Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detecting smugglers: Identifying strategies and behaviours in individuals in possession of illicit objects

The authors have no of interest to declare Abstract Behaviour Detection Officers’ task is to spot potential criminals in public spaces, but scientific research concerning what to look for is scarce. In two experiments, 52 (Experiment 1A) and 60 (Experiment 2A) participants carried out a mission involving a ferry-crossing. Half were asked to smuggle an object; the other half were non-smugglers. In Experiment 2A, two confederates appeared to approach as if looking for someone on the ferry. Smugglers, more than non-smugglers, reported afterwards to have felt nervous, self-conscious and conspicuous and to attempt behavioural control during the ferry-crossing. The secretly videotaped ferry-crossings were shown to 104 (Experiment 1B) and 120 (Experiment 2B) observers, tasked to identify the smugglers. Although they reported paying attention mostly to signs of nervousness, lie detection accuracy rate was poor (48% in Experiment 1 and 39.2%
Performance Beyond Expectations: Academic Resilience in South Africa

Socio-economic status and educational outcomes are strongly linked across countries and education systems. However, a growing body of research documents the existence of students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who manage to achieve exceptional academic results. The present study, located in the South African context, uses data from the Progress In Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 and the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 to explore the factors at the individual and institutional level that are associated with exceptional academic performance in the face of socio-economic disadvantage The first research objective is to identify academically resilient students in the PIRLS 2016 and TIMSS 2015 datasets. I consider how these students are distributed across schools of differing quality, and how they perform relative to the median student in their school. My second research objective explores the ways in which these students differ systematically from their lower-achieving peers. The analytical strategy employed aims to identify factors at the level of the individual and the school that are associated with unusually high results in the absence of crucial inputs such as an affluent home background. Contributing to a growing body of literature that finds associations between student attitudes and academic achievement using large-scale assessment data, I find that the probability of exceptional reading performance in Grade 4 and mathematics performance in Grade 9 in South Africa is also strongly related to these variables. Like a number of existing studies, I find that the constructs aimed at capturing self-confidence, in particular, are strongly associated with the probability of academic resilience in both PIRLS and TIMSS.
Hemorheological Evaluation and Cytokine Production in Dogs Naturally Infected with Anaplasmataceae

In this chapter, we describe that naturally infected dogs with Anaplasmataceae show altered rhreological parameters. Also, we have showed that lower viscosity correlated with the lower erythrocyte number and release of IFN- γ . The rheometry of the fresh blood samples was measured by using the Modular Compact Rheometer—MCR 102 (Anton Paar® GmbH, Ostfildern, Germany), and the graphs were obtained using Rheoplus software. Blood count data were obtained by analysis in a private laboratory. Diagnostic confirmation was obtained by molecular PCR technique that was used to determine the groups of not infected and infected by Anaplasmataceae. Serum cytokines were dosed by flow cytometry (FACScalibur BD®) using BD® Biosciences Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Human Th1/Th2/Th17 Cytokine kits. The results showed a correlation between blood viscosity (p < 0.05, r = 0.73) and shear rate (p < 0.05; r = − 0.676) with IFN- γ in the group of infected dogs that presented anemia, as well as correlations of shear rate with erythrocytes (p < 0.05; r = − 0.88). Thus, IFN- γ appears to play an important role in the immunomodulation of the rheological behavior of naturally infected dogs to Anaplasmataceae. The alterations in cytokines profile and their relationship with blood viscosity and hematological parameters was related in this study the first time of dogs naturally infected with Anaplasmataceae.
Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Genasense™ (Oblimersen Sodium, Bcl-2 Antisense Oligonucleotide), Fludarabine and Rituximab in Previously Treated and Untreated Subjects with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein closely linked to chemotherapy resistance and inferior survival in patients (pts) with CLL. Genasense (G) enhances apoptosis induced by fludarabine (F), dexamethasone, and rituximab (R) in vitro. Despite limited single-agent activity in heavily pre-treated CLL pts, G significantly increased the rate of durable complete responses (CR) in combination with fludarabine (F) and cyclophosphamide in relapsed or refractory CLL (Rai, ASH 2004). Down-regulation of Bcl-2 sensitizes CLL cells to apoptosis induced by F and R. In order to examine the impact of G on the FR combination, we initiated a phase II study of the combination of FRG in pts with either previously untreated (UT) or relapsed, previously treated (PT) CLL who require systemic treatment. Eligibility includes: plts ≥ 50,000/mm3; serum Cr ≤ 1.5 mg/dL; adequate organ function; negative Coombs; no history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In cycle 1, G is given by continuous intravenous infusion at 1.5 mg/kg/d days 1 to 7. R is given in a dose-escalating schema: 125 mg/m 2 on day 4 and 250mg/m 2 on day 6, with F (25 mg/m 2 /d) on days 6 to 8. In subsequent 28-day cycles (up to 6), the dose of G is escalated to 3 mg/kg/d days 1 to 7, with R 375 mg/m 2 on day 5 and F days 5 to 7. Results: To date, 24 pts have been enrolled (19 PT and 5 UT). Characteristics included: median age, 56.5 yrs (range 25–82 yrs); Rai stage III, 6 pts (4 PT and 2 UT) and IV, 6 pts (6 PT and 0 UT). Median prior regimens (PT pts), 2; 13/19 (68%) had received F and R previously. Median # cycles administered: 6 (both UT and PT). Four PT pts discontinued treatment before completing 6 cycles, 2 due to disease progression, and 2 with prolonged (> 4 week) Grade 3 thrombocytopenia/neutropenia. One PT pt completed only 3 cycles of R due to an R-related infusion reaction, but completed 6 cycles of G and F. Among the 5 UT pts, there was 1 case of grade 4 neutropenia. Among the 19 PT pts, there were 2 cases each of grade 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. One of 5 UT pts had an SAE of reversible acute renal insufficiency. Seven of 19 PT pts (8 events total) experienced an SAE. These included R-related infusion reactions (2 pts), bacteremia (2 pts) and 1 pt each with fever, lymph node abscess, pneumonia, and thrombocytopenia/neutropenia. Responses have been observed in 5/5 UT pts (1 molecular CR (mCR), 1 nPR and 3 PR) and 10/19 PT pts (1 mCR, 2 nPR and 7 PR). Conclusions: 24 pts have been treated with the combination of FRG. Employing a three-day regimen of F, good tolerability and efficacy have been noted in relapsed/refractory patients. Based on these results, an additional cohort receiving a full 5-day regimen of F is ongoing with measurement of Genasense PK and bcl-2 intracellular levels (mRNA and protein).
High Sensitive C-Reactive Protein as a Pro-inflammatory marker for the components of metabolic syndrome

Background:Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a clinical entity characterized by the cluster of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, atherogenic lipid proﬁle, hypertension, abdominal obesity.CRP (C- reactive protein) is an acute-phase reactant and nonspecific marker of inflammation, produced predominantly in hepatocytes as a pentamer of identical subunits in response to several cytokines. The CRP in plaque deposition is highly complex, exerting pro-atherogenic effects in many cells involved in atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted by Department of Internal Medicine of Government Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, South India, a tertiary care centre catering to rural population. A total of hundred patients were included in the study. The components of metabolic syndrome were defined according to the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for South Asians.According to the guidelines, hs-CRP level of less than 1.0 mg/L is considered as low risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L as moderate risk, and greater than 3.0 mg/L as high risk. Blood sample was drawn in the morning after 10 hours of fasting, to measure venous plasma glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol,serum triglyceride levels (TG) and hsCRP. Results:A highly positive correlation was established between hS-CRP and all the components of metabolic syndrome except for HDL cholesterol which showed a negative correlation. A univariate type of analysis had shown a statistically significant association between hsCRP and the metabolic syndrome components. The result further showed that hS-CRP level was found to be 1.12mg/dl when only one component of metabolic syndrome was present, whereas the mean level had raised to 2.89mg/dl when all the five components of metabolic syndrome was present. Conclusion:Hence hs- CRP can probably be used as a surrogate marker of chronic inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome and the patients with high hsCRP should primarily be targeted with life style modification at an early age, treatment with low dose aspirin and lipid lowering medications before it culminates in overt CVD.
Abstract 5027: Interleukin-17B promotes chemoresistance of breast tumors through ERK1/2 anti-apoptotic pathway

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Interleukin-17B (IL-17B) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that belongs to a family encompassing 6 interleukins (IL-17A to F) and binds to the IL-17 receptor B (IL-17RB). Little is known about the potential role of IL-17B/IL-17RB signaling pathway in cancer. Both IL-17B and IL-17RB are up-regulated in breast tumors and are associated with a poor prognosis in patients. We thus focused on their implication in breast cancer. We demonstrated that recombinant IL-17B induces resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as taxol, an effect that is totally abrogated by disrupting IL-17RB signaling. To further understand the molecular events involved in IL-17B-induced chemoresistance, we focused on signaling pathways activated under stimulation of human breast cancer cell lines by recombinant IL-17B. We observed that IL-17B induces the activation of both ERK1/2 and NFkB pathways, leading to an up-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Interestingly we showed that the inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway totally prevents IL-17B-induced chemoresistance of breast cancer cell lines. Relevance of these data is currently under investigation in tumor mouse models. Altogether our results demonstrate the implication of the IL-17B/IL-17RB signaling pathway in breast tumors and identify IL-17B and its receptor as potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Citation Format: Emilie Laprevotte, Jeremy Bastid, Stephanie Cochaud, Jerome Giustiniani, Marion Philippe, Kathryn A. Frewer, Andrew J. Sanders, Wen G. Jiang, Armand Bensussan, Gilles Alberici, Jean-Francois Eliaou, Nathalie Bonnefoy. Interleukin-17B promotes chemoresistance of breast tumors through ERK1/2 anti-apoptotic pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5027. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5027
Functional heterogeneity in the fermentation capabilities of the healthy human gut microbiota

The human gut microbiota is known for its highly heterogeneous composition across different individuals. However, relatively little is known about functional differences in its ability to ferment complex polysaccharides. Through ex vivo measurements from healthy human donors, we show that individuals vary markedly in their microbial metabolic phenotypes (MMPs), mirroring differences in their microbiota composition, and resulting in the production of different quantities and proportions of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) from the same inputs. We also show that aspects of these MMPs can be predicted from composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. From experiments performed using the same dietary fibers in vivo, we demonstrate that an ingested bolus of fiber is almost entirely consumed by the microbiota upon passage. We leverage our ex vivo data to construct a model of SCFA production and absorption in vivo, and argue that inter-individual differences in quantities of absorbed SCFA are directly related to differences in production. Taken together, these data suggest that personalized dietary fiber supplementation based on an individual’s MMP is an attractive therapeutic strategy for treating diseases associated with SCFA production.
Environment, Photosynthesis, and Adventitious Rooting of Manchurian Lilac Cuttings Propagated in Overhead Mist, Submist, and Combination Systems

We propagated manchurian lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’) vegetatively from stem cuttings using overhead mist, submist, and combination propagation systems. Cuttings were collected when terminal buds were already set, after the period of tender growth that is optimal for lilac propagation. Net photosynthesis (Pn) was recorded to assess whether differences in rooting could be attributed to differences in photosynthetic activity of cuttings within each system. The propagation environment differed significantly among systems, with vapor pressure deficit (VPD) substantially greater for submist systems than for overhead mist or combination systems, and root zones warmer in submist and combination systems than in overhead mist. Pn of cuttings did not differ among systems and was initially low, but increased about when the first root primordia were visible. Rooting percentages were 90% among cuttings in the combination system, with cuttings in overhead mist and submist rooting at lower, but similar, percentages (68% and 62%, respectively). Cuttings in the combination and submist systems produced significantly more and longer roots than those in the overhead mist system, and retained nearly all of their leaves. Overall, the use of systems that provide intermittent mist to the basal end of each cutting was effective for propagating manchurian lilac. Our results demonstrate that cuttings in submist alone experience a much greater VPD than those in overhead mist, but may nonetheless root at comparable percentages and produce superior measures of root system quality. Combination systems show promise for rooting of species like manchurian lilac, because cuttings rooted at high percentages and with consistent root system quality, despite having been collected after the optimal spring period for lilac propagation.
Sociotechnical Aspects of Lean and Sustainability

In recent years, lean healthcare has been used by numerous scholars as a major trend for exploring the purpose of practicing lean healthcare in an operational context but apparently not considering the human or social factors. Furthermore, less studies have been conducted on how social or sociotechnical aspects of lean enables the achievement of sustainability in healthcare organizations, which also includes the three main pillars, namely economic, social, and environmental aspect. Therefore, this paper intended to examine the link between sociotechnical aspects of lean and sustainability in the healthcare sector. It also discussed theoretical approaches that explain these variables, namely Sociotechnical and Stakeholder theories. Finally, this paper has given important significance for academic researchers who intend to study the sociotechnical aspects of lean and sustainability as well as practitioners who deal with complex problems. Conclusions and future works are also included in this paper.
Peer and self-assessment practices for writing across the curriculum: learner-differentiated effects on writing achievement

ABSTRACT Peer and self-assessment methods have strong theoretical underpinnings in the literature in supporting writing from adolescents through adults and across the curriculum, but empirical research assessing the impact of each method on writing achievement outcomes is lacking, particularly for different learner achievement levels. This quasi-experimental process-outcome study of 120 first-year college writers in six course sections evaluated the impact of peer and self-assessment to determine if the methods led to gains in transferable student writing achievement, with a focus on differentiating findings for levels of learner writing at onset. The differences between pre/post writing samples from peer and self-assessment classes were compared against those from control sections. Findings show peer assessment yielded mixed results: a positive effect for low-achieving, no difference from control for mid-achieving, and negative effect for high-achieving writers at onset (p = 0.005). Self-assessment was found more effective than the control for all writer levels and more effective than peer assessment for most writers. Results indicate that all learners can benefit from self-assessment, but that, despite wide support in the theory, peer assessment’s impact on writing is positive for fewer students than previously thought and may have little to no effect on transferable writing skill for others. Qualitative findings describe the complexities of teaching with each method: motivation, extensive planning requirements, strategy support, student and teacher time and energy demands. Peripheral benefits of collaboration and individualised teacher support are described.
Psychoeducation group counselling for emotional intelligence among secondary school female students

Students who have difficulties understanding and managing their emotions are also potentially challenged in organizing other aspects of their life such as academics performance and peer relationships. This article reports on a psycho-educational intervention for a group of 19 female students (age 15 to 16 years old) at a secondary school to help them improve their knowledge and skills in controlling their emotions in a more effective way. The students were involved in five psychoeducational group counselling sessions, which lasted between 40 to 45 minutes each session. The module for this intervention contained group counselling, creative activities (drawing, balloon blowing) and answering checklists (emotional stability). The emotional stability checklist showed that participants who scored low on anxiety and depression showed good responses and were engaged in the discussion. Meanwhile, students who scored high on anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression were less involved. However, the activities enabled students to know their friends better, enabled students feel more comfortable to share about themselves, able to understand beyond basic emotions and feel more empowered in controlling their emotions. This study supports the use of counseling group psychoeducation activities in providing quality programs for helping adolescents understand and manage their emotions.
Interviewing Baltimore Older Adults About Food System Change: Oral History as a Teaching Tool

Urban food systems have changed considerably over the past half century. Older adults’ descriptions of place-based, personal food system history can help inform student learning and may contribute to expert understanding of food system change. Structural and social shifts in food purchasing and consumption contribute to diet-related disease and loss of historical food cultures in cities. Modern efforts to improve food systems are rarely informed by history, despite the potential benefits. Students performed oral history interviews with Baltimore older adults. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive grounded theory approach. Interviewees described a shift from food they perceived as natural and healthy to food seen as lacking freshness, with additives and poor flavor. Many mistrusted the food industry including retailers. Some emphasized benefits of modern changes such as reduced preparation time. Despite low incomes, interviewee concerns went well beyond food prices. We describe and reflect on insights from the oral histories, while presenting a case study of the use of oral history in graduate education. To our knowledge, this is the first paper describing oral history with older adults focused on the food system.
Dynamic Pricing with Online Reviews

This paper investigates how the pricing policy of a revenue-maximizing monopolist is influenced by the social learning dynamics of customers who use online reviews to estimate the quality of the product. A salient feature of our problem is that the customers’ willingness to pay, and hence the demand function, evolves over time in conjunction with the online reviews. The monopolist strives to maximize its total expected revenue over a finite horizon by adjusting prices in response to these dynamics. The revenue maximization problem is studied using two different review models: a quality-based review model, where customers report their experienced quality, and a value-based review model, where reviews internalize experienced quality as well as the purchase price. To formulate the problem in tractable form, we derive a fluid model that provides a good approximation of the system dynamics when the volume of sales is large. This formulation lends itself to key structural insights into the interactions between optimal pricing policies and review dynamics. In particular, we identify critical time scales and social learning regimes that sharply separate the efficacy of dynamic pricing vis-à-vis fixed-price strategies. Furthermore, we demonstrate the impact of the quality-based and value-based review models on key structural properties of the optimal pricing policies. These structural insights are also elucidated in an illustrative simulation study based on data from an online marketplace. This paper was accepted by Gabriel Weintraub, revenue management and market analytics.
Processed Fruiting Bodies of Lentinus edodes as a Source of Biologically Active Polysaccharides

Water soluble polysaccharides (WSP) were isolated from Lentinus edodes fruiting bodies. The mushrooms were previously subjected to various processing techniques which included blanching, boiling, and fermenting with lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, the impact of processing on the content and biological activities of WSP was established. Non-processed fruiting bodies contained 10.70 ± 0.09 mg/g fw. Boiling caused ~12% decrease in the amount of WSP, while blanched and fermented mushrooms showed ~6% decline. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) confirmed the presence of β-glycosidic links, whereas due to size exclusion chromatography 216 kDa and 11 kDa molecules were detected. WSP exhibited antioxidant potential in FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assays. Cytotoxic properties were determined on MCF-7 and T47D human breast cell lines using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. Both biological activities decreased as the result of boiling and fermenting.