Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The long-term effects of a primary care physical activity intervention on mental health in low-active, community-dwelling older adults

Objectives: To examine the effect that physical activity delivered via two different versions of the Green Prescription (a primary care physical activity scripting program) had on depressive symptomatology and general mental health functioning over a 12-month period in non-depressed, low-active, community-dwelling older adults. Method: Two hundred and twenty-five participants from the Healthy Steps study took part in the present study. Healthy Steps participants were randomized to receive either the standard time-based or a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription. Depression, mental health functioning and physical activity were measured at baseline, post-intervention (3 months post-baseline) and at the 9-month follow-up period. Results: At post-intervention, a positive association was found between increases in leisure-time physical activity and total walking physical activity and a decrease in depressive symptomatology (within the non-depressed range of the GDS-15) and an increase in perceived mental health functioning, regardless of intervention allocation. These improvements were also evident at the follow-up period for participants in both intervention allocation groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the standard time-based Green Prescription and a modified pedometer-based Green Prescription are both effective in maintaining and improving mental health in non-depressed, previously low-active older adults.
A Second Generation Behavioral Finance

The ﬁrst generation of behavioral ﬁnance, starting in the early 1980s, largely accepted standard ﬁnance’s notion of people’s wants as “rational” wants — mainly high expected returns and low risk. That ﬁrst generation commonly described people as “irrational” — misled by cognitive and emotional errors on their way to their rational wants. The second generation of behavioral ﬁnance describes people as “nor-mal,” neither “rational” nor “irrational. ” Normal people are people like you and me. Each of us has wants, although our wants vary — hope for riches, freedom from poverty, nurturing children and families, being true to values, gaining high social status, playing games and winning, and more. We apply knowledge and cognitive and emotional shortcuts as we pursue our wants. Sometimes, however, we are diverted from our wants by ignorance and cognitive and emotional errors. Our wants, even more than our knowledge, ignorance, and cognitive and emotional shortcuts and errors, underlie answers to important questions of ﬁnance, including portfolio construction, saving and spending, asset pricing, and market eﬃciency (Statman, 2017). High past returns lead to emotional errors as they imbue investors with a positive mood and imbue investments with positive aﬀect. Brokerage records and matching monthly surveys explored by Hoﬀmann and Post (2017) show that high past returns are associated with increased return expectations combined with decreased risk perception and risk aversion. Stock market declines, however, induce fear and negative mood and color investments with negative aﬀect, misleading investors into expectations of low returns combined with high risk. Analysis of Gallup/UBS surveys and Michigan Surveys of Consumer Attitudes by Amromin and Sharpe (2013) revealed that investors who believe that the economy will do poorly expect low returns along with high risk. This ﬁnding is diﬃcult to reconcile with the standard ﬁnance view that expected returns increase to compensate investors for increased risk.
National Identity Construction in Independence Day Speeches of Anglophone West Africa

Nations are constantly and actively enacting their own identities to distinguish them from other nations and project them for international recognition. Independence Day speeches construct various forms of identities for the nations, their environment and what they hope to be. This paper looks at the collective construction of national identities represented in the discourse of Independence Day speeches of five postcolonial Anglophone countries in West Africa and the discursive features used in enacting these identities. Using the social and national identity theories, the paper discusses various aspects of national life embedded in the speeches, focusing on the five thematic contents of common political past, present and future, common culture and national character as espoused in Wodak et al (2009). The findings point to some differences and similarities in conceptualisation, self-categorisation and effects emanating from individual nations in relation to the discourse of their past, present and the future and with implications for collective efforts for national development. 250 Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, vol.12, no.1, September 2018
ATP/ADP alteration as a sign of the oxidative stress development in Escherichia coli cells under antibiotic treatment.

The extensively discussed idea of oxidative stress development under antibiotic treatment was confirmed using an antioxidant gene expression (soxRS-, oxyR-regulon) approach, including microaerobic cultivation conditions. The killing action of antibiotics and their ability to cause peroxide oxidative stress in Escherichia coli cells was comparable to a similar hydrogen peroxide capacity; therefore, the involvement of intracellular hydrogen peroxide production in the killing action of antibiotics seems plausible under conditions studied. The temporary increase of ATP/ADP (which returned to untreated levels in 10 min) and the intensification of respiration preceded the development of oxidative stress. The sharp rise in ATP/ADP was due to the accumulation of ATP with a slight increase in the ADP content. We proposed that ATP accumulation was not a result of increased respiration but was due to the inhibition of energy-consuming processes. The association of reactive oxygen species formation under antibiotic treatment with the inhibition of direct electron flow pathway along the respiratory chain, and a possible role of a sharp rise in ATP/ADP in this process is hypothesized.
Voltage‐activated sodium currents in acutely isolated mouse vestibular ganglion neurones

VOLTAGE-ACTIVATED sodium currents (INa) in vestibular ganglion neurones acutely isolated from postnatal mice were investigated using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Under recording conditions designed to allow the complete isolation of INa depolarizations from a holding potential of −80 mV revealed a fast inactivating inward current which was activated around −60 mV and exhibited maximum peak current around −30 mV. This current was eliminated when the cells were perifused with a Na+-free solution and almost totally blocked by application of 100 nM tetrodotoxin (TTX). These properties identify this inward current as TTX-sensitive INa. The half-maximum activation potential of INa was −46 mV and its half-maximum inactivation potential was −69 mV. This is the first report of voltage-activated sodium currents in vestibular primary neurones.
EFFECTS OF CONGENITAL HIV INFECTION ON NEURODEVELOPMENTAL STATUS OF BABIES IN FOSTER CARE

High rates of neurological complications related to congenital HIV infection have been reported, but often it has been difficult to delineate those clinical impairments specifically related to viral infection of the developing nervous System. The present study attempted to hold causative environmental factors constant by comparing the neurodevelopmental and growth Status of two matched control groups of infants in foster care, one HIV seronegative and one seropositive. All were over the age of 15 months and had been born to seropositive mothers. The seropositive group showed significantly more neurological involvement than the seronegative group, and a different pattern of cognitive deficits. There were no significant differences in growth measures between the two groups. Babies born to HIV seropositive mothers were generally at high risk for developmental impairments.
Waveguide receiver design prototypes for the 211–275 GHz and 790–950 GHz frequency ranges

Superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixers are the most sensitive heterodyne receivers for mm and submm wavelengths. SIS mixers are installed on all state of the art submm observatories such as the Atacama Large Millimeter array (ALMA) and the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX). Recently, an improved type of Nb/AlN/NbN SIS junction has become available that combines higher gap voltage with high current density. This opens new parametric space for further improvement of the SIS mixer's performance and bandwidth both for frequencies higher and lower than the gap frequency of Nb (700 GHz). In this contribution we will describe designs of SIS mixers based on a new type of SIS junction, both for high (∼900 GHz) and low (∼200 GHz) frequencies.
MARKET OUTLET CHOICE DECISION AND ITS EFFECT ON INCOME AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALLHOLDER VEGETABLE PRODUCERS IN LAKE TANA BASIN, ETHIOPIA

One of the challenges of perishable vegetable production is selecting appropriate market outlets to deliver the produce fresh and earn better price. Various factors affect producers’ decision to choose among the alternative market outlets. This study was aimed to identify determinants of smallholder vegetable producers’ decision on market outlet choice and verify the existence of difference in productivity and income of households among different market outlets in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Using primary data collected from a survey of 385 farmers in three districts located in Lake Tana basin, the study estimated multivariate probit model to explain the factors that influence market outlet choice of smallholder vegetable producers. F-statistics was sued to verify the effect of market outlets on productivity and income. The results show that those households choosing both farm gate and local market simultaneously are found at better level of productivity and income. Multivariate probit results show that buyers visit and age of household head simultaneously determined all market outlets decision of producers. Those households visited by buyers at farm or village were found more likely to choose farm gate and roadside market outlets and less likely to sell the produce at market place. The implication is that as far as smallholder producers had access to alternative market outlets, they would earn better income by choosing appropriate combination of market outlets. Interventions that improve access to all market outlets could improve income and boost production of vegetables.
Specific Detection of Dehalococcoides Species by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization with 16S rRNA-Targeted Oligonucleotide Probes

ABSTRACT Dehalococcoides ethenogenes is the only known cultivated organism capable of complete dehalogenation of tetrachloroethene (PCE) to ethene. The prevalence of Dehalococcoides species in the environment and their association with complete dehalogenation of chloroethenes suggest that they play an important role in natural attenuation of chloroethenes and are promising candidates for engineered bioremediation of these contaminants. Both natural attenuation and bioremediation require reliable and sensitive methods to monitor the presence, distribution, and fate of the organisms of interest. Here we report the development of 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes for Dehalococcoides species. The two designed probes together encompass 28 sequences of 16S rRNA genes retrieved from the public database. Except D. ethenogenes and CBDB1, all the others are environmental clones obtained from sites contaminated with chlorinated ethenes. They are all closely related and form a unique cluster of Dehalococcoides species. In situ hybridization of probe Dhe1259t with D. ethenogenes strain 195 and two enrichment cultures demonstrated the applicability of the probe to monitoring the abundance of active Dehalococcoides species in these enrichment samples.
a preliminary study.

- Introduction: due to consistent instrumental performance, musicians suffer from a series of pathologies that are developed in their learning period and along their career and compromise their life’s quality. There can be found musculoskeletal conditions, focal dystonia and carpal tunnel Syndrome position-related, auditory dysfunction associated to the high level sounds or psychological disorders related to rivalry or their own physical condition. Alexander’s technique is proposed as an effective method to prevent musicians from some of the associated pathologies. - Objectives: to prepare instructive lectures in order to identify and prevent main pathologies that rise from instrumental performance, physical or psychological. - Method: bibliographical research on the main pathologies undergone by musicians has been carried out in databases such as Scielo, PubMed, Dialnet y Alcorze, as well as in scientific magazines and web pages. The information found dates from 10 years ago to present. - Conclusions: we propose a series of self-care lectures that teach how to play an instrument in a healthy way, directed to the population at risk. The aim is to prevent and improve the symptoms of conditions related to instrumental performance, also reducing it’s incidence.
In participatory budgeting we trust? Fairness, tactics and (in)accessibility in participatory governance

ABSTRACT Participatory budgeting (PB) is a significant innovation in democracy and local development. PB provides the opportunity for citizens to engage in processes of deliberation and decision-making upon the allocation of public funds. As new critical discourse emerges surrounding this model of local government spending, a significant area warranting investigation concerns how trust, and indeed mistrust, factor into PB. Through an analysis of interviews with residents and Council staff engaged in PB processes in a county in the north of England, we highlight the ways in which issues of trust can impact on participation in these initiatives, and also strengthen relationships between voting delegates, project teams and local government. This paper argues that increasing the perceived accessibility, and reconsidering the inclusion of mass membership groups in PB, might help to create progressive, effective and trustful participation.
sox9 in a teleost fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes): Evidence for diversified function of Sox9 in gonad differentiation

Sox9 is a transcription factor containing the Sry‐related high‐mobility‐group (HMG) box. Mutations in human SOX9 gene cause skeletal defects and male‐to‐female sex reversal, indicating its essential roles in chondrogenesis and testis development. Comparative studies have shown that Sox9 is expressed in chondrogenic tissues and testis in other vertebrates. Therefore, it was suggested that roles of Sox9 in cartilage and male gonad development are conserved among vertebrates. To investigate the evolutional significance of Sox9 in the gonad and cartilage development of teleost fish, we isolated medaka sox9 and analyzed its expression. Two kinds of transcripts (sox9 and sox9lf) were isolated by cDNA library screening. The sox9 encoded 487 amino acids and showed approximately 70% amino acid identity with known vertebrate SOX9 proteins. The sox9lf was a longer form of the sox9, which was transcribed from an additional exon in the 5′ upstream region. Interestingly, the expression of medaka sox9 was predominantly observed in the adult ovary by northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses, whereas in the testis, its expression was detectable only by RT‐PCR. During medaka embryogenesis, its expression was observed in the cranial cartilage and pectoral fin endoskeleton. These observations suggest that the function of Sox9 in the cartilage is conserved among vertebrates, while that in the gonad is quite different in medaka. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 5–16, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shifts in Climatic Niche Occupation in Astrophytum Coahuilense (H. Möller) Kayser and Its Potential Distribution in Mexico

It has frequently been reported that species with strong niche conservatism will not be able to adapt to new climatic conditions, so they must migrate or go extinct. We have evaluated the shifts in climatic niche occupation of the species Astrophytum coahuilense and its potential distribution in Mexico. We understand niche occupation as the geographic zones with available habitats and with the presence of the species. To assess shifts in climatic niche occupation, we used niche overlap analysis, while potential distribution modeling was performed based on the principle of maximum entropy. The results indicate that this species presents a limited amplitude in its climate niche. This restriction of the climatic niche of A. coahuilense limits its ability to colonize new geographical areas with different climatic environments. On the other hand, the potential distribution models obtained from the present study allow us to identify potential zones based on the climatic requirements of the species. This information is important to identify high priority areas for the conservation of A. coahuilense.
Inflation Expectations: Review and Evidence

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the determination and evolution of inflation expectations, with a focus on emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs). The results suggest that long-term inflation expectations in EMDEs are not as well anchored as those in advanced economies, despite notable improvements over the past two decades. Indeed, in EMDEs, long-term inflation expectations are more sensitive to both domestic and global inflation shocks. However, EMDEs tend to be more successful in anchoring inflation expectations in the presence of an inflation targeting regime, high central bank transparency, strong trade integration, and a low level of public debt.
A phylogeny of frugivorous hornbills linked to the evolution of Indian plants within Asian rainforests

Understanding the origin and radiation of modern Asian hornbills and the influential ecological roles they play as seed dispersal agents within Asian rainforests should help reveal the evolution of these roles. We constructed a dated phylogeny of hornbills using mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochrome b gene and discovered that all clades leading to frugivorous hornbills originated in the mid‐Eocene ∼48 Ma. This ‘explosive’ radiation coincided with a remarkable floral invasion of Asian rainforests from the Indian microcontinent. Analysis of phylogenetic data, in conjunction with palaeontological events, suggests that the invasion of distinctive flora comprised two waves, one during the mid‐Eocene, when India was offshore of the Sunda Shelf, and the other late Eocene, when India collided with the Asian mainland. We propose that frugivorous vertebrates, such as hornbills, were present during the first wave and assisted rapid colonization of the Asian flora.
Pomegranate Extract Alters Breast Cancer Stem Cell Properties in Association with Inhibition of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition

ABSTRACT Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become an important target population in cancer therapy and prevention due to their ability to self-renew, initiate tumors, and resist therapy. We examined whether pomegranate extract (PE) alters characteristics of breast CSCs. Ability to grow as mammospheres is a hallmark of breast CSCs. PE inhibited mammosphere formation in two different cell lines, neoplastic mammary epithelial HMLER and breast cancer Hs578T. In addition, mammosphere-derived cells from PE treatment groups showed reduced mammosphere formation for at least two serial passages. These data indicate that PE inhibits CSC's ability to self-renew. In addition, incubation of mammospheres with PE reversed them into adherent cultures, indicating promotion of CSC differentiation. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key program in generating CSCs and maintaining their characteristics. Thus, we examined the effect of PE on EMT. PE reduced cell migration, a major feature of the EMT phenotype. In addition, PE downregulated genes involved in EMT, including the EMT-inducing transcription factor Twist family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 (TWIST1). This suggests that PE suppresses CSC characteristics in part due to inhibition of EMT. The ability of PE to suppress CSCs can be exploited in the prevention of breast cancer.
Physiological Adaptations to Training in Competitive Swimming: A Systematic Review

Abstract The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize longitudinal studies on swimming physiology and get implications for daily practice. A computerized search of databases according to the PRISMA statement was employed. Studies were screened for eligibility on inclusion criteria: (i) present two testing points; (ii) on swimming physiology; (iii) using adult elite swimmers; (iv) no case-studies or with small sample sizes. Two independent reviewers used a checklist to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Thirty-four studies selected for analysis were gathered into five main categories: blood composition (n=7), endocrine secretion (n=11), muscle biochemistry (n=7), cardiovascular response (n=8) and the energetic profile (n=14). The mean quality index was 10.58 ± 2.19 points demonstrating an almost perfect agreement between reviewers (K = 0.93). It can be concluded that the mixed findings in the literature are due to the diversity of the experimental designs. Micro variables obtained at the cellular or molecular level are sensitive measures and demonstrate overtraining signs and health symptoms. The improvement of macro variables (i.e. main physiological systems) is limited and may depend on the athletes’ training background and experience.
Endoscopic ultrasound findings predict the recurrence of esophageal varices after endoscopic band ligation: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Objective. Variceal recurrence following endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is common. Esophageal collateral veins (ECV) are observed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients with portal hypertension. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of EUS in predicting the recurrence of esophageal varices following EBL. Material and methods. Forty patients who had undergone EBL for eradication of varices were examined over a 12-month period to detect variceal recurrence. EUS was performed before ligation to detect and describe the type, grade, and the number of ECV. EUS findings obtained prior to EBL were compared in the variceal recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Results. Of the 40 patients, 19 (47.5%) had variceal recurrence within 12 months of EBL. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that severe peri-ECV (p < 0.001), multiple peri-ECV (p < 0.001), and the presence of perforating veins (p < 0.014) were statistically significantly related to the variceal recurrence after EBL. Multivariate logistic regression model found that only severe peri-ECV (odds ratio [OR] = 24.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34–253.78) and multiple peri-ECV (OR = 24.39; 95% CI: 2.34–253.78) remained as independent prognostic factors for variceal recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of multivariate logistic regression model in predicting variceal recurrence was 89.2% and 90.5%, respectively (prognostic value (AUC) = 0.946). Conclusion.Recurrence rate of esophageal varices after EBL is high (47.5%). EUS can clearly depict ECV and has a value in predicting variceal recurrence after EBL; severe peri-ECV and multiple peri-ECV were significant and independent prognostic factors associated with variceal recurrence risk.