Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal study

Although pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is a common complication in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the rate of development of PHT and the factors that affect disease progression are unknown. We observed 93 patients over a median follow‐up period of 2·6 years (range 0·2–5·1 years). Data were censored at the time of death or loss to follow‐up. Pulmonary hypertension was associated with an increased risk of death (relative risk, 9·24; 95% confidence interval: 1·2–73·3; P = 0·01). There was no difference in the risk of death when patients with different degrees of PHT were compared. Lactate dehydrogenase and blood urea nitrogen were significantly associated with PHT in a logistic regression model. Higher levels of fetal haemoglobin and treatment with hydroxycarbamide were observed more frequently in patients without PHT. Thirteen per cent of patients with no previous evidence of PHT developed PHT following 3 years of observation. In conclusion: (1) PHT, regardless of severity, is associated with an increased risk of death in SCD patients; (2) haemolysis is strongly associated with PHT in SCD; (3) high levels of fetal haemoglobin and hydroxycarbamide therapy may decrease the occurrence of PHT; (4) screening for PHT is indicated for SCD patients in their non‐crisis, steady states.
The Protestant Ethic Scale in South Africa

McClelland extended Weber's hypothesis, that capitalism has been fostered by the Protesrant Ethic, to propose that the Protestant E+ic gives rise to achievement motivation and economic success. A 19-item Protestant Ethic Scale within an economic ( 2 ) context has a Kuder-Richardson reliabiliry of . 79. Although 16 of 'the 19 items are positively keyed, this scale is said to be free from response bias, acquiescence, and social desirability. As linle research with the scale has been done in South Africa, this paper reports the scale's reliability from 99 English-speaking white South African male students whose mean age was 16.74 yr. ( S D = 0.78). Their mean score was 91.48 ( S D = 9.71) compared to a mean of 85.7 ( S D = 15.5; t = 3.34, d j = 214, p < ,001) for a U.S.A. sample of male and female university srudents ( 2 ) . This difference suggests that white English-speaking South Africans endorsed the basic contentions of the Protestant Ethic more strongly than did the American respondents. To determine the reliability of responses, Ray's method ( 3 ) based on the intercorrelation matrix of the items was used. This method includes shortening the test with each successive determination of reliability. Whereas the more conventional method is laborious since the data are reprocessed several times after a weak item is dropped, an advantage of Ray's method is that the data are processed only once. The coefficient 'alpha,' essentially the mean of all possible split-halves of a test, is used as the index of reliability. When Item 13 was dropped on the first extraction, the 'alpha' rose from . 574 to . GIG. Eight more items were dropped (Nos. 14, 4, 11, 8, 5, 12, 1 and 2 ) ; 'alpha' rose from . 628, . 641, . 646, . 655, . 662, . 664, to . 666. Thereafter, 'alpha' began to fall. Although 'alpha' is low, which may reflect sampling bias, the 10-item version may be more suitable for use in South Africa than the original 19-item scale. As the scale relies heavily on ascetic items: it may be advisable to construct a new scale with a more representative spectrum of the Protestant Ethic. This unpublished attempt might be a step in the right direction.
Nerve growth factor and its high-affinity receptor in chronic pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE To study the mechanisms that are involved in nerve growth and contribute to pain generation in chronic pancreatitis (CP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Chronic pancreatitis is a painful disease associated with characteristic nerve changes, including an increase in nerve number and diameter. The mechanisms that influence nerve growth are not known. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA) are involved in neural development and survival and growth of central and peripheral nerves. METHODS Nerve growth factor and TrkA were investigated by Northern blot analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical staining in the pancreases of 24 patients with CP, and the findings were correlated with clinical parameters. RESULTS By Northern blot analysis, NGF and TrkA mRNA expression were increased in 42% (13.1-fold) and 54% (5.5-fold) of the CP samples (p < 0.01), respectively. In situ hybridization revealed that in CP, enhanced NGF mRNA expression was present in metaplastic ductal cells, in degenerating acinar cells, and in acinar cells dedifferentiating into tubular structures. TrkA mRNA was intensely present in the perineurium. Further, enhanced NGF and TrkA mRNA signals were also present in intrapancreatic ganglia cells in CP samples. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the in situ hybridization findings. Analysis of the molecular findings with clinical parameters revealed a significant relation (p < 0.05) between NGF mRNA levels and pancreatic fibrosis (r = 0.64) and acinar cell damage (r = 0.74) and between TrkA mRNA and pain intensity (r = 0.84). CONCLUSION Activation of the NGF/TrkA pathway occurs in CP. It might influence neural morphologic changes and the pain syndrome in this disorder.
The Bearing of Empirical Research upon the Development of Social Theory

H ISTORY has a certain gift for outmoding stereotypes. This can be seen, for example, in the historical development of sociology. The stereotype of the social theorist high in the empyrean of pure ideas uncontaminated by mundane facts is fast becoming no less outmoded than the stereotype of the social researcher equipped with questionnaire and pencil and hot on the chase of the isolated and meaningless statistic. For in building the mansion of sociology during the last decades, theorist and empiricist have learned to work together. What is more, they have learned to talk to one another in the process. At times, this means only that a sociologist has learned to talk to himself since increasingly the same man has taken up both theory and research. Specialization and integration have developed hand in hand. All this has led not only to the realization that theory and empirical research should interact but to the result that they do interact.
Expression of MicroRNAs in the Eyes of Lewis Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Anterior Uveitis

Purpose. This study aimed to determine the dynamic changes of NF-κB-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and cytokines over the course of experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU) and elucidate the possible immunopathogenesis. Materials and Methods. Uveitis was induced in Lewis rats using bovine melanin-associated antigen. The inflammatory activity of the anterior chamber was clinically scored, and leukocytes in the aqueous humor were quantified. RNA was extracted from the iris/ciliary bodies and popliteal lymph nodes to reveal the dynamic changes of eight target miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-147b, miR-21-5p, miR-9-3p, and miR-223-3p) and six cytokine mRNAs (IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-12A, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). In situ hybridization of miRNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification of cytokines were performed to confirm the results. Results. Disease activity and leukocyte quantification were maximum at day 15 after immunization. The profiling of miRNA revealed downregulation of miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-147b and upregulation of miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-9-3p. Cytokine analysis revealed IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-12A, IL-1β, and IL-6 overexpression, with IL-10 downregulation. Conclusions. Dynamic changes of miRNAs were observed over the course of EAAU. By initiating NF-κB signaling, the expressions of downstream cytokines and effector cells from the Th17 and Th1 lineages were sequentially activated, contributing to the disease.
Efficacy of Client-Centred and Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapies in Reducing Bullying Behaviour among In-School Adolescents in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Bullying behaviour refers to repeated negative behaviour displayed by one or more person (s) with the intention of hurting the feeling, personality and power of the victim. The objective of this study therefore was to find out the efficacy of Client-Centred and Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapies in reducing bullying behaviour among in-school adolescents in Ilorin, Nigeria. The study adopted the quasi-experimental research method using a 3×2 factorial design made up of three (3) row groups (two experimental and one control). Stratified random sampling technique was used to select three secondary schools on the basis of location to prevent experimental contamination. Self-report questionnaire was used to purposively select the participants. The primary dependent variable was bullying behaviour and respondents with high score on bullying items and low scores on victimisation items were selected to participate in the treatment. The findings revealed a significant reduction in the bullying behaviour of the in-school adolescents exposed to experimental treatments; Client-Centred Therapy (CCT) produced significant reduction in the bullying behaviour among the in-school adolescents, and Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) produced significant reduction in the bullying behaviour of the in-school adolescents. It was recommended that CCT and REBT procedures should be employed in modifying bullying behaviours.
Supporting the Summer Reading of Urban Youth

This article presents an evaluation of the first 2 years of a research-based summer learning program that provided self-selected and developmentally appropriate books to students in low-income and low-resource elementary schools by a local philanthropic organization in a large urban district. The evaluation found evidence of a positive effect of participation in the program on the state year-end standardized reading assessment but found no statistically significant effects on the proximal measures of reading achievement in the fall after summer vacation. The article also provides an analysis of implementation of the program and lessons learned that could be useful to other organizations that are interested in implementing similar programs.
The effects of authentic leadership and organizational commitment on turnover intention

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether authentic leadership in hospitality is composed of four distinctive but related substantive components (i.e. self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and internalized moral); the impact of authentic leadership on employees’ organizational commitment (OC); the impact of employees’ OC on their turnover intention (TI); and the indirect effect of authentic leadership on employees’ TI via OC. Design/methodology/approach – The authors tested a sample of 236 students working as employees in hospitality in the USA, on the idea that authentic leadership increases OC which in turn decreases TI. The participants were asked to rate the manager’s leadership style and the frequency of their leadership behavior. Findings – Results of structural equation modeling provide support for the positive effect of authentic leadership on OC in the hospitality industry, and suggest that OC mediates reduced TI. Practical implications – The findings in th.
An international comparative analysis of sustainability transformation across seven universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key aspects of transformation of universities towards sustainability, such as the ideal characteristics of the “sustainable university”, and the drivers and barriers in the transformation, by comparing the strategies of seven universities world-wide. Design/methodology/approach – A systems transformation analysis of seven case studies has been applied through a self-evaluation based on the tridimensional Framework-Level-Actors (FLA) method. Findings – The study shows that none of the three dimensions of change is predominant over the others. The main barrier to be overcome is the lack of incentive structure for promoting changes at the individual level. The main drivers for change are the presence of “connectors” with society, the existence of coordination bodies and projects, and the availability of funding, all of which are important for progress. Enhancing interdisciplinarity is a strategic objective at almost all of these universities, while transformative learning is less present. A common characteristic for most of the institutions is establishing and supporting networks of expertise within the universities. These universities show important strategic efforts and initiatives that drive and nucleate change for sustainable development, the result of a combination of drivers. Practical implications – The FLA-method has proved useful for being used at the level of comparing case-studies through a bird’s-eye perspective. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates the application of a simple tool that gives a global perspective on transformational strategies used in seven cases world-wide in the search for commonalities and differences.
Hooking the big one: the potential of zebrafish xenotransplantation to reform cancer drug screening in the genomic era

The current preclinical pipeline for drug discovery can be cumbersome and costly, which limits the number of compounds that can effectively be transitioned to use as therapies. Chemical screens in zebrafish have uncovered new uses for existing drugs and identified promising new compounds from large libraries. Xenotransplantation of human cancer cells into zebrafish embryos builds on this work and enables direct evaluation of patient-derived tumor specimens in vivo in a rapid and cost-effective manner. The short time frame needed for xenotransplantation studies means that the zebrafish can serve as an early preclinical drug screening tool and can also help personalize cancer therapy by providing real-time data on the response of the human cells to treatment. In this Review, we summarize the use of zebrafish embryos in drug screening and highlight the potential for xenotransplantation approaches to be adopted as a preclinical tool to identify and prioritize therapies for further clinical evaluation. We also discuss some of the limitations of using zebrafish xenografts and the benefits of using them in concert with murine xenografts in drug optimization.
Antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE To assess antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Jamaica, and to obtain baseline information on the presence of this important pathogen. METHODS A total of 51 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, obtained from 162 clinical specimens from major hospitals and laboratories in seven parishes in Jamaica, were analyzed between May and August 2002. Isolates were tested against 18 different antibiotics by a disk diffusion method. RESULTS Organisms were cultured from wound swabs (56%), high vaginal swabs (10.5%) and ear swabs (42.5%). Overall, the highest percentage rates of resistance were found for cefaclor (100% of all isolates), nalidixic acid (82.4%), kanamycin (76.5%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (56.9%). Resistance rates were 25.5% or lower for tobramycin, gentamicin and polymyxin B, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, piperacillin, carbapenems and amikacin. Forty-one isolates showed intermediate sensitivity to most of the antipseudomonal antibiotics, and the remaining 10 isolates were resistant to eight or more antibiotics. The multiresistant isolates, most of which were hospital isolates, were all resistant to tetracycline, nalidixic acid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and highly (80%-90%) resistant to kanamycin, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that antibiotic resistance in this clinical pathogen is emerging in Jamaica, and suggests that due care must be taken in hospital settings to adequately diagnose pseudomonal infections and prescribe the antibiotic treatment most effective in preventing the increase in multidrug resistant organisms.
Temporal lobe epilepsy caused by mesial temporal sclerosis and temporal neocortical lesions. A clinical and electroencephalographic study of 46 pathologically proven cases.

This study aims to determine whether there are important clinico-electrical differences between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) secondary to mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and those with TLE secondary to a discrete temporal neocortical lesion (NL). The case histories, interictal EEG, seizure semiology, ictal EEG and postoperative outcome of 46 pathologically proven patients (31 MTS and 15 NL) were compared. A history of febrile convulsions (FC) was more common in MTS patients (58% versus 26%, P < 0.05), as was a history of a significant cerebral event at < 4 years of age (22% versus 0%, P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence or nature of auras. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found in the interictal-EEG. With ictal semiology dystonic posturing occurred more frequently in MTS patients (mean 52% versus 26%, P < 0.05). Facial grimacing/ twitching occurred earlier in the seizures of NL patients (median 19 s versus 35 s, P < 0.05). There was an increased frequency of fast rhythmic sharp waves (> 4 Hz) in the ictal-EEG of MTS patients (mean 81% versus 60%, P = 0.05). The patients with NL developed bilateral ictal EEG changes more often (mean 55% versus 26%, P < 0.05) and more rapidly (mean 23 s versus 74 s, P < 0.005). The onset of ictal EEG seizure activity was bilateral more often in patients with NL (20% versus 4%, P < 0.005). There were no significant differences between the two groups for any of the video-EEG features, in terms of whether or not the feature occurred at least once in an individual patients. There was a tendency for MTS patients to have a higher seizure-free postsurgical outcome (87% versus 60%, P = 0.057). However, all the NL patients who were not free of seizures had had an incomplete lesion resection. We conclude that there are a number of clinico-electrical differences between patients with mesial TLE (MTLE) and patients with neocortical TLE (NCTLE), but that none of these are sufficient to allow a distinction to be made in an individual patient.
The Placebo Effect: Advances from Different Methodological Approaches

There is accumulating evidence from different methodological approaches that the placebo effect is a neurobiological phenomenon. Behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging results have largely contributed to accepting the placebo response as real. A major aspect of recent and future advances in placebo research is to demonstrate linkages between behavior, brain, and bodily responses. This article provides an overview of the processes involved in the formation of placebo responses by combining research findings from behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging methods. The integration of these different methodological approaches is a key objective, motivating our scientific pursuits toward a placebo research that can inform and guide important future scientific knowledge.
Mass Perturbation of a Body Segment: I. Effects on Segment Dynamics

Investigators often use mass perturbation of body segments as an experimental paradigm to study movement coordination. To analyze the effect of mass perturbation on small-amplitude oscillations, the authors linearize the equation of motion of a single segment moving in a vertical plane and derive the effect of added mass on the undamped eigenfrequency, the relative damping, and the low-frequency control gain of the segment. Mass addition results in a decrease in both the relative damping and the low-frequency control gain; the undamped eigenfrequency increases for mass addition between the pivot point and R0 (where R0 is the length of a point mass pendulum whose undamped eigenfrequency is identical to that of the unperturbed segment), decreases for mass addition beyond R0, and remains unaffected for mass addition at R0. For a typical lower leg + foot segment, R0 is just proximal to the ankle joint. That location may explain the absence of an effect on oscillation frequency in studies in which mass has been added to the ankle. The authors' analysis provides a basis for a more effective application of mass perturbations in future experiments.
Antitumor IgE Adjuvanticity: Key Role of FcεRI1

Working with C57BL/6 mouse tumor models, we had previously demonstrated that vaccination with IgE-coated tumor cells can protect against tumor challenge, an observation that supports the involvement of IgE in antitumor immunity. The adjuvant effect of IgE was shown to result from eosinophil-dependent priming of the T cell-mediated adaptive immune response. The protective effect is likely to be mediated by the interaction of tumor cell-bound IgE with receptors, which then trigger the release of mediators, recruitment of effector cells, cell killing and tumor Ag cross-priming. It was therefore of utmost importance to demonstrate the strict dependence of the protective effect on IgE receptor activation. First, the protective effect of IgE was confirmed in a BALB/c tumor model, in which IgE-loaded modified VV Ankara-infected tumor cells proved to be an effective cellular vaccine. However, the protective effect was lost in FcεRIα−/− (but not in CD23−/−) knockout mice, showing the IgE-FcεRI interaction to be essential. Moreover, human IgE (not effective in BALB/c mice) had a protective effect in the humanized knockin mouse (FcεRIα−/− hFcεRIα+). This finding suggests that the adjuvant effect of IgE could be exploited for human therapeutics.
Compressive Sensing via Convolutional Factor Analysis

We solve the compressive sensing problem via convolutional factor analysis, where the convolutional dictionaries are learned {\em in situ} from the compressed measurements. An alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) paradigm for compressive sensing inversion based on convolutional factor analysis is developed. The proposed algorithm provides reconstructed images as well as features, which can be directly used for recognition ($e.g.$, classification) tasks. When a deep (multilayer) model is constructed, a stochastic unpooling process is employed to build a generative model. During reconstruction and testing, we project the upper layer dictionary to the data level and only a single layer deconvolution is required. We demonstrate that using $\sim30\%$ (relative to pixel numbers) compressed measurements, the proposed model achieves the classification accuracy comparable to the original data on MNIST. We also observe that when the compressed measurements are very limited ($e.g.$, $<10\%$), the upper layer dictionary can provide better reconstruction results than the bottom layer.
Autonomous Visualization of Real Environments for Telepresence Applications

The autonomous, noncontact creation of virtual environments from existing, real environments is described. The technique uses structured light to provide direct estimation of 3D surface patch parameters. Active (laser) cameras are used to determine 3D object models, and passive camera images are used to generate color and texture. This process, termed virtualization, has immediate application to providing telepresence in previously unmodeled or unstructured environments. An example of the process is shown and directions for future research are indicated.