Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Components of effective letters of recommendation: A cross-sectional survey of academic faculty

Introduction Conventional merit-based criteria, including standardized test scores and grade point averages, have become less available to residency programs to help distinguish applicants, making other components of the application, including letters of recommendation (LORs), important surrogate markers for performance. Despite their impact on applications, there is limited published data on LORs in the international setting. Methods A cross-sectional survey of academic faculty was conducted between 9 January 2023 and 12 March 2023 at two large academic medical centers in the United Arab Emirates. Descriptive statistics were used to tabulate variable frequencies. Results Of the 98 respondents, the majority were male (n = 67; 68.4%), Western-trained (n = 66; 67.3%), mid-career physicians (n = 46; 46.9%). Most respondents (n = 77; 78.6%) believed that the purpose of an LOR was to help an applicant match into their desired program. Letters rarely included important skills, such as leadership (n = 37; 37.8%), applicant involvement in research (n = 43; 43.9%), education (n = 38; 38.8%), or patient advocacy (n = 30; 30.6%). Most faculty (n = 81; 82.7%) were not familiar with standardized letters of recommendation. Only 7.3% (n = 7) of respondents previously received training in writing LORs, but 87.7% (n = 86) expressed an interest in this professional development opportunity. Conclusion There is variability in perceptions and practices related to LOR writing in our international setting, with several areas for improvement. Given the increasing importance of LORs to a candidate’s application, faculty development is necessary.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN ALGERIAN INDIGENOUS GOATS BY MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

Goat farming is an important economical resource in rural and harsh areas worldwide. In Algeria, a population of more than 5 million of goats is present but until recent years, genetic characterization of different indigenous breeds was not performed. A description of morpho biometric traits has been performed to establish characteristics distinguishing 4 different goats breed: Naine de Kabylie, Arbia, Mekatia and M’zabite bred in 4 different environments in north-central Algeria. A total of 416 goats, aged up to twelve months old, belonging to the four indigenous breeds were used for the analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed considering the following 5 quantitative traits: height at wither (HW), thoracic circumference (TC), ears length (EL), horns length (HoL) and hair length (HaL). In addition, 7 qualitative traits were used: the coat colour (black and white, black, white, brown, brown and white), type of hair (three levels: short, mid-long and long), type of ears (three levels: drooping, pedunculated and dressed), type of chamfer (two levels: curved or straight), incidence of horns (Ho, presence/absence), incidence of beard (Br, presence/absence) and incidence of wattles (W, presence/absence). Least square means of the morphometric measurements traits for sex were generally significant (p < 0.01). Component analysis and common factor analysis were used to analyse interrelationships among variables. Phenotypic frequencies of the qualitative traits were calculated. To analyse the pattern of relationships among the qualitative variables a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed. The first component accounts for the 61% of the variance and is associated with measures of height (HW) and length (TC, EL, HoL). The second component is associated with HaL with a correlation of 97%. The considered breeds were not perfectly clustered as some qualitative traits were in common between breeds.
GLI-12 Reference Values versus Fixed 0.7 Ratio for the Detection of Airflow Obstruction in the Presence of Lung Hyperinflation

Abstract Introduction Airflow obstruction (AO) is evidenced by reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) with the threshold for diagnosis often being set at <0.7. However, currently the ATS/ERS standards for interpretation of lung function tests recommend the lower limit of normal (LLN), calculated by reference equations of the Global Lung Initiative from 2012 (GLI-12), as a threshold for AO diagnosis. The present study aims to investigate phenotypes, with focus on hyperinflation, which influence AO prevalence defined by FEV1/FVC < LLN when compared to the fixed 0.7 threshold. Methods Data from 3,875 lung function tests (56.4% men, aged 18–95) including 3,824 body plethysmography recordings performed from July 2021 to June 2022 were analysed. The difference between both classifiers was quantified, before and after stratification by sex, age, and hyperinflation. Results AO diagnosis was significantly less frequent with the LLN threshold (18.2%) compared to the fixed threshold (28.0%) (p < 0.001) with discordance rate of 10.5%. In the presence of mild or moderate hyperinflation, there was substantial agreement (Cohen’s kappa: 0.616, 0.718) between the classifiers compared to near perfect agreement in the presence of severe hyperinflation (Cohen’s kappa: 0.896). In addition, subgroup analysis after stratification for sex, age, and hyperinflation showed significant differences between both classifiers. Conclusion The importance of using the LLN threshold instead of the fixed 0.7 threshold for the diagnosis of AO is highlighted. When using the fixed threshold AO, misdiagnosis was more common in the presence of mild to moderate hyperinflation.
Integrated Life Skills Training and Executive Function Strategies in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and aim Executive function (EF) impairment is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF strategies are considered effective in improving the therapeutic outcomes of children with ASD. This study primarily aimed to explore whether integrating EF strategies combined with regular occupational therapy intervention is more effective in improving daily life skills (DLS) and sensory integration/processing (SI/SP) skills than regular occupational therapy alone in children with ASD and secondarily aims to assess treatment outcomes on improving visual motor integration (VMI) skills. Methods A total of 17 participants (13 males, mean age 4.29 years, standard deviation 0.66) completed the study. Following the baseline assessments, the participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (45-minute once-weekly individual occupational therapy plus EF strategies) or control group (45-minute once-weekly individual therapy sessions alone). All participants received one intervention per week for 14 weeks. All children were systematically evaluated using a pediatric functional independent measure (WeeFIM) and the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) to assess DLS, the Short Sensory Profile 2 (SSP2) to assess SP/SI, and the Beery VMI test (Beery VMI) to assess VMI. Assessments were conducted at baseline, seven weeks, and 14 weeks of treatment. Results The analysis of the results between the treatment and control groups revealed that the treatment group had greater gains and significant differences in the mean values of both the WeeFIM and SSP2. In addition, notable distinctions were observed in the VB-MAPP transition subscale; although these differences did not reach statistical significance, they were clinically significant. Minimal differences were noted in the VMI between the two groups. Nevertheless, both groups showed statistically significant improvements across all outcome measures. Conclusions Our study provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy of EF strategies combined with regular occupational therapy for DLS, SP/SI, and VMI in children with ASD. The differences between the groups support further evaluation of the effectiveness of EF strategies for the next stage of a larger randomized clinical trial.
Why protein conformers in molecular dynamics simulations differ from theircrystal structures: a thermodynamic insight

Conformers generally deviate structurally from their starting X-ray crystal structures early in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Studies have recognized such structural differences and attempted to provide an explanation for and justify the necessity of MD equilibrations. However, a detailed explanation based on fundamental physics and validation on a large ensemble of protein structures is still missing. Here we provide the first thermodynamic insights into the radically different thermodynamic conditions of crystallization solutions and conventional MD simulations. Crystallization solution conditions can lead to nonphysiologically high ion concentrations, low temperatures, and crystal packing with strong specific protein--protein interactions, not present under physiological conditions. These differences affect protein conformations and functions, and MD structures equilibrated or simulated under physiological conditions are usually expected to differ from their X-ray structures at a local scale, while the global fold is usually maintained. To quantify this property, we performed conventional MD simulations for over 70 different proteins spanning a broad range of molecular size and structural and functional families. Our analysis shows that crystal structures are good starting points; however, they do not represent structures in their physiological environment. This fact has to be taken into consideration when computational methods dependent on atomic coordinates, such as substrate/ligand docking, are used to guide experimental analyses.
KOCAELIA GEN. N. (FAMILY BEYRICHITIDAE) FROM MIDDLE ANISIAN

The new genus Kocaelia , with Aspidites toulai (Arthaber) as a type species, is here described. Based on the involute and compressed shape, occurrence of straight to slightly sinuous ribs and subammonitic suture in mature individuals the genus Kocaelia is attributed to family Beyrichitidae. The complex ontogeny distinguishes the genus Kocaelia from other closed genera.
Synaptotagmin 7 Sculpts Short-Term Plasticity at a High Probability Synapse

Synapses with high release probability (Pr) tend to exhibit short-term synaptic depression. According to the prevailing model, this reflects the temporary depletion of release-ready vesicles after an initial action potential (AP). At the high-Pr layer 4 to layer 2/3 (L4-L2/3) synapse in rodent somatosensory cortex, short-term plasticity appears to contradict the depletion model: depression is absent at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) <50 ms and develops to a maximum at ∼200 ms. To understand the mechanism(s) underlying the biphasic time course of short-term plasticity at this synapse, we used whole-cell electrophysiology and two-photon calcium imaging in acute slices from male and female juvenile mice. We tested several candidate mechanisms including neuromodulation, postsynaptic receptor desensitization, and use-dependent changes in presynaptic AP-evoked calcium. We found that, at single L4-L2/3 synapses, Pr varies as a function of ISI, giving rise to the distinctive short-term plasticity time course. Furthermore, the higher-than-expected Pr at short ISIs depends on expression of synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7). Our results show that two distinct vesicle release processes summate to give rise to short-term plasticity at this synapse: (1) a basal, high-Pr release mechanism that undergoes rapid depression and recovers slowly (τ = ∼3 s) and (2) a Syt7-dependent mechanism that leads to a transient increase in Pr (τ = ∼100 ms) after the initial AP. We thus reveal how these synapses can maintain a very high probability of neurotransmission for multiple APs within a short time frame. Key words: depression; facilitation; short-term plasticity; synaptotagmin 7
Characterizing the initial effects of the single accreditation system merge on the ophthalmology residency match

ABSTRACT Introduction In 2020, the American Osteopathic Association merged its residency programs into one system under the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The effects of this transition on the ophthalmology match is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to assess the early impact of the transition to ACGME accreditation on MD, DO, and IMG representation in ophthalmology residency programs. Materials and Methods Information about resident medical degree and resident medical school was gathered from ophthalmology residency program websites from a resident class before and after the Transition. Additionally, the medical degree of residency program directors (PD) was collected to analyze MD vs DO leadership in ophthalmology residency programs and to further stratify resident data to identify any trends in PD preference for different medical graduates. Results Data was obtained for 915 ophthalmology residents in 110 residency programs that met the study’s inclusion criteria. Of these programs, 102 were allopathic with MD leadership, 1 was allopathic with DO leadership, 3 were osteopathic with MD leadership, and 4 were osteopathic with DO leadership. Overall, MD representation increased while DO and IMG representation decreased although not significantly. For both classes analyzed, DO and IMG representation was disproportionately low. Discussion The transition to ACGME accreditation seems to have primarily harmed DO and IMG applicants in the ophthalmology match while benefitting MDs. Various factors such as loss of protected residency positions for DO applicants and the closure of osteopathic ophthalmology residency programs are likely reasons to blame for this decrease in osteopathic representation.
IqgC is a potent regulator of macropinocytosis in the presence of NF1 and its loading to macropinosomes is dependent on RasG

RasG is a major regulator of macropinocytosis in Dictyostelium discoideum. Its activity is under the control of an IQGAP-related protein, IqgC, which acts as a RasG-specific GAP (GTPase activating protein). IqgC colocalizes with the active Ras at the macropinosome membrane during its formation and for some time after the cup closure. However, the loss of IqgC induces only a minor enhancement of fluid uptake in axenic cells that already lack another RasGAP, NF1. Here, we show that IqgC plays an important role in the regulation of macropinocytosis in the presence of NF1 by restricting the size of macropinosomes. We further provide evidence that interaction with RasG is indispensable for the recruitment of IqgC to forming macropinocytic cups. We also demonstrate that IqgC interacts with another small GTPase from the Ras superfamily, Rab5A, but is not a GAP for Rab5A. Since mammalian Rab5 plays a key role in early endosome maturation, we hypothesized that IqgC could be involved in macropinosome maturation via its interaction with Rab5A. Although an excessive amount of Rab5A reduces the RasGAP activity of IqgC in vitro and correlates with IqgC dissociation from endosomes in vivo, the physiological significance of the Rab5A-IqgC interaction remains elusive.
Earthquake frequency and prediction

The coefficient p in n ( t ) = n 1 t −p, where n(t) is the daily count of earthquakes and n 1 is the number of earthquakes on the first day following a larger earthquake, is ≦1 for foreshock sequences, ≳1 for double-main shock sequences, and »1 for aftershock sequences with a single largest earthquake. For p »1, the magnitude of the largest aftershock and the cutoff time of the aftershocks can be estimated. These observations are the basis for an earthquake prediction technique successfully used in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).
Spatial analysis of temperature (BHT/DST) data and consequences for heat-flow determination in sedimentary basins

Large numbers of bottom-hole temperatures (BHTs) and temperatures measured during drill-stem tests (DSTs) are available in areas explored for hydro- carbons, but their usefulness for estimating geothermal gradients and heat-flow density is limited. We investi- gated a large data set of BHT and DST measurements taken in boreholes in the American Midcontinent, a geologically uniform stable cratonic area, and pro- pose an empirical correction for BHTs based on rela- tionships between BHTs, DSTs, and thermal logs. This empirical correction is compared with similar ap- proaches determined for other areas. The data were analyzed by multivariate statistics prior to the BHT correction to identify anomalous measurements and quantify external influences. Spatial patterns in temper- ature measurements for major stratigraphic units out- line relations to regional structure. Comparision of temperature and structure trend-surface residuals re- veals a relationship between temperature highs and local structure highs. The anticlines, developed by con- tinuous but intermittent movement of basement fault blocks in the Late Paleozoic, are subtle features having closures of 10—30 m and contain relatively small hydro- carbon reservoirs. The temperature anomalies of the order of 5—7 iC may reflect fluids moving upward along fractures and faults, rather than changes in thermal conductivity resulting from di⁄erent pore fluids.
Tracking the role of Aire in immune tolerance to the eye with a TCR transgenic mouse model

Significance To model human autoimmune disease, which typically exhibits multigenic inheritance, we created mice with mutations in Aire and Lyn, which respectively alter thymic tolerance of T cells and peripheral activation of T cells. Fifty percent of these mice spontaneously develop eye autoimmunity. TCR transgenic mice were created that recognize the critical retinal autoantigen in order to define more precisely how immune tolerance is compromised. In mice without the Aire mutation, the transgenic T cells almost all die during their thymic development due to recognition of the retinal protein, and a small number become regulatory T cells, which can inhibit disease onset. Upon mutation of Aire, these tolerance mechanisms are lost and this results in strong disease penetrance.
Characteristics Associated with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Discussion and Use Among Transgender Women Without HIV Infection — National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women, Seven Urban Areas, United States, 2019–2020

CDC recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for transgender women who have sex with men and who report sexual behaviors that place them at substantial ongoing risk for HIV exposure, including those who engage in nonsterile syringe sharing. Providing transgender women with access to PrEP is a critical strategy for reducing HIV acquisition and ending the HIV epidemic. Survey results from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women were used to assess characteristics associated with past-year discussions of PrEP with a health care provider and PrEP use. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between covariates (sociodemographic, HIV-associated characteristics, and gender-affirming care) and each outcome, accounting for sampling design. All covariates that were statistically significant at p<0.05 in the bivariate analyses were included in multivariate models, and manual backward elimination was used to obtain final models that retained statistically significant covariates. Among 902 transgender women from seven urban areas in the United States without HIV infection in the analyses, 57% had recently discussed PrEP with a health care provider, and 32% recently had used PrEP. In the final multivariate model, the following subgroups of transgender women were more likely to report recent PrEP use: those who identified as Black or African American or Hispanic or Latina, had two or more sex partners in the past 12 months, had condomless sex in the past 12 months, reported their last sex partner was infected with HIV, had condomless sex with their last sex partner whose HIV status was positive or unknown, ever had transgender-specific health care, and currently had transgender-specific health insurance coverage. Participants who were less likely to have recently used PrEP were those who wanted to but were not currently taking hormones and those aged <40 years. Providing increased access to gender-affirming care and training health care providers who serve transgender women to incorporate PrEP into existing services might increase PrEP use among transgender women.
The eutrophication states of Jakarta, Lampung and Semangka Bays: Nutrient and phytoplankton dynamics in Indonesian tropical waters

Eutrophication states of the three different tropical embayments in Indonesian waters were studied. Effects of anthropogenic nutrient inputs on seasonal nutrient gradients and dynamics of phytoplankton biomass were studied over a one year period in three Indonesian embayments, subjected to different levels of anthropogenic pressure. Jakarta Bay receives by far the highest estuarine nutrient load (21260 t DIN 6741 t P 52417 t Si 3/ '), followed by Lampung Bay (5003 t DIN y-1, 1096 t P y-1, 14731 t Si y'1) and Semangka Bay (1378 t DIN y-1, 419 t P , 16449 t Si y-1). As a consequence, mean annual levels of dissolved inorganic nutrients in Jakarta Bay, which accounted for 20 uM N, 5 pA4 P and 45 tiM Si, fairly exceeded those of the two other bays, resulting in high annual means of phytoplankton biomass (13 ug Chl-a 1-1) when compared to Lampung Bay (4 us Chl-a 1-') and Semangka Bay (0.8 pig Chl-a ri). In all of the bays, the phytoplankton community was dominated by diatoms. The occurrence of Dinoflagellates, Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae was mainly restricted to the river mouths and their surrounding waters. In total, spatial variability of parameters was much more pronounced than temporal variability, which is congruent with the moderate meteorological fluctuations typical for tropical regions. Despite high loads into Jakarta Bay, a major part still exhibits an acceptable water quality status with respect to dissolved oxygen saturation, which never falls below 50%.
Host Attitudes toward Tourism: A Study of Sareyn Municipality and Local Community Partnerships in Therapeutic Tourism

This study investigates residents’ perceptions of tourism development in a small tourist area in northern Iran named Sare’in, which is famous for its hot springs and therapeutic tourism. Tourism in this area is run under the municipality, primarily by the local community with limited intervention from the National Tourism Organization. The study’s findings show that even though local people strongly support current and further tourism development, they feel ambivalent to the impacts of tourism. It is suggested that certain expert assistance and better cooperation with the National Tourism Organization are required to ensure the sustainability of tourism development. tourism development; public sector; tourism attitudes; impacts of tourism; thermal (spa) tourism ; Sare’in (Iran).