Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac sympathetic nervous disintegrity is related to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between cardiac sympathetic nervous activity assessed by 123I-MIBG imaging and exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure. The subjects were 24 patients with heart failure (NYHA class II to III) and 7 normal controls. A dose of 148 MBq of 123I-MIBG was administered intravenously, and 5-min anterior planar images were obtained 20 min (early) and 4 h (delayed) after the injection of 123I-MIBG. Regions of interest were placed over the left ventricle and mediastinum, and the heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M ratio) was calculated as a fraction of the mean counts per pixel in the heart divided by those in the mediastinum. The washout rate from the myocardium was determined by: (early counts — delayed counts) X 100/early counts (%). Treadmill exercise tests were performed using a ramp method within 1 week of the 123I-MIBG studies. During exercise, expired gas was analysed, and peak VO2 and VO2 at the anaerobic threshold (AT VO2) were measured. A significant linear correlation was found between the H/M ratio on delayed 123I-MIBG images and exercise duration (r = 0.48, P < 0.05), peak VO2 (r = 0.49, P < 0.05) and AT VO2 (r = 0.56, P <0.01). The washout rate of 123I-MIBG was inversely correlated with exercise duration (r = - 0.45, P <0.05), peak VO2 (r = - 0.51, P <0.01), and AT VO2 (r = - 0.50, P <0.05). In conclusion, enhanced cardiac sympathetic nervous activity relates to exercise intolerance in patients with congestive heart failure. The non-invasive assessment of cardiac sympathetic nervous activity by 123I-MIBG can predict exercise capacity in human heart failure.
The Function of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B in the Heart

8 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE . 9 Introduction . 9 1. The cardiovascular system . 9 1.1. Development of the blood vascular system . 10 1.2. Development of the coronary vasculature . 10 1.3. New insights into ischemic heart disease . 11 1.4. Arteriogenesis . 11 2. Regulators of myocardial growth, angiogenesis and metabolism . 12 3. The vascular endothelial growth factor family . 14 3.1. VEGF . 15 3.2. VEGF-B . 15 3.3. PlGF . 18 3.4. VEGFR-1 . 19 3.5. VEGFR-2 . 20 3.6. VEGF-C, VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 . 20 3.7. Neuropilins . 21 AIMS OF THE STUDY . 22 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 23 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 28 1. A novel role for VEGF-B in cardiac hypertrophy and lipid metabolism (I) . 28 2. VEGF-B as a novel growth factor for coronary arteries (II) . 29 3. VEGF-B protects the heart from myocardial ischemia and alters cardiac energy metabolism (III) . 30 CONCLUDING REMARKS . 33 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 35 REFERENCES . 37
Transport metrics for power spectra

We present a family of metrics for power spectra based on the Monge-Kantorivic transportation distances. These metrics are constructed so that distances reduce with additive and multiplicative noise, reflecting the intuition that noise typically reduces our ability to discriminate spectra. In addition, perturbations measured in these metrics are continuous with respect to the statistics of the underlying time series. A general framework for constructing such metrics is put forth and these are contrasted with an earlier Riemannian metric which is based on prediction theory and the relevant geometry of the underlying time-series.
Cytochrome P450 CYP2C19 genotypes in Nigerian sickle‐cell disease patients and normal controls

Background and objective: Subjects with different CYP2C19 genotypes may metabolize proguanil, a pro‐drug used for malaria prophylaxis differently and the frequency of the different alleles may be different in patients with sickle‐cell disease (SCD) and normal controls. The objective of this study was to evaluate CYP2C19 *1, *2 and *3 allele and genotype frequencies in Nigerian normal controls and SCD patients, and to further compare variant CYP2C19 frequencies in Nigerians with other African populations.
Self-reported toothache experience in an adult population in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

PURPOSE This pilot study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of self-reported toothache, bleeding gums and oral ulcer experiences, reasons for dental visits and associated sociodemographic factors among adults living in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was based on a convenience sample in an urban setting. Out of the 540 persons surveyed, 508 had complete usable information, 48% males and 52% females, and aged 18 - 54 years. A closed questionnaire was used to collect the data at two large medical outpatient facilities and a university community. RESULTS The proportion reporting toothache experience in the previous 12 months was 34%; painful/ bleeding gums 28%, and oral ulcers/painful spots 14%. Univariate analysis showed that toothache experience was associated with time since last dental visit (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001) and education (p < 0.001). Experience with bleeding gums was associated with gender (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001) and last dental visits (p < 0.001). Oral ulcers were associated with gender (p = 0.004), age (p < 0.001) and last dental visits (p < 0.001). Fewer males than females reported toothache (25% vs. 42%, OR 1.65) but more males reported bleeding gums (37% vs. 19%, OR = 0.34) and oral ulcers (19% vs. 10% OR = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Toothache experience was the most prevalent oral health problem reported by adults. Oral health problems were associated with age, gender and last dental visits.
Prevalence of hyperuricaemia in a rural population of Nigerian Niger Delta region.

INTRODUCTION Hyperuricemia is a cardiovascular disease risk factor that has been poorly researched into in Africa and its prevalence is largely unknown in the rural areas in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in particular. METHODS A cross-sectional rural survey involving 500 subjects aged 15 years and above. Demographic and social data were obtained using a questionnaire. Anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference) and blood pressure measurements were taken. Blood samples were taken for blood uric acid, glucose and lipid check. RESULTS The mean age of the study subjects was 41.32 +/- 17.0 (males, 42.84 +/- 17.8; females, 40.62 +/- 16.6) with a range of 15 years to 95 years. The male to female ratio was 1:2.3. The mean serum uric acid was 337.58 +/- 94.59 mmol/l with a significant higher mean for females (males 333.20 +/- 88.70, females 339.56 +/- 97.21, p < 0.001). Hyperuricemia was found in 86 subject giving a prevalence of 17.2% with higher prevalence in males (males 25%, females 13.7%; x2 = 7.75, p = 0.006). Correlational analysis of serum uric acid with other parameters revealed that waist circumference, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and gender had significant association with uric acid. Male gender was found to be a significant predictor for hyperuricaemia following a logistic regression. CONCLUSION The prevalence of hyperuricemia is high in this rural community of study. There is need for more research considering the cardiovascular and other implications of hyperuricaemia.
Therapeutic Options for Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined by the presence of chronic gastroduodenal symptoms in the absence of organic or systemic disease that explains them, and a negative upper endoscopy. According to the Rome III consensus, FD can be subdivided into PDS (postprandial distress syndrome) and EPS (epigastric pain syndrome). In patients with mild symptoms, reassurance and lifestyle adjustments are often sufficient. Pharmacotherapy, for those with more severe or persisting symptoms, includes the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), prokinetics and psychotropic agents. In those diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, eradication is recommended, although the symptom impact is often limited. PPIs are the initial therapy of choice for EPS, while prokinetics can be used in PDS. Tricyclic antidepressants can be used for refractory symptoms, especially in EPS. Emerging therapies include the novel gastroprokinetic agent acotiamide for PDS, fundus-relaxing 5-HT1A agonists in patients with PDS/early satiation and mirtazapine for FD with weight loss.
Regional distribution of GABAA receptor binding sites in cat somatosensory and motor cortex

Inhibition in primary sensory cortex plays a role in neuronal response to periperal stimuli. For many neurons in cat primary somatosensory cortex, blockade of GABAA receptors by bicuculline results in receptive field enlargement. The magnitude of this effect varies with the neuron's adaption characteristics and its location in particular laminae and submodality regions. To test whether these variation are correlated with the distribution of GABAA receptors, we analyzed [3H] muscimol binding in cat primary somatosensory and motor cortical areas. The highest levels of binding were in layers IV was distinguished by highest levels were in layers V–VI. In somatosensory cortical areas, layer IV, levels of binding were significantly higher in posterior area 3b than in anterior area 3b. These difference may correspond to the rapidly adaption and slowly adapting submodality regions which have been described in this area. The laminar distribution of [3H] muscimol binding differed from that of [3H]flunitrazepam, and neither resembled the distribution of magnitude of bicuculline's effects on receptive field size. The laminar distribution of [3H] muscimol binding was highly correlated with the area density of GABA‐immunoreactive neurons described in a companion study. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structured parenting of toddlers at high versus low genetic risk: two pathways to child problems.

OBJECTIVE Little is known about how parenting might offset genetic risk to prevent the onset of child problems during toddlerhood. We used a prospective adoption design to separate genetic and environmental influences and test whether associations between structured parenting and toddler behavior problems were conditioned by genetic risk for psychopathology. METHOD The sample included 290 linked sets of adoptive families and birth mothers and 95 linked birth fathers. Genetic risk was assessed via birth mother and birth father psychopathology (anxiety, depression, antisociality, and drug use). Structured parenting was assessed via microsocial coding of adoptive mothers' behavior during a cleanup task. Toddler behavior problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS Controlling for temperamental risk at 9 months, there was an interaction between birth mother psychopathology and adoptive mothers' parenting on toddler behavior problems at 18 months. The interaction indicated two pathways to child problems: structured parenting was beneficial for toddlers at high genetic risk but was related to behavior problems for toddlers at low genetic risk. This crossover interaction pattern was replicated with birth father psychopathology as the index of genetic risk. CONCLUSIONS The effects of structured parenting on toddler behavior problems varied as a function of genetic risk. Children at genetic risk might benefit from parenting interventions during toddlerhood that enhance structured parenting.
Factors affecting the adoption and diffusion of Internet in higher educational institutions in Kenya

Several studies have shown that the importance of the Internet in higher education has continued to rise over the past decade. However, researchers and practitioners have shown that resistance to end-user systems by users such as students is a widespread problem. This phenomenon has created the need to better predict, explain and increase user acceptance of technology in higher education. To fulfill this need, the understanding of the factors that encourage or hinder Internet use in learning, teaching, research and university management function has become critical in modern times. As university administrators continue investing in Information & communication Technologies (ICTs) such as the Internet, Learning management systems(LMS) such WebCT, and plagiarism and originality tools like Turnitin to improve quality and to support learning, as well as help in dealing with educational budget cuts and increased enrollment, instructors are increasingly making their teaching materials available on the Internet. However several studies have shown that the question of whether students are making full use of the Internet to justify these investments and learning materials efforts by faculty has not been fully answered. Consequently, while administrators and instructors would like to make the Internet an effective educational tool, they need to understand what their students\' attitudes towards using it are. Since the use of the Internet in higher education is still in its early stages especially in developing countries like Kenya, many issues regarding its adoption, diffusion, infusion and use have not been fully addressed. This study was therefore conducted to provide a better understanding of how ICTs particularly the Internet are adopted, diffused, infused and used in institutions of higher learning in Kenya from a student\'s perspective. This paper focuses on the influence of environmental factors to the adaption and diffusion of the Internet by a selected sample of university students. The research framework is based on the Theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). We use a survey conducted among university students to explore these environmental factor issues that have been neglected by previous studies. The research establishes that Competition Pressure, Government Support, ICT Vendors Support, and Perceived Socio Economic factors influence the adoption and diffusion of the Internet. These findings provide some useful insights for governments, university administrators, educators and policy makers. Keywords : ICTs, Internet, technology acceptance, diffusion of technology. Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa Vol. 1 (2) 2009: pp. 6-23
The prevalence of eating disorders among university students and the relationship with some individual characteristics.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among university students in a rural area of Turkey and to compare groups based on the sociodemographic data, history of child abuse and neglect, family roles and self-esteem with a normal control group regarding EDs. METHOD Subjects who were chosen by simple random sampling method were consisted of 980 Cumhuriyet University students who agreed to participate out of the 1003 total students and were given a sociodemographic information form and an Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Students who scored above a cutoff level on the EAT were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Clinical Version. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire Form were given to subjects in the control and study groups. RESULTS Seventy-one of the 951 students (492 female, 459 male) who correctly filled out the EAT had a score above the cutoff level of 30 or higher. Of these 71 students, 21 (2.20%) were found to have an eating disorder based on the SCID-I. No subjects were found to have anorexia nervosa. Eighteen of the 21 subjects were female. Of these 18 female students, 15 (1.57%) were found to have bulimia nervosa and three (0.31%) were found to have binge eating disorder (BED). All of the three male subjects were diagnosed with BED (0.31%). The self-esteem of those in the study group was lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Subjects in the study group had more frequent histories of sexual and emotional abuse in childhood (p < 0.05). Also, in the study group scores showing communication in FAD families, unity and emotional attachment were statistically significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS It has been observed from the results of this research that the frequency of bulimia nervosa and BED in this sample is so similar to Western samples. Besides that, self-esteem, child abuse and neglect, and family functions must be examined in detail because they are risk factors for EDs and affect the course of treatment.
Fourier Analysis and Benford Random Variables

This paper has several major purposes. The central purpose is to describe the "Benford analysis" of a positive random variable and to summarize some results from investigations into base dependence of Benford random variables. The principal tools used to derive these results are Fourier series and Fourier transforms, and a second major purpose of this paper is to present an introductory exposition about these tools. My motivation for writing this paper is twofold. First, I think the theory of Benford random variables and the Benford analysis of a positive random variable are interesting and deserve to be better known. Second, I think that Benford analysis provides a really excellent illustration of the utility of Fourier series and transforms, and reveals certain interconnections between series and transforms that are not obvious from the usual way these subjects are introduced.
Global Stability Analysis of Azimuthal Oscillations in Hall Thrusters

A linearized time-dependent 2-D (axial and azimuthal) fluid model of the Hall thruster discharge is presented. This model is used to carry out a global stability analysis of the plasma response, as opposed to the more common local stability analyses. Experimental results indicate the existence of low-frequency long-wave-length azimuthal oscillations in the direction of the E × B drift, usually referred to as spokes. The present model predicts the presence of such oscillations for typical Hall thruster conditions with a frequency and a growth rate similar to those found in experiments. Moreover, the comparison between the simulated spoke and the simulated breathing mode, a purely axial low-frequency oscillation typical in Hall thrusters, shows similar features in them. Additionally, the contribution of this azimuthal oscillation to electron conductivity is evaluated tentatively by computing the equivalent anomalous diffusion coefficient from the linear oscillations. The results show a possible contribution to anomalous diffusion in the rear part of the thruster.
Adaptive Gradient Methods Converge Faster with Over-Parameterization (and you can do a line-search)

As adaptive gradient methods are typically used for training over-parameterized models capable of exactly fitting the data, we study their convergence in this interpolation setting. Under this assumption, we prove that constant step-size, zero-momentum variants of Adam and AMSGrad can converge to the minimizer at the O(1/T) rate for smooth, convex functions. When this assumption is only approximately satisfied, we show that these methods converge to a neighbourhood of the solution. On the other hand, we show that Adagrad is robust to the violation of interpolation and converges to the minimizer at the optimal rate. However, we demonstrate that even for simple, convex problems satisfying interpolation, the empirical performance of these methods heavily depends on the step-size and requires tuning. We alleviate this problem by making use of stochastic line-search methods (SLS) and Polyak's step-sizes (SPS) to help these methods adapt to the function's local smoothness. We prove that adaptive methods used in conjunction with these techniques do not require knowledge of problem-dependent constants and retain the convergence guarantees of their constant step-size counterparts. Experimentally, we show that using SLS or SPS consistently improves the convergence of adaptive methods across tasks; from binary classification with kernel mappings to classification with deep neural networks. Furthermore, our empirical results show that Adagrad equipped with SLS generalizes better than SGD.
Asymptotics of level-spacing distributions for random matrices.

Asymptotic formulas for the probability of finding exactly n eigenvalues in an interval of length s, for large s and fixed n, are given for random matrices taken from the Gaussian ensembles (β=1, 2, 4). These exact results are compared with the predictions of a continuum Coulomb gas model due to Dyson
Effects of repeated retrieval of central and peripheral details in complex emotional slides

Research has demonstrated that repeated retrieval enhances memory for practised verbal information, but undermines correct recall of unpractised related verbal information, a phenomenon known as retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF). This paper addresses the question of what happens with memory for unrehearsed aspects of an emotional picture when retrieval of other aspects of that picture is practised. In two experiments we investigated whether repeated retrieval of certain details of negative emotional slides undermines recall of unrehearsed details of such slides. In Experiment 1 retrieval of peripheral details was practised. The results demonstrated that recall for peripheral details was enhanced. However, correct recall of unpractised central details remained unaffected. Furthermore, retrieval practice did not alter the number of commission errors. Experiment 2 revealed that repeated retrieval of central details enhanced memory for these details. Although more commission errors were produced, again correct recall was not impaired for the unrehearsed central and peripheral details. This failure to find retrieval-induced forgetting effects for complex visual material is at odds with the RIF literature, and potential reasons for this are discussed. The data also extend previous studies in demonstrating that extensive retrieval can increase the number of commission errors.
High‐frequency percussive ventilation compared with conventional mechanical ventilation

In seven patients with severe respiratory distress, conventional mechanical ventilation and PEEP were used initially for respiratory support, which was changed to high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) at the same level of airway pressure and FIO2. During both modes of ventilation, patients could breathe spontaneously via a low-threshold demand valve. With HFPV, PaO2 improved significantly (p < .01) compared with PaO2 during conventional methods. Cardiac output was unaffected by the change to HFPV.