Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Doctoral and Masters Supervision: The Potential Role of Self-Efficacy

This research investigated the potential contribution of self-efficacy and different forms of experience to the numbers of sucessful doctoral and masters degree supervisions of academics. Using a comprehensive purposive sampling procedure, academics at a large South African higher educational institution were sampled; 225 responses were received. Spearman Rho tests of association, Pearson partial correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were used to test the relationships between different types of self-efficacy, together with different forms of experience, and measures of doctoral and masters degree supervisions. Findings suggest that self-efficacy accounts for variance in doctoral and masters degree supervisions over and above the contribution of years of experience as a researcher, job satisfaction, gender and the number of people reporting to an individual. However, the effect of self-efficacy might only be significant up and until the point that an individual gains sufficient supervisory experience, of one form or the other (doctoral or masters degree supervision). Male academics are found to supervise more doctoral students. Individuals that supervise more doctoral students are found to have significantly higher levels of self-efficacy relating to statistical analysis. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n3p404
The EMBI in Latin America: Fractional Integration, Non-Linearities and Breaks

This paper analyses the main statistical properties of the Emerging Market Bond Index (EMBI), namely long-range dependence or persistence, non-linearities, and structural breaks, in four Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela). For this purpose it uses a fractional integration framework and both parametric and semiparametric methods. The evidence based on the former is sensitive to the specification for the error terms, whilst the results from the latter are more conclusive in ruling out mean reversion. Further, non-linearities do not appear to be present. Both recursive and rolling window methods identify a number of breaks. Overall, the evidence of long-range dependence as well as breaks suggests that active policies might be necessary for achieving financial and economic stability in these countries.
Pregnancy outcome after gestational exposure to erythromycin - a population-based register study from Norway.

AIMS Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic indicated for respiratory tract infections, genital chlamydia and skin infections. It has recently been suggested that erythromycin use in the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital cardiovascular malformations. This study aimed to determine whether erythromycin exposure in the first trimester is associated with cardiovascular or other malformations. METHODS We studied 180 120 women in Norway who were pregnant during 2004-2007. Data on all live births stillbirths and induced abortions after 12 gestational weeks from The Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) were linked to information from the Norwegian prescription database (NorPD). We compared the pregnancy outcomes of women who had taken erythromycin (n= 1786, 1.0%), penicillin V (n= 4921, 2.7%) or amoxicillin (n= 1599, 0.9%) in their first trimester with outcomes of women who had not taken any systemic antibiotics (n= 163 653, 90.9%) during this period. RESULTS The risk of cardiovascular malformations was not significantly different with or without exposure to erythromycin in the first trimester (adjusted OR = 1.2 [95% CI 0.8, 1.8]) or in the most vulnerable period of heart formation (adjusted OR = 1.6 [95% CI 0.9-3.0]). Sub-analyses showed that the risk for any specific malformations was not increased with erythromycin, macrolides, penicillin V or amoxicillin compared with no antibiotic use in first trimester. CONCLUSIONS This large, population-based register study did not find that exposure to erythromycin or macrolides in the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with fetal cardiovascular or other malformations. These results suggest that the risk of erythromycin use during early pregnancy, if any, is low.
Myelodysplasia following aplastic anaemia–paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria syndrome after treatment with immunosuppression and G‐CSF: evidence for the emergence of a separate clone

Myelodysplasia (MDS) and aplastic anaemia–paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (AA/PNH) syndrome developed in a severe aplastic anaemia (AA) patient after treatment with immunosuppressive (IS) therapy. Glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)‐linked proteins were determined, and during the AA/PNH phase, a high proportion of neutrophils were found to be negative, without clinical evidence of haemolysis. However, MDS developed with cytogenetic abnormalities of monosomy 7, 9q− and a rearranged chromosome 6; the GPI‐linked protein negative cells were completely replaced by positively expressing cells. This represents the emergence of a GPI‐linked protein positive myelodysplasia clone arising separately from an AA/PNH clone.
Traveling-wave antenna array (TWAA) with multioctave scan-gain-bandwidth

This paper presents the latest progress in demonstrating and characterizing the Traveling-Wave Antenna Array (TWAA) as a Multioctave Planar Phased Arrays (MPPA) capable of efficient wide-angle scan over multioctave bandwidth. (Beam Steering Network (BSN) and T/R module are not included here. ) Four brass board TWAA panels having 16∗16 array elements were fabricated and tested for wide-angle scan up to 60° off broadside over 2–12 GHz using a True-Time Delay (TTD) BSN in a corporate feed configuration. Fairly good performance was exhibited using conventional far-field antenna range tests in anechoic chambers. This study appears to be the first time that an MPPA is demonstrated to be capable of multioctave bandwidth for efficient 60° scan in a full-fledged manner with direct calibration. The test data are in good agreements with computer simulation data generated by The Ohio State University. MPPA's state-of-the-art is reviewed, and relevant ambiguities and controversies are discussed.
Perinatal Outcome After Antepartum Diagnosis of Oligohydramnios at or Beyond 34 Weeks of Gestation

Oligohydramnios, is associated with increased pregnancy complications, congenital anomalies and perinatal mortality. Its incidence is 2.3% of all the pregnancies(1). An accurate and reproducible method of determining abnormality in amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is sonographic assessment of amniotic fluid index (AFI). An AFI 5 cm, consistent with most sonographic criteria has been used as an indication for delivery of infants at or near term. In this prospective study 50 singleton pregnant females with gestation age 34 weeks with AFI 5 cm were analysed for perinatal outcome. After taking a detailed history and complete examination, AFI was obtained sonographically by dividing the maternal abdomen into four quadrants; the linea nigra was used to divide abdomen into right and left halves and umbilicus was used to separate upper and lower halves. The largest amniotic fluid pocket was identified in each quadrant and its vertical diameter taken. All four vertical diameters were summed up to obtain AFI in cm (2). All women were followed-up till delivery; and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Maximum number of women (n = 24) were in the age group 21-25 years (48%). Sixty per cent women were primigravida, 28% women presented at gestational age 34-36 weeks. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes are shown in Table I. On relating various perinatal outcomes in relation to sonographic findings of AFI, we found that as the volume of amniotic fluid increases, the rate of complications during pregnancy, labour and perinatal period decreases accordingly (Table II). Labour was spontaneous in onset in 28% and induced in 58% women. Elective caesarean section was done in 14%; 44% women had normal vaginal delivery and 56% underwent caesarean section, out of which 42% had fetal distress (Table II).
Prenatal diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia-1 (SEA type) by chorionic villus sampling.

OBJECTIVE To describe the experience of prenatal diagnosis for Hb Bart's disease, by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) with DNA analysis. DESIGN Descriptive study SETTINGS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. SUBJECTS Sixteen high risk pregnancies at risk of Hb Bart's disease who were eligible for CVS criteria between 1 January, 1999 and May 31, 2000. MATERIAL AND METHOD Fetal villi were obtained by either transcervical (TC) or transabdominal (TA) CVS route to extract DNA and detect for alpha-thal-1 gene deletion (SEA type) with modified Chang's method. The CVS results were confirmed by either serial ultrasound or cordocentesis or diagnosis after pregnancy termination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The efficacy, safety and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS CVS was successfully done in all of 16 cases (5 with TC and 11 with TA), The mean gestational age was 13.25 +/- 2.9 weeks. The procedure time for TA was shorter than that of TC (4.64 +/- 5.4 vs 10.4 +/- 11.3 min). The CVS result showed as follows: 3 normal fetuses, 7 alpha-thal-1 carriers, 4 fetal Hb Bart's, 1 misdiagnosis and 1 failure to diagnosis due to technical error. The sensitivity and specificity were 100 per cent (4/4) and 90.91 per cent (10/11), respectively. One case of Hb Bart's misdiagnosis and one failure case were later confirmed for alpha-thal-1 trait and alpha-thal-1/ Hb E trait by cordocentesis, respectively. The pregnancy outcomes included 11 livebirths, 4 terminated cases and 1 fetal loss of continuing pregnancies. No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSION This preliminary experience suggests that CVS is an effective method for early prenatal diagnosis of fetal Hb Bart's.
Occult atrial fibrillation in endurance athletes

php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine 2017:8 227–229 Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine Dovepress
Identification of two novel ALS2 mutations in infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia

ABSTRACT Biallelic mutations of ALS2 cause a clinical spectrum of overlapping autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorders: infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP), juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (JPLS), and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS2). We report on eleven individuals affected with IAHSP from two consanguineous Pakistani families. A combination of linkage analysis with homozygosity mapping and targeted sequencing identified two novel ALS2 mutations, a c.194T > C (p.Phe65Ser) missense substitution located in the first RCC-like domain of ALS2/alsin and a c.2998delA (p.Ile1000*) nonsense mutation. This study of extended families including a total of eleven affected individuals suggests that a given ALS2 mutation may lead to a phenotype with remarkable intrafamilial clinical homogeneity.
Mortality in myasthenia gravis: A nationwide population–based follow‐up study in Denmark

Introduction: In previous studies of myasthenia gravis (MG), increased mortality has been reported. The aim of this study was to estimate mortality in patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive (AChR‐Ab–seropositive) MG in a nationwide population–based, long‐term follow‐up study. Methods: All AChR‐Ab–seropositive MG patients, diagnosed between 1985 and 2005, were identified. Defined by age at diagnosis (≤50 or >50 years), patients were classified as having early‐ or late‐onset MG. For comparison, 10 non‐MG individuals from the general population were matched with each patient. All patients and controls were followed until January 1, 2009. Mortality rates and estimated mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were calculated. Results: Of 702 AChR‐Ab–seropositive MG patients, 302 died during follow‐up. Overall mortality was higher for patients with MG (MRR = 1.41, range 1.24–1.60). In late‐onset women and men, the MRRs were 1.64 (1.36–1.99) and 1.22 (1.02–1.46), respectively. Total MRR was highest during the first 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusions: MG diagnosis is still associated with increased mortality. Muscle Nerve 53: 73–77, 2016
Persistent Cognitive Changes in Breast Cancer Patients 1 Year Following Completion of Chemotherapy

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that there are acute cognitive side-effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Presumably, patients are more concerned about chronic treatment effects. This report from a prospective longitudinal study compares cognitive functioning in 56 breast cancer patients 1 year after chemotherapy to that of 56 healthy individuals. Neuropsychological test scores were combined into verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, and processing speed scores, as well as an overall summary score, and analyzed using multi-level growth modeling. Frequency of cognitive decline was assessed using regression-based change scores. There was significant rebound in the overall summary score from end of treatment to 1-year follow-up as well as a substantial reduction in the frequency of cognitive decline. However, more than one-third of the breast cancer patients who showed cognitive decline immediately following completion of chemotherapy showed persistent cognitive decline 1 year later. Furthermore, recovery was not seen in all cognitive domains. In fact, the rebound was significant only for working memory. Longer multi-site studies are recommended to explore the risk factors for and the permanence of these longer-term cognitive effects. (JINS, 2013, 20, 1–10)
Use of double-replacement gene targeting to replace the murine alpha-lactalbumin gene with its human counterpart in embryonic stem cells and mice

The mouse alpha-lactalbumin gene has been replaced with the human gene by two consecutive rounds of gene targeting in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT)-deficient feeder-independent murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. One mouse alpha-lactalbumin allele was first replaced by an HPRT minigene which was in turn replaced by human alpha-lactalbumin. The end result is a clean exchange of defined DNA fragments with no other DNA remaining at the target locus. Targeted ES cells at each stage remained capable of contributing efficiently to the germ line of chimeric animals. Double replacement using HPRT-deficient ES cells and the HPRT selection system is therefore a powerful and flexible method of targeting specific alterations to animal genes. A typical strategy for future use would be to generate a null mutation which could then be used to produce multiple second-step alterations at the same locus.
Fall fertilization of Pinus resinosa seedlings: nutrient uptake, cold hardiness, and morphological development

Abstract• Fall fertilization may increase plant nutrient reserves, yet associated impacts on seedling cold hardiness are relatively unexplored. • Bareroot red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) seedlings in north-central Minnesota, USA were fall fertilized at the end of the first growing season with ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) at 0, 11, 22, 44, or 89 kg N ha−1. Seedling morphology and cold hardiness [assessed by freeze induced electrolyte leakage (FIEL)] were evaluated six weeks after fertilization and following the second growing season. • Seedling height and number of needle primordia increased with fertilizer rate for both sampling years. Seedlings fertilized with 44 and 89 kg N ha−1 attained target height (15 cm) after the second growing season. Shoot and root N concentration increased after the first growing season in fall fertilized seedlings compared to controls. Fall fertilized seedlings had lower FIEL (i.e., increased cold hardiness) compared to controls when tested at −40 °C after the first growing season, but no significant differences in FIEL of control and fertilized seedlings were observed after the second growing season. • Results suggest that fall fertilization of red pine seedlings can help render desired target height in the nursery, while maintaining or increasing cold hardiness levels. Résumé• La fertilisation automnale peut augmenter les réserves en éléments nutritifs des plants, mais les répercussions sur la rusticité au froid des semis sont encore relativement inexplorées. • Des plants à racines nues de Pinus resinosa Ait.dans le centre-nord du Minnesota (USA) ont été fertilisés à l’automne à la fin de la première saison de croissance avec du nitrate d’ammonium (NH4NO3) à 0, 11, 22, 44, ou 89 kg N ha−1. La morphologie des plants et la rusticité au froid [estimée par la fuite d’électrolyte (FIEL) induite par le gel] ont été évaluées six semaines après la fertilisation et à la suite dans la deuxième saison de croissance. • La hauteur des plants et le nombre de primordiums d’aiguilles ont augmenté avec le taux de fertilisation pour les deux années d’échantillonnage. Les plants fertilisés avec 44 et 89 kg N ha−1 ont atteint l’objectif de hauteur (15 cm) après la deuxième saison de croissance. La concentration en N des tiges et des racines a augmenté après la première saison de croissance chez les plants fertilisés à l’automne par rapport aux témoins. Les plants fertilisés à l’automne ont eu un plus faible FIEL (c’est-à-dire, une augmentation de rusticité), comparativement aux témoins lors du test à −40 °C après la première saison de croissance, mais aucune différence significative de FIEL entre plants fertilisés et témoins n’a été observée après la deuxième saison de croissance. • Les résultats suggèrent que la fertilisation d’automne des plants de Pinus resinosa Ait. peut aider à obtenir l’objectif de hauteur souhaité dans la pépinière, tout en maintenant ou en augmentant les niveaux de rusticité au froid.
Changes in intraocular pressure after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

PURPOSE Reports have shown that photorefractive keratectomy changes intraocular pressure (IOP) in myopic eyes by changing the thickness and curvature of the cornea. Changes in intraocular pressure after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia led the authors to evaluate IOP after LASIK for various refractive errors. METHODS The measurement of intraocular pressure with a Goldman applanometer in the central cornea was evaluated before and 3 months after LASIK in 100 eyes of 55 patients with various refractive errors. Corneal thickness (pachymetry) and corneal topography were evaluated. RESULTS After LASIK, a significant decrease of intraocular pressure was observed in most eyes: mean 11.9 +/- 3.2 mmHg before and 9.8 +/- 2.6 mmHg at 3 months after surgery (P < .001). Mean decrease in IOP was 2.75 +/- 3.3 mmHg (P < .0001) for myopic eyes, 2.28 +/- 2.43 mmHg (P < .001) for hyperopic eyes, and 1.47 +/- 2.5 mmHg (P < .0012) for astigmatic eyes. IOP reduction was not significantly correlated to the amount of ablation (r = 0.05) or to corneal thickness. CONCLUSION Intraocular pressure decreased in myopic, hyperopic, and astigmatic eyes after LASIK. The reduction was not correlated to the amount of tissue removed or to flattening or steepening of the central cornea.
Sustained and controlled release of lipophilic drugs from a self-assembling amphiphilic 1 peptide hydrogel 2 3 4

20 Materials which undergo self-assembly to form supermolecular structures can provide 21 alternative strategies to drug loading problems in controlled release application. RADA 16 is 22 a simple and versatile self-assembling peptide with a designed structure formed of two 23 distinct surfaces, one hydrophilic and one hydrophobic that are positioned such a well24 ordered fashion allowing precise assembly into a predetermined organization. A “smart” 25 architecture in nanostructures can represent a good opportunity to use RADA16 as a carrier 26 system for hydrophobic drugs solving problems of drugs delivery. In this work, we have 27 investigated the diffusion properties of Pindolol, Quinine and Timolol Maleate from 28 RADA16 in PBS and in BSS-PLUS at 37 °C. A sustained, controlled, reproducible and 29 efficient drug release has been detected for all the systems, which has allow to understand the 30 dependence of release kinetics on the physicochemical characteristics of RADA16 structural 31 and chemical properties of the selected drugs and the nature of solvents used. For the analysis 32 various physicochemical characterization techniques were used in order to investigate the 33 state of the peptide before and after the drugs were added. Not only does RADA16 optimise 34 drug performance, but it can also provide a solution for drug delivery issues associated with 35 lipophilic drugs. 36
Assessment of Salivary Urea in Different Stages of Chronic Renal Failure Patients

The human kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneum at the level of the waist. Each adult kidney weighs approximately 160 g and measures 10 to 15 cm in length.1 The kidneys are vital organs for maintaining a stable homeostasis. Kidney has many functions like regulating the acid–base and fluid electrolyte balance of the body by filtering blood, reabsorbing water and electrolytes, and excreting urea and other toxic metabolites. Renal diseases are classified based on onset as acute and chronic renal failure (CRF). Acute renal failure is reversible, whereas chronic is irreversible and progresses to end-stage renal failure.1-4 The term “uremia,” which was originally applied by Piorry and Heritier in 1840 for cases of renal failure and which at that time was taken to imply the retention of urine in the blood, has been used for the various syndromes associated with nitrogen retention. Chronic renal failure is now termed “chronic kidney” disease or (CKD). 5 A system to classify stages of CKD is justified to permit a logical approach to diagnosis and therapy in these patients. A working group of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recently published clinical practice guidelines to aid physicians in diagnosing and managing CKD.6 Chronic renal failure is divided into stages according to the level of renal function present or the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The glomerular filtration rate is the best overall measure of kidney function. Factors that influence GFR include both structural (or functional) kidney disease as well as patient age. In stage I CKD, patients have normal renal function (glomerular filtration rate > 90 cc/minute) but may have proteinuria or hematuria. In stage 2 CKD, patients have reduced renal function with GFR between 60 and 90 cc/minute. Stage 3 CKD reflects a GFR between 30 and 60 cc/minute. During stage 3 CKD, patients often start developing manifestations related to CKD, such as anemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH). These patients are more likely to die from other comorbidities than 1,5Senior Lecturer, 2Professor and Head, 3Reader, 4Private Practioner, 6Senior Lecturer 1,5Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College and Hospital, Gujarat, India