Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Short Birth Interval on Infant Mortality in Ethiopia

Introduction Even though Ethiopia has been celebrating the achievements of MDG 4, still one in every 17 Ethiopian children dies before their first birthday. This is the biggest of the African regional average. Short birth interval is inconsistently reported as a risk factor by limited and independent studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled effect size of the preceding birth interval length on infant mortality. Methods Studies were accessed through the electronic web-based search mechanism from PUBMED, Advanced Google Scholar, WHO databases and journals: PLOS ONE, and BMC, using independent and combinations of key terms. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 was used to analyze the data. An I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity. Funnel plot and statistical significance by Egger’s test of the intercept was used to check publication bias. The final estimate was determined in the form of odds ratio by applying Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill analysis in the Random-effects model. Results 872 studies were identified on the reviewed topic. During screening, forty-five studies were found to be relevant for data abstraction. However, only five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. In all of the studies included in the analysis, the preceding birth interval had a significant association with under-one mortality. The final pooled estimate in the form of the odds ratio for infant mortality with a preceding birth interval of less than 24 months was found to be 2.03 (95% CI: 1.52, 2.70, random effect (five studies, n=43,909), I2=70%, P<0.05). Conclusion In Ethiopia, promoting the length of birth interval to at least two years lowered under-one mortality by 50% (95% CI: 35%, 63%).
The Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Reductions after Isometric and Isokinetic Exercises in Normal Individuals

The lowering effect of physical exercise on intraocular pressure (IOP) has been reported both in healthy people and those with glaucoma, but a comparison of the lowering effect of isometric and isokinetic exercises on IOP has not been conducted in any study. Our aims were to investigate the relationship between intensity of exercise and IOP, and whether a significant difference in IOP lowering effect existed between isometric and isokinetic exercises. Sixty-seven patients with an age range of 23–40 who had no ocular disease were randomly divided into two groups. While 31 patients in the first group, group A, performed isokinetic exercise with the Cybex 6000 dynamometer, 32 patients in the second group, group B, had isometric exercises with the same machine. IOP was measured in the right eye of patients with Shiøtz tonometer just before and 10 min following exercise. Exercise intensity and total energy consumption were determined by the machine for each patient. While IOP values measured before exercise, the degree of exercise applied, and total energy consumption did not differ significantly between groups, both isometric and isotonic exercises lowered IOP significantly. As a result, isometric and isokinetic exercises lowered IOP in ophthalmologically normal subjects with direct relationship to exercise intensity and total energy consumption. Since the pressure lowering effect of isokinetic exercise was more significant, it might prove useful to glaucomatous patients.
Aberrant Function and Long-Term Survival of Mouse β Cells Exposed In Vitro to High Glucose Concentrations

In vitro culture of murine Langerhans islets usually ends in islet death after 1-3 wk. Given contradictory published data, we studied the influence of glucose on the function and survival of islets from DBA/2 mice. Islets were cultured on plastic microwells, using 1, 2, or 11 g/l glucose concentrations. Using our routine technique, insulin secretion was evaluated after islet incubation for 15 min in basal medium [(bIS), 1 g/1 glucose], followed by 15 min in stimulating medium [(sIS), 3 g/l glucose, 20 mM/l arginine, 5 mM/l theophylline]. Insulin secretion of islets cultured in 1 g/l glucose remained stable and normal over a period of 2 mo [Day 7: bIS, 6.3 ± 3.1 pU/50 μl; sIS, 16.6 ± 6.8 μU/50 μl. Day 60: bIS, 6.0 ± 4.0 pU/50 μl; sIS, 21.3 ± 10.5 μU/50 μl]. Islet morphology also remained normal. Islets cultured in 2 g/l glucose showed elevated insulin response under basal and stimulating conditions during 2-3 wk, followed by a dramatic drop in insulin secretion [Day 7: bIS, 19.5 ± 5.7 μU/50 μl; sIS, 80.9 ± 10.7 μU/50 μl. Day 60: bIS, 5.4 ± 5.0 μU/50 μl; sIS, 2.7 ± 1.4 μU/50 μl]. Severe morphologic alterations appeared rapidly and islet destruction was nearly complete by 60 days. At 11 g/l glucose, functional and morphological islet alterations were accelerated [Day 7: bIS, 10.3 ± 2.7 μU/50 μl; sIS, 18.8 ± 4.9 μU/50 μl. Day 21: bIS and sIS almost undetectable]. On the basis of the results obtained in our experimental conditions, it may be concluded that the optimal glucose concentration for long-term murine islet cultures is 1 g/l. Based on the results of this study and testing an extracellular matrix, we thereafter cultured islets from DBA/2 mice at the 1 g/l glucose concentration. These islets remained functional for a period of time > 100 days. Abbreviations: bIS: insulin secretion in basal medium; sIS: insulin secretion in stimulating medium; MEM: minimal essential medium.
Typed closure conversion

Closure conversion is a program transformation used by compilers to separate code from data. Previous accounts of closure conversion use only untyped target languages. Recent studies show that translating to typed target languages is a useful methodology for building compilers, because a compiler can use the types to implement efficient data representations, calling conventions, and tag-free garbage collection. Furthermore, type-based translations facilitate security and debugging through automatic type checking, as well as correctness arguments through the method of logical relations.We present closure conversion as a type-directed, and type-preserving translation for both the simply-typed and the polymorphic ¿-calculus. Our translations are based on a simple "closures as objects" principle: higher-order functions are viewed as objects consisting of a single method (the code) and a single instance variable (the environment). In the simply-typed case, the Pierce-Turner model of object typing where objects are packages of existential type suffices. In the polymorphic case, more careful tracking of type sharing is required. We exploit a variant of the Harper-Lillibridge "translucent type" formalism to characterize the types of polymorphic closures.
Safety of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Carotid Endarterectomy for Prevention of Restenosis: A Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION The incidence of recurrent carotid stenosis after carotid endarterectomy varies from 1% to 37% with only 0-8% symptomatic restenosis. Safety of short-term (30 days) dual-antiplatelet therapy has not been established in this type of procedure. AIMS To investigate the safety of dual antiplatelet therapy after carotid endarterectomy to prevent restenosis. METHODS We retrospectively identified all the patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (symptomatic or asymptomatic) treated at our center between July 2010 and July 2013 according to local protocols. All patients received a dose of 100 mg of aspirin daily immediately after carotid endarterectomy, with subsequent 100 mg of aspirin daily for the rest of the study period, and some patients received 75 mg of Clopidogrel for 30 days starting immediately after surgical procedure (dual therapy group), assigned according to medical criteria. Duplex carotid ultrasound and clinical assessments were performed at 30 days and 1 year after the procedure. RESULTS A total of 44 patients (71.2 ± 7.9 years old; 77.2% symptomatic) were analyzed; 35 of them with dual therapy (79.54%). At 30 days, two patients from the mono-therapy group developed restenosis (22.2%), compared to none in dual therapy group (p=0.04). At one year follow-up, only one patient from the dual group showed restenosis (p=0.10). No deaths, major bleeding or new strokes were reported in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Short-term dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel after carotid endarterectomy might be associated with a lower incidence of restenosis. This observation must be validated in a prospective trial.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF CUTTING PARAMETERS ON THE BUILT-UP-LAYER AND BUILT-UP-EDGE FORMATION DURING THE MACHINING OF AISI 310 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS

This study experimentally investigated the effects of machining parameters on the built-up-layer (BUL) and built-up-edge (BUE) formation and the wear behavior of cutting tools during the machining of the AISI 310 austenitic stainless steel with titanium-carbide cutting tools. Five different cutting speeds (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150) m/min, three feed rates (0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) mm/r and two cutting depths (1.5, 2) mm were used as the cutting parameters. The highest accumulation of the BUL and the BUE was observed at a cutting speed of 50 m/min, a feed rate of 0.15 mm/r and a cutting depth of 1.5 mm.
Induction of Ankrd1 in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Correlates with the Heart Failure Progression

Progression of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is marked with extensive left ventricular remodeling whose clinical manifestations and molecular basis are poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the clinical potential of titin ligands in monitoring progression of cardiac remodeling associated with end-stage IDCM. Expression patterns of 8 mechanoptotic machinery-associated titin ligands (ANKRD1, ANKRD2, TRIM63, TRIM55, NBR1, MLP, FHL2, and TCAP) were quantitated in endomyocardial biopsies from 25 patients with advanced IDCM. When comparing NYHA disease stages, elevated ANKRD1 expression levels marked transition from NYHA < IV to NYHA IV. ANKRD1 expression levels closely correlated with systolic strain depression and short E wave deceleration time, as determined by echocardiography. On molecular level, myocardial ANKRD1 and serum adiponectin correlated with low BAX/BCL-2 ratios, indicative of antiapoptotic tissue propensity observed during the worsening of heart failure. ANKRD1 is a potential marker for cardiac remodeling and disease progression in IDCM. ANKRD1 expression correlated with reduced cardiac contractility and compliance. The association of ANKRD1 with antiapoptotic response suggests its role as myocyte survival factor during late stage heart disease, warranting further studies on ANKRD1 during end-stage heart failure.
Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Growth Hormone Secretion, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, Somatomedin Generation, Alkaline Phosphatase, Osteocalcin and Growth in Prepubertal Children with Idiopathic Short Stature

Controversy exists about the effect of zinc on growth and the GH-IGF system. Zinc supplementation has been shown to stimulate linear growth in zinc-deficient children. However the mechanism of this effect has not been well characterized. Furthermore, the effect of zinc supplementation on non-zinc-deficient short children is unknown. We investigated the effect of zinc supplementation on endogenous GH secretion, serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 generation in response to exogenous GH, bone formation markers, and linear growth of non-zinc-deficient children with idiopathic short stature. We analyzed prospectively serum zinc, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and GH response to clonidine test, and performed a somatomedin generation test before and 6 weeks after zinc supplementation in 22 (16 M, 6 F) prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature. Serum IGF-I increased from 67.4+/-70.6 to 98.2+/-77.3 ng/ml (p <0.001), IGFBP-3 from 2326+/-770 to 2758+/-826 ng/ml (p <0.001), alkaline phosphatase from 525+/-136 to 666+/-197 U/l (p <0.0001), and osteocalcin from 16.8+/-10.6 to 25.8+/-12.8 ng/ml (p <0.05) after zinc supplementation despite there being no difference in GH response to clonidine after zinc supplementation (peak GH 11.6+/-6.9 vs 13.4+/-7.8 ng/ml, GH area under the curve during clonidine test 689+/-395 vs 761+/-468, NS). Percent change in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 during the somatomedin generation test was not significantly affected by zinc supplementation (118% vs 136% and 57% vs 44%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between percentage increase in zinc levels and percentage increase in parameters tested. Height SDS or weight SDS did not improve significantly in 17 patients who continued on zinc supplementation for at least 6 months (6-12 months) (-2.59 vs -2.53 SDS and -1.80 vs -1.67 SDS, respectively). Zinc supplementation increased basal IGF-I, IGFBP-3, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin without changing GH response to clonidine. Zinc supplementation did not affect sensitivity to exogenous GH as tested by IGF-I and IGFBP-3 generation test. These results suggest a direct stimulatory effect of zinc on serum IGF-IGFBP-3, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Despite improvements in the above parameters, zinc supplementation to children with idiopathic short stature with normal serum zinc levels did not significantly change height or weight SDS during 6-12 months follow-up.
Fluctuating Experimental Pain Sensitivities across the Menstrual Cycle Are Contingent on Women’s Romantic Relationship Status

We explored the social-signaling hypothesis that variability in exogenous pain sensitivities across the menstrual cycle is moderated by women’s current romantic relationship status and hence the availability of a solicitous social partner for expressing pain behaviors in regular, isochronal ways. In two studies, we used the menstrual calendars of healthy women to provide a detailed approximation of the women’s probability of conception based on their current cycle-day, along with relationship status, and cold pressor pain and ischemic pain sensitivities, respectively. In the first study (n = 135; 18–46 yrs., M age = 23 yrs., 50% natural cycling), we found that naturally-cycling, pair-bonded women showed a positive correlation between the probability of conception and ischemic pain intensity (r = .45), associations not found for single women or hormonal contraceptive-users. A second study (n = 107; 19–29 yrs., M age = 20 yrs., 56% natural cycling) showed a similar association between greater conception risk and higher cold-pressor pain intensity in naturally-cycling, pair-bonded women only (r = .63). The findings show that variability in exogenous pain sensitivities across different fertility phases of the menstrual cycle is contingent on basic elements of women’s social environment and inversely correspond to variability in naturally occurring, perimenstrual symptoms. These findings have wide-ranging implications for: a) standardizing pain measurement protocols; b) understanding basic biopsychosocial pain-related processes; c) addressing clinical pain experiences in women; and d) understanding how pain influences, and is influenced by, social relationships.
Analysis of ways to secure group control for autonomous mobile robots

The aim of this paper is to analyze the ways of providing security for mobile robots groups control (MRGC) and to develop a security protocol for MRGC under limited computational and power resources away from the controlled area. The solution for this problem assumes features of group control systems and robot systems from the security point of view. The main problem connected with the development of a security system for mobile robots is the distinction of this type of the network from other networks. This demands the development of special methods and approaches that should take many specific factors such as limitations of computational resources and power into account. The proposed solution for MRGC is based on the use of trust concept for finding the validity of nodes and finding targets. In contrast to the existing approaches, this protocol uses several parameters to evaluate the trust that allows to expand the range of repelled attacks.
A new fixed point approach for stable networks stable marriages

In a network stability problem, the aim is to find stable configurations for a given network of Boolean gates. For general networks, the problem is known to be computationally hard. Mayr and Subramanian [22,23] introduced an interesting class of networks by imposing fanout restrictions at each gate, and showed that network stability on this class of networks is still sufficiently rich to express as special cases the well-known stable marriage and stable roommate problems. In this paper we study the sequential and parallel complexity of network stability on networks with restricted fanout. Our approach builds on structural properties of these networks, and exposes close ties with the theory of retracts and isometric embeddings for product graphs. This structure gives then new efficient algorithms for questions of representation, enumeration and optimality in stable matching.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Hypertension, and Their Additive Effects on Atherosclerosis

Background and Aims. It is widely accepted that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is independently associated with atherosclerosis. Similar to OSA, hypertension (HTN) is a condition associated with atherosclerosis. However, to date, the impact of the simultaneous presence of OSA and HTN on the risk of atherosclerosis has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of the coexistence of OSA and HTN on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and on inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis (such as interleukin- [IL-] 6 and pentraxin- [PTX-] 3). Methods. The study design allowed us to define 4 groups: (1) controls (n = 30); (2) OSA patients without HTN (n = 30); (3) HTN patients without OSA (n = 30); (4) patients with OSA and HTN (n = 30). In the morning after portable monitoring (between 7 am and 8 am), blood samples were collected, and carotid IMT was measured. Results. Carotid IMT, IL-6, and PTX-3 in OSA normotensive patients and in non-OSA HTN subjects were significantly higher compared to control subjects; in addition, in OSA hypertensive patients they were significantly increased compared to OSA normotensive, non-OSA HTN, or control subjects. Conclusions. OSA and HTN have an additive role in the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and in blood levels of inflammatory markers for atherosclerosis, such as interleukin-6 and pentraxin-3.
In Vitro Inhibition of Coccidioides Immitis Strains with Amphotericin B Plus Rifampin

Rifampin was shown in vitro to decrease the amphotericin B minimal inhibitory concentrations of all of 10 strains of Coccidioides immitis tested. These decreases ranged from two- to fourfold and occurred with rifampin concentrations of 10 to 40 μg/ml. Rifampin alone was without effect.
Cobalamin deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, and dementia

Introduction Although consensus guidelines recommend checking serum B12 in patients with dementia, clinicians are often faced with various questions: (1) Which patients should be tested? (2) What test should be ordered? (3) How are inferences made from such testing? (4) In addition to serum B12, should other tests be ordered? (5) Is B12 deficiency compatible with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type? (6) What is to be expected from treatment? (7) How is B12 deficiency treated? Methods On January 31st, 2009, a Medline search was performed revealing 1,627 citations related to cobalamin deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, and dementia. After limiting the search terms, all abstracts and/or articles and other references were categorized into six major groups (general, biochemistry, manifestations, associations and risks, evaluation, and treatment) and then reviewed in answering the above questions. Results The six major groups above are described in detail. Seventy-five key studies, series, and clinical trials were identified. Evidence-based suggestions for patient management were developed. Discussion Evidence is convincing that hyperhomocysteinemia, with or without hypovitaminosis B12, is a risk factor for dementia. In the absence of hyperhomocysteinemia, evidence is less convincing that hypovitaminosis B12 is a risk factor for dementia. B12 deficiency manifestations are variable and include abnormal psychiatric, neurological, gastrointestinal, and hematological findings. Radiological images of individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia frequently demonstrate leukoaraiosis. Assessing serum B12 and treatment of B12 deficiency is crucial for those cases in which pernicious anemia is suspected and may be useful for mild cognitive impairment and mild to moderate dementia. The serum B12 level is the standard initial test: 200 picograms per milliliter or less is low, and 201 to 350 picograms per milliliter is borderline low. Other tests may be indicated, including plasma homocysteine, serum methylmalonic acid, antiparietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies, and serum gastrin level. In B12 deficiency dementia with versus without pernicious anemia, there appear to be different manifestations, need for further workup, and responses to treatment. Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type is a compatible diagnosis when B12 deficiency is found, unless it is caused by pernicious anemia. Patients with pernicious anemia generally respond favorably to supplemental B12 treatment, especially if pernicious anemia is diagnosed early in the course of the disease. Some patients without pernicious anemia, but with B12 deficiency and either mild cognitive impairment or mild to moderate dementia, might show some degree of cognitive improvement with supplemental B12 treatment. Evidence that supplemental B12 treatment is beneficial for patients without pernicious anemia, but with B12 deficiency and moderately-severe to severe dementia is scarce. Oral cyanocobalamin is generally favored over intramuscular cyanocobalamin.
Speed control of DC motor using sliding mode control approach

This paper presents the sliding mode controller design to regulate the speed control of the directcurrent(DC) motor. In this, the sliding surfaces used to derive the different control schemes presented in this work are based on an integral differential equation acting on the tracking-error expression. A new approach for the design of sliding mode controllers based on first-order-plus-dead time model of the system is developed. This approach results in a fixed structure controller with a s et of tuning equations as a function of the characteristic parameters of the model. The controller performance is judged by simulation on model of the DC motor