Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new approach to logic synthesis of multi-output boolean functions on pal-based CPLDS

A PAL-based logic block is the core of great majority of contemporary CPLD devices. The purpose of the paper is to present a new approach to multi-level synthesis for PAL-based CPLDs. The presented approach is an alternative to the classical method based on two-level minimization of separate single-output functions. The essence of the presented method is to search for multi-output implicants that can be shared by several functions. This approach presents a original form for illustrating a minimized form of a multi-output Boolean function. Graph node represents groups of multiple-output implicants with the common output part. The graph analyses allow to effective implementation of multi-output function in PAL-based devices. Results of experiments, which are also presented, prove that the proposed algorithm leads to significant reduction of chip area in relation to the classical method, especially for CPLD structures consisting of PAL-based logic blocks containing low number of product terms.
Evolving a Neural Model of Insect Path Integration

Path integration is an important navigation strategy in many animal species. We use a genetic algorithm to evolve a novel neural model of path integration, based on input from cells that encode the heading of the agent in a manner comparable to the polarization-sensitive interneurons found in insects. The home vector is encoded as a population code across a circular array of cells that integrate this input. This code can be used to control return to the home position. We demonstrate the capabilities of the network under noisy conditions in simulation and on a robot.
Patients with Elevated Baseline Liver Enzymes Do Not Have Higher Frequency of Hepatotoxicity from Lovastatin than Those with Normal Baseline Liver Enzymes

Background:It is recommended that lovastatin be avoided in patients with unexplained elevation in transaminase levels. However, there are no studies that evaluated the risk of lovastatin hepatotoxicity in subjects with elevated liver enzymes. Our study tested the hypothesis that patients with elevated liver enzymes are not at higher risk for hepatotoxicity from lovastatin. Methods:Our study consisted of the following three cohorts of patients seen between December 1987 and December 1998: cohort 1: 135 patients with elevated baseline enzymes (aspartate transaminase [AST] >40 IU/L or alanine transaminase [ALT] >35 IU/L) who received lovastatin; cohort 2: 620 patients without elevated liver enzymes who received lovastatin; and cohort 3: 2644 patients with elevated liver enzymes but not prescribed lovastatin. Elevations in liver biochemistries over a 12-month period after lovastatin was prescribed were categorized into mild-moderate or severe elevations and into “Hy’s Rule” based on published criteria. Results:The incidence of mild-moderate elevations and severe elevations in liver biochemistries in cohort 1 were 6.6% and 0%, respectively. Compared with cohort 2, individuals in cohort 1 had higher incidence of mild-moderate elevations (6.6% versus 3%; P = 0.03) but not severe elevations (0% versus 0.3%; P = 0.9). Compared with cohort 3, patients in cohort 1 had similar mild-moderate elevations (6.6% versus 11%; P = 0.2) but lower severe elevations (0% versus 5.5%; P < 0.01). No one in cohorts 1 or 2 developed elevations meeting Hy’s Rule, whereas 3.5% of the patients in cohort 3 exhibited such elevations (P < 0.05 versus cohort 1 or cohort 2). Conclusions:Significant hepatotoxicity from lovastatin was very infrequent in this study, and individuals with elevated baseline liver enzyme levels did not have higher frequency of lovastatin hepatotoxicity than those with normal liver enzyme levels.
A bulletin on survey findings of China's national population and reproductive health in 1997.

This article presents findings from the 1997 State Family Planning Commission's KAP survey in China. The aim was to assess reproductive health and contraception and the future needs for family planning management. The national sample included 1041 sampling points in 337 counties among 186,089 registered persons in the first demographic stage and 15,213 persons in the second in-depth KAP stage of the survey. The average age at first marriage of women was 1.5 years higher in 1997 than in 1990. The birthrate declined, and fertility remained stable at below replacement levels. Contraceptive usage among women of childbearing ages was 83.4%. 9.2% relied on male sterilization, 40% relied on female sterilization, 43.4% used IUDs, and 4.1% used condoms. 25.5% of married reproductive age women had an unwanted pregnancy due to contraceptive failure. 62.5% of women of childbearing age received contraceptives free of charge. 28.6% received contraceptive supplies from retail shops. 39.1% who had a contraceptive operation had access to pre-operative counseling, and 50.9% received post-operative counseling. 23.5% had follow-up visits. The average age of menarche was 15.2 years. The average age of menopause was 44.8 years. Gynecological discomfort increased with age. 63% consulted doctors. 58.5% fully breast-fed for over 6 months. 57.3% had knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, and 63.5% had heard of AIDS. 75% were happy with their sexual lives. 7.8% nationally had received at least one kind of economic assistance or skill training, of whom 50.6% had access to loans or poverty alleviation funds.
The Use of Histology in 638 Coronial Post-Mortem Examinations of Adults: An audit

An audit was performed to determine the effectiveness of histological sampling of forensic post-mortem cases based on a review of three years' data, which comprised 638 adult autopsy cases. During the study period organs and tissues that appeared macroscopically normal and abnormal were extensively sampled. Histology was regarded as in some way contributory (providing, altering or confirming a cause of death) 53% of the time. The use of histology provided the cause of death in 49 (24%) of the 203 cases not given a cause of death after the completion of the macroscopic examination. When an interim cause of death had been supplied following the completion of the gross examination it was changed in 4.8% of cases, but there were no changes of the manner of death. The majority of the histological diagnoses or discrepancies involved the lungs and the heart. All diagnoses relevant to determining the cause of death would have been made if samples had been taken only from the left ventricle, right ventricle, coronary arteries, lungs, kidneys and brain with any tissue or organ that appeared abnormal macroscopically. A macroscopically identified abnormality that appeared to have been responsible for death was not sampled in 20 cases; consequently, more attention will be paid to sampling macroscopically abnormal tissues. As a result of this audit histology sampling practice has been revised and will be re-audited in the future.
Cardiac Screening for Kidney Transplantation: The Clinical Conundrum Continues.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients both on dialysis and after kidney transplantation. The procedure of kidney transplantation imparts significant cardiovascular stress and an acute myocardial event during the perioperative period may cost the recipient their life and the community a kidney that may have been better used for another recipient. Such concerns have led to the practice of screening for coronary artery disease (CAD) before listing for transplantation, and periodically after waitlisting. Those who test negative may be waitlisted, whereas those with positive tests are either not listed or deferred, pending coronary angiography and subsequent treatment with cardioprotective drugs and in some cases coronary revascularization by angioplasty or bypass surgery. Despite widespread uptake of this practice and its recommendation in transplantation guidelines, there is little data to suggest that screening prevents posttransplant coronary events or death. Similarly, there is no strong evidence to show that coronary revascularization is beneficial in this population and results of retrospective analyses are conflicting. In this edition of Transplantation, De Lima et al analyzed the outcomes of 535 patients who underwent protocolized cardiovascular assessment, waitlisting, and then kidney transplantation. Consistent with American Society of Transplantation Guidelines, patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of risk factors determined by history, examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram: older than 50 years, diabetes, known vascular disease, or left ventricular dysfunction. Those with no risk factors were deemed to be at low risk with no requirement for CAD screening. Dipyridamole myocardial stress testing (Sestamibi) was undertaken in those with 1 risk factor (moderate risk group) whereas those with 2 or more risk factors (high-risk group) plus those in the moderate risk group who had a positive stress test underwent coronary angiography, which revealed significant stenoses in 136 (25%). The demographics of the moderateand high-risk groups were predictably different to those at low risk, with older age, higher BMI, and a greater prevalence of diabetes, smoking, hypertension,
A Sound Idea: Phonetic Effects of Brand Names on Consumer Judgments

In this article we examine a phenomenon known as sound symbolism, where the sound of a word conveys meanings. Specifically, brand names are composed of individual sounds called phonemes and we investigate how this phonetic structure of brand names affects a consumer's evaluation of products and their underlying attributes. We demonstrate that consumers use information they gather from phonemes in brand names to infer product attributes and to evaluate brands. We also demonstrate that the manner in which phonetic effects of brand names manifest is automatic in as much as it is uncontrollable, outside awareness and effortless.
Aflatoxin Exposure and Viral Hepatitis in the Etiology of Liver Cirrhosis in The Gambia, West Africa

Background Cirrhosis of the liver is thought to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, but few controlled studies on the etiology of cirrhosis have been conducted in this region. Objectives We aimed to elucidate the association between environmental and infectious exposures and cirrhosis in The Gambia. Methods Ninety-seven individuals were diagnosed with cirrhosis using a validated ultrasound scoring system and were compared with 397 controls. Participants reported demographic and food frequency information. Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, HCV RNA, and the aflatoxin-associated 249ser TP53 mutation. Results HBsAg seropositivity was associated with a significant increase in risk of cirrhosis [odds ratio (OR) = 8.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.4–14.7] as was the presence of HBeAg (OR = 10.3; 95% CI, 2.0–53.9) and HCV infection (OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2–9.5). We present novel data that exposure to aflatoxin, as assessed both by high lifetime groundnut (peanut) intake and by the presence of the 249ser TP53 mutation in plasma, is associated with a significant increase in the risk for cirrhosis (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–7.7 and OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.5–9.6, respectively). Additionally, aflatoxin and hepatitis B virus exposure appeared to interact synergistically to substantially increase the risk of cirrhosis, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusions Our results suggest that the spectrum of morbidity associated with aflatoxin exposure could include cirrhosis.
Comparison of the accuracy of Hybrid Capture II and polymerase chain reaction in detecting clinically important cervical dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The effectiveness of screening programs for cervical cancer has benefited from the inclusion of Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA assays; which assay to choose, however, is not clear based on previous reviews. Our review addressed test accuracy of Hybrid Capture II (HCII) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays based on studies with stronger designs and with more clinically relevant outcomes. We searched OvidMedline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for English language studies comparing both tests, published 1985–2012, with cervical dysplasia defined by the Bethesda classification. Meta‐analysis provided pooled sensitivity, specificity, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); meta‐regression identified sources of heterogeneity. From 29 reports, we found that the pooled sensitivity and specificity to detect high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) was higher for HCII than PCR (0.89 [CI: 0.89–0.90] and 0.85 [CI: 0.84–0.86] vs. 0.73 [CI: 0.73–0.74] and 0.62 [CI: 0.62–0.64]). Both assays had higher accuracy to detect cervical dysplasia in Europe than in Asia‐Pacific or North America (diagnostic odd ratio – dOR = 4.08 [CI: 1.39–11.91] and 4.56 [CI: 1.86–11.17] for HCII vs. 2.66 [CI: 1.16–6.53] and 3.78 [CI: 1.50–9.51] for PCR) and accuracy to detect HSIL than atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)/ low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (HCII‐dOR = 9.04 [CI: 4.12–19.86] and PCR‐dOR = 5.60 [CI: 2.87–10.94]). For HCII, using histology as a gold standard results in higher accuracy than using cytology (dOR = 2.87 [CI: 1.31–6.29]). Based on higher test accuracy, our results support the use of HCII in cervical cancer screening programs. The role of HPV type distribution should be explored to determine the worldwide comparability of HPV test accuracy.
HEAVY METAL TOLERANCE POTENTIAL OF FUNGUS ISOLATED FROM COPPER SMELTING INDUSTRY

This study investigates the tolerance potential of different species of indigenous fungi that isolated from solid waste at copper smelting industry. The heavy metals concentration in the solid waste was characterized by using Atomic Absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of heavy metal in the solid waste from copper smelting industry was found to be 220 ppm of copper (Cu) and 43 ppm of Iron (Fe). Two different species of fungi such as Coprinellus xanthothrix and Alternaria tenuissima were isolated from this copper contaminated sample using dilution techniques. They were screened for their resistance to copper (Cu) in potato dextrose agar plates amended with various concentrations ranging from 50-250 ppm of Cu. The isolates were resistant to Cu, among these strain Coprinellus xanthothrix was the most tolerant against the tested heavy metal at higher concentration, shows the tolerance index of 1, 0.738, 0.7, 0.355 and 0.288 and the species Alternaria tenuissima exhibit 1, 0.78, 0.59, 0.56 and 0.21 respectively. The isolate Coprinellus xanthothrix exhibit higher colony diameter and better growth phase for 50-200 ppm of Cu, while compared to the isolate Alternaria tenuissima. The results revealed that these initial adaptive behaviors are reflections of the strains tolerance development with increasing metal concentration.
Genistein protects against polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced oxidative DNA damage in non-cancerous breast cells MCF-10A

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are established cancer initiators that can be found in our food and environment. Some dietary phytochemicals are strong inhibitors of PAH-induced mutagenesis. The soya isoflavone genistein has been shown previously in our laboratory to be an inhibitor of PAH metabolite binding to DNA. In the present study, we investigated the effect of genistein on oxidative DNA damage induced by PAH in the non-tumorigenic breast cell line MCF10A. 7,12-Dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) can induce expressions of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 which are known to be responsive to PAH. These enzymes, in turn, will metabolise the PAH into their ultimate carcinogenic forms. Genistein can significantly suppress the expressions within 5 μm. The comet assay indicated that DMBA introduced DNA damage to these cells, and co-treatment with genistein at 5 or 10 μm could alleviate the damage. In addition to the chelation of DMBA metabolites to DNA, flow cytometry results revealed that oxidation was also a factor of DNA damage. The oxidative DNA damage could be removed by co-treating with 10 μm-genistein. Because no increased oxidative DNA repair was observed, suppression on the cytochrome enzymes appeared to be the underlying mechanism.
Serum nitrate and nitrite levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis

Objective: To assess and compare serum nitrate and nitrite levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Thirty five patients with RA, 32 patients with AS, and 36 patients with OA were entered into this study. In addition, 30 healthy volunteers acted as a control group. Concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in serum were determined by direct and indirect Griess reactions. C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were determined as markers of systemic activity of disease (SAD) in RA and AS groups. Results: Serum nitrate and nitrite levels were found to be higher in patients with AS and RA than in the OA group (p<0.01). In addition, serum nitrate and nitrite levels were higher in all three groups than in the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, serum nitrate and nitrite levels were higher in patients who had SAD than in those who had not in the RA and AS groups (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), and there was a correlation between serum nitrate and nitrite concentrations and SAD variables in patients with RA (Spearman's rs=0.414, p<0.05 and rs=0.408, p<0.05, respectively) and AS (rs=0.421, p<0.05 and rs=0.412, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: The findings suggest that nitrate and nitrite production is enhanced in patients with inflammatory arthritis compared with OA. In addition, serum nitrate and nitrite levels are enhanced in patients with RA, AS, and OA compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, there is a correlation between the SAD variables and serum nitrate and nitrite levels in patients with RA and AS.
Generalized Bundle Methods

We study a class of generalized bundle methods for which the stabilizing term can be any closed convex function satisfying certain properties. This setting covers several algorithms from the literature that have been so far regarded as distinct. Under a different hypothesis on the stabilizing term and/or the function to be minimized, we prove finite termination, asymptotic convergence, and finite convergence to an optimal point, with or without limits on the number of serious steps and/or requiring the proximal parameter to go to infinity. The convergence proofs leave a high degree of freedom in the crucial implementative features of the algorithm, i.e., the management of the bundle of subgradients ($\beta$-strategy) and of the proximal parameter (t-strategy). We extensively exploit a dual view of bundle methods, which are shown to be a dual ascent approach to one nonlinear problem in an appropriate dual space, where nonlinear subproblems are approximately solved at each step with an inner linearization approach. This allows us to precisely characterize the changes in the subproblems during the serious steps, since the dual problem is not tied to the local concept of $\varepsilon$-subdifferential. For some of the proofs, a generalization of inf-compactness, called *-compactness, is required; this concept is related to that of asymptotically well-behaved functions.
Preventing Needlestick Injuries among Healthcare Workers: A WHO-ICN Collaboration

Abstract Effective measures to prevent infections from occupational exposure of healthcare workers to blood include immunization against HBV, eliminating unnecessary injections, implementing Universal Precautions, eliminating needle recapping and disposing of the sharp into a sharps container immediately after use, use of safer devices such as needles that sheath or retract after use, provision and use of personal protective equipment, and training workers in the risks and prevention of transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral medications can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 80%. In 2003, the World Health Organization and the, International Council of Nurses launched a pilot project in three countries to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries. The results of the pilot will be disseminated worldwide, along with best policies and practices for prevention.
Living vs. Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation Provides Comparable Recovery of Renal Function in Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Matched Case–Control Study

Outcomes of living versus deceased donor liver transplantation in patients with chronic liver disease and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) was compared using a matched pair study design. Thirty patients with HRS receiving a live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and 90 HRS patients receiving a full graft deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) were compared. LDLT versus DDLT of patients with HRS was associated with decreased peak aspartate aminotransferase levels (339 ± 214 vs. 935 ± 1253 U/L; p = 0.0001), and similar 7‐day bilirubin (8.42 ± 7.89 vs. 6.95 ± 7.13 mg/dL; p = 0.35), and international normalized ratio levels (1.93 ± 0.62 vs. 1.78 ± 0.78; p = 0.314). LDLT vs. DDLT had a decreased intensive care unit (2 [1–39] vs. 4 [0–93] days; p = 0.004), and hospital stay (17 [4–313] vs. 26 [0–126] days; p = 0.016) and a similar incidence of overall postoperative complications (20% vs. 27%; p = 0.62). No difference was detected between LDLT and DDLT patients regarding graft survival at 1 (80% vs. 82%), at 3 (69% vs. 76%) and 5 years (65% vs. 76%) (p = 0.63), as well as patient survival at 1 (83% vs. 82%), 3 (72% vs. 77%) and 5 years (72% vs. 77%) (p = 0.93). The incidence of chronic kidney disease post‐LT (10% vs. 6%; p = 0.4) was similar between both groups. LDLT results in identical long‐term outcome when compared with DDLT in patients with HRS.
Large-Conductance Potassium Cation Channel Opener NS1619 Inhibits Cardiac Mitochondria Respiratory Chain

It has recently been reported that large-conductance calcium-cation–activated potassium channels, also known as BKCa-type potassium channels, are present in the inner membranes of cardiac cell mitochondria. It was also shown that the BKCa-channel opener NS1619 (1,3-dihydro-1-[2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) protects the heart against ischemic damage. In the present study we investigated the effects of NS1619 on the function of isolated cardiac mitochondria. In particular, we examined the influence of NS1619 on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration. We showed that NS1619 decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Our results demonstrate that the protection induced by this channel opener in the heart may also be caused by pharmacological preconditioning through the inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.