Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Hindu Sati can teach us about the sociocultural and social psychological dynamics of suicide

By leveraging the case of Hindu sati, this paper elucidates the ways in which structure and culture condition suicidal behavior by way of social psychological and emotional dynamics. Conventionally, sati falls under Durkheim's discussion of altruistic suicides, or the self-sacrifice of underindividuated or excessively integrated peoples like widows in traditional societies. In light of the fact that Durkheim's interpretation was based on uneven data, nineteenth century Eurocentric beliefs, and a theoretical framework that can no longer resist modification and elaboration, by reconsidering sati it is possible to sketch a new model that strengthens Durkheim's theory by making it more robust and generalizable. The following model is built on five principles. First, integration and regulation are not distinct causal forces, but overlapping contextual conditions. Second, to better explain the variation in suicidality across time and space, we must also pay attention to culture as it provides the underlying meanings of suicide that can increase the odds a person or class of persons become suicidal or are protected against suicidality. Third, structure still matters, but in many cases, the role power and power-differentials play must be considered. Fourth, understanding why and how people choose suicide depends on incorporating identity and status processes. Fifth, because the expression of social emotions like shame are patterned by structural and cultural conditions, to understand how suicidality is socioculturally patterned we must further explore the link between identity/status, social emotions, and structure and culture.
Production and Validation of the Use of Gamma Phage for Identification of Bacillus anthracis

ABSTRACT Gamma phage specifically lyses vegetative cells of Bacillus anthracis and serves as part of the basis for identification of isolates from agar cultures. We report our study to standardize gamma phage production and preparation and to validate the assay for routine use. Unstable phage preparations were largely reduced through propagation of phage on blood agar cultures of the avirulent B. anthracis strain CDC684 and were adequately stable for extended storage beyond 1 to 2 years at 4°C, provided that the preparation initially gave rise to clearly discernible plaques (macroplaques, 5 to 10 mm in diameter) on dilution at 1:8 or greater during potency testing with the Sterne strain or its equivalent. The primary intent of the assay was to test nonhemolytic, ground-glass-appearing bacterial B. anthracis-like colonies arising from culture of clinical or nonclinical samples on 5% sheep blood agar. Specifically, the assay was designed to show clear or primarily clear circular zones of lysis on bacterial lawns at the site of gamma phage inoculation after incubation at 35 °C ± 2°C for 20 h. When tested with 51 B. anthracis strains and 49 similar non-B. anthracis Bacillus species, the analytical specificity was >95%, a value that is intentionally low because our study design included two rare nonsusceptible B. anthracis strains as well as a rare susceptible non-B. anthracis strain, B. cereus ATCC 4342. Repeatability, day-to-day precision, and analyst-to-analyst precision were superior. The assay was rugged to variations among phage lots, phage concentration, amounts of bacterial inoculum, and incubation times as short as 6 to 8 h. System suitability evaluation showed improved robustness when bacterial lawns were tested with high- and low-density inoculum using the first and second quadrants of a serial four-quadrant streak on 5% sheep blood agar plates.
Inquiry in a Text-Based Environment : Computer Conferencing in Higher Education 1

The purpose of this study is to provide conceptual order and a tool for the use of CMC and computer conferencing in supporting an educational experience. Central to the study introduced here is a model of community inquiry that constitutes three elements essential to an educational transaction – cognitive presence, social presence, and teaching presence. Indicators (key words/phrases) for each of the three elements emerged from the analysis of computer conferencing transcripts. The indicators described represent a template or tool for researchers to analyze written transcripts as well as a guide to educators for the optimal use of computer conferencing as a medium to facilitate an educational transaction. This research would suggest that computer conferencing has considerable potential to create a community of inquiry for educational purposes.
Clinical features and management of two cases of encephalitis lethargica

Two patients with presumed encephalitis lethargica are presented with clinical features suggestive of two forms of the disease described by Von Economo: One patient had a psychosis and a mute‐akinetic syndrome associated with myoclonus. The second patient presented with a psychosis and fever, developing severe dyskinesias involving the mouth, trunk and limbs, together with respiratory irregularities and presumed hypothalamic disturbance and disturbance of consciousness. In both cases, initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed an elevated white cell count (predominantly lymphocytes), elevated protein in case 2, and oligoclonal bands in both cases. Computed tomography (CT) brain scan was normal but in both cases EEG revealed diffuse slow wave activity. A 18F‐Dopa positron emission tomography (PET) scan in case 2 was normal. The medical management of both patients is discussed. In case 1, L‐Dopa improved the akinesia, while the myoclonus responded to clonazepam. In case 2, the severe dyskinesias failed to respond to a number of drugs, and she ultimately required paralysis to relieve her almost continuous movements. Both patients responded rapidly and dramatically to intravenous methylprednisolone. We suggest that steroid treatment should be considered in the acute phase of patients with features suggestive of encephalitis lethargica.
Correlation properties of Geodesic Acoustic Modes in the T-10 tokamak

Geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) of electrostatic potential and density fluctuations are simultaneously measured by Heavy Ion Beam Probe (HIBP) and Correlation Reflectometry (CR). The regimes with Ohmic and electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) were studied (B = 2.2 T, Ip = 210 - 240 kA, ne = (2.3 - 3.7) × 1019 m-3, PEC ≤ 0.6 MW). GAMs are more pronounced during ECRH, when the typical frequencies were seen in the narrow band from 22 to 27 kHz for the main peak and 25-30 kHz for the higher frequency satellite peak. The local values of electric potential and density fluctuations show the significant coherency and constant phase shift at GAM frequency range. The existence of the long-distance (one quarter of the torus) correlations of core electric potential and density for GAM implying that GAM is a global mode, was shown for the first time in tokamaks.
Bone mineral density evaluation of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

[Purpose] Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A consequence of this is chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. We investigated whether there is any difference among DM patients and a control group in terms of lumbar and femur BMD (bone mineral density), and standard deviation scores (Z score and T score). [Subjects and Methods] This randomized, prospective, controlled, single-blind study was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Faculty of Medicine, Bezm-i Alem Vakıf University. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the patient groups. Healthy individuals were included in the control group. [Results] A total of 126 patients completed the study (63 in the study group, 63 in the control group). There was no significant difference in the results of the laboratory examinations of the cases. The bone mineral densities of the cases were found to be significantly low in terms of the lumbar (L1–4) T scores in the type 2 diabetes group. [Conclusion] Although osteoporosis is one of the potential complications of type 1 diabetes, its effect on bone mineral density in type 2 DM is controversial. In different studies, the bone mineral density values have increased, decreased or remained normal. With the exception of the lumbar (L1–4) T score, similar results were obtained in this study.
The effect of statins on average survival in randomised trials, an analysis of end point postponement

Objective To estimate the average postponement of death in statin trials. Setting A systematic literature review of all statin trials that presented all-cause survival curves for treated and untreated. Intervention Statin treatment compared to placebo. Primary outcome measures The average postponement of death as represented by the area between the survival curves. Results 6 studies for primary prevention and 5 for secondary prevention with a follow-up between 2.0 and 6.1 years were identified. Death was postponed between −5 and 19 days in primary prevention trials and between −10 and 27 days in secondary prevention trials. The median postponement of death for primary and secondary prevention trials were 3.2 and 4.1 days, respectively. Conclusions Statin treatment results in a surprisingly small average gain in overall survival within the trials’ running time. For patients whose life expectancy is limited or who have adverse effects of treatment, withholding statin therapy should be considered.
Using Agent-Based Modelling to Study Organisational Performance and Cultural Differences

In the modern world, many activities require cross-cultural cooperation. Business conglomerates and military coalitions involve contributions from different countries. Partnerships between government and industry are also increasingly important. In this work, we use agent-based modelling to study cooperation between entities from different cultures. We investigate which organisational structures result in the best performance, depending on the degree of cultural differences and the synergies between entity's capabilities. The initial study involves a Defence-specific task, but application of the conclusions is more general. Our results show that reducing communication delays benefits integration, and that close integration is not necessarily a good thing. Excessively closely integrated units experienced communications problems, were vulnerable to the loss of critical members, and were strongly influenced by cultural misunderstandings.
Justice, Gender, and Corporations. Outline of a Feminist Political Philosophy of the Corporation

Abstract Corporations, as institutions that participate in the creation and perpetuation of gender-based injustices, have been neglected by feminist political philosophers and egalitarians in general. However, since gender-based inequalities within the family, the market, and in democratic participation are interconnected, critically scrutinizing institutions such as corporate organizations appears to be essential in order to achieve gender justice. This is our goal in this paper. In the first part, we look at the (surprising) domination of the ethics of care in the feminist literature on corporations. Since it focuses essentially on the goal of developing virtuous managers, we conclude that this ethics of care is misleading when it comes to thinking about the kinds of relations that characterize corporations and their much needed organizational transformation. In the second part, we attempt to highlight and articulate more explicitly the need for a critical analysis of corporations from the point of view of gender justice. Finally, having shown how purely “distributive” approaches of gender justice are unsatisfactory, we finish by outlining a multidimensional approach to gender (in)justice within and by corporate organizations. We do so by drawing on the insights of distributive, participatory, and relational accounts of equality.
A Lurian-Piagetian Approach to Assessment of Historically Disadvantaged Black Scholars in English Medium Schools

Piagetian and Lurian assessment procedures were employed to evaluate the neurocognitive processes of seven-year-old historically disadvantaged children (n=27), residents of traditionally Black areas who were identified as experiencing learning problems (LP group) in English medium schools. Comparisons were made with a reference group of Black children in the same schools (n=23) currently not experiencing learning problems (NLP). No significant differences were found between factors such as maternal education, occupational status, Home Screening Questionnaire or the amount of English spoken in the homes of the two groups. On Piagetian tasks of conservation and seriation, it was observed that the performances of the NLP group were age appropriate, while the LP children showed a developmental lag, despite the fact that no significant difference was observed on classification tasks. Using Majovski et als (1978) adaptation of Luria's tests, significant differences were noted on all tasks with the exception of Acoustic-Motor organisation and Higher Visual Functions. The results of the Lurian tasks indicated difficulties with basic skills but especially with the regulatory and directional aspects of language which manifested in lower level dysfunctions regarded as prerequisites for gaining higher level skills. The occurrence of different maturation rates and skills for the two groups as shown by Piagetian and Lurian tasks, was also supported by differences obtained on Goodenough's (1929) DAP test (p<.001). Significant correlations were found between conservation and seriation tasks with Lurian functions of motor, acoustic-motor, expressive language, arithmetic and reading /writing skills. The possibility is raised that Piagetian and Lurian approaches can offer greater insight into children's cognitive levels and task performance.
Changes of Microbial Population in the Rumen of Dairy Steers as Influenced by Plant Containing Tannins and Saponins and Roughage to Concentrate Ratio

The objective of this study was to investigate microbial population in the rumen of dairy steers as influenced by supplementing with dietary condensed tannins and saponins and different roughage to concentrate ratios. Four, rumen fistulated dairy steers (Bos indicus) were used in a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design. The main factors were two roughage to concentrate ratios (R:C, 60:40 and 40:60) and two supplementations of rain tree pod meal (RPM) (0 and 60 g/kg of total DM intake). Chopped 30 g/kg urea treated rice straw was used as a roughage source. All animals received feed according to respective R:C ratios at 25 g/kg body weight. The RPM contained crude tannins and saponins at 84 and 143 g/kg of DM, respectively. It was found that ruminal pH decreased while ruminal temperature increased by a higher concentrate ratio (R:C 40:60) (p<0.05). In contrast, total bacterial, Ruminococus albus and viable proteolytic bacteria were not affected by dietary supplementation. Numbers of fungi, cellulolytic bacteria, Fibrobactor succinogenes and Ruminococus flavefaciens were higher while amylolytic bacteria was lower when steers were fed at 400 g/kg of concentrate. The population of Fibrobactor succinogenes, was found to be higher with RPM supplementation. In addition, the use of real-time PCR technique indicated that the population of protozoa and methanogens were decreased (p<0.05) with supplementation of RPM and with an increasing concentrate ratio. Supplementation of RPM and feeding different concentrate ratios resulted in changing the rumen microbes especially, when the animals were fed at 600 g/kg of concentrate and supplemented with RPM which significantly reduced the protozoa and methanogens population.
microRNA Response to Listeria monocytogenes Infection in Epithelial Cells

microRNAs represent a family of very small non-coding RNAs that control several physiologic and pathologic processes, including host immune response and cancer by antagonizing a number of target mRNAs. There is limited knowledge about cell expression and the regulatory role of microRNAs following bacterial infections. We investigated whether infection with a Gram-positive bacterium leads to altered expression of microRNAs involved in the host cell response in epithelial cells. Caco-2 cells were infected with Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e, a mutant strain (ΔinlAB or Δhly) or incubated with purified listeriolysin (LLO). Total RNA was isolated and microRNA and target gene expression was compared to the expression in non-infected cells using microRNA microarrays and qRT-PCR. We identified and validated five microRNAs (miR- 146b, miR-16, let-7a1, miR-145 and miR-155) that were significantly deregulated following listerial infection. We show that expression patterns of particular microRNAs strongly depend on pathogen localization and the presence of bacterial effector proteins. Strikingly, miR-155 which was shown to have an important role in inflammatory responses during infection was induced by wild-type bacteria, by LLO-deficient bacteria and following incubation with purified LLO. It was downregulated following ΔinlAB infection indicating a new potent role for internalins in listerial pathogenicity and miRNA regulation. Concurrently, we observed differences in target transcript expression of the investigated miRNAs. We provide first evidence that L. monocytogenes infection leads to deregulation of a set of microRNAs with important roles in host response. Distinct microRNA expression depends on both LLO and pathogen localization.
Top 10 research priorities relating to aphasia following stroke

ABSTRACT Background: Pollock et al. (2014, Top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke – Consensus from stroke survivors, caregivers, and health professionals, International Journal of Stroke, 9, 313–320) applied the James Lind Alliance methodology to derive the top 10 priorities for research relating to life after stroke. Many of the initial Treatment Uncertainties related to aphasia. Aim: The current study uses these Treatment Uncertainties to derive the shared top 10 research priorities of people with aphasia (PWA), their carers and speech and language therapists (SLTs) Methods & Procedures: Treatment Uncertainties relating to aphasia were identified from the 226 unique unanswered questions relating to life after stroke generated by Pollock et al. Using these 34 Treatment Uncertainties relating to aphasia, the last two stages of the JLA method (survey followed by consensus meeting) were carried out with PWA, their carers and SLTs. Participants ranked the top 10 priorities from the 34 given in the survey. Communication ramps were used with the PWA. The 16 highest ranked uncertainties were presented at the consensus meeting, where the final shared top 10 priorities were agreed, merging some statements and refining the wording in others. Outcomes & Results: Participants included PWA with severely affected communication. The methodology produced consensus on a range of priorities including the best treatments and most effective service delivery, management of psychosocial issues, helping volunteers and carers, and research into treating severe forms of aphasia. Conclusions: PWA are able to participate fully in research priority setting. These shared research priorities represent an excellent base for the development of clinically important research in aphasia, addressing issues which are of greatest importance to key stakeholders.
Biochemical, Transcriptional, and Bioinformatic Analysis of Lipid Droplets from Seeds of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Their Use as Potent Sequestration Agents against the Toxic Pollutant, 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxin

Contamination of aquatic environments with dioxins, the most toxic group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is a major ecological issue. Dioxins are highly lipophilic and bioaccumulate in fatty tissues of marine organisms used for seafood where they constitute a potential risk for human health. Lipid droplets (LDs) purified from date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, seeds were characterized and their capacity to extract dioxins from aquatic systems was assessed. The bioaffinity of date palm LDs toward 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most toxic congener of dioxins was determined. Fractioned LDs were spheroidal with mean diameters of 2.5 µm, enclosing an oil-rich core of 392.5 mg mL-1. Isolated LDs did not aggregate and/or coalesce unless placed in acidic media and were strongly associated with three major groups of polypeptides of relative mass 32–37, 20–24, and 16–18 kDa. These masses correspond to the LD-associated proteins, oleosins, caleosins, and steroleosins, respectively. Efficient partitioning of TCDD into LDs occurred with a coefficient of log KLB/w,TCDD = 7.528 ± 0.024; it was optimal at neutral pH and was dependent on the presence of the oil-rich core, but was independent of the presence of LD-associated proteins. Bioinformatic analysis of the date palm genome revealed nine oleosin-like, five caleosin-like, and five steroleosin-like sequences, with predicted structures having putative lipid-binding domains that match their LD stabilizing roles and use as bio-based encapsulation systems. Transcriptomic analysis of date palm seedlings exposed to TCDD showed strong up-regulation of several caleosin and steroleosin genes, consistent with increased LD formation. The results suggest that the plant LDs could be used in ecological remediation strategies to remove POPs from aquatic environments. Recent reports suggest that several fungal and algal species also use LDs to sequester both external and internally derived hydrophobic toxins, which indicates that our approach could be used as a broader biomimetic strategy for toxin removal.
Patient initiated outpatient follow up in rheumatoid arthritis: six year randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objectives To determine whether direct access to hospital review initiated by patients with rheumatoid arthritis would result in improved clinical and psychological outcome, reduced overall use of healthcare resources, and greater satisfaction with care than seen in patients receiving regular review initiated by a rheumatologist. Design Two year randomised controlled trial extended to six years. Setting Rheumatology outpatient department in teaching hospital. Participants 209 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis for over two years; 68 (65%) in the direct access group and 52 (50%) in the control group completed the study (P = 0.04). Main outcome measures Clinical outcome: pain, disease activity, early morning stiffness, inflammatory indices, disability, grip strength, range of movement in joints, and bone erosion. Psychological status: anxiety, depression, helplessness, self efficacy, satisfaction, and confidence in the system. Number of visits to hospital physician and general practitioner for arthritis. Results Participants were well matched at baseline. After six years there was only one significant difference between the two groups for the 14 clinical outcomes measured (deterioration in range of movement in elbow was less in direct access patients). There were no significant differences between groups for median change in psychological status. Satisfaction and confidence in the system were significantly higher in the direct access group at two, four, and six years: confidence 9.8 v 8.4, 9.4 v 8.0, 8.7 v 6.9; satisfaction 9.3 v 8.3, 9.3 v 7.7, 8.9 v 7.1 (all P < 0.02). Patients in the direct access group had 38% fewer hospital appointments (median 8 v 13, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Over six years, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who initiated their reviews through direct access were clinically and psychologically at least as well as patients having traditional reviews initiated by a physician. They requested fewer appointments, found direct access more acceptable, and had more than a third fewer medical appointments. This radical responsive management could be tested in other chronic diseases.