Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A qualitative investigation of student interactions in a learning activity center: Defining success, at-risk factors, and resiliency for developmental programs in community colleges

This purposive study selected ten students of different background in order to understand how the educational success of adults was affected by Learning Activity Centers (LAC) in a community college. The ten selected students were all nontraditional students who had at least these three at-risk factors: (a) they scored below the college minimums on a diagnostic test in reading, writing, or mathematics, (b) they were below student financial aid guidelines, and (c) they had an interrupted educational history of two or more years. The ten students were paired into five categories: (a) Sudanese males, (b) Mexican females, (c) single parent females, (d) single females over 40, and (e) males over 40. The ten selected community college students were all graduates or students who were in their final semester who had used the LAC more than 50 hours. Interviews were conducted to determine how the students viewed academic success, how they overcame their at-risk factors, how they interacted with the staff and resources in the LAC, and how the LAC affected their eventual success. First, although students partially agree with institutional definitions of success, such as retention, GPA, and graduation, these non-traditional, at-risk students have additional definitions of success which include increased social status, independence, and stabilizing their life situations. Second, the interviews also review how students use resiliency factors to counter the negative affects of at-risk factors. Third, while the developmental curriculum teaches study skills, reading, writing improvement, mathematics, and English as a second language, students need the additional modeling, mentoring, and advising they receive in the LAC to practice what they learn, improve Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. their skills, and adjust to the social and academic demands of postsecondary education. The research study concludes with suggestions on how to improve staff training in the LAC and that further studies need to focus on additional diverse cultural groups to determine how students can benefit from LACs. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. DEDICATION I want to dedicate this work to my wife. I am blessed by her loving support of me. She has encouraged me when I was discouraged, motivated me when I was unmotivated, and reminded me every day how important it is to accomplish what you set out to do. If anyone deserves to have their name on this, it is definitely Inok Kalkwarf. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Crystal Structure of the Bcl-XL-Beclin 1 Peptide Complex

Bcl-2 family proteins are key regulators of apoptosis and have recently been shown to modulate autophagy. The tumor suppressor Beclin 1 has been proposed to coordinate both apoptosis and autophagy through direct interaction with anti-apoptotic family members Bcl-2 and/or Bcl-XL. However, the molecular basis for this interaction remains enigmatic. Here we report that Beclin 1 contains a conserved BH3 domain, which is both necessary and sufficient for its interaction with Bcl-XL. We also report the crystal structure of a Beclin BH3 peptide in complex with Bcl-XL at 2.5Å resolution. Reminiscent of previously determined Bcl-XL-BH3 structures, the amphipathic BH3 helix of Beclin 1 bound to a conserved hydrophobic groove of Bcl-XL. These results define Beclin 1 as a novel BH3-only protein, implying that Beclin 1 may have a direct role in initiating apoptotic signaling. We propose that this putative apoptotic function may be linked to the ability of Beclin 1 to suppress tumor formation in mammals.
Mediating Roles of Hopelessness and Resilience in the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Depressive Tendencies among Some Nigerian-Libya Returnees

Most studies conducted on depression, social support, resilience and hopelessness tend to focus more on cancer and HIV victims thus, less attention has been on the mediating role of hopelessness and resilience in the relationship between social support (rehabilitation) and depressive symptoms among victims of traumatic life events, This study therefore investigated the mediating role of hopelessness and resilience on the relationship between perceived social support and depression among Nigerian Libya returnees. Using a cross-sectional survey involving 251 returnees (male=128; female=123) whose ages ranges between 23 and 48 years (mean=30.13; SD=5.27) randomly selected across three Nigerian cities (Lagos=91; Porthacourt=76 and Benin=84). Five hypotheses were tested using simple regression, multiple regression and Sobel test analysis. The result revealed that perceived social support predicts resilience [â= . 46, p <. 001], hopelessness [â= -. 22, p <. 001] and depression [â= . 46, p <. 001] such that social support lead to an increase in resilience but reduces hopelessness and depression. Social support and hopelessness jointly predicted depression [R=. 43, R2=. 18, F (2,248) = 16.29, p<0.01], social support and resilience jointly predict depression [R=. 47, R2=. 20, F (2,248) = 74.67, p<0.01]. Lastly mediation analysis showed that hopelessness (Z=-7.64, P <.001) and resilience (Z= -7.49, P <.001) mediate the relationship between social support and depression. Conclusively, the relationship between social support and depression is affected by the inclusion of the mediating variables resilience and hopelessness. We recommended a proper rehabilitation system to boost victims’ resilience trait which will inversely serve as a counter measure against depression and hopelessness.
Phylogeny of Anophelinae (Diptera: Culicidae) based on nuclear ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships among thirty‐two species of mosquitoes in subfamily Anophelinae are inferred from portions of the mitochondrial genes COI and COII, the nuclear 18S small subunit rRNA gene and the expansion D2 region of the nuclear large subunit 28S rRNA gene. Sequences were obtained from the genera Anopheles, Bironella and Chagasia. Representatives of all six subgenera of Anopheles were included: Anopheles, Cellia, Kerteszia, Lophopodomyia, Nyssorhynchus and Stethomyia. Using parsimony and maximum likelihood methods, various combinations of these DNA sequence data were analysed separately: 18S, 28S, combined 18S and 28S, combined COI and COII, and combined 18S, 28S, COI and COII (‘total evidence’). The combined rDNA data contain strong phylogenetic signal, moderately to strongly supporting most clades in MP and ML analyses; however, the mtDNA data (analysed as either nucleotide or amino acid sequences) contain little phylogenetic signal, except for relationships of very recently derived groups of species and, at the deepest level, for the monophyly of Anophelinae. The paraphyly of Anopheles relative to Bironella is confirmed by most analyses and statistical tests. Support for the monophyly of subgenera Anopheles, Cellia, Kerteszia and Nyssorhynchus is indicated by most analyses. Subgenus Lophopodomyia is reconstructed as the sister to Bironella, nested within a clade also containing Nyssorhynchus and Kerteszia. The most basal relationships within genus Anopheles are not well resolved by any of the data partitions, although the results of statistical analyses of the rDNA data (S‐H‐tests, likelihood ratio tests for monophyly and Bayesian MCMC analyses) suggest that the clade consisting of Bironella, Lophopodomyia, Nyssorhynchus and Kerteszia is the sister to the clade containing Cellia and Anopheles.
Analytical method for calculating the sensitivity index of system parameters

This work proposes an analytical method for calculating sensitivity index. The proposed method is based on one-at-a-time measurements and calculates the difference between output values and the base solution to define the impact caused by each parameter in the system. The results indicated that the analytical method provides adequate values for the sensitivity index even when the parameters have minor variation in relation to the base value, presenting coherent response with graphical analysis. The proposed method satisfies a wide range of systems and assigns value to the influence of the parameters, contributing to the decision-making process, calculation of system complexity, identification of systems, among other situations.
Development of a Farsi translation of the AGREE instrument, and the effects of group discussion on improving the reliability of the scores.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a formal Farsi (Persian) translation of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) clinical guideline appraisal instrument. We considered the effect of group discussion in improving the reliability of scores. METHODS We followed a multi-step process of translation including independent translations of the instrument and extensive assessment of face validity and fluency. We used the instruments to appraise 11 guidelines from three specialities. After the first appraisal, the raters discussed about each guideline in groups, and had the opportunity to revise their scores individually. In total 96 appraisals were conducted. The intra-class correlations (1,1) were calculated for domain scores obtained by two versions at each time point. RESULTS We observed no statistically significant differences between the mean values obtained from the English and the translated versions of AGREE, and the scores at two time points. The average domain scores, as well as the reliability rose significantly after discussion. CONCLUSION The Farsi version of the AGREE instrument yields in the scores comparable to the original version, despite a lower reliability. Revision of scores after group discussion leads to higher reliability, probably by helping the raters recognize what they might have overlooked during the short time of assessment.
Variance maintained by stochastic forcing of non-normal dynamical systems associated with linearly stable shear flows.

The level of variance maintained in a stochastically forced asymptotically stable linear dynamical system with a non-normal dynamical operator cannot be fully characterized by the decay rate of its normal modes, in contrast to the case of normal dynamical systems. The nonorthogonality of modes in a non-normal system may lead to transient growth which supports variance far in excess of that anticipated from the decay rate given by the eigenvalues of the operator. As an example, the variance maintained by stochastic forcing in a canonical shear flow is examined in this work and found to increase with a power of the Reynolds number between 1.5 and 3. This great amplification of variance suggests a fundamentally linear mechanism underlying shear flow turbulence.
Empire of Hope and Tragedy: Jordanes and the Invention of Roman-Gothic History

ii Acknowledgements.iv Vita.v Introduction.1 Chapter One: The Question of Cassiodorus I: Methodological Problems.8 Chapter Two: The Question of Cassiodorus II: Exegetical Problems.37 Chapter Three: Genre and Structure in the Getica and Romana.79 Chapter Four: The ‘Gothic Question’: Contemporary Discourse Between East and West.130 Chapter Five: The Gothic War and the Politics of Jordanes’ Historical Corpus.217 Bibliography.323
Accumulation of (18)F-FDG in the liver in hepatic steatosis.

OBJECTIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with hepatic inflammation. An emerging technique to image inflammation is PET using the glucose tracer, (18)F-FDG. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in hepatic steatosis the liver accumulates FDG in excess of FDG physiologically exchanging between blood and hepatocyte. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hepatic FDG uptake, as SUV = [voxel counts / administered activity] × body weight), and CT density were measured in a liver region in images obtained 60 minutes after injection of FDG in 304 patients referred for routine PET/CT. Maximum SUV (region voxel with the highest count rate, SUVmax) and average SUV ( SUVave) were measured. Blood FDG concentration was measured as the maximum SUV over the left ventricular cavity (SUVLV). SUVave was adjusted for hepatic fat using a formula equating percentage fat to CT density. Patients were divided in subgroups on the basis of blood glucose (< 4, 4 to < 5, 5 to < 6, 6 to < 8, 8 to < 10, and > 10 mmol/L). Hepatic steatosis was defined as CT density less than 40 HU (n = 71). RESULTS The percentage of hepatic fat increased exponentially with blood glucose. SUVmax / SUVLV and fat-adjusted SUVave / SUVLV but not SUVave / SUVLV correlated with blood glucose. Fat-adjusted SUVave was higher in patients with hepatic steatosis (p < 0.001) by ~0.4 in all blood glucose groups. There was a similar difference (~0.3) in SUVmax (p < 0.005) but no difference in SUVave. SUVmax / SUVLV and fat-adjusted SUVave / SUVLV correlated with blood glucose in patients with hepatic steatosis but not in those without. SUVave / SUVLV correlated with blood glucose in neither group. CONCLUSION FDG uptake is increased in hepatic steatosis, probably resulting from irreversible uptake in inflammatory cells superimposed on reversible hepatocyte uptake.
Phase‐adjusted echo time (PATE)‐averaging 1H MRS: application for improved glutamine quantification at 2.89 T

1H MRS investigations have reported altered glutamatergic neurotransmission in a variety of psychiatric disorders. The unraveling of glutamate from glutamine resonances is crucial for the interpretation of these observations, although this remains a challenge at clinical static magnetic field strengths. Glutamate resolution can be improved through an approach known as echo time (TE) averaging, which involves the acquisition and subsequent averaging of multiple TE steps. The process of TE averaging retains the central component of the glutamate methylene multiplet at 2.35 ppm, with the simultaneous attenuation of overlapping phase‐modulated coupled resonances of glutamine and N‐acetylaspartate. We have developed a novel post‐processing approach, termed phase‐adjusted echo time (PATE) averaging, for the retrieval of glutamine signals from a TE‐averaged 1H MRS dataset. The method works by the application of an optimal TE‐specific phase term, which is derived from spectral simulation, prior to averaging over TE space. The simulation procedures and preliminary in vivo spectra acquired from the human frontal lobe at 2.89 T are presented. Three metabolite normalization schemes were developed to evaluate the frontal lobe test–retest reliability for glutamine measurement in six subjects, and the resulting values were comparable with previous reports for within‐subject (9–14%) and inter‐subject (14–20%) measures. Using the acquisition parameters and TE range described, glutamine quantification is possible in approximately 10 min. The post‐processing methods described can also be applied retrospectively to extract glutamine and glutamate levels from previously acquired TE‐averaged 1H MRS datasets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free Flap Reconstruction of the Head and Neck: Analysis of 241 Cases

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study of free flap reconstruction of the head and neck to stratify patients and procedures, to determine how donor site preference changed over time, to assess medical and surgical outcomes, and to identify variables associated with complications. METHODS: We analyzed computerized medical records from 236 patients who underwent a total of 241 reconstructions at a tertiary academic medical center in St. Louis between 1989 and 1998. We created a more detailed retrospective database of 141 of those patients by using 48 perioperative variables and 7 adverse outcome measures. Multivariate statistical models were used to analyze associations between variables and outcomes. RESULTS: The fibula became the preferred donor site for mandibular reconstruction, and the radial forearm became the preferred donor site for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. For the 241 procedures, the mortality rate was 2.1%, the median length of stay was 11 days, and the flap survival rate was 95%. Administration of more than 7 L of crystalloid during surgery and age over 55 were associated with major medical complications. Blood transfusion, prognostic comorbidity, and number of surgeons correlated with length of stay. Cigarette smoking and receipt of more than 7 L of crystalloid during surgery were associated with overall flap complications, and weight loss of more than 10% before surgery, more than one operating surgeon, and cigarette smoking were associated with major flap complications. CONCLUSIONS: Risk to patients and transferred tissue is low in free flap head and neck reconstruction. Age, smoking history, and weight loss should be considered during patient selection. Fluid balance should be considered during and after surgery. Division of labor for patient care should be carefully delineated among surgeons in a teaching setting.
Interdisciplinary staffing patterns: do for-profit and nonprofit hospices differ?

BACKGROUND Interdisciplinary care is fundamental to the hospice philosophy and is a key component of high-quality hospice care. However, little is known about how hospices differ in their interdisciplinary staffing patterns, particularly across nonprofit and for-profit hospices. The purpose of this study was to examine potential differences in the staffing patterns of for-profit and nonprofit hospices. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN Using the 2006 Medicare Provider of Services (POS) survey, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of staffing patterns within Medicare-certified hospices operating in the United States in 2006. In bivariate and multivariable analyses, we examined differences in staffing patterns measured by the existence of a full range of interdisciplinary staff (defined as having at least 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff in each of 4 disciplines ascertained by the survey: physician, nursing, psychosocial, and home health aide) and by the professional mix of staff within each discipline. RESULTS For-profit hospices had a winder range of paid staff but there were no differences by ownerships when volunteer staff were included. For-profit hospices had significantly fewer registered nurse FTEs as a proportion of nursing staff, fewer medical social worker FTEs as a proportion of psychosocial staff, and fewer clinician FTEs as a proportion of total staff (p values <0.05). Compared to nonprofit hospices, for-profit and government-owned hospices also used proportionally fewer volunteer FTEs. CONCLUSIONS Hospice staffing patterns differed significantly by ownership type. Future research should evaluate the impact of these differences on quality of care and satisfaction among patients and families using hospice.
Cochlear implant in the second year of life: lexical and grammatical outcomes.

PURPOSE The authors studied the effect of the cochlear implant (CI) on language comprehension and production in deaf children who had received a CI in the 2nd year of life. METHOD The authors evaluated lexical and morphosyntactic skills in comprehension and production in 17 Italian children who are deaf (M = 54 months of age) with a CI and in 2 control groups of children with normal hearing (NH; 1 matched for chronological age and the other whose chronological age corresponded to the duration of CI activation). The authors also compared children with unilateral CI to children with bilateral CI. RESULTS Children with CI appeared to keep pace with NH children matched for time since CI activation in terms of language acquisition, and they were similar to same-age NH children in lexical production. However, children with CI showed difficulties in lexical comprehension when a task required phonological discrimination as well as in grammar comprehension and production. Children with bilateral CI showed better comprehension than did children with unilateral CI; the 2 groups were similar for production. CONCLUSIONS Activation of CI in the 2nd year of life may provide children who are deaf with a good opportunity to develop language skills, although some limitations in phonological and morphological skills are still present 3 years after auditory reafferentation.
Circulating Chromogranin A and Catecholamines in Human Fetuses at Uneventful Birth

ABSTRACT: Chromogranin A (CGA), a large acidic 48-kD protein, co-stored and coreleased by exocytosis with catecholamines, has been shown to be a precursor of peptides that exert feedback regulatory control on catecholamine secretion. In plasma, CGA levels increase in response to a large-amplitude physical stimulation in adult subjects and may be related to catecholamine levels. Any akin information is not yet available when the sympathoadrenal system is highly actived during birth. This activation is strongly related to parturition circumstances such as the mode of delivery. The aim of our study was to determine CGA plasma levels in infants delivered vaginally or by elective cesarean section and to investigate the possible correlation between CGA and catecholamine concentrations. Plasma levels of catecholamines (norepinephrine and epinephrine) and CGA were assessed by HPLC with electrochemical detection and immu-noenzymology, respectively. CGA and norepinephrine concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.0002 and p < 0.02) in infants vaginally born than in the group delivered by elective cesarean section. A significant relationship (p < 0.04) was found between CGA and norepinephrine levels. However, for epinephrine, no significant difference was found between both groups. These results demonstrate the fetus' ability to corelease CGA and norepinephrine massively in response to stress of birth.
On-wafer noise-parameter measurements at W-band

A wide-band on-wafer noise-parameter measurement setup has been developed for W-band. The system is based on a cold-source method and uses a simple manual impedance tuner. In addition to noise parameters, S-parameters can be measured with the same setup. Using the developed system, noise parameters of an InP high electron-mobility transistor have been measured and results are shown in the 79-94-GHz frequency band. This is the first comprehensive report of noise-parameter measurements made on active devices at W-band.
Emotional state recognition in customer service dialogues through telephone line

An automatic monitoring technique has been developed for the detection of the degree of the discontentment of the customer during a spontaneous conversation between the customer and the dispatcher through telephone. After the acoustic preprocessing clause sized segments were classified according to its emotional content, using support vector machine (SVM) classifier. A 15 sec long monitoring window was selected, and the clauses, which were automatically classified as “discontent” emotion, were counted in this window. Then, the window was moved forward, by 10 sec time steps. On the base of this monitoring technique it is possible to sign when the discontentment level has reached a critical “alarm level”.