Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of intergroup similarity on intergroup relations

We examined the impact of intergroup similarity on two aspects of intergroup relations. Drawing on social identity and belief congruence theory, we hypothesized that — at high levels of intergroup similarity — increasing similarity has dual, seemingly opposed effects: It increases ingroup favouritism in evaluations but also increases readiness for social contact with the outgroup. We further hypothesized that both effects are moderated by the strength of individuals' identification with their ingroup. Finally, we hypothesized that there is ingroup favouritism on dimensions relevant for defining the group, but outgroup favouritism on dimensions irrelevant for this purpose. One hundred and forty-nine students from two prestigious high schools, who were assigned to one of three levels of manipulated similarity between their schools, evaluated both schools on dimensions relevant and irrelevant to the school context and expressed their readiness for social contact with the other school. Ingroup favouritism appeared on relevant dimensions and outgroup favouritism on irrelevant dimensions. As predicted, for those highly identified with their ingroup, intergroup similarity led to greater ingroup favouritism in evaluations on relevant dimensions but to increased readiness for outgroup social contact. Implications for interpreting inconsistent results of past research and for specifying conditions for intergroup bias are discussed.
Spanish gold: Stereotypes, ideology, and the construction of a U.S. Latino market∗

A textual analysis of articles in advertising trade magazines shows how the U.S. Latino population was transformed from an “invisible market”; into “Spanish gold”; through the redefinition, but not the elimination, of traditional stereotypes: though basic elements of the stereotypes persist, values useful to advertisers are now assigned to the stereotyped ascriptions and behaviors. The analysis also shows that existing stereotypes of marginalized groups constrain and shape market recognition of minorities; that is, the market is ideological. Finally, the advertising trade press's attempts at defining a “Latino market”; can be seen as an exercise in what Omi and Winant have called “racial formation”;: “the process by which social, economic and political forces determine the content and importance of racial categories, and by which they are in turn shaped by racial meanings. ”;
Mode Matching Analysis of Via-Plate Capacitance in Multilayer Structures With Finite Plate Thickness

In this paper, an analytical method for evaluation of via-plate capacitance including finite plate thickness in multilayer structures is proposed. An electrostatic boundary-value problem associated with a via in parallel plates is solved based on the Hankel transform and mode matching method, and thereby a fast-converging series-form expression for the via-plate capacitance is derived. The effect of finite plate thickness is taken into account by adopting the mode matching method instead of imposing an artificial perfect magnetic conductor boundary as in the previous works. We perform some computations to show the behaviors of the capacitance in terms of the via geometry, and they are validated through comparison with a static/quasi-static simulation, full-wave electromagnetic simulation, and the previous analytical solutions of via capacitance.
The evolution of consciousness

There have been various attempts to apply Darwinian evolutionary theory to an understanding of the human condition within psychology and the social sciences. This paper evaluates whether Darwinian theory can explain human consciousness. Starting with a brief definition of phenomenal consciousness and the central features of evolutionary theory, the paper examines whether random variations in the genome that confer a selective, reproductive advantage can explain both the emergence of consciousness and its varied forms. To inform the discussion, the paper reviews what is known about the conditions for consciousness within the human mind/brain, understood in both structural (neural) terms and functional terms (in terms of human information processing), and concludes that ‘random variations in the genome’ provide no explanatory mechanism for why some neural activities (but not others) are accompanied by consciousness. The paper then evaluates the many functional advantages that have been proposed for various forms of phenomenal consciousness once they emerge, and concludes that, on close examination, phenomenal experiences themselves do not carry out the information processing functions attributed to them, which challenges the Darwinian requirement that they could only have persisted (once emergent) it they enhanced reproductive fitness. The paper turns finally to what can be said about wider distribution of consciousness in non-humans, contrasting discontinuity theories with continuity theories. Discontinuity theories argue for a critical functional transition that ‘switches on consciousness’ while continuity theories argue for a gradual transition in consciousness from unrecognisable to recognisable. All theories accept that there is an intimate, natural relationship of conscious experiences with their associated material forms. Consequently, as the material forms evolve, their associated experiences co-evolve—suggesting an indirect mechanism by which the emergence of species-specific forms of consciousness can be influenced by Darwinian evolution. It also allows a non-reductive understanding of human consciousness within the social sciences.
Emotion episodes of Afrikaans-speaking employees in the workplace

Orientation: Emotions must be investigated within the natural contexts in which they occur. It therefore becomes crucial to study episodes in the workplace. Research purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the positive and negative emotion episodes and frequencies of working Afrikaans-speaking adults. Motivation for the study: To date, no study has been conducted to determine emotion episodes amongst White Afrikaans-speaking working adults in South Africa. Gooty, Connelly, Griffith and Gupta also argue for research on emotions in the natural settings in which they occur – the workplace. Research design, approach and method: A survey design with an availability sample was used. The participants ( N = 179) consisted of White Afrikaans-speaking working adults. The Episode Grid was administered to capture the emotion episodes. Main findings: The main emotion episodes reported on with positive content included goal achievement , receiving recognition and personal incidents . Emotion episodes with negative content included categories such as behaviour of work colleagues , acts of boss/superior/management and task requirements . Practical and/or managerial implications: The findings are useful for managers who want to enhance the emotional quality of the work-life of employees. Changes could be made, for example, to practices of giving recognition within work environments and the clarification of task requirements. The knowledge on emotion episodes could be very useful in planning interventions. Contribution and/or value-adding: The findings and results of this study provided insight into emotion episodes as events in the workplace can cause positive and negative workplace experiences. This information should be taken into consideration with regard to wellness and emotion measurement efforts.
Witnessing Wootton Bassett: An Exploration in Cultural Victimology

The media reporting and visual witnessing of repatriations at Wootton Bassett have become an increasingly frequent occurrence since the first spontaneous saluting of what was then a lonely procession, by Royal British Legion members in 2007. UK military deaths from the war in Afghanistan have now reached over 300 and media sources have begun speculating as to which entry point is likely to replace Wootton Bassett when RAF Lyneham closes in August 2011. Our purpose in this paper is to explore the ‘public performance’ and ‘witnessing’ of these events through two ‘lenses’: the literal via photography and the theoretical by way of victimology. Our intention is to situate ourselves as visual, critical, and certainly not neutral, witnesses. In so doing, we wish to use pictures taken by the photographer Stuart Griffiths to propose three cultural trends that our witnessing of his pictures of Wootton Bassett suggests. In so doing we present three themes that we think are identifiable within these photographs: the compression of private and public grief; gothicism and the emergence of ‘dark tourism’; and displays of resistance. By way of conclusion we discuss the implications of this analysis for victimology.
Evaluation of an Undergraduate Research Experience: Perceptions of Undergraduate Interns and Their Faculty Mentors.

This study evaluated the extent to which 14 research skills were enhanced by science undergraduates' participation in an undergraduate research experience (URE). Fifty-seven undergraduates self-rated their ability to perform the skills at the beginning and end of the URE. Faculty mentors' ratings of their respective interns' skills served as an objective measure of intern skill level. Mentor and intern data revealed that the URE enhanced some skills better than others. At the end of the URE, female interns rated their ability to understand concepts in their field significantly lower than did male interns. Female interns also tended to perceive less of an increase in their ability to formulate research hypotheses than did male interns.
The phenotype of hepatitis B virus–specific T cells differ in the liver and blood in chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐specific T cells play a key role in clearance of the virus and in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Peripheral blood (n = 25) and liver biopsies (n = 19) were collected from individuals with chronic untreated HBV infection. Whole blood, cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and cultured liver‐infiltrating lymphocytes (LILs) were each stimulated with an overlapping peptide library to the whole HBV genome. The expression of T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines [interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin 2 (IL‐2)] and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) was analyzed by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. In ex vivo whole blood, more lymphocytes produced Th1 cytokines than IL‐10. When comparing cultured LILs with cultured PBMCs, we found a significantly higher magnitude of CD8+ T cells from the liver producing IL‐10 (P = 0.044), primarily in hepatitis B e antigen positive (HBeAg+) individuals. A positive correlation resulted between the magnitude of HBV‐specific TNF‐α+ CD4+ T cells in the liver and the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: The differences in cytokine production from HBV‐specific T cells in blood and liver may explain the capacity for HBV to persist in the absence of significant hepatic destruction and highlights the balance between cytokine‐mediated viral control and liver damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Phosphatidylinositol Kinase Is Reduced in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract: Phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinase and PI phosphate (PIP) kinase activities were measured in postmortem samples of brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease and nondemented control subjects. A membrane‐free cytosolic fraction from four neocortical locations, with exogenous inositol lipids as the substrate, was used. Tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease was characterized by reduced PIP formation; the reduction was 50% in prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, and parietal cortex and 40% in precentral gyrus. In contrast, no alterations were found in PI bisphosphate formation in these four neocortical locations. The specific changes in PI kinase but not PIP kinase activity suggest that the findings may have functional relevance to the involvement of brain membrane processes in Alzheimer's disease.
Origin and Evolution of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) are very ancient enzymes and are essential for all viruses with RNA genomes. We reconstruct the origin and evolution of this polymerase since the initial stages of the origin of life. The origin of the RdRp was traced back from tRNA ancestors. At the origin of the RdRp the most ancient part of the protein is the cofactor-binding site that had the capacity of binding to simple molecules as magnesium, calcium, and ribonucleotides. Our results suggest that RdRp originated from junctions of proto-tRNAs that worked as the first genes at the emergence of the primitive translation system, where the RNA was the informational molecule. The initial domain, worked as a building block for the emergence of the fingers and thumb domains. From the ancestral RdRp, we could establish the evolutionary stages of viral evolution from a rooted ancestor to modern viruses. It was observed that the selective pressure under the RdRp was the organization and functioning of the genome, where RNA double-stranded and RNA single-stranded virus formed a separate group. We propose an evolutionary route to the polymerases and the results suggest an ancient scenario for the origin of RNA viruses.
You can't be in my choir if you can't stand up: one journey toward inclusion

The main purpose of this study was to expand the current research model available on the inclusion of individuals with special needs in music-making. The case study was designed to provide a unique perspective on music-making in the choral environment from the perspective of the special needs individual. The rationale for conducting research stems from the philosophical desire to show both the possibilities and potential benefits of including individuals with special needs in choirs. The methodology was that of a qualitative case study interpreted through the methodological tool of phenomenology. The case study was primarily conducted through a semi-structured interview process. Follow-up interviews were conducted to help verify interpretations and conclusions and were brief in nature. In addition, a follow-up observation of an inclusion choir rehearsal took place. Grounded theory was used to arrive at an interpretation of the various data gathered from the case study: (a) interview transcriptions, (b) field notes, and (c) historical documentation. The primary research question was: How does the process of including an individual with special needs in choir create change in that individual? Change was demonstrated through gaining the identity of ‘musician’ within the context of the identity as ‘choir member’.
RECOLLECTION OF EPISODIC MEMORY AND THE HIPPOCAMPUS: EVIDENCE FROM FMRI

Recognition memory is thought to be supported by two processes: the recollection of contextual information and an acontextual sense of familiarity from a previously experienced episode. There has been considerable interest in whether the hippocampus selectively supports recollection or whether the hippocampus contributes to both recollection and familiarity when memories are strong. Here, I briefly review results from event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating the relationship between retrieval-related hippocampal activity and the recollection of contextual (source) information. On the basis of these findings, I argue that retrieval-related activity in the hippocampus is not modulated by differences in the undifferentiated memory strength elicited by test items. Instead, hippocampal activity is more likely to be sensitive to recollection success or to the amount of contextual information that is recollected in response to a test item.
Low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 modulates the proliferation and migration of human hepatic stellate cells

Human hepatic stellate cells (HHSCs) proliferation and migration play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP1) is an endocytic receptor involved in intracellular signal transduction. The aim of this work was to analyse the role of low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP1) in HHSCs proliferation and migration and the mechanisms involved. Human LRP1 deficient‐HHSCs were generated by nucleofecting the line HHSCs with siRNA anti‐LRP1. HHSCs DNA synthesis was measured by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and cell cycle progression by flow cytometry after annexin V and iodure propidium staining. Cell migration was assessed using a wound repair model system. LRP1 expression and extracellular matrix‐regulated kinase (ERK1,2) phosphorylation were analysed by Western blot analysis. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) extracellular levels were analysed by ELISA. siRNA‐antiLRP1 treatment almost completely inhibited LRP1 mRNA and protein expression. LRP1 deficient HHSCs showed higher proliferative response (172 ± 19 vs. 93 ± 8 [3H]‐thymidine incorporation; 78.68% vs. 82.69% in G0/G1, 21.32% vs. 17.30% in G2/S) and higher migration rates than control HHSCs. LRP1 deficient cells showed higher levels of phosphorylated ERK1,2. TGF‐β extracellular levels were threefold higher in LRP1‐deficient than in control HHSCs cells. These results demonstrate that LRP1 regulates HHSCs proliferation and migration through modulation of ERK1,2 phosphorylation and TGF‐β extracellular levels. These results suggest that HHSCs‐LRP1 may play a key role in the modulation of factors determining hepatic fibrosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3528–3533, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cholinergic modulation of hippocampal activity during episodic memory encoding in postmenopausal women: a pilot study

Objective:The cholinergic system has been shown to modulate estrogen effects on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. In an effort to further understand cholinergic contributions to cognition after menopause, this pilot study investigated the effects of two receptor-specific anticholinergic drugs on brain activation and episodic memory encoding in postmenopausal women not taking estrogen. Methods:Six healthy postmenopausal women took part in three drug challenges using the antimuscarinic drug scopolamine (2.5 &mgr;g/kg IV), the antinicotinic drug mecamylamine (20 mg PO), and placebo. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants performed a visual-verbal continuous recognition memory test that allowed for the separation of encoding and recognition processes. Results:Functional magnetic resonance imaging results showed greater hippocampal and frontal activation and less occipital activation during encoding relative to retrieval conditions. This pattern of activation was similar under both drug challenges. Conclusions:These results suggest that the changes in the cholinergic system may, in part, be responsible for menopause-related increases in brain activation.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Spread of Multi Drug Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates Collected from Nine Urology Services in the Euregion Meuse-Rhine

We determined the prevalence and spread of antibiotic resistance and the characteristics of ESBL producing and/or multi drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolates collected from urine samples from urology services in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, the border region of the Netherlands (n = 176), Belgium (n = 126) and Germay (n = 119). Significant differences in resistance between the three regions were observed. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid resistance ranged from 24% in the Netherlands to 39% in Belgium (p = 0.018), from 20% to 40% (p<0.004) for the fluoroquinolones and from 20% to 40% (p = 0.018) for the folate antagonists. Resistance to nitrofurantoin was less than 5%. The prevalence of ESBL producing isolates varied from 2% among the Dutch isolates to 8% among the German ones (p = 0.012) and were mainly CTX-M 15. The prevalence of MDR isolates among the Dutch, German and Belgian isolates was 11%, 17% and 27%, respectively (p< = 0.001 for the Belgian compared with the Dutch isolates). The majority of the MDR and ESBL producing isolates belonged to ST131. This study indicates that most antibiotics used as first choice oral empiric treatment for UTIs (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, fluoroquinolones and folate antagonists) are not appropriate for this purpose and that MDR strains such as CTX-M producing ST131 have spread in the entire Euregion. Our data stress the importance of ward specific surveillance to optimize empiric treatment. Also, prudent use of antibiotics and further research to alternative agents are warranted.
Adventure Racing Events in Australia: context, assessment and implications for protected area management

Abstract This paper investigates the adventure racing phenomenon in Australia, highlighting the nature and extent of adventure racing, its potential environmental and socio-cultural impacts, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for protected area management. We argue that there is cause for concern about the impacts of adventure racing, in particular in a context where activities of this kind are likely to continue and increase in popularity, and where there is a lack of key information about impacts and management. In this context, there is a need for rigorous and informed discussion about adventure racing.
Ethical decision-making: do anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurse anesthetists, and surgical nurses reason similarly?

BACKGROUND Principle-based ethical theory is currently available to guide health care professionals in clinical decision-making when they face ethical dilemmas. These principles include respect for autonomy (RA), nonmaleficence (NM), beneficence (B), and distributive justice. It is, however,unknown which principles, if any, guide physicians and nurses in this decision-making. The goal of our study was to explore how anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and nurse anesthetists reason in the face of a moral dilemma. METHODS By an anonymous survey we asked: Would you give a blood transfusion to a young, ASA I, Jehovah’s Witness who clearly refused transfusion, in a case of a life-threatening bleeding? What ethical principle did you apply in your decision? We presented this question before and after a 1-hour ethical tutorial about these principles. RESULTS Twenty-nine anesthesiologists, 41 surgeons, 21 surgical nurses, and 33 nurse anesthetists participated in our survey. We found that 59%, 30%, 29%, and 36% of anesthesiologists, surgeons,surgical nurses, and nurse anesthetists, respectively, would give a blood transfusion despite the patient’s demand. Nurses used B, surgeons NM, and anesthesiologists B and NM to justify transfusion. However, two among 11 anesthesiologists and five among 12 surgeons did not explain their choice. Those who tend to withhold blood transfusion overwhelmingly used RA as the principle behind this decision. Nine participants changed their view before and after the tutorial. There was no correlation between gender, age, and professional experience with the choice of principle. The average interest score for the tutorial was 74/100 for all participants after this ethical course. CONCLUSIONS Anesthesiologists tend to transfuse Jehovah’s Witness patients more than did the others. Together with surgeons, they explicitly justify their decision-making less frequently when compared with nurses and nurse anesthetists. Further education in ethical theory is appreciated and needed.