis of 210 recovered plasmids revealed an increase (P less than or equal to 0.001) in deletions, insertions or complex mutations at the joining sites, and in point mutations with the EcoRI cut plasmid with the BS cells in comparison to the normal cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Inhibition of Myocardial Monovalent Cation Active Transport by Subtoxic Doses of Ouabain in the Dog

SUMMARY We studied the effects of sustained subtoxic doses of ouabain on left ventricular myocardial monovalent cation active transport and contractility in open-chest dogs. Using a serial biopsy technique, full-thickness left ventricular myocardial samples were obtained prior to and 1 and 2 hours after ouabain infusion, according to a loading dose and infusion schedule demonstrated to produce stable plasma and left ventricular myocardial ouabain concentrations. Ouabain-inhibitable uptake of the potassium analogue86Rb+ was measured in vitro in these biopsy samples and compared with transport activity in biopsies taken prior to ouabain administration and values in biopsies from dogs receiving vehicle alone. Left ventricular maximum dP/dt increased above baseline values by 29 ± 3 = % (SKM) and 46 ± 9% in ouabain-treated dogs at the 1- and 2-hour biopsy times, respectively, and active transport of86Rb+ was significantly reduced by 21 ± 6% at 1 hour and 33 ± 5% at 2 hours. Continuous ECG monitoring did not show any arrhythmias. Control dogs receiving vehicle alone had unchanged values for contractility and monovalent cation transport. In another group of dogs, significant inhibition of active ""Rb+transport was demonstrated at the time a sustained ouabain-induced positive inotropic effect was first clearly demonstrable (30 minutes). In contrast, norepinephrine in doses sufficient to produce comparable increases in dP/dt for 30-120 minutes did not change active80Rb+ transport. These results demonstrate that subtoxic doses of ouabain sufficient to induce a positive inotropic effect are associated with significant reduction of myocardial monovalent cation active transport in a cardiac glycoside-sensitive species. Although a causal relationship cannot be established on the basis of these data, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cardiac glycoside-induced inotropy is related to inhibition of myocardial NaK-ATPase-mediated monovalent cation transport.
Evidence, benefits and barriers to achieving an integrated cardioprotective dietary pattern

Reidlinger, D.P., Darzi, J., Hall, W.L. , Maniou, Z. , Govoni, V. , Seed, P.T. , Chowienczyk, P.J. Sanders, T.A. B. (2013) The effectiveness of an integrated dietary intervention compared with an average UK diet in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in older men and women aged 40 to 70 years: the CRESSIDA Study. Proc Nutr Soc, 72, OCE4: E249. Fisk, C.M. , Reidlinger, D.P., Sanders, T.A. B. (2013) Advice to consume 1-2 portions of oily fish per week improves vitamin D status. (2013) Proc Nutr Soc, 72, OCE4: E188. Darzi, J., Reidlinger, D.P., Hall, W.L. , Maniou, Z. , Govoni, V. , Taylor, D.R. , Seed, P.T. , Chowienczyk, P.J. Sanders, T.A. B. (2013) Nutritional biomarkers to assess compliance to dietary advice given in an integrated dietary intervention: results from the CRESSIDA Study. Proc Nutr Soc, 72, OCE4: E285. Reidlinger, D.P., Goff, L. , Darzi, J., Govoni, V. , Berry, S.E. , Hall, W.L. , Chowienczyk, P.J. Sanders, T.A. B. (2011) The effect of an integrated dietary intervention (CRESSIDA) on plasma lipids. Atherosclerosis, 218, e1.
Religion and Bank Loan Terms

We examine whether religion affects the terms of bank loans. We hypothesize that lenders value the traits of religious adherents, such as risk aversion, ethical behavior and honesty, and thus offer favorable loan terms to religious borrowers. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that corporate borrowers located in counties with a high level of religiosity are charged lower interest rates, have larger loan amounts and fewer loan covenants. These results suggest that the corporate culture of borrowers influences the availability and cost of bank loans.
Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by protein kinase C.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key enzyme in nitric oxide-mediated signal transduction in mammalian cells. Its catalytic activity is regulated both by regulatory proteins, such as calmodulin and caveolin, and by a variety of post-translational modifications including phosphorylation and acylation. We have previously shown that the calmodulin-binding domain peptide is a good substrate for protein kinase C [Matsubara, M. , Titani, K. , and Taniguchi, H. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 14651-14658]. Here we report that bovine eNOS protein is phosphorylated at Thr497 in the calmodulin-binding domain by PKC both in vitro and in vivo, and that the phosphorylation negatively regulates eNOS activity. A specific antibody that recognizes only the phosphorylated form of the enzyme was raised against a synthetic phosphopeptide corresponding to the phosphorylated domain. The antibody recognized eNOS immunoprecipitated with anti-eNOS antibody from the soluble fraction of bovine aortic endothelial cells, and the immunoreactivity increased markedly when the cells were treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. PKC phosphorylated eNOS specifically at Thr497 with a concomitant decrease in the NOS activity. Furthermore, the phosphorylated eNOS showed reduced affinity to calmodulin. Therefore, PKC regulates eNOS activity by changing the binding of calmodulin, an eNOS activator, to the enzyme.
Cross-Border Acquisitions of U.S. Technology Assets

During the 1990s, non-U.S. companies acquired nearly $250 billion worth of technology assets in the United States. Acquirers include such major firms as British Telecom, Cable & Wireless, Dassault, L M Ericsson, Nokia, Reed Elsevier, Siebe, and SGS-Thomson. This article identifies the factors involved in the successful acquisition and integration of technology-based companies in the U.S., and it examines these factors with a specific focus on California9s Silicon Valley. European (and by implication, other similar non-U.S.) firms face some unique challenges with their acquisitions and, in particular, with the integration and governance of the acquired firms.
Jurisprudence on Tawarruq: Contextual Evaluation on Basis of Customs, Circumstances, Time and Place

Abstract This dissertation investigates the legal causes of the difference in rulings on tawarruq, a controversial product used in contemporary Islamic finance practice. The research examines the diversity of rulings on tawarruq and explores the underlying reasons on which these are based upon. Rulings of Islamic law are generally influenced by four factors: time, place, customs and circumstances. These elements have an impact either individually or collectively on rulings. The aim of the dissertation is to study the differences in tawarruq rulings in light of these four factors. The aim of the dissertation is accomplished by analysing historical evolution of the rulings on tawarruq over five stages: the first Islamic era, the age of the tabi’een (followers), the age of the mujtahids (qualified jurists), period after the age of the mujtahids and contemporary times. This thesis then examines the current rulings and forms of tawarruq as applied in Malaysia and Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab of Emiratis, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait) in the light of four factors identified above. The findings of this study underline the fact that the four factors (time, place, customs and circumstances) have an important influence on the rulings on tawarruq, both in the past and the present.
Whole-body predictors of wrist shot accuracy in ice hockey: a kinematic analysis

The purpose of this study was to identify joint angular kinematics that corresponds to shooting accuracy in the stationary ice hockey wrist shot. Twenty-four subjects participated in this study, each performing 10 successful shots on four shooting targets. An eight-camera infra-red motion capture system (240 Hz), along with passive reflective markers, was used to record motion of the joints, hockey stick, and puck throughout the performance of the wrist shot. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to examine whole-body kinematic variables with accuracy scores as the dependent variable. Significant accuracy predictors were identified in the lower limbs, torso and upper limbs. Interpretation of the kinematics suggests that characteristics such as a better stability of the base of support, momentum cancellation, proper trunk orientation and a more dynamic control of the lead arm throughout the wrist shot movement are presented as predictors for the accuracy outcome. These findings are substantial as they not only provide a framework for further analysis of motor control strategies using tools for accurate projection of objects, but more tangibly they may provide a comprehensive evidence-based guide to coaches and athletes for planned training to improve performance.
Effects of a Carbon Tax and Wind Power Penetration on CO2 Emissions in Wholesale Electric Power Markets

During the December 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, President Barack Obama committed the U.S. to a 83% reduction below 2005 levels in CO2 emissions by 2050. The U.S. Federal Government is thus currently considering several policy options to reduce CO2 emissions. In the U.S. the largest source of CO2 emissions is the electricity sector; in 2012 it was responsible for 32% of total CO2 emissions. This paper develops an empirically-based computational test bed of a wholesale electric power market to analyze how the imposition of a carbon tax and the increased penetration of wind power in such markets could impact CO2 emissions and other key outcomes, such as energy demands, energy prices, market participant profits (by fuel type), and government tax revenues. The test bed captures core features of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the central manager of one of the world's largest energy and operating reserve markets covering parts of fifteen U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Another innovation of this paper is that the effects of increases in a carbon tax and wind power penetration are studied jointly. It is shown, for example, that CO2 emissions decrease from 0.23% to 6.17% as the carbon tax and the degree of wind penetration are systematically varied from a base case of zero tax and zero wind. The profits of coal- and oil-fired generation systematically decrease with increases in the carbon tax and/or increases in wind penetration, but the profits of other types of generation exhibit a more complex response. Comparisons with current MISO conditions are also given, and key policy implications are discussed.
Emotion and Discourse in L2 Narrative Research

This book is an exploration of the vitality of multilingualism and its critical importance in and for contemporary cities. It examines how the city has emerged as a key driver of the multilingual future, a concentration of different, changing cultures which somehow manage to create a new identity. This important new volume reports research on Europe’s irretrievably multilingual cities and states where the challenges and rewards of multilingualism are sharply defined. Municipal authorities and national governments need to pay much more attention to the city as a site of language planning, of possible new conceptions of citizenship, and sites where much of the future of human relations will be negotiated.
VOLUNTARY FORECAST DISCLOSURE, NONDISCLOSURE, AND STOCK-PRICES

In this study we consider managerial earnings forecasts as voluntary information releases and compare their properties with predictions from a screening or signaling scenario. In such a scenario, earnings forecasts are used by managers of "good news" firms to screen themselves out from other firms.1 Managerial earnings forecasts are readily interpreted within a signaling or screening framework since they are voluntary disclosures
Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor-γ Agonists and 15-Deoxy-Δ12,1412,14-PGJ2 Induce Apoptosis in Normal and Malignant B-Lineage Cells1

The research described herein evaluates the expression and functional significance of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) on B-lineage cells. Normal mouse B cells and a variety of B lymphoma cells reflective of stages of B cell differentiation (e.g., 70Z/3, CH31, WEHI-231, CH12, and J558) express PPAR-γ mRNA and, by Western blot analysis, the 67-kDa PPAR-γ protein. 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2), a PPAR-γ agonist, has a dose-dependent antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect on normal and malignant B cells as shown by [3H]thymidine and 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays. Only PPAR-γ agonists (thiazolidinediones), and not PPAR-α agonists, mimicked the effect of 15d-PGJ2 on B-lineage cells, indicating that the mechanism by which 15d-PGJ2 negatively affects B-lineage cells involves in part PPAR-γ. The mechanism by which PPAR-γ agonists induce cytotoxicity is via apoptosis, as shown by annexin V staining and as confirmed by DNA fragmentation detected using the TUNEL assay. Interestingly, addition of PGF2α, which was not known to affect lymphocytes, dramatically attenuated the deleterious effects of PPAR-γ agonists on B lymphomas. Surprisingly, 15d-PGJ2 induced a massive increase in nuclear mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, and pretreatment with PGF2α blunted the mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. This is the first study evaluating PPAR-γ expression and its significance on B lymphocytes. PPAR-γ agonists may serve as a counterbalance to the stimulating effects of other PGs, namely PGE2, which promotes B cell differentiation. Finally, the use of PGs, such as 15d-PGJ2, and synthetic PPAR-γ agonists to induce apoptosis in B-lineage cells may lead to the development of novel therapies for fatal B lymphomas.
Agonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in prostate cancer

Introduction: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been the first-line standard of care for treating patients with hormone-sensitive advanced prostate cancer (PCa) for many decades. The agonists of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), also called gonadotropin-releasing hormone, are still the most frequently used form of medical ADT. Areas covered: This article reviews the available data and most recent information concerning the use of LHRH agonists in advanced PCa. This article also reviews the discovery and development of LHRH agonists and summarizes the clinical evidence for their efficacy in PCa. Expert opinion: The introduction and application of agonists of LHRH has modernized and improved the treatment of advanced PCa. The life-saving benefits of LHRH agonists are well established, yet underestimated. Despite their efficacy, agonists of LHRH have several disadvantages or drawbacks including disease flare. The approach to ADT has been recently further refined with the development of the LHRH antagonist degarelix. Degarelix, a highly clinically effective third-generation LHRH antagonist, is currently available in most countries for therapy of advanced PCa. This new drug offers attractive alternatives to LHRH agonists for treatment of advanced PCa. A therapy for castration-resistant PCa based on a targeted cytotoxic analog of LHRH, AEZS-108, is also emerging.
Chemical Attributes of Soil and Response of Wheat to Serpentinite in Direct Seeding System

The serpentinite is an alternative for the correction of soil acidity and is composed of calcium and magnesium silicate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the residual effect of the serpentinite application on soil chemical attributes and the effects on wheat crop productivity in a no-tillage system. The experimental design was a randomized block design, in a subdivided plot scheme, with four replications. The plots were constituted by serpentinite doses (0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 Mg ha-1) and in the subplots the soil collection layers (0.0-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m). The chemical attributes of the soil evaluated at 41 months after the application of serpentinite, presented favorable results of the residual power of this corrective. The main results observed are related to the increase of pH, decrease of aluminum content and potential acidity, and increase of Ca, Mg and Si contents, cation exchange capacity (CTC) and base saturation. The residual of the serpentinite in the soil contributed with an improvement in the chemical attributes of the soil, which favored the increase of the dry mass, number of spikes and yield of the wheat crop.
Bank Funding Costs: What are They, What Determines Them and Why Do They Matter?

A bank needs to finance its activities, and the cost of bank funding affects a wide range of economic variables with important implications for both monetary and financial stability. This article sets out what bank funding costs are in simple terms, using an analogy of two buckets on a pair of scales to help explain the dynamic nature of bank funding and bank lending. It also introduces a simple framework for analysing the main drivers of funding costs.
Risk of venereal B virus (cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) transmission in rhesus monkeys using molecular epidemiology.

The importance of venereal modes of B virus (cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) transmission was evaluated in 49 rhesus monkeys tested at necropsy. Antibodies to B virus were demonstrated in 19 monkeys, but no active viral shedding was detected in mucosal swabs collected at death. The polymerase chain reaction demonstrated presence of the ICP 18.5 (UL28) gene of B virus in neuronal tissues of 15 monkeys presumed to be latently infected, including 12.8% of trigeminal and 22.9% of lumbosacral ganglia pools. Two monkeys tested positive at both sites. Breeding history was predictive of B virus seropositivity (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-2.23; P < .05). The population attributable risk of B virus seropositivity due to breeding was 22.7%, similar to the proportion of monkeys with B virus DNA in neuronal tissues subserving the genital region. Sexual contact is a significant, but not predominant, mode of B virus transmission between monkeys.
The Utility of the History and Clinical Signs of Poisoning in Childhood: A Prospective Study

The authors aimed to evaluate the utility of the history and clinical signs for predicting ingestion of poisons in children. A prospective cohort study was performed of all patients presenting with suspected poisoning to a pediatric emergency department over a 13-month period. Clinical data were collected on a preformatted consultation sheet. Urine drug screens (UDS) were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Serum toxicologic tests were performed when clinically indicated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of the history and clinical signs were calculated, first using UDS and, second, using all available toxicologic tests as the gold standards. Of 249 patients, 110 (46%) had a UDS performed. The purported poison ingested was potentially identifiable by GC/MS in 57 (52%) of these UDS. Only the results from these 57 UDS were included in our statistical analysis. Overall, the suspected poison was identified in 33 (58%) of the 57 UDS. Similarly, in the less than 5 years age subgroup, 28 (56%) of 50 UDS were positive. Odor on the breath (PPV 100%), followed by symptoms consistent with poisoning (PPV 92%) and presence of poison on clothes (PPV 86%) were the most useful predictors of a positive UDS. Similar results were obtained when all available toxicologic tests were used as the gold standard. The best clinical predictors of poisonous ingestion in children were found to be odor on the breath, symptoms consistent with poisoning, and presence of poison on the patient's clothes. Approximately 40% of children who present with poisoning have not been exposed to the putative toxin.
HCBP6 Modulates Triglyceride Homeostasis in Hepatocytes Via the SREBP1c/FASN Pathway

Hypertriglyceridemia leads to liver steatosis, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Although HCBP6 (hepatitis C virus core‐binding protein 6) was previously shown to be an HCV (hepatitis C virus) core‐binding protein, its biological function remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that HCBP6 negatively regulates intracellular triglyceride (TG) levels in hepatocytes. We found that bidirectional manipulation of hepatocyte HCBP6 expression by knockdown or overexpression results in increased or decreased TG accumulation, respectively. In addition, HCBP6 mRNA and protein levels exhibited significant time‐ and dose‐dependent increases in a cellular model of lipid‐overload hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, TG levels are regulated by HCBP6‐sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c)‐mediated fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. We also demonstrate that HCBP6 mRNA and protein expression is inhibited by microRNA‐122 (miR‐122), and miR‐122 overexpression elicited more robust translational repression of luciferase activity driven by the full 3′‐UTR of HCBP6. Taken together, our results provide new evidence that miR‐122‐regulated HCBP6 functions as a sensor protein to maintain intrahepatocyte TG levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2375–2384, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.