Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Kinase-Independent Role for Unoccupied Insulin and IGF-1 Receptors in the Control of Apoptosis

Cells lacking both insulin and IGF-1 receptors are resistant to apoptosis. Signaling Death as Well as Survival The hormone insulin and the related insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are known for their effects in promoting cell growth and survival. Unexpectedly, Boucher et al. found that brown preadipocyte cell lines engineered to lack both the insulin receptor (IR) and the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) were resistant to programmed cell death (apoptosis) in response to various stimuli when compared to cells expressing either or both receptors. Analyses of the effects of introducing receptors into these resistant cells revealed that, in contrast to their role in transducing trophic signals from insulin and IGF-1, the ability of IR and IGF1R to restore sensitivity to apoptosis did not depend on their catalytic activity. Thus, IR and IGF1R appear to act as dependence receptors, a family of receptors that mediate trophic signals when bound by ligand, and signals permissive for apoptosis in the absence of ligand. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) act as antiapoptotic hormones. We found that, unexpectedly, double-knockout (DKO) cells that lacked both insulin and IGF-1 receptors (IR and IGF1R, respectively) were resistant to apoptosis induced through either the intrinsic or the extrinsic pathway. This resistance to apoptosis was associated with decreased abundance of the proapoptotic protein Bax and increases in abundance of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, XIAP, and Flip. These changes in protein abundance involved primarily posttranscriptional mechanisms. Restoration of IR or IGF1R to DKO cells also restored their sensitivity to apoptosis. Notably, expression of a catalytically inactive mutant form of the IR also restored susceptibility to apoptosis. Thus, IR and IGF1R have bidirectional roles in the control of cell survival and can be viewed as dependence receptors. Insulin and IGF-1 binding stimulates receptor tyrosine kinase activity and blocks apoptosis, whereas unliganded IR and IGF1R, acting through a mechanism independent of their catalytic activity, exert a permissive effect on cell death.
Theoretical progress and challenges in dissociative recombination

We discuss the Jahn–Teller mechanism for dissociative recombination in low energy collisions between electrons and ions, in energy ranges relevant to the processes underway in interstellar clouds. While theory has become capable of predicting recombination rates in reasonable agreement with storage ring experiments, some discrepancies remain with them, and a long-standing discrepancy with stationary afterglow measurements remains troubling. Speculations about the desirable improvements in both theory and experiment are presented.
DIFFUSION MODELS OF MULTICOMPONENT MIXTURES IN THE LUNG

In this work, we are interested in two different diffusion models for multicomponent mixtures. We numerically recover experimental results underlining the inadequacy of the usual Fick diffusion model, and the importance of using the Maxwell-Stefan model in various situations. This model nonlinearly couples the mole fractions and the fluxes of each component of the mixture. We then consider a subregion of the lower part of the lung, in which we compare the two different models. We first recover the fact that the Fick model is enough to model usual air breathing. In the case of chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies, a mixture of helium and oxygen is often used to improve a patient's situation. The Maxwell-Stefan model is then necessary to recover the experimental behaviour, and to observe the benefit for the patient, namely an oxygen peak.
PROLONGATION OF SHEEP CORNEAL ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL BY EX VIVO TRANSFER OF THE GENE ENCODING INTERLEUKIN-101

Background. Modification of a donor cornea by gene therapy ex vivo has potential to modulate irreversible rejection, the major cause of corneal graft failure. Our aim was to transfer the gene encoding mammalian IL-10 to ovine donor corneas and to determine subsequent orthotopic corneal allograft survival in an outbred sheep model. Methods. The replicative capacity of ovine corneal endothelium was determined by autoradiography after deliberate injury. A replication-defective adenovirus was used to deliver the lacZ reporter gene to ovine corneas and transfected corneas were organ-cultured in vitro to allow transfection efficiency, duration of reporter gene expression, and toxicity attributable to the vector to be determined. A cDNA encoding full-length ovine IL-10 was cloned into an adenoviral vector that was used to transfect donor corneas ex vivo before transplantation. Orthotopic penetrating corneal transplantation was performed in outbred sheep. Results. Sheep corneal endothelium was found to be essentially amitotic. Transfection of >70% corneal endothelial cells was achieved with the viral vector and expression was maintained for 28 days in vitro. IL-10 mRNA was detectable in transfected, organ-cultured corneas for 21 days in vitro. Donor corneas transfected with cDNA encoding IL-10 showed significantly prolonged survival after penetrating keratoplasty (median 55 days, range 19 ⩾300 days) compared with control corneas (median 20.5 days, range 18–32 days, P =0.011). Conclusion. Local gene therapy-mediated expression of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 has the potential to reduce the incidence of corneal graft rejection and to prolong corneal allograft survival.
Noninvasive blood flow imaging for real‐time feedback during laser therapy of port wine stain birthmarks

During laser therapy of port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks, regions of persistent perfusion may exist. Immediate retreatment of such regions may improve PWS laser therapeutic outcome. To address this need, we propose use of laser speckle imaging (LSI) to provide real‐time, quantitative feedback during laser surgery. Herein, we present in vitro and in vivo data collected with a clinic‐based LSI instrument.
Choices of destination for transnational higher education: “pull” factors in an Asia Pacific market

Abstract Traditional assumptions favouring native English language countries in transnational higher education (TNHE) overlook experiences of international students in new emerging Asian education hubs. Specifically, there has been limited research relating to international students’ choice for studying in Malaysia. Drawing from the “push-pull” model of factors influencing the movement of international student destination choice, this study identifies determinants of student destination decision for TNHE. While acknowledging perceived qualities and values of individual institutions as important criteria, findings from interviews with students that are currently enrolled at international branch campuses also indicated key influences driven by “pull” factors of country image – attractive features of Malaysia, i.e. comparatively low cost of living, low tuition fees, safe country for living, stable government, modern amenities, proximity in culture and religion and freedom from discrimination – as focal motives in their choice decision. These findings provide implications for policy-makers to deploy their educational resources as well as develop effective promotional and marketing strategies in promoting the local reputation and amenities in order to attract more international students.
Do people say what they think: social conformity behavior in varying degrees of online social presence

In recent social media internet applications, many activities consist of voting, ranking, commenting and sharing. People using these applications can experience the social presence and influences of others, just as in real life. The difference is, however, that fewer communication channels are available in these online communication mediums. In this pilot study, we investigated to which degree these altered communication mediums affect people's social conformity behavior. Based on a classic normative social conformity paradigm by Asch [1], we developed an online quiz. Two versions were created: a version where users see other players represented with only a picture, and a version with a live video stream. We studied the social conformity in these two online situations regarding three information types: visual perception, factual information and personal opinions. Results showed that participants answering factual questions in the live video variant, offering more social cues than the photo variant, followed the group more in giving incorrect answers. Furthermore, participants in both variants agreed with group opinions.
Using Photovoice to Communicate Abuse: A Co-Cultural Theoretical Analysis of Communication Factors Related to Digital Dating Abuse

USING PHOTOVOICE TO COMMUNICATE ABUSE: A CO-CULTURAL THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF COMMUNICATION FACTORS RELATED TO DIGITAL DATING ABUSE Melinda R. Weathers, Ph.D. George Mason University, 2012 Dissertation Director: Dr. Melinda M. Villagran According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006), 5.3 million intimate partner abuse (IPA) incidents occur in the United States every year, resulting in approximately two million injuries and 1,300 deaths among women. Exposure to interpersonal abuse in dating relationships often begins in early adolescence and continues into adulthood. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (2008) reports that approximately one in three adolescent girls (16 to 19 years) in the United States experience physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Additionally, the increased use of information and communication technologies, such as the Internet and cell phones, continues to become a prominent part of social life among teens and young adults. The rapid rate at which technology is developing has led to an emergent shift from face-to-face forms of IPA to digital forms of IPA. For example, according to the Family Violence Prevention Fund (2009), approximately one in three teens reported the experience of receiving text messages from a partner, up to 30 times in one hour, with questions regarding where they were, what they were doing, and/or who they were with. Given the prevalence of the growing phenomenon, this analysis will focus on co-cultural communication enacted by young women in digitally abusive heterosexual romantic relationships. Using a co-cultural theoretical frame of analysis, this study seeks to better understand communication practices of young women interacting as co-cultural group members within dominant societal structures. In particular, photovoice is used as a qualitative method to identify the co-cultural communication orientations and responses to acts of digital dating abuse in heterosexual romantic relationships. Data analysis revealed 15 salient themes with regard to women’s lived experiences of digital dating abuse and the co-cultural strategies used to manage such abuse. These accounts provide insight into the diverse communicative strategies and standpoints of the digitally abused women who participated in this study, and have implications for women, social science research, medical practice, educators/advocates, and society at large.
Approaches to Social Enquiry

Preface. 1. Introduction. Part I: Science and Social Science. 2. What Kind of Science is Social Science? 3. What Kind of Science is Social Science? Contemporary Responses? 4. Review and Critique of the Approaches. Part II: Research and Strategies. 5. Inductive and Deductive Strategies. 6. Retroductive and Abductive Strategies. Part III: Some Methodological Issues. 7. Choosing Between Approaches and Strategies. Bibliography. Index. Figures and Tables.
Synthetic biology: From a word to a world

Synthetic biology is one of the battlefields where the main countries fight for the supremacy in science. The word synthetic biology hides a big world, ready to be explored by interdisciplinary research collaborations. The purpose of this investigation is to reveal the what, where, when of the current situation in this emerging field. A keyword search string for the field was constructed and applied in the Web of Science and in the Derwent Innovations Index. In particular, we calculated year based h-type indices for high-frequent keywords.
ACCIONES PARA LA AUTORREGULACIÓN DEL APRENDIZAJE EN ENTORNOS PERSONALES

El objetivo del estudio es analizar las acciones que realizan los estudiantes de la poblacion para la autorregulacion del aprendizaje en entornos personales de aprendizaje. Se aplico un cuestionario a una muestra de estudiantes de la Universidad de Granada (Espana) que pertenecen a las titulaciones de Pedagogia, Educacion Social y Psicopedagogia. Sobre los datos se efectuan pruebas no parametricas de correlaciones y analisis de varianzas, asi como estadistica descriptiva e inferencial. Los resultados relacionan las acciones autorregulatorias que realizan los estudiantes y demuestran que estas acciones son homogeneas segun titulacion, sexo, edad y otras variables en estudio
Risk for development of severe liver disease in lean patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A long‐term follow‐up study

Most patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are overweight or obese. However, a significant proportion of patients have a normal body mass index (BMI), denoted as lean NAFLD. The long‐term prognosis of lean NAFLD is unclear. We conducted a cohort study of 646 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD. Patients were defined as lean (BMI < 25.0), overweight (BMI 25.0‐29.9), or obese (BMI ≥ 30.0) at the time of biopsy. Each case was matched for age, sex, and municipality to 10 controls. Overall mortality and development of severe liver disease were evaluated using population‐based registers. Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, type 2 diabetes, and fibrosis stage were used to examine the long‐term risk of mortality and liver‐related events in lean and nonlean NAFLD. Lean NAFLD was seen in 19% of patients, while 52% were overweight and 29% were obese. Patients with lean NAFLD were older, had lower transaminases, lower stages of fibrosis, and lower prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis at baseline compared to patients with a higher BMI. During a mean follow‐up of 19.9 years (range 0.4‐40 years) representing 12,631 person years and compared to patients who were overweight, patients with lean NAFLD had no increased risk for overall mortality (hazard ratio 1.06; P = 0.73) while an increased risk for development of severe liver disease was found (hazard ratio 2.69; P = 0.007). Conclusion: Although patients with lean NAFLD have lower stages of fibrosis, they are at higher risk for development of severe liver disease compared to patients with NAFLD and a higher BMI, independent of available confounders. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:48–57)
The role of personality traits in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

BACKGROUND A number of studies have shown that although exposure to potentially traumatic events is common, development of PTSD is relatively rare, which is one of the reasons PTSD still remains a controversial psychiatric entity. The aim of this article was to provide an overview of the research on the role of personality traits in the vulnerability, resilience, posttraumatic growth and expressions associated with PTSD. Personality based approach represents a dimensional aspect of the transdisciplinary integrative model of PTSD. METHODS We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Academic Search Complete from 1980 (the year PTSD was first included in the DSM) and 2012 (the year the literature search was performed). Manual examination of secondary sources such as the reference sections of selected articles and book chapters were also conducted. RESULTS Most of the reviewed studies dealing with personality traits as vulnerability and protective factors for PTSD examined the relationship between basic personality dimensions and severity of symptoms of PTSD. These studies have applied three types of methodological designs: cross-sectional, post-trauma and pre-trauma longitudinal studies, with latter being the least common option. CONCLUSION Finding that appears relatively consistent is that PTSD is positively related to negative emotionality, neuroticism, harm avoidance, novelty-seeking and self-transcendence, as well as to trait hostility/anger and trait anxiety. On the other hand, PTSD symptoms are negatively associated with extraversion, conscientiousness, self-directedness, the combination of high positive and low negative emotionality, as well as with hardiness and optimism, while posttraumatic growth shows inverse relation to most of these traits. Furthermore, a number of studies have confirmed the existence of three distinct personality-based subtypes of PTSD: internalizing, externalizing and low pathology PTSD. These findings may help in further uncovering etiological mechanisms and in building new strategies for prevention, identification and reduction of health risks among this trauma population, as well as facilitating potential posttraumatic growth. However, focusing on just a single dimensional perspective will unable us to generate comprehensive knowledge of the etiology, course and treatment of PTSD.
What Makes You the “Worst of the Worst?” An Examination of State Policies Defining Supermaximum Confinement

As a response to an increasing prison population and as a counteractive measure to problematic inmates, many states within the United States have established supermaximum (supermax) prisons or supermax units within existing prison facilities. Many criminal justice researchers have questioned the efficacy of these specialized units. Although the National Institute for Corrections has established model criteria to dictate what types of inmates should be placed in supermax custody, existing research has not yet examined if the states have chosen to follow the criteria or substitute their own criteria for admission to supermax custody. The current study examines 42 individual state policies in an attempt to ascertain how states determine which inmates are considered the “worst of the worst” and deserve segregation in supermax facilities and/or units. Implications of these policies and directions for future research are discussed.
Aerobic bacteriology of chronic suppurative otitis media in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India

This is an aerobic bacteriological study of chronic suppurative otitis media to identify common pathogens and to evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Hundred and fifty patients who had chronic ear discharge and had not received antibiotics recently were selected. Swabs were taken and cultured for bacteria aerobically. Antibiotic testing was done using modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. In addition to the usual antibiotics, three antibiotics commonly available as topical ear drops were tested. There were 192 bacterial isolates comprising mainly Staphylococcus aureus (36%), Proteus species (32%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (20%). Among the topical antibiotics, ciprofloxacin had the highest susceptibility rate (89%) for all the isolates tested followed by gentamicin (76.5%) and chloramphenicol (59.3%).
The use of extracorporeal techniques to remove humoral factors in sepsis

Objective To determine whether there is sufficient evidence of a benefit of hemofiltration or plasma filtration in sepsis. Data Sources Medline search, search of references in articles found in Medline search, literature known to local experts. Study Selection Trials and reports where clinical outcome measures were included. Data Extraction Clinically relevant information was presented. Data Synthesis Studies were grouped according to hemofiltration or plasma filtration and within each of these groups into animal or human studies; then they were graded from case report, through case series, nonrandomized trials, and randomized trials. Conclusion There is a lack of randomized trials. The available studies show an absence of benefit for hemofiltration. Further studies are needed in plasma filtration.
Clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and haloperidol in the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

OBJECTIVE The authors compared the efficacy and safety of three atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone) with one another and with haloperidol in the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. METHOD In a double-blind trial, 157 inpatients with a history of suboptimal treatment response were randomly assigned to treatment with clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, or haloperidol for 14 weeks (an 8-week escalation and fixed-dose period followed by a 6-week variable-dose period). RESULTS Clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine (but not haloperidol) resulted in statistically significant improvements in total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Improvements seen in total and negative symptom scores with clozapine and olanzapine were superior to haloperidol. The atypical drugs, particularly olanzapine and clozapine, were associated with weight gain. CONCLUSIONS The effects of atypical antipsychotics in this population were statistically significant but clinically modest. The overall pattern of results suggests that clozapine and olanzapine have similar general antipsychotic efficacy and that risperidone may be somewhat less effective. Clozapine was the most effective treatment for negative symptoms. However, the differences among treatments were small.
Mode of Inheritance of Primary Metabolic Traits in Tomato[W][OA]

To evaluate components of fruit metabolic composition, we have previously metabolically phenotyped tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) introgression lines containing segmental substitutions of wild species chromosome in the genetic background of a cultivated variety. Here, we studied the hereditability of the fruit metabolome by analyzing an additional year's harvest and evaluating the metabolite profiles of lines heterozygous for the introgression (ILHs), allowing the evaluation of putative quantitative trait locus (QTL) mode of inheritance. These studies revealed that most of the metabolic QTL (174 of 332) were dominantly inherited, with relatively high proportions of additively (61 of 332) or recessively (80 of 332) inherited QTL and a negligible number displaying the characteristics of overdominant inheritance. Comparison of the mode of inheritance of QTL revealed that several metabolite pairs displayed a similar mode of inheritance of QTL at the same chromosomal loci. Evaluation of the association between morphological and metabolic traits in the ILHs revealed that this correlation was far less prominent, due to a reduced variance in the harvest index within this population. These data are discussed in the context of genomics-assisted breeding for crop improvement, with particular focus on the exploitation of wide biodiversity.