Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Fas-mediated Apoptosis by Antigen: Implications for Lymphomagenesis

Apoptotic deletion of expanded B cell populations is essential in avoidance of autoimmune disease and immune regulation of some B cell malignancies. The role of CD4+ T cells in B cell apoptosis is evident from the high incidence of B cell tumors and autoimmunity in patients with T cell diseases such as the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We have previously demonstrated that in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) negative Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), a tumor derived from proliferating centroblasts of the germinal center, the malignant lymphocytes can be induced to express Fas (CD95) by ligation of CD40 at the B cell surface. Upon CD40 engagement, BL cells are sensitized to T-cell derived death signals provided by Fas ligand (FasL, CD95L). HBL-3 is a cell line derived from an AIDS-related BL in which the tumor IgM binds the human erythrocyte "i" antigen. To determine whether Fas-mediated apoptosis of BL cells is reduced in the context of antigen to which the tumor IgM binds, we stimulated HBL-3 cells with CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) in the presence and absence of human erythrocytes expressing the "i" antigen, and measured Fas-mediated apoptosis upon exposure to an agonistic anti-Fas antibody. We observed that HBL-3 cells were sensitized to Fas-mediated death by exposure to CD40L. When i+ RBCs were present, Fas-mediated apoptosis in HBL-3 cells was reduced by greater than 30%. In contrast, there was no reduction in Fas-mediated apoptosis in the presence of i m (I+) RBCs. These findings demonstrate that Fas-mediated deletion of BL cells is inhibited upon surface IgM engagement by antigen for which the malignant clone has affinity.
The study of antibacterial activity in enteric pathogens of Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn . ) by broth micro-dilution method

Article history: Received on: 08/07/2016 Accepted on: 10/09/2016 Available online: 30/05/2017 The crude water extract of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) was determined for its antibacterial activities on 6 bacterial reference strains and 16 isolates of enteric pathogens. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) by broth microdilution method with final concentration of Roselle extract between 2003.125 mg/ml showed that Roselle extract could inhibit the growth of bacterial reference strains at MICs 25 mg/ml on Aeromonas veronii biogroup sorbria ATCC 9071, MICs 50 mg/ml on Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 9610 and MICs 100 mg/ml on Aeromonas caviae ATCC 15468, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 35654, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802, Vibrio vulnificus ATCC 27562. Roselle extract also exhibited its antibacterial activities on enteric pathogens giving the MICs of 25 mg/ml on Edwardsiella tarda and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, the MICs of 50 mg/ml on Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella Typhi, Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, Vibrio cholerae and Yersinia enterocolitica, the MICs of 100 mg/ml on Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas hydrophila and Salmonella enteritidis. The data indicated that Roselle extract could produce antibacterial activities against enteric pathogens at various concentrations. The extract should be further study to use as antibacterial agent for controlling these organisms.
EXPLAINING BY USING ARTIFICIAL SOCIETIES

Computational models have an increasing impact in social and historical sciences. In this paper, I will focus on a specific type of modelling developed in computational social sciences, an agent-based model. My inquiry will aim to identify the sort of explanatory virtues that such a model could have. I will discuss the suggested possibility of causal explanations but also the recent proposal advanced by Grune-Yanoff that sees them as potential functional explanations. In the last part I shall make some suggestions on how to advance our inquiry. These will point to the need of a more consistent explanatory context drawing on the way social scientists make use of such models. The other will point to the need of considering a cognitive process that is closely related to the explanatory one - understanding.
Density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy: A microscopic perspective

We perform a systematic analysis of the density dependence of nuclear symmetry energy within the microscopic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock (BHF) approach using the realistic Argonne V18 nucleon-nucleon potential plus a phenomenological three-body force of Urbana type. Our results are compared thoroughly with those arising from several Skyrme and relativistic effective models. The values of the parameters characterizing the BHF equation of state of isospin asymmetric nuclear matter fall within the trends predicted by those models and are compatible with recent constraints coming from heavy ion collisions, giant monopole resonances, or isobaric analog states. In particular we find a value of the slope parameter L=66.5 MeV, compatible with recent experimental constraints from isospin diffusion, L=88{+-}25 MeV. The correlation between the neutron skin thickness of neutron-rich isotopes and the slope L and curvature K{sub sym} parameters of the symmetry energy is studied. Our BHF results are in very good agreement with the correlations already predicted by other authors using nonrelativistic and relativistic effective models. The correlations of these two parameters and the neutron skin thickness with the transition density from nonuniform to {beta}-stable matter in neutron stars are also analyzed. Our results confirm that there is an inverse correlation between the neutron skin thicknessmore » and the transition density. « less
The Effect of Corporate Image as an Affect Heuristic on Investors' Decision Making

This study investigated the impact of positive and negative affective cues on an investor’s intentions to purchase stock, and the moderating effect of cognitive cues on the relationship between the valence of affective cues and an investor’s intentions to purchase stocks. To further explore the moderating effect, this study investigated whether and when the effect of cognitive cues on an investor’s purchase intentions could outweigh the effect of affective cues as the number of cognitive cues increased. Four experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. Study One confirmed the effect of corporate image as an affective cue on investors’ stock buying decisions. The findings of Study Two indicated that a single piece of negative financial information had a significant influence on the effect of corporate image on stock buying intentions, while the effect of a single piece of positive financial information did not. The findings of Study Three provided preliminary indications of the quantity of financial information necessary for corporate image to undergo psychological decay, and suggested that an affect heuristic could be lessened or eliminated when the intensity of cognitive evaluations is stronger. To eliminate the possible confounding effects observed in Study Three, the good (bad) financial information in Study Four was described as 15% above (below) the same period of last year, respectively. As expected, the findings of Study Four were similar to those of Study Three. Therefore, Study Four confirmed that the effect of cognitive cues on an investor’s purchase intentions could outweigh the effect of affective cues as the number of cognitive cues increased.
Evolutionary approaches to autism- an overview and integration

Autism is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, which greatly reduces reproductive success. The combination of high heritability and low reproductive success raises an evolutionary question: why was autism not eliminated by natural selection? We review different perspectives on the evolution of autism and propose an integration which emphasizes epistatic interactions between the effects of genes during development. It is well-established that autism is a polygenic disorder, and that the genes contributing to autism interact. If a disorder is polygenic, it is likely that the genes underlying the disorder are also involved in traits that are beneficial for the individual. For example, it is possible that genes involved in the development of autism are also involved in the development of intelligence. As intelligence is positively correlated with reproductive success, genes involved in autism can possibly spread in the population. We propose that in most individuals, the interactions between genes result in normal or high intelligence and the absence of autism. However, in some unlucky situations, often in combination with spontaneous negative mutations, the interactions between genes can lead to the development of autism (or other pathologies). Thus, the combination of high heritability and low reproductive success in autism can be explained from an evolutionary developmental perspective that emphasizes the role of epistatic interactions in polygenic disorders.
PARG is recruited to DNA damage sites through poly(ADP-ribose)- and PCNA-dependent mechanisms

Post-translational poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation has diverse essential functions in the cellular response to DNA damage as it contributes to avid DNA damage detection and assembly of the cellular repair machinery but extensive modification eventually also induces cell death. While there are 17 human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) genes, there is only one poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) gene encoding several PARG isoforms located in different subcellular compartments. To investigate the recruitment of PARG isoforms to DNA repair sites we locally introduced DNA damage by laser microirradiation. All PARG isoforms were recruited to DNA damage sites except for a mitochondrial localized PARG fragment. Using PARP knock out cells and PARP inhibitors, we showed that PARG recruitment was only partially dependent on PARP-1 and PAR synthesis, indicating a second, PAR-independent recruitment mechanism. We found that PARG interacts with PCNA, mapped a PCNA binding site and showed that binding to PCNA contributes to PARG recruitment to DNA damage sites. This dual recruitment mode of the only nuclear PARG via the versatile loading platform PCNA and by a PAR dependent mechanism likely contributes to the dynamic regulation of this posttranslational modification and ensures the tight control of the switch between efficient DNA repair and cell death.
Online marketing research

Marketing decisions are typically made on the basis of research conducted using direct mailings, mall intercepts, telephone interviews, focused group discussion, and the like. These methods of marketing research can be time-consuming and expensive, and can require a large amount of effort to ensure accurate results. This paper presents a novel approach for conducting online marketing research based on several concepts such as active learning, matched control and experimental groups, and implicit and explicit experiments. These concepts, along with the opportunity provided by the increasing numbers of online shoppers, enable rapid, systematic, and cost-effective marketing research.
Validity of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Estimation Fat-Free Mass in the Army Cadets

Background: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a fast, practical, non-invasive, and frequently used method for fat-free mass (FFM) estimation. The aims of this study were to validate predictive equations of BIA to FFM estimation in Army cadets and to develop and validate a specific BIA equation for this population. Methods: A total of 396 males, Brazilian Army cadets, aged 17–24 years were included. The study used eight published predictive BIA equations, a specific equation in FFM estimation, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method. Student’s t-test (for paired sample), linear regression analysis, and Bland–Altman method were used to test the validity of the BIA equations. Results: Predictive BIA equations showed significant differences in FFM compared to DXA (p < 0.05) and large limits of agreement by Bland–Altman. Predictive BIA equations explained 68% to 88% of FFM variance. Specific BIA equations showed no significant differences in FFM, compared to DXA values. Conclusion: Published BIA predictive equations showed poor accuracy in this sample. The specific BIA equations, developed in this study, demonstrated validity for this sample, although should be used with caution in samples with a large range of FFM.
Relation of Social Fantasy Play to Social Competence in Preschoolers

The relation of social fantasy play to several indices of social competence was examined in a sample of 91 preschoolers, aged 35 months to 69 months. Naturalistic observations of the frequency and complexity of social fantasy play during freeplay periods were collected. Competence measures included teacher ratings of social competence, popularity, social role-taking skills, and observations of social behavior. Multiple regression procedures were used to analyze the prediction of social competence from the fantasy measures, independent of age, sex, IQ, and frequency of social activity. The results indicated that the amount and complexity of fantasy play significantly predicted four of the competence measures: teacher rating of peer social skill, popularity, affective role taking, and a behavioral summary score reflecting positive social activity. Fantasy play was also found to be more positive, sustained, and group oriented than was nonfantasy play. Implications of these findings on the role of fantasy play and peer-peer activity in social-skill acquisition are discussed. Fantasy play during the preschool years has been hypothesized to exercise a leading role in the young child's growth and development (Bruner, 1972; Singer, 1973; Vygotsky, 1966). It has also been suggested that fantasy play in the context of a social interaction may lead to the development of socially relevant cognitive skills and a repertoire of competent social behaviors (Garvey, 1977; Smilansky, 1968). According to this view, participation in fantasy play with another child requires a high level of complex cognitive and social abilities. Sharing and cooperation, self-regulation of affect, and an appreciation of cognitive and behavioral role reciprocity are all important underlying skills. Social fantasy play is a unique
The role of executive function and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the expression of neuroticism and conscientiousness

The current study examined how specific neurological systems contribute to the expression of multiple personality dimensions. We used individuals with traumatic brain injuries to examine the contribution of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—a region important for executive function and attention—to the expression of neuroticism and conscientiousness factors and facets. Results from Voxel-Based Lesion-Symptom Mapping analyses revealed that focal damage to the left DLPFC (Brodmann’s area 9) was associated with high neuroticism and low conscientious factor and facet scores (anxiety and self-discipline, respectively). Compared with lesioned and normal controls, veterans with damage in left DLPFC also reported higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness facet scores, slower reaction times on the California Computerized Assessment Package assessment, and lower scores on the Delis–Kaplan executive function battery. Findings suggest that while neuroticism and conscientiousness remain psychometrically independent personality dimensions, their component facets may rely on a common neurocognitive infrastructure and executive function resources in general.
Assessing the Sustainability of Latin American Investigative Non-profit Journalism

This article examines the emergence of Latin American investigative non-profit journalism in terms of organisational sustainability and journalistic dynamics. In so doing, it seeks to understand the role of these organisations, which have come to be described as a new type of journalistic practice for gathering, investigation and dissemination of news, which is conducted by non-profit investigative journalism projects set up between 1998 and 2011. These small groups of journalists have come to work together, creating research-based centres for investigative journalism. The essay describes and examines how these centres and their participants work, how they are funded and create a new business model in the context of their journalistic and editorial practices. By analysing the business model of eight major projects identified by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and the Nieman Lab at Harvard University, the authors aim to understand their business model from both a historical and present perspectives. In so doing, the authors have applied the CANVAS model of analysis, which identifies four categories for observation and discussion: infrastructure, product offer, relations with customers and financing. We then locate these findings in the context of a wider theoretical discussion that examines sustainability.
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Inadequate Logic, Unvalidated Theory, Insufficient Science

This paper tells the ‘story’ of shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma, tracking the evolving medical literature and demonstrating the influences on some of the significant court cases in which the tenets of the diagnosis were shown to have been faulty. The author argues that current child protection approaches have turned a scientifically unvalidated medical hypothesis into a nearly unstoppable courtroom force. Parents of children with legitimate medical conditions are being targeted as abusers, and concerns have arisen that their children are denied the treatment they need. Child protection resources are being misdirected into prosecuting cases in which, arguably no wrongdoing may have occurred. In both the criminal and the public family jurisdictions, the cumulative effect is the wastage of public resources and miscarriages of justice. In many cases, human tragedy is the result, involving families being torn apart, wrongful imprisonment and the wrongful placement of children into state ‘Care’.
Roles of Multiple Globus Pallidus Territories of Monkeys and Humans in Motivation, Cognition and Action: An Anatomical, Physiological and Pathophysiological Review

The globus pallidus (GP) communicates with widespread cortical areas that support various functions, including motivation, cognition and action. Anatomical tract-tracing studies revealed that the anteroventral GP communicates with the medial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices, which are involved in motivational control; the anterodorsal GP communicates with the lateral prefrontal cortex, which is involved in cognitive control; and the posterior GP communicates with the frontal motor cortex, which is involved in action control. This organization suggests that distinct subdivisions within the GP play specific roles. Neurophysiological studies examining GP neurons in monkeys during behavior revealed that the types of information coding performed within these subdivisions differ greatly. The anteroventral GP is characterized by activities related to motivation, such as reward seeking and aversive avoidance; the anterodorsal GP is characterized by activity that reflects cognition, such as goal decision and action selection; and the posterior GP is characterized by activity associated with action preparation and execution. Pathophysiological studies have shown that GABA-related substances or GP lesions result in abnormal activity in the GP, which causes site-specific behavioral and motor symptoms. The present review article discusses the anatomical organization, physiology and pathophysiology of the three major GP territories in nonhuman primates and humans.
Defining relationships: Comparing Canadians, Chinese and Indians

To examine whether cultural differences exist in defining family, friend, relative, colleague and neighbour, non-student samples were drawn from Canada, China and India. The data generated several unexpected findings. (i) The means of the relationship definitions between the Chinese and Canadians were not significantly different. The means between the Chinese and Indians were significantly different. The means between the Canadians and Indians were significantly different. (ii) Females defined their relationships more interdependently than males in the Indian and Canadian samples but not in the Chinese sample. (iii) Definitions were target specific and the order of closeness differed from group to group. (iv) In the Indian and Chinese samples, participants’ age was negatively correlated with closeness in defining friends, indicating that a person’s perceived closeness with friends changes over the life span. Results of past research using student samples need to be interpreted with caution.
Winner of the ESTS

OBJECTIVES: Bilobectomy is considered to be a risky procedure due to space mismatch between the pleural space and the remnant lung. The objective of this study was to evaluate if postoperative complications related or not to size mismatch are more frequent after bilobectomy compared with right lobectomy cases. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study on a series of matched non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Cases were patients who underwent right bilobectomy (upper and middle or lower and middle) and controls, patients who underwent right upper or lower lobectomy. Cases and controls were matched by propensity scoring according to site, age, ppoFEV1, type of postoperative management (intensive physiotherapy or not), cardiac comorbidity and pT status. We selected two primary outcomes for comparison: occurrence of any cardiorespiratory complication and occurrence of any complication related to space discrepancies. For the latter, all complicated case records were reviewed and two blinded observers agreed on the probability of each complication to be related to space discrepancies. Agreement was measured by the κ statistic. The overall odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome were calculated on 2 × 2 tables for the whole population and for cases with upper or lower resections. RESULTS: The study included 689 patients: 572 right lobectomy (419 upper and 153 lower) and 117 bilobectomy cases (30 upper and middle and 87 lower and middle). The overall mortality rate of the series was 2.03% (14/689), and cardiorespiratory complications were recorded in 14.4% (99/689) and space-related complications in 19.59% (135/689) cases. Both observers agreed on space-related complications in 86% of the 135 cases (κ: 0.72). After matching, 234 cases entered the study (117 with right lobectomy, including 83 lower and 34 upper, and 117 with bilobectomy, including 87 lower and 30 upper). The prevalence of cardiorespiratory complications was higher after lower and middle lobectomy compared with lower lobectomy (P = 0.0002; OR: 7.96, 95% CI: 2.19–43.16). No differences were found in death rates or in space-related complications between groups of lobectomy and bilobectomy cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to demonstrate a higher space-related complication rate in bilobectomy cases but cardiorespiratory complications were statistically higher after lower and middle lobectomy compared with lower lobectomy in matched cases.