Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving faculty publication output: the role of a writing coach.

Publishing academic papers is recognized by faculty as vital not only to their careers, but also to the standing of their school within the university and the discipline. Although writing is perceived as a critical, high-priority task, it often has low follow-through behavior. To facilitate the publication output of our faculty, a part-time writing coach was hired. Blanchard's situational leadership II model (1985), which tailors leadership style to the needs of the group, indicated a framework of coaching and support would best meet faculty writing needs. The literature further suggested that an ongoing coaching relationship in the form of a committed partnership would empower faculty to achieve beyond prior performance. We present a model to show how coaching and support facilitate perseverance in writing for publication. Sixteen of 26 faculty sought the coach's help in the first 2.5 years, generating 21 submissions to peer-reviewed journals. Fifteen of these were published or accepted (71 per cent), and one was still under review when this article was written. Five rejected papers had not yet been resubmitted. Faculty with recent doctorates appeared to benefit most from coaching.
Bi-directional CLLC converter front-end for off-grid battery inverters

A bidirectional full-bridge CLLC resonant converter was proposed like front-end of off-grid battery inverter. The model of CLLC converter was derived. The effect of power MOSFET output capacitance on CLLC oscillation tank behavior was validated. The guideline for oscillation tank components and power MOSFETs choice was proposed. The 1kW peak-power off-grid battery inverter was built and tested.
Community engagement with African American clergy: faith-based model for culturally competent practice

ABSTRACT Objective: The intent of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine African American Baptist clergy's pastoral care to older congregants with mental disorders. Critical Race Theory was the guiding framework in this study. Method: A purposive sample of 18 African American clergy participated in one-on-one interviews. Results: Collectively, all participants were active in the provision of mental health to older congregants with mental disorders. The primary emergent theme ‘shepherding the flock’ the central phenomenon uncovered in the data, was used to organize a model of pastoral care, which is presented in this paper. Findings from this study supported results from previous studies on the integral role of the Church and clergy in the African American community. Conclusion: Moreover, this study highlights the importance of internal ministries in the Church and the need for further study and potential partnership opportunity.
[Immunocyte reaction in stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma in relation to biological findings and prognosis].

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between macrophages (MP), Langerhans cells (LC), T and B lymphocytes, biological behavior and prognosis of stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS 43 cases with stage III NPC were studied by immunohistochemical SP staining methods. RESULTS The positive expression rates of infiltrating LC and/or MP in NPC were 41%, 65% (CD68+), 46% (lysozyme+), and were related to prognosis, but not to age, sex, metastasis to cervical lymph nodes and basi-cranial destruction and/or cranial nerve damage. In addition, infiltrating T or B cells in NPC were not related to the prognosis or biological behavior. However, when both infiltrating T lymphocytes and LC and/or MP were marked, the prognosis of these cases were better than that of those cases whose infiltrating LC and/or MP were marked but T cell infiltration was scarce. CONCLUSION The prognosis of stage III NPC is related to LC or MP, survival is especially longer in those with marked T cell infiltration.
A Comparison of Selected Modifications of the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

We compare 27 modifications of the original particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The analysis evaluated nine basic PSO types, which differ according to the swarm evolution as controlled by various inertia weights and constriction factor. Each of the basic PSO modifications was analyzed using three different distributed strategies. In the first strategy, the entire swarm population is considered as one unit (OC-PSO), the second strategy periodically partitions the population into equally large complexes according to the particle’s functional value (SCE-PSO), and the final strategy periodically splits the swarm population into complexes using random permutation (SCERand-PSO). All variants are tested using 11 benchmark functions that were prepared for the special session on real-parameter optimization of CEC 2005. It was found that the best modification of the PSO algorithm is a variant with adaptive inertia weight. The best distribution strategy is SCE-PSO, which gives better results than do OC-PSO and SCERand-PSO for seven functions. The sphere function showed no significant difference between SCE-PSO and SCERand-PSO. It follows that a shuffling mechanism improves the optimization process.
Suppressor of Fused represses Gli-mediated transcription by recruiting the SAP18-mSin3 corepressor complex

The Suppressor of Fused [Su(fu)] protein plays a conserved role in the regulation of Gli transcription factors of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway that controls cell fate and tissue patterning during development. In both Drosophila and mammals, Su(fu) represses Gli-mediated transcription, but the mode of its action is not completely understood. Recent evidence suggests that Su(fu) physically interacts with the Gli proteins and, when overexpressed, sequesters Gli in the cytoplasm. However, Su(fu) also traverses into the nucleus under the influence of a serine-threonine kinase, Fused (Fu), and has the ability to form a DNA-binding complex with Gli, suggesting that it has a nuclear function. Here we report that the mouse homolog of Su(fu) [mSu(fu)] specifically interacts with SAP18, a component of the mSin3 and histone deacetylase complex. In addition, we demonstrate that mSu(fu) functionally cooperates with SAP18 to repress transcription by recruiting the SAP18-mSin3 complex to promoters containing the Gli-binding element. These results provide biochemical evidence that Su(fu) directly participates in modulating the transcriptional activity of Gli.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIVIDENDS AND EARNINGS

The relationship between dividends and earnings has long been a controversy to analysts and investors. Some studies on the subject provide evidence in support of a positive and significant causal relation from dividends to earnings. Theses studies support the view that higher dividend payouts signal an increase in future earnings. In this paper, we provide a critique of these studies and hypothesize that no significant relationship between earnings and dividend holds in the long run. We provide logical and empirical evidence in support of our hypothesis. We argue that empirical studies that conclude a causal relationship exists between earnings and dividends are based on short periods of time and are therefore misleading to potential investors. Our empirical analysis is based on quarterly data for the S&P 500 index over the 1988-2002 period and includes the Dickey-Fuller test, a simple regression test, and the Granger causality test.
Doppler ultrasonography reveals adult-worm nests in the lymph vessels of children with brugian filariasis

Abstract Although ultrasonography has allowed 'nests' of live adult worms and dilated lymphatics to be detected in the early stages of infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, previous attempts to locate such adult-worm nests in brugian filariasis have been unsuccessful. In this study, the successful location of live adult Brugia malayi parasites, in the lymphatics of the axilla, thigh, epitrochlear region and/or popliteal fossa of children aged 3–15 years, is described for the first time. The 'filarial dance sign' (FDS), which indicates the presence of live adult worms, was observed in six children with microfilaraemia and in eight children who, though amicrofilaraemic, either had experienced an episode of lymphoedema (one) or were only positive for antifilarial IgG4 antibodies (seven). In bancroftian infection, the adult-worm nests have mostly been seen in asymptomatic but microfilaraemic subjects. The suspected worm nests, 18 in the 14 children, were all confirmed using colour-power and pulse-wave Doppler examinations. The worm nests were distinctly smaller and the wriggling movements were less rapid and less conspicuous than those seen in bancroftian filariasis. The importance of these findings in the management and control of lymphatic filariasis is discussed.
Molecular Efficient Recruitment of Layer 2 / 3 Interneurons by Layer 4 Input in Single Columns of Rat Somatosensory Cortex

Moritz Helmstaedter,1 Jochen F. Staiger,2 Bert Sakmann,1 and Dirk Feldmeyer3,4 1Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany, 2Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, AlbertLudwigs-Universität, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany, and 3Research Center Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Biophysics, INB-3 Medicine, D-52425 Jülich, Germany, and 4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
Fasting-induced reductions in cardiovascular and metabolic variables occur sooner in obese versus lean mice

It is not uncommon for laboratory animals to be fasted prior to experimentation. Fasting evokes marked reductions in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), heat production and oxygen consumption (VO2) in rodents. Mice with diet-induced obesity exhibit elevated HR and BP, and lower VO2 and heat production in the fed condition versus their lean counterparts. It is unknown whether body composition alters the tempo of response to fasting. We tested the hypothesis that cardiovascular and metabolic responses to fasting are delayed in obese versus lean male C57BL/6J mice. In the fed condition, mice that consumed high-fat (HF, 45% fat) chow for 98 ± 5 days had elevated (P < 0.05) body fat percentage (DEXA), serum leptin (ELISA), HR and BP (72-h biotelemetry), and lower (P < 0.05) heat production and VO2 (72-h metabolic chamber) versus animals that consumed standard chow (CON, 10% fat; n = 16 per group). HR, BP, VO2, heat production and serum leptin decreased (all P < 0.05) in response to a 16-h fast (16:00–08:00 h) in both groups. Although the overall fold changes in cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were similar in magnitude among animals, fasting-induced reductions in cardiovascular and metabolic variables occurred ∼4 and ∼7 h earlier (P < 0.05), respectively, in HF versus CON mice. These findings indicate that while metabolic and cardiovascular stress evoked by a 16-h fast at 22°C is not different between HF and CON mice, fasting-induced responses occur sooner in obese animals.
Characterization of intracellular pH regulation in the guinea‐pig ventricular myocyte

1 Intracellular pH was recorded fluorimetrically by using carboxy‐SNARF‐1, AM‐loaded into superfused ventricular myocytes isolated from guinea‐pig heart. Intracellular acid and base loads were induced experimentally and the changes of pHi used to estimate intracellular buffering power (β). The rate of pHi recovery from acid or base loads was used, in conjunction with the measurements of β, to estimate sarcolemmal transporter fluxes of acid equivalents. A combination of ion substitution and pharmacological inhibitors was used to dissect acid effluxes carried on Na+‐H+ exchange (NHE) and Na+‐HCO3− cotransport (NBC), and acid influxes carried on Cl−‐HCO3− exchange (AE) and Cl−‐OH− exchange (CHE). 2 The intracellular intrinsic buffering power (βi), estimated under CO2/HCO3−‐free conditions, varied inversely with pHi in a manner consistent with two principal intracellular buffers of differing concentration and pK. In CO2/HCO3−‐buffered conditions, intracellular buffering was roughly doubled. The size of the CO2‐dependent component (βCO2) was consistent with buffering in a cell fully open to CO2. Because the full value of βCO2 develops slowly (2·5 min), it had to be measured under equilibrium conditions. The value of βCO2 increased monotonically with pHi. 3 In 5 % CO2/HCO3−‐buffered conditions (pHo 7·40), acid extrusion on NHE and NBC increased as pHi was reduced, with the greater increase occurring through NHE at pHi < 6·90. Acid influx on AE and CHE increased as pHi was raised, with the greater increase occurring through AE at pHi > 7·15. At resting pHi (7·04‐7·07), all four carriers were activated equally, albeit at a low rate (about 0·15 mM min−1). 4 The pHi dependence of flux through the transporters, in combination with the pHi and time dependence of intracellular buffering (βi+βCO2), was used to predict mathematically the recovery of pHi following an intracellular acid or base load. Under several conditions the mathematical predictions compared well with experimental recordings, suggesting that the model of dual acid influx and acid efflux transporters is sufficient to account for pHi regulation in the cardiac cell. Key properties of the pHi control system are discussed.
[Mycetoma: 130 cases].

BACKGROUND Mycetoma is a pathological process in which eumycotic (fungal) or actinomycotic causative agents from exogenous source produce grains. It follows penetrating injury inoculating soil organisms, occurring preferentially in rural areas usually among labourers who work barefoot. Mycetoma is a localized chronic, and deforming infectious disease of subcutaneous tissues, skin and bones. We report 130 cases of mycetoma in Senegal from 1983 to 2000. PATIENTS AND METHODS There were 130 patients with mycetoma. Clinical diagnosis of mycetoma was based on open tract sinuses, tumefaction or discharge of grain. Diagnosis confirmation was based on mycology and histology. An X-ray was preformed to detect bone lesions. Treatment was medical for actinomycetoma and surgical for eumycetoma. RESULTS We observed 76 actinomycetoma and 54 eumycetoma (Sex ratio M/F=6.6; mean age=34.7 +/- 14.8 years). The mean duration before the first medical evaluation was 4.8 +/- 5.6 years. Actinomycetoma was due to Actinomadura pelletieri, (54 cases), Actinomadura madurae (17 cases) and Streptomyces somaliensis (5 cases). Eumycetoma was due to Madurella mycetomatis (38 cases), Leptospahria senegalensis (9 cases), Pseudoallescheria boydii (6 cases) and Rhinoclediella atrovirens (1 case). Clinical inflammatory features significantly associated with actinomyces (p<0.001 OR=2.64) were predominant (85 cases). Tumoral and cystic features were found in the others forms. Lesions were located on the foot in 81 patients. Bone lesions, depending on the duration, were observed in 68 patients. Neurological damage occurred in 3 patients with dorsolumbar actinomycetoma. Sixty-six patients with actinomycetoma were cured by medical treatment. DISCUSSION The 130 cases of mycetoma were remarkable by the long duration of the disease before the first medical evaluation. Pain and tumor were the two main symptoms which brought the patients to the hospital and had appeared after 5 years duration and the predominance of actinomadura pelletieri actinomycetoma was responsible for 41.3 p. 100 of our cases. In Niger and Mauritania, mycetoma were actinomycetoma in respectively 71.2 p. 100 and 25 p. 100 of cases. The geographic distribution of pathogenic mycetoma agents was determined by the annual rainfall. Distinction between eumycetoma and actinomycetoma is very important for the treatment.
Performance of MSE configured PLC optical equalizers for chromatic dispersion compensation

In this letter, we propose a mean square error (MSE) strategy to control a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) optical equalizer. We show by simulation that MSE is a suitable criterion to exploit the PLC programmability for realizing an adaptive optical equalizer. When controlled through the MSE criterion, a PLC equalizer for chromatic dispersion compensation performs better than with other control strategies and turns out to be effective even with few component elements.
First trimester three‐dimensional transvaginal imaging of alobar holoprosencephaly associated with proboscis and hypotelorism (ethmocephaly) in a 46,XX fetus

ABSTRACT A 19‐year‐old woman was scanned at 10+6 weeks gestation by 2D‐3D ultrasound. The fetus had a crown‐rump length of 40.9 mm, with the cephalic pole occupied by a single cystic cavity measuring 10.6 × 7.7 × 6.8 mm and severe hypotelorism associated with mid‐facial hypoplasia. 3D ultrasound confirmed the malformations seen on the 2D scan and enabled the visualization of a proboscis and a low‐set right ear. Fetal karyotyping was performed by chorionic villus sampling. Due to major fetal malformations of the fetus, the patient opted for termination of pregnancy. First trimester sonographic diagnosis of holoprosencephaly relies on bilateral visualization of choroid plexuses in what has been called the ‘butterfly’ sign. Differential diagnosis between holoprosencephaly and hydranencephaly may be difficult in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, midline structures such as falx cerebri, interhemispheric fissure and third ventricle are present in hydranencephaly and are absent in alobar holoprosencephaly, and thalami are never fused in hydranencephaly. 3D ultrasound has demonstrated an increased definition of anatomical abnormalities of malformations, compared with 2D ultrasound, and has proven to be crucial in the decision‐making process of parents and in later prenatal counseling, especially in this case where necroscopy examination was refused by the parents. Images obtained by 3D ultrasound gave detailed insight into this ventral midline anomaly, depicting much of the disordered prosencephalic development.
The pulsatility index and the resistive index in renal arteries. Associations with long-term progression in chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND The pulsatility index (PI) and the resistive index (RI) are used as pulsed-wave Doppler measurements of downstream renal artery resistance. PI and RI have been found to correlate with renal vascular resistance, filtration fraction and effective renal plasma flow in chronic renal failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential relationship between these indices and the rate of decline in renal function, as reflected by changes in different parameters of renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. METHODS Twenty-one patients (8 females; 13 males, mean age 58 years (36-75)) with chronic renal failure were enrolled in the study. Doppler examinations were performed in the segmental arteries by an Acuson 128XP. The PI and the RI was calculated from the blood flow velocities. Parameters of renal function were measured every 3 1/2 months, and all patients were followed for 18-21 months. Progression of renal dysfunction was estimated by linear regression of parameters of renal function versus time. RESULTS In a multiple regression analysis both PI and RI correlated significantly to the rate of decline in reciprocal serum creatinine (PI: r = -0.48, P = 0.03; RI: r = -0.52, P = 0.02). Furthermore, when separating the patients in two groups by the median RI value, there was a significant difference between the groups in rate of decline in reciprocal serum creatinine (P = 0.02). For PI this distinction was also present (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION PI and RI correlated to the severity of the renal disease, as reflected by the rate of decline in reciprocal serum creatinine during antihypertensive treatment. The median RI or PI value could separate the patients into groups one of slow and another of fast progression.
Oral health status of handicapped primary school pupils in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND There is hardly any information regarding oral health status of handicapped primary school pupils in Tanzania. Determination of their oral health status could help in planning sustainable intervention programmes for this disadvantaged group. OBJECTIVES To determine caries and periodontal status and treatment needs of handicapped primary school pupils in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING Uhuru Mchanganyiko and Buguruni special schools, Dar es Salaam. RESULTS The sample consisted of 179 (55.8%) males and 142 (44.2%) females aged between 7 and 22 years. Majority (71%) were deaf followed by blind (17.8%) and mentally retarded (8.7%). Six (1.9%) pupils were both deaf and blind, while one (0.3%) pupil was blind and mentally retarded. Forty one (12.8%) pupils had at least one decayed deciduous tooth, with the mean (dmfs) ranging from 0.25 to 3.24. The deaf had the highest mean decayed surfaces, followed by the mentally retarded and the blind. There was only one (0.3%) pupil who had a filled deciduous tooth. Thirty three (10.3%) pupils had decayed permanent teeth and 31 (9.7%) had missing permanent teeth. None of the decayed permanent teeth were restored. The blind had the lowest mean deciduous surfaces (DS) scores of between 0 and 1.0. In the mentally retarded group the mean DS ranged from 0.25 to 1.75. About 73.5% of the studied group had bleeding of the gums, with the blind having the highest mean bleeding index scores (p < 0.001) and about 82.8% of the pupils had calculus, with highest mean scores mainly among the blind (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION The caries prevalence among handicapped primary school pupils was quite low. However, there was relatively high level of gingival bleeding and calculus. Regarding treatment needs, 23% required dental fillings mainly of one and two surface restorations and 82% required scaling and polishing. Despite these treatment needs these pupils had not received any dental attention.
The “Slurp” Test: Bedside Evaluation of Bulbar Muscle Fatigue

Patients with myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders are subject to increasing weakness of bulbar-innervated muscles, with resulting aspiration or catastrophic airway compromise. The available practical assessments of bulbar function in children are inadequate. We report our experience with the “slurp” test, a new bedside measure of bulbar function, in children with myasthenia gravis. Our experience suggests that the test is valuable for identifying patients with probable serious compromise of bulbar function, for monitoring such children during times of intercurrent illness, and for guiding therapy.
A polymorphism located at an ATG transcription start site of the heme oxygenase-2 gene is associated with classical Parkinson's disease

Aim Oxidative stress and iron deposition is related to Parkinson's disease (PD). Heme oxygenase 2 (HMOX2) catalyzes the cleavage of the heme ring to form biliverdin with release of iron and carbon monoxide. This study aims to analyze variations in the HMOX2 gene in patients with PD. Materials and methods We mapped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations of the HMOX2 gene in 691 patients with PD and 747 healthy individuals. Results We identified a highly homogeneous association of the HMOX2 SNP rs2270363 homozygous G/G genotype with patients with classical PD phenotype compared with healthy individuals. We identified three patients with PD and two control individuals with a single copy of the HMOX2 gene. No individuals with zero or more than two gene copies were identified. Conclusion We describe for the first time, copy number variations in the HMOX2 gene and an association of the SNP rs2270363 with PD risk.