Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of Antenatal Care and Obstetrical Coverage in Rural Burkina Faso

Improving maternal health is one of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. Despite the efforts to promote maternal and neonatal care to achieve this goal, the use of delivery care remains below expectations in Burkina Faso. This situation raises the question of the quality of care offered in maternity wards. The aim of this study was to identify primary healthcare facility and antenatal care characteristics predictive of an assisted delivery in rural Burkina Faso. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gnagna province (North-East Burkina Faso) in November 2003. The operational capacities of health facilities were assessed, and a non-participating observation of the antenatal care (ANC) procedure was undertaken to evaluate their quality. Scores were established to summarize the information gathered. The rate of professional childbirth (obstetrical coverage) was derived from the number of childbirths registered in the health facility compared to the size of the population. The established scores were related to the obstetrical coverage using non-parametric tests (Kendall). In total, 17 health facilities were visited, and 81 antenatal consultations were observed. Insufficiencies were observed at all steps of ANC (mean total score for the quality of ANC=10.3±3.0, ranging from 6 to 16, out of a maximum of 20). Health facilities are poorly equipped, and the availability of qualified staff remained low (mean total score for the provision of care was 22.9±4.2, ranging from 14 to 33). However, these scores were not significantly related to the rate of professional childbirth (tau Kendall=0.27: p=0.14 and 0.01, p=0.93 respectively). The ability of the primary health centres to provide good antenatal care remains low in rural Burkina Faso. The key factors involved in the limited use of professional childbirth relating to maternal health services may be the quality of ANC.
Thermal Properties of Electrospun Poly(Lactic Acid) Membranes

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrospun membranes were obtained by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis. The polymer membranes showed a random fiber distribution with a mean diameter of 1 μm (±300 nm). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments showed that the membranes had a glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting temperatures of 54, 90, and 151°C, respectively. The kinetic study of thermal degradation of PLA under a nitrogen atmosphere was performed by means of thermogravimetry (TGA). It was found that the thermal decomposition kinetics of PLA could be interpreted in terms of a multi-step degradation mechanism. Several theoretical models were applied to the TGA data. The activation energies obtained by the Broido and Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW) models were in good agreement with the value of the activation energy calculated by the Kissinger method.
An efficient centralized binary multicast network coding algorithm for any cyclic network

We give an algorithm for finding network encoding and decoding equations for error-free multicasting networks with multiple sources and sinks. The algorithm given is efficient (polynomial complexity) and works on any kind of network (acyclic, link cyclic, flow cyclic, or even in the presence of knots). The key idea will be the appropriate use of the delay (both natural and additional) during the encoding. The resulting code will always work with finite delay with binary encoding coefficients.
Risk-Management Methods for the Libor Market Model Using Semidefinite Programming

When interest rate dynamics are described by the Libor Market Model as in Brace, Gatarek & Musiela (1997), we show how some essential risk-management results can be obtained from the dual of the calibration program. In particular, if the objective is to maximize another swaption's price, we show that the optimal dual variables describe a hedging portfolio in the sense of Avellaneda & Paras (1996). In the general case, the local sensitivity of the covariance matrix to all market movement scenarios can be directly computed from the optimal dual solution. We also show how semidefinite programming can be used to manage the Gamma exposure of a portfolio.
On Finite Memory Universal Data Compression and Classification of Individual Sequences

Consider the case where consecutive blocks of letters of a semi-infinite individual sequence over a finite-alphabet are being compressed into binary sequences by some one-to-one mapping. No a priori information about is available at the encoder, which must therefore adopt a universal data-compression algorithm. It is known that if the universal Lempel-Ziv (LZ) data compression algorithm is successively applied to -blocks then the best error-free compression, for the particular individual sequence is achieved as tends to infinity. The best possible compression that may be achieved by any universal data compression algorithm for finite -blocks is discussed. It is demonstrated that context tree coding essentially achieves it. Next, consider a device called classifier (or discriminator) that observes an individual training sequence . The classifier's task is to examine individual test sequences of length and decide whether the test -sequence has the same features as those that are captured by the training sequence , or is sufficiently different, according to some appropriate criterion. Here again, it is demonstrated that a particular universal context classifier with a storage-space complexity that is linear in , is essentially optimal. This may contribute a theoretical ldquoindividual sequencerdquo justification for the Probabilistic Suffix Tree (PST) approach in learning theory and in computational biology.
A Model Based Approach to Reachability Routing

Current directions in network routing research have not kept pace with the latest developments in network architectures, such as peer-to-peer networks, sensor networks, ad-hoc wireless networks, and overlay networks. A common characteristic among all of these new technologies is the presence of highly dynamic network topologies. Currently deployed single-path routing protocols cannot adequately cope with this dynamism, and existing multi-path algorithms make trade-offs which lead to less than optimal performance on these networks. This drives the need for routing protocols designed with the unique characteristics of these networks in mind. In this paper we propose the notion of reachability routing as a solution to the challenges posed by routing on such dynamic networks. In particular, our formulation of reachability routing provides cost-sensitive multi-path forwarding along with loop avoidance within the confines of the Internet Protocol (IP) architecture. This is achieved through the application of reinforcement learning within a probabilistic routing framework. Following an explanation of our design decisions and a description of the algorithm, we provide an evaluation of the performance of the algorithm on a variety of network topologies. The results show consistently superior performance compared to other reinforcement learning based routing algorithms.
Designing a Non-contact Wearable Tactile Display Using Airflows

Traditional wearable tactile displays transfer tactile stimulations through a firm contact between the stimulator and the skin. We conjecture that a firm contact may not be always possible and acceptable. Therefore, we explored the concept of a non-contact wearable tactile display using an airflow, which can transfer information without a firm contact. To secure an empirical ground for the design of a wearable airflow display, we conducted a series of psychophysical experiments to estimate the intensity thresholds, duration thresholds, and distance thresholds of airflow perception on various body locations, and report the resulting empirical data in this paper. We then built a 4-point airflow display, compared its performance with that of a vibrotactile display, and could show that the two tactile displays are comparable in information transfer performance. User feedback was also positive and revealed many unique expressions describing airflow-based tactile experiences. Lastly, we demonstrate the feasibility of an airflow-based wearable tactile display with a prototype using micro-fans.
Home blood pressure determination. Value in borderline ("labile") hypertension.

Self-determined home blood pressure readings taken by 112 patients with borderline hypertension were compared to values of 49 normotensive controls. Thirty percent of patients with borderline hypertensive readings in the clinic were hypertensive at home; only 28% of patients were clearly normotensive. Clinic blood pressure levels, family history, body weight, and heart rate failed as predictors of which patients were likely to be hypertensive at home. Self-determined home blood pressures are suggested for identification of individual patients with borderline hypertension who require continuous and close observation. (JAMA229:663-666, 1974)
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of glass-ionomer cement containing chlorhexidine for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment

Abstract Objectives: Addition of chlorhexidine has enhanced the antimicrobial effect of glass ionomer cement (GIC) indicated to Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART); however, the impact of this mixture on the properties of these materials and on the longevity of restorations must be investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating chlorhexidine (CHX) in the in vitro biological and chemical-mechanical properties of GIC and in vivo clinical/ microbiological follow-up of the ART with GIC containing or not CHX. Material and Methods: For in vitro studies, groups were divided into GIC, GIC with 1.25% CHX, and GIC with 2.5% CHX. Antimicrobial activity of GIC was analyzed using agar diffusion and anti-biofilm assays. Cytotoxic effects, compressive tensile strength, microhardness and fluoride (F) release were also evaluated. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 36 children that received ART either with GIC or GIC with CHX. Saliva and biofilm were collected for mutans streptococci (MS) counts and the survival rate of restorations was checked after 7 days, 3 months and one year after ART. ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/ Mann-Whitney tests were performed for in vitro tests and in vivo microbiological analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank tests were applied to estimate survival percentages of restorations (p<0.05). Results: Incorporation of 1.25% and 2.5% CHX improved the antimicrobial/anti-biofilm activity of GIC, without affecting F release and mechanical characteristics, but 2.5% CHX was cytotoxic. Survival rate of restorations using GIC with 1.25% CHX was similar to GIC. A significant reduction of MS levels was observed for KM+CHX group in children saliva and biofilm 7 days after treatment. Conclusions: The incorporation of 1.25% CHX increased the in vitro antimicrobial activity, without changing chemical-mechanical properties of GIC and odontoblast-like cell viability. This combination improved the in vivo short-term microbiological effect without affecting clinical performance of ART restorations.
miR-221/222 Target the DNA Methyltransferase MGMT in Glioma Cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most deadly types of cancer. To date, the best clinical approach for treatment is based on administration of temozolomide (TMZ) in combination with radiotherapy. Much evidence suggests that the intracellular level of the alkylating enzyme O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) impacts response to TMZ in GBM patients. MGMT expression is regulated by the methylation of its promoter. However, evidence indicates that this is not the only regulatory mechanism present. Here, we describe a hitherto unknown microRNA-mediated mechanism of MGMT expression regulation. We show that miR-221 and miR-222 are upregulated in GMB patients and that these paralogues target MGMT mRNA, inducing greater TMZ-mediated cell death. However, miR-221/miR-222 also increase DNA damage and, thus, chromosomal rearrangements. Indeed, miR-221 overexpression in glioma cells led to an increase in markers of DNA damage, an effect rescued by re-expression of MGMT. Thus, chronic miR-221/222-mediated MGMT downregulation may render cells unable to repair genetic damage. This, associated also to miR-221/222 oncogenic potential, may poor GBM prognosis.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of a Clinical Isolate of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae, a KPC-2 and OKP-B-6 Beta-Lactamases Producer Harboring Two Drug-Resistance Plasmids from Southeast Brazil

The aim of this study was to unravel the genetic determinants responsible for multidrug (including carbapenems) resistance and virulence in a clinical isolate of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae by whole-genome sequencing and comparative analyses. Eighty-three clinical isolates initially identified as carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae were collected from nosocomial infections in southeast Brazil. After RAPD screening, the KPC-142 isolate, showing the most divergent DNA pattern, was selected for complete genome sequencing in an Illumina HiSeq 2500 instrument. Reads were assembled into scaffolds, gaps between scaffolds were resolved by in silico gap filling and extensive bioinformatics analyses were performed, using multiple comparative analysis tools and databases. Genome sequencing allowed to correct the classification of the KPC-142 isolate as K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae. To the best of our knowledge this is the first complete genome reported to date of a clinical isolate of this subspecies harboring both class A beta-lactamases KPC-2 and OKP-B-6 from South America. KPC-142 has one 5.2 Mbp chromosome (57.8% G+C) and two plasmids: 190 Kbp pKQPS142a (50.7% G+C) and 11 Kbp pKQPS142b (57.3% G+C). The 3 Kbp region in pKQPS142b containing the blaKPC−2 was found highly similar to that of pKp13d of K. pneumoniae Kp13 isolated in Southern Brazil in 2009, suggesting the horizontal transfer of this resistance gene between different species of Klebsiella. KPC-142 additionally harbors an integrative conjugative element ICEPm1 that could be involved in the mobilization of pKQPS142b and determinants of resistance to other classes of antimicrobials, including aminoglycoside and silver. We present the completely assembled genome sequence of a clinical isolate of K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae, a KPC-2 and OKP-B-6 beta-lactamases producer and discuss the most relevant genomic features of this important resistant pathogen in comparison to several strains belonging to K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (phylogroup II-B), K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae (phylogroup II-A), K. pneumoniae (phylogroup I), and K. variicola (phylogroup III). Our study contributes to the description of the characteristics of a novel K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae strain circulating in South America that currently represent a serious potential risk for nosocomial settings.
The Role of 11 (cid:1) -Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases in the Cardiovascular System

GLUCOCORTICOID action is mediated by nuclear steroid receptors, and by a prereceptor mechanism that interconverts cortisol and cortisone. The two enzymes that perform these reactions, 11 (cid:1) -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)1 and 11 (cid:1) HSD2, are pivotal in a wide variety of physiological processes including the regulation of blood pressure, obesity and memory [1]. The 11 (cid:1) HSD1 enzyme functions mainly as a reductase converting cortisone to cortisol with the aid of the cofactor NADPH. It is a glycoprotein with a molecular size of 34 kilodaltons and is located in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. 11 (cid:1) HSD1 belongs to the short chain alcohol dehydrogenase superfamily of proteins, of which there are several thousand members. Other members of the superfamily include enzymes that metabolize sex steroids, sugars, polyols, antibiotics, prostaglandins and retinoids. Multiple alignment analysis of protein sequences within this family has identified up to six conserved domains, although 11 (cid:1) HSD1 only shows four conserved regions [2]. The A domain contains the cofactor binding sequence and the D domain displays a highly conserved tyrosine and lysine containing sequence that make up the active site YXXXK motif. The other conserved domains are hydrophobic in nature and probably form part of the scaffolding required to maintain the correct three-dimensional structure of the enzyme. (cid:1)
Application of Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering as a Tool for the Structural Analysis of Industrial Polymer Dispersions

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was applied for the structural analysis of an industrial polymer dispersion in water (synthetic latex). For the preparation of the spherical latex particles under investigation, butadiene, styrene, and acrylic acid were used as monomers in a seeded emulsion polymerization process. The product is widely being used as a film-forming agent for coating in the paper-making industry. It is demonstrated that by measuring the making industry. It is demonstrated that by measuring the SAXS curves at different contrasts the overall particle size, mass density, polydispersity, and degree of heterogeneity can be estimated with a good accuracy, even without the necessity of a detailed fitting procedure. In particular, one obtains information about the spatial distribution of the various monomer units within the particles. Five isoscattering points could be observed in the contrast variation measurements and the scattering curves at all contrasts could be modeled with a fully consistent set of fit parameters. It is thus safe to conclude that the contrast agent surcrose does not affect the particle structure. A quantitative fitting of the experimental data set revealed that a significant amount of the poly(acrylic acid) is preferentially located in a thin shell of ca. 2 nm thickness around the core of the particles, that is mainly formed by poly(styrene-co-butadiene). The obtained results are fully consistent with additional measurements of the particle mass density, of the hydrodynamic particle radius by dynamic light scattering, and of the particle surface charge by potentiometric titration. It is concluded that SAXS is a highly useful tool for characterizing the structure of industrial latexes.
Maize (Zea mays) consumption in the southern andes (30°-31° S. Lat): Stable isotope evidence (2000 BCE-1540 CE).

OBJECTIVES The timing and dietary role of maize agriculture is central to archaeological discussions in the Andean region. In the semi-arid region of northern Chile (SARNC), archaeological models propose that maize was adopted during the Early Ceramic period in tandem with pottery and sedentism. Through stable isotope (SI) analyses, of bone collagen and apatite, this study assesses the timing of maize introduction, diachronic changes (2,000 BCE to 1,540 CE.), and synchronic dietary variability in the prehistoric SARNC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-two prehistoric individuals from SARNC were analyzed for δ13 Cap , δ13 Ccol, and δ15 N. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the results by period and location (inland and coast). Between-periods (ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests), and synchronic comparisons (inland vs. coast; Student's t-tests), were conducted. A SIAR model was run to further evaluate dietary changes. Dietary interpretations are based on food web data. RESULTS Coastal groups show significant changes in the diet during the Middle (900-1,000CE; enrichment in δ13 C), and Late Intermediate periods (100-1450CE; when the Δ13 Cap-col is above 5.2‰). In the inland, significant changes in SI occurred in the Late Intermediate period (δ13 C enrichment). In the Late period, the inland diet became enriched for δ15 N. Synchronic comparisons showed coastal individuals to have higher δ15 N. DISCUSSION The popularization of maize in the SARNC was not associated with the appearance of pottery and/or sedentism, and its role as a dietary staple was a late phenomenon (c.a. 1,000CE). The results obtained in this study show that the adoption and consumption of maize varied dramatically in the Southern Andes.
State space computation and analysis of Time Petri Nets

The theory of Petri Nets provides a general framework to specify the behaviors of real-time reactive systems and Time Petri Nets were introduced to take also temporal specifications into account. We present in this paper a forward zone-based algorithm to compute the state space of a bounded Time Petri Net: the method is different and more efficient than the classical State Class Graph. We prove the algorithm to be exact with respect to the reachability problem. Furthermore, we propose a translation of the computed state space into a Timed Automaton, proved to be timed bisimilar to the original Time Petri Net. As the method produce a single Timed Automaton, syntactical clocks reduction methods (DAWS and YOVINE for instance) may be applied to produce an automaton with fewer clocks. Then, our method allows to model-check T-TPN by the use of efficient Timed Automata tools.
MyD88-Dependent Pathways Mediate Resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum Infection in Mice

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium spp. cause diarrheal disease worldwide. Innate immune responses mediating resistance to this parasite are not completely understood. To determine whether MyD88-dependent pathways play a role in resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum, we compared the course of infection in MyD88−/− mice to that in their wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Three- to 4-week-old mice were infected with C. parvum, and infection was monitored by quantifying fecal oocyst shedding. Twelve days postinfection, the histology of the intestines was examined to quantify intestinal parasite burden and to determine if there were any pathological changes. Fecal oocyst shedding and intestinal parasite burden were significantly greater in MyD88−/− mice than in littermate controls. Nonetheless, both WT and MyD88−/− mice cleared the infection within 3 weeks. These results indicate that MyD88-dependent pathways are involved in mediating initial resistance to C. parvum. Since gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is known to mediate resistance to C. parvum, we also studied infection in MyD88−/− mice and WT controls in which this cytokine was temporarily neutralized. Fecal oocyst shedding, as well as intestinal parasite burden, intestinal inflammation, and mortality, was significantly greater in MyD88−/− mice in which IFN-γ was neutralized than in IFN-γ-neutralized WT mice or in MyD88−/− mice in which this cytokine was active. These results suggest that MyD88 and IFN-γ had an additive effect in conferring protection from C. parvum infection. While this study confirms the importance of IFN-γ in conferring resistance to infection with C. parvum, it suggests that MyD88-mediated pathways also play a role in innate immunity to this parasite.
Robust Frequency Hopping for Interference and Fading Channels

A robust frequency-hopping system with noncoherent detection, iterative turbo decoding and demodulation, and channel estimation is presented. The data modulation is the spectrally compact nonorthogonal continuous-phase frequency-shift keying, which strengthens the frequency-hopping system against multiple-access interference and multitone jamming. An analysis based on information theory provides the optimal values of the modulation index when there is a bandwidth constraint. The channel estimator, which is derived by applying the expectation- maximization algorithm, accommodates both frequency-selective fading and interference. Simulation experiments demonstrate the excellent system performance against both partial-band and multiple-access interference.