Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retention, Progression and the Taking of Online Courses

Online learning continues to grow at post-secondary institutions across the United States, but many question its efficacy, especially for students most at-risk for failure. This paper engages that issue. It examines recent research on the success of community college students who take online classes and explores similar comparisons using 656,258 student records collected through the Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework. In particular, the research investigated retention rates for students in three delivery mode groups — students taking only onground courses, students taking only online courses, and students taking some courses onground and some courses online at five primarily onground community colleges, five primarily onground four-year universities, and four primarily online institutions. Results revealed that taking some online courses did not result in lower retention rates for students enrolled in primarily onground community colleges participating in the PAR Framework. Moreover, although retention rates were lower for such students taking only online courses than for similar students taking only onground or blending their courses, much of the difference could be explained by extraneous factors. Essentially no differences in retention between delivery mode groups were found for students enrolled in primarily onground four-year universities participating in the PAR Framework, while at participating primarily online institutions, students blending their courses had slightly better odds of being retained than students taking exclusively onground or exclusively online courses. No differences between the latter groups were found at these institutions. Patterns of retention were similar regardless of gender across institutional categories, and were mostly similar regardless of Pell grant status with the exception of fully online students at traditional community colleges. Age, however, did differentially affect delivery mode effects. Older students taking only online courses were retained at higher rates than younger students taking only online courses at both primarily onground community colleges and primarily online institutions. The results suggest that, despite media reports to the contrary, taking online courses is not necessarily harmful to students’ chances of being retained, and may provide course-taking opportunities that otherwise might not be available, especially for nontraditional students.
GABAergic signalling to adult‐generated neurons

New neurons are continuously generated in discrete regions of the adult brain. In the hippocampus, newly generated cells undergo a step‐wise progression of maturation that is regulated at multiple stages by a variety of physiological and pathological stimuli. Neural progenitors and newborn neurons initially receive exclusively GABAergic synaptic input, and accumulating evidence suggests that depolarizing actions of GABA contribute to activity‐dependent regulation. Here we provide a brief overview of GABAergic signalling to newborn neurons in the hippocampus and describe how it regulates adult neurogenesis.
Solar-Driven H2 O2 Generation From H2 O and O2 Using Earth-Abundant Mixed-Metal Oxide@Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts.

Light-driven generation of H2 O2 only from water and molecular oxygen could be an ideal pathway for clean production of solar fuels. In this work, a mixed metal oxide/graphitic-C3 N4 (MMO@C3 N4 ) composite was synthesized as a dual-functional photocatalyst for both water oxidation and oxygen reduction to generate H2 O2 . The MMO was derived from a NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursor for obtaining a high dispersion of metal oxides on the surface of the C3 N4 matrix. The C3 N4 is in the graphitic phase and the main crystalline phase in MMO is cubic NiO. The XPS analyses revealed the doping of Fe(3+) in the dominant NiO phase and the existence of surface defects in the C3 N4 matrix. The formation and decomposition kinetics of H2 O2 on the MMO@C3 N4 and the control samples, including bare MMO, C3 N4 matrix, Ni- or Fe-loaded C3 N4 and a simple mixture of MMO and C3 N4 , were investigated. The MMO@C3 N4 composite produced 63 μmol L(-1) of H2 O2 in 90 min in acidic solution (pH 3) and exhibited a significantly higher rate of production for H2 O2 relative to the control samples. The positive shift of the valence band in the composite and the enhanced water oxidation catalysis by incorporating the MMO improved the light-induced hole collection relative to the bare C3 N4 and resulted in the enhanced H2 O2 formation. The positively shifted conduction band in the composite also improved the selectivity of the two-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to H2 O2 .
Is folate supplementation necessary in hemodialysis patients on erythropoietin therapy.

The need for folate supplementation in hemodialysis (HD) patients receiving erythropoietin (EPO) therapy remains unknown. Twenty stable HD patients, taking folic acid, 5 mg, after a meal during each HD session were divided into two groups. Supplementation was withdrawn at the start of the study in group 1 and after a 12-month-observation period in group 2. EPO treatment, 1500 u x 3/week i.v. was started in both groups. Pre- and post-HD blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the study for baseline values, then 12 and 18 months later. Folate levels decreased to normal after withdrawal of the supplements. The response to EPO treatment was exactly the same in both groups and the anemia was effectively improved. We conclude that there is no need for routine folic acid supplements in HD patients receiving EPO therapy if they are eating an adequate mixed diet.
Quantifying hepatic glycogen synthesis by direct and indirect pathways in rats under normal ad libitum feeding conditions

Hepatic glycogen synthesis from intact hexose (direct pathway) relative to that from gluconeogenic precursors (indirect pathway) was quantified in ad libitum‐fed rats. Following 2H2O administration and overnight feeding, the livers were removed and glycogen 2H‐enrichment was measured by 2H NMR. Six controls and six rats rendered hyperglycemic by streptozotocin (STZ; fasting blood glucose = 385 ± 31 mg/dl) were studied. The indirect pathway contribution, estimated as glycogen hydrogen 5 relative to hydrogen 2 enrichment, was 54% ± 4% for control rats—similar to values from healthy, meal‐fed humans. In STZ‐treated rats, the indirect pathway contribution was significantly higher (68% ± 4%, P < 0.05 vs. controls), similar to that of Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. In conclusion, sources of hepatic glycogen synthesis in rats during ad libitum nocturnal feeding were quantified by analysis of glycogen enrichment from 2H2O. STZ caused alterations resembling the pathophysiology of hepatic glycogen synthesis in T1D patients. Magn Reson Med 61:1–5, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Sebia Capillarys 3 Tera and the Bio-Rad D-100 Systems for the Measurement of Hemoglobin A1c.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the Bio-Rad (Irvine, CA) D-100 and the Sebia (Lisses, France) Capillarys 3 Tera for the measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in venous blood samples. METHODS Whole-blood samples and control material were analyzed with the D-100 and Capillarys 3 Tera and compared with our routine method, HLC-723G7 (Tosoh, Tokyo, Japan). An evaluation protocol to test precision, trueness, linearity, carryover, and selectivity was set up according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The results were presented in National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) units. RESULTS Both systems showed excellent precision (total coefficients of variation <2%, IFCC) and bias (<0.3% or 3 mmol/mol). Linearity was demonstrated for HbA1c values from 3.8% (18 mmol/mol) to 18.5% (179 mmol/mol). Results were correlated with the routine method using Bland-Altman analysis, showing a mean difference of 0.33% or 3.6 mmol/mol for the D-100 and of 0.25% or 2.6 mmol/mol for the Capillarys 3 Tera vs HLC-723G7. None of the automated instruments were prone to interferences by labile HbA1c (≤10 g/L glucose), carbamylated hemoglobin (≤0.5 mmol/L potassium cyanate), hemoglobin variants, bilirubin (≤15 mg/dL), and triglycerides (≤3,360 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS The Bio-Rad D-100 and the Sebia Capillarys 3 Tera instruments performed well for the determination of HbA1c in terms of quality criteria as well as for sample throughput.
Increased HLA-DMB Expression in the Tumor Epithelium Is Associated with Increased CTL Infiltration and Improved Prognosis in Advanced-Stage Serous Ovarian Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the possible mechanisms influencing the infiltration of CD8 T lymphocytes into the tumor epithelium of advanced-stage serous ovarian cancers. Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical localization of CD8 T lymphocytes was done on a homogeneous population of 184 high-grade, advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer tissue specimens. Microarray analysis was done on microdissected tumor epithelium from 38 specimens to identify genes up-regulated or down-regulated in specimens with differing numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to validate a candidate gene. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were done combining CD8 T lymphocyte number and HLA-DMB expression with standard prognostic factors. Results: Marked CD8 T lymphocyte infiltration of the tumor epithelium is associated with a 20-month improvement in median overall survival. Additionally, when combined with cytoreduction status and age, CD8 T lymphocyte status is an independent prognostic factor for survival. Microarray analysis showed HLA-DMB, a component of the MHC II antigen presentation machinery, to be differentially expressed in specimens with an abundance of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes. This relationship was validated at both mRNA and protein levels. As well, high HLA-DMB expression in the tumor epithelium was associated with a significant improvement in median overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: Tumor cell expression of HLA-DMB is associated with increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes and both are associated with improved survival in advanced-stage serous ovarian cancer.
Electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties of highly deformed halofullerenes C3v C60F18 and D3d C60Cl30

Electronic structures and nonlinear optical properties of two highly deformed halofullerenes C3v C60F18 and D3d C60Cl30 have been systematically studied by means of density functional theory. The large energy gaps (3.62 and 2.61 eV) between the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs and LUMOs) and the strong aromatic character (with nucleus‐independent chemical shifts varying from −15.08 to −23.71 ppm) of C60F18 and C60Cl30 indicate their high stabilities. Further investigations of electronic property show that C60F18 and C60Cl30 could be excellent electron acceptors for potential photonic/photovoltaic applications in consequence of their large vertical electron affinities. The density of states and frontier molecular orbitals are also calculated, which present that HOMOs and LUMOs are mainly distributed in the tortoise shell subunit of C60F18 and the aromatic [18] trannulene ring of C60Cl30, and the influence from halogen atoms is secondary. In addition, the static linear polarizability $ \left\langle \alpha \right\rangle $ and second‐order hyperpolarizability $ \left\langle \gamma \right\rangle $ of C60F18 and C60Cl30 are calculated using finite‐field approach. The values of $ \left\langle \alpha \right\rangle $ and $ \left\langle \gamma \right\rangle $ for C60F18 and C60Cl30 molecules are significantly larger than those of C60 because of their lower symmetric structures and high delocalization of π electrons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2010
Executive Compensation: Performance versus Personal Characteristics

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence on the determinants of compensation of top-salaried chief executives of American industrial corporations. While a number of previous studies have purported to pursue this topic, prior research has actually been focused on one rather narrow aspect of the executive compensation process. Specifically, the emphasis in previous studies of executive compensation has been placed upon testing the relative importance of sales and profits as determinants of executive salaries, in an effort to shed light upon the targets and objectives of modern managers. Briefly, if the profit-maximization hypothesis of the economist's theory of the firm is to hold, executive salaries must be more closely related to profits than sales-if incomes and sales are more closely related, then a sales maximization objective is inferred. The implicit assumption in these studies is that profits and/or sales are indicators of executive productivity. Since performance is the principal determinant of compensation within the traditional neoclassical marginal productivity approach to wage determination, little attention has been directed to broader determinants of executive compensation, such as the personal characteristics of the individual executives. The intent of this paper is to introduce and test some additional hypotheses concerning executive compensation. We are particularly interested in examining the role of experience, education, business background, and related characteristics which might be considered by a corporate board of directors attempting to recruit and compensate a chief executive in a world of imperfect information.
Cdx1 Autoregulation Is Governed by a Novel Cdx1-LEF1 Transcription Complex

ABSTRACT The Cdx1 gene product is essential for normal anterior-posterior vertebral patterning. Expression of Cdx1 is regulated by several pathways implicated in anterior-posterior patterning events, including retinoid and Wnt signaling. We have previously shown that retinoic acid plays a key role in early stages of Cdx1 expression at embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5), while both Wnt3a signaling and an autoregulatory loop, dependent on Cdx1 itself, are involved in later stages of expression (E8.5 to E9.5). This autoregulation is reflected by the ability of Cdx1 to affect expression from proximal Cdx1 promoter sequences in tissue culture. However, this region is devoid of a demonstrable Cdx response element(s). We have now found that Cdx1 and LEF1, a nuclear effector of Wnt signaling, synergize to induce expression from the Cdx1 promoter through previously documented LEF/T-cell factor response elements. We also found a direct physical interaction between the homeodomain of Cdx1 and the B box of LEF1, suggesting a basis for this synergy. Consistent with these observations, analysis of Cdx1 Wnt3avt compound mutants demonstrated that Wnt and Cdx1 converged on Cdx1 expression and vertebral patterning in vivo. Further data suggest that Cdx-high-mobility group box interactions might be involved in a number of additional pathways.
Effect of Oxygen Pressure on the Electrical Properties of $\hbox{Bi}_{5} \hbox{Nb}_{3}\hbox{O}_{15}$ Films Grown by RF Magnetron Sputtering

Bi<sub>5</sub>Nb<sub>3</sub>O<sub>15</sub> (B<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub>) films grown under a low oxygen partial pressure (OP) of 1.7 mtorr showed a high leakage current density of 0.1 A/cm<sup>2</sup> at 1.0 MV/cm. However, the leakage current density decreased with increasing OP to a minimum of 5.8 times 10<sup>-9</sup> A/cm<sup>2</sup> for the film grown under 5.1 mtorr due to the decreased number of oxygen vacancies. This film also showed an improved breakdown field of 2.2 MV/cm and a large capacitance density of 24.9 fF /mum<sup>2</sup>. The electrical properties of the film, however, deteriorated with a further increase in OP, which is probably due to the formation of oxygen interstitial ions. Therefore, superior electrical properties for the B<sub>5</sub>N<sub>3</sub> film can be obtained by careful control of OP.
Does Bleach Processing Increase the Accuracy of Sputum Smear Microscopy for Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis?

ABSTRACT Bleach digestion of sputum prior to smear preparation has been reported to increase the yield of microscopy for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis, even in high-HIV-prevalence settings. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of bleach microscopy, we updated a systematic review published in 2006 and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework to rate the overall quality of the evidence. We searched multiple databases (as of January 2009) for primary studies in all languages comparing bleach and direct microscopy. We assessed study quality using a validated tool and heterogeneity by standard methods. We used hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) analysis to calculate summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy and random-effects meta-analysis to pool sensitivity and specificity differences. Of 14 studies (11 papers) included, 9 evaluated bleach centrifugation and 5 evaluated bleach sedimentation. Overall, examination of bleach-processed versus direct smears led to small increases in sensitivity (for bleach centrifugation, 6% [95% confidence interval {CI} = 3 to 10%, P = 0.001]; for bleach sedimentation, 9% [95% CI = 4 to 14%, P = 0.001]) and small decreases in specificity (for bleach centrifugation, −3% [95% CI = −4% to −1%, P = 0.004]; for bleach sedimentation, −2% [95% CI = −5% to 0%, P = 0.05]). Similarly, analysis of HSROC curves suggested little or no improvement in diagnostic accuracy. The quality of evidence was rated very low for both bleach centrifugation and bleach sedimentation. This updated systematic review suggests that the benefits of bleach processing are less than those described previously. Further research should focus on alternative approaches to optimizing smear microscopy, such as light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy and same-day sputum collection strategies.
Essays on optimal inflation targeting forecast based rules and inflation modelling under uncertainty

This thesis focuses on exploring the most efficient forecast based rules for Inflation Targeting (IT) regime; modelling and forecasting inflation. Therefore, it is divided into four empirical chapters after the introduction as the first chapter follows the second chapter explores the most efficient alternative forecast based rules in the context of an estimated Global Projection Model for the Egyptian Central Bank’s IT period. In addition to the traditional Inflation Forecast Based (IFB) rule, the chapter augments this rule with other variables like the expected exchange rate or output gap or both. Also, it proposes a structural Backward-Forward rule (BF) which implies more dynamics for the monetary policy rule and it encompasses other common rules. The third chapter discusses modelling and forecasting inflation from Phillips Curve (PC) under misspecification. It considers various econometric specifications, estimation methods, and different measures of business cycles. Then, we propose a Time Varying Coefficient Phillips Curve (TVCPC) which is more sophisticated and informative and, also, it acts as a tool to make the gap between the actual specification and the estimated one as small as possible. The fourth chapter considers: modelling the density of quarterly inflation by using a time-varying higher order moment’s model developed by Leon, Rubio, and Serna (2005); and isolating the time-varying conditional correlations between inflation and both the growth in domestic credit and the real exchange rate by using two multivariate GARCH models. The fifth chapter focuses on improving inflation forecasts through combining some linear and non-linear models by using both traditional and other proposed sophisticated time varying combination approaches. We find that the BF rule is the superior welfare policy under all policy scenarios. With regard to the IFB rule, we conclude that: the augmented versions with the expected exchange rate are preferable to the IFB rule; the Time Varying Coefficient Phillips Curve with HP output gap (TVCPC_HP) produces the best forecasting accuracy; and models with time-invariant volatility, skewness and kurtosis are inferior to the models with time-varying higher order moments. Moreover, in comparison to static models, dynamic multivariate models can provide rich information related to inflation dynamics and forecasts. Further, the proposed time varying combination approaches dominate all individual models and all other static combination schemes.
CD4 Help-Independent Induction of Cytotoxic CD8 Cells to Allogeneic P815 Tumor Cells Is Absolutely Dependent on Costimulation1

Mice made transgenic (Tg) for a rat anti-mouse CD4 Ab (GK mice) represent a novel CD4-deficient model. They not only lack canonical CD4 cells in the periphery, but also lack the residual aberrant Th cells that are found in CD4−/− mice and MHC class II−/− mice. To analyze the role of CD4 help and costimulation for CTL induction against alloantigens, we have assessed the surface and functional phenotype of CD8 cells in vivo (e.g., clearance of allogeneic P815 cells) and in vitro. In our CD4-deficient GK mice, CTL responses to allogeneic P815 cells were induced, albeit delayed, and were sufficient to eliminate P815 cells. Induction of CTL and elimination of allogeneic P815 cells were inhibited both in the presence and absence of CD4 cells by temporary CD40 ligand blockade. This indicated that direct interaction of CD40/CD40L between APCs and CD8 cells may be an accessory signal in CTL induction (as well as the indirect pathway via APC/CD4 interaction). Furthermore, whereas in CTLA4Ig single Tg mice P815 cells were rejected promptly, in the double Tg GK/CTLA4Ig mice CTL were not induced and allogeneic P815 cells were not rejected. These findings suggest that CD40/CD40L is involved in both CD4-dependent and CD4-independent pathways, and that B7/CD28 is pivotal in the CD4-independent pathway of CTL induction against allogeneic P815 cells.
Expression pattern of leptin and leptin receptor (OB-R) in human gastric cancer.

AIM To examine the expression of leptin and its receptor, OB-R, in normal gastric mucosa and neoplasia. METHODS By immunohistochemical staining using specific antibodies, we evaluated the expression of leptin and OB-R in 207 gastric carcinomas (100 early and 107 advanced carcinomas) and analyzed their relationship with clinicopathological features. RESULTS Both normal gastric epithelium and carcinoma cells expressed a significant level of leptin. In cases with OB-R staining, carcinoma cells showed OB-R-positive expression, but the intensity was weaker than that in normal mucosa. The expression of OB-R showed a significant correlation with the level of leptin expression. The expression levels of both leptin and OB-R tended to increase as the depth of tumor invasion or TMN stage increased (P < 0.01). Lymph node metastasis was detected in 49.5% (47/95) of leptin-strong cases and in 50.5% (48/95) of OB-R-positive cases, and the rate was 33% (37/112) in leptin-weak cases and 17% (19/112) in OB-R-negative cases. Both venous and lymphatic invasion also tended to be observed frequently in positive tumors as compared with negative tumors. Interestingly, in the 96 leptin- or OB-R-positive tumors, hematogenous metastasis was detected preoperatively in 3 (3.1%) patients. In contrast, none of the carcinomas that lacked expression of leptin and OB-R showed hematogenous metastasis. CONCLUSION Overexpression of leptin and expression of OB-R may play a positive role in the process of progression in gastric cancer. Functional upregulation of leptin/OB-R may have a positive role in the development and initial phase of progression in gastric cancer.