Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Characteristics of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the prevalence of EPI varies significantly in different studies. Untreated EPI in these patients can adversely affect their nutrition and metabolism. The aim of this study is to estimate the pooled prevalence of EPI in patients with type 2 diabetes and to explore the potential risk factors. Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, which included studies meeting inclusion criteria from 1960 to 1 April 2022. Relevant articles were searched using the combination of Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms of “Type 2 diabetes” and “pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. ” The Stata 16.0 software was used for data analyses. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence rates and 95% CI using “metaprop program. ” Results The pooled prevalence of EPI was 22% (95% CI: 15%–31%) in patients with type 2 diabetes and 8% (95% CI: 4%–14%) of them developed severe pancreatic insufficiency. In the subgroup analyses, the prevalence of EPI in type 2 diabetes was correlated with geographic location. The prevalence in Asian countries (35%, 95% CI: 22%–49%) is higher than in Europe (18%, 95% CI: 10%–29%) and Australia (9%, 95% CI: 4%–16%). Furthermore, patients with higher insulin requirements, who are more likely to be insulin-deficient, have a higher prevalence of EPI. The pooled prevalence was 27% (95% CI: 17%–37%) in type 2 diabetes with higher insulin requirement (1 group) and 15% (95% CI: 1%–40%) in patients with lower insulin requirement (2 group). In addition, the morbidity of severe EPI in the higher insulin requirement group (12%, 95% CI: 7%–19%) was sextuple as much as the lower insulin requirement group (2%, 95% CI: 0%–13%). EPI was more common in subjects younger than 60 compared with elderlies (25% vs. 19%). Conclusion The prevalence of EPI in type 2 diabetes may be overestimated. Furthermore, the higher prevalence may be closely related to β-cell function. Endocrine disease therapy would potentially represent a novel therapeutic approach for patients with type 2 diabetes and EPI.
Estimating the intrinsic dissipation using the second harmonic of the temperature signal in tension‐compression fatigue: Part I. Theory

An analytical framework was developed to correlate the intrinsic dissipation to the second harmonic of the temperature signal evaluated by means of the Fourier transform. The theoretical model assumes, without loss of generality, total conversion of the input mechanical energy into heat. Elastic-perfectly plastic or elastic – plastic materials obeying a Ramberg – Osgood law are considered. For the sake of simplicity, analytical solution of the thermoelastic and plastic temperature evolutions are obtained in the case of uniform stress and temperature fields. It was found that the intrinsic dissipation is correlated to the second harmonic of the temperature signal by means of a parameter (the β parameter) that, in the case of an elastic – plastic material, depends on the cyclic hardening exponent n 0 .
Thermophysical properties and grain size effects in Luffa Cylindrica-modified clay composites for thermal insulation

The study explored the thermal insulation potential of composite material made from clay and Luffa cylindrica. Clay/Luff cylindrica composite (denoted as Clay/L-C) was developed from natural resources. In the research, Luffa cylindrica particles of different grain sizes and different proportions were mixed with clay, and thermal evaluations were done with respect to thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, mass depletion with temperature, and microstructure. Two different mixture ratios, namely 4:1and 3:2 corresponding to 20 wt % and 40 wt % Luffa cylindrica particle, respectively, were used for Clay/Luffa cylindrica combination. While Luffa cylindrica particle sizes varied from 600µm to 300µm and 150µm, the effects of Luffa cylindrica content and particle size on thermal properties were then examined. These novel composite materials developed in this study demonstrate motivating potential for enhanced thermal insulation when compared to unmodified clay. Improved thermal insulation performance indicated by thermal properties was observed for all the modified samples. This is on the account of reduced thermal conductivity of the modified samples. The best sample possessed thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, and porosity values of 0.216 W/mK, 462.90°C.cm/W, 0.123 mm/s2 1.493 MJ/m3K, and 89.3%, respectively. Results show that Luffa cylindrica fiber can be applied as an additive for effective thermal insulation. Development in this area of study is very necessary especially as the raw materials are readily available and cost-effective.
Reproductive Performance of Purebred and Crossbred Landrace and Large White Sows Raised under Thai Commercial Swine Herd

The reproductive data of a total of 27,783 sows from Landrace (L) of 2,016 heads (7,080 records), Large White (W) of 1,573 heads (6,016 records), and the crossbred sows between L x W of 1,581 heads (6,273 records) and W x L of 2,146 heads (8,414 records) were studied to investigate the influence of breed on reproductive performance of sows, including total piglets born (TPB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), stillbirth piglets (STB), mummified piglets (MUM), average birth weight (ABW) and average weaning weight (AWW). Breed, parity and year × season at farrowing were considered as fixed effects in a statistical model. Least Squares Means (LSM) for each subclass of breed were estimated and the different values of LSM were compared using the t-test method. The results found that breed, parity and year × season at farrowing significantly affected reproductive performance of sows in all studied traits (P < 0.01). The crossbred sows (L x W and W x L) had higher LSM for TPB, NBA, ABW and AWW than purebred sows (L and W) and had less STB than purebred sows (P < 0.05). For MUM, a small but significant difference was found in each breed (0.23 ± 0.01 to 0.32 ± 0.01 heads). The crossbred W x L had the highest LSM for TPB, NBA and AWW which implied that crossbred sow production using Landrace sows as dam line tends to have more piglets per litter and have higher weaning weight than Large White.
Atmosphere creation: the relation between atmosphere and light characteristics

The latest developments in lighting technology in the area of color and dynamics make it possible to create more appealing atmospheres. Hence, the focus of lighting research is changing from visual effects towards psychological effects, from white light towards colored light, and from static to dynamic designs. The goal of this study was twofold: First, we want to investigate what light characteristics lighting designers use to create certain atmospheres in the living room and second, what is the relation between these light characteristics and the atmosphere. The results show that typically used parameters such as brightness and color temperature in combination with parameters such as color, beam shaping, and dynamics provide the best opportunities for creating appealing atmospheres in the living room. The relation between all these light parameters and the atmospheres cosy , activating , relaxing , and exciting are described in detail in this paper.
Single Versus Divided-Dose Steroids in Treatment of Rheumatic Carditis

Introduction: Patients with rheumatic carditis and more than minimal cardiomegaly and/or congestive heart failure should receive corticosteroids. The usual dose of prednisolone is two mg/kg/day in four divided doses. We aim by this study to compare the regimen of giving steroids in a single daily dose with that of giving them in four-divided doses. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted on 24 patients having rheumatic carditis. 12 patients were started on prednisolone at a dose of two mg/kg/day in a single daily dose. The other 12 patients were started on prednisolone at a dose of two mg/kg/day in four divided doses. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups of patients as regard the duration of treatment before remission. No complications related to steroids were observed in any of our patients. Conclusion: Prednisolone, as a single morning dose is as effective as divided doses for treatment of rheumatic carditis with no higher risk of complications. As single-dose steroid therapy is likely to be associated with better drug compliance, we recommend it as the regimen of choice for treatment of rheumatic carditis.
Performance of RF Plasma Thruster for Various Magnetic Field Configurations by Permanent Magnets

In order to realize a long-lived and high-powered electric propulsion system, we have been investigating an electrodeless electric propulsion concept utilizing a RF plasma source and a magnetic nozzle. In this study, the thrust performance of the RF plasma thruster is investigated under various magnetic field configurations by changing operational conditions. From the measurements of the thrust force and the total ion flux, the thrust force, specific impulse, and plasma utilization efficiency monotonically increased with an applied RF power. The discharge mode transition points, where dramatic improvement of these performance, were found. These points were varied depending on the magnetic field configuration. In the case of same plasma flow rate, higher thrust force was obtained in the thruster with the higher magnetic flux density (290 mT) than the lower magnetic flux density (52 or 140 mT). The position of the magnetic cusp in the discharge vessel could change a propellant utilization efficiency. After the discharge mode transition, this efficiency in the case that the magnetic cusp was at the center of the RF antenna was higher than that in the case of no magnetic cusp.
The Effect of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty: Evidence from Teaching Hospitals in Egypt

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating significant role of Customer Satisfaction (CS) on the relationship between Service Quality (SQ) and Customer Loyalty (CL). Research Design/Methodology: To assess positive SQ, refer to (SQ Questionnaire, Cronin & Taylor,1992), CS (CS Questionnaire, Athanassopoulos, et al, 2001) and CL (CL Questionnaire, Parasuraman, 1996). The data of the study was collected from 315 employees at Teaching hospitals in Egypt. Out of the 357 questionnaires that were distributed to employees at Teaching hospitals in Egypt, 315 usable questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 88%. Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was used to confirm the research hypotheses. Findings: Results of the study show that there are high positive correlation between SQ, CS and CL at Teaching hospitals in Egypt. SQ significantly influenced CS and CL. The finding reveals that SQ affects CL through CS. Therefore, this study has been specifically conducted to look into this phenomenon and seek empirical justification in this regard by considering SQ as the main contributory factor towards CS and CL. Practical implications: Learning the relationships between SQ, CS and CL, retailers can effectively allocate their resources and develop a rational plan to improve their SQ under specific business circumstances. In addition, by the referring of loyal customers, Teaching hospitals can attract more customers. Managers are advised to satisfy and better manage their relationships through quality product and service offerings to their customers as a competitive policy in the marketplace. Teaching hospitals are required to offer products/services that meet or surpass consumers’ expectation. The study also reveals interesting implications in SQ, CS and CL, useful to both academics and practitioners. Managers will find this research helpful in better understanding these variables and their roles on their companies’ performance. role of CS in the relationship between SQ and CL at Teaching hospitals in Egypt.
Regulation of H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis by Protein Kinase C and AMP-activated kinase signaling in primary cultured hepatocytes

Recent studies have suggested that in certain cases necrosis like apoptosis may be programmed, involving activation and inhibition of many signaling pathways. In this study, we examined whether necrosis induced by H 2 O 2 is regulated by signaling pathways in primary hepatocytes. A detailed time course revealed that H 2 O 2 treated to hepatocytes is consumed within minutes, but hepatocytes undergo necrosis several hours later. Thus H 2 O 2 treatment induces a “lag phase” where signaling changes occur including protein kinase C (PKC) activation, Akt (PKB) down regulation, activation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and down regulation of AMP activated kinase (AMPK). Investigation of various inhibitors demonstrated that PKC inhibitors were effective in reducing necrosis caused by H 2 O 2 (~ 80%). PKC inhibitor treatment decreased PKC activity, but surprisingly also upregulated Akt and AMPK, suggesting various PKC isoforms negatively regulate Akt and AMPK. Akt did not appear to play a significant role in H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis, since PKC inhibitor treatment protected hepatocytes from H 2 O 2 even when Akt was inhibited. On the other hand, compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor, abrogated the protective effect of PKC inhibitors against necrosis induced by H 2 O 2 . Furthermore, AMPK activators protected against H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis suggesting that much of the protective effect of PKC inhibition was mediated through upregulation of AMPK. Work with PKC inhibitors suggest that atypical PKC downregulates AMPK in response to H 2 O 2 . Knocking down PKC- α using antisense also slightly protected (~22%) against H 2 O 2 . Taken together our data demonstrate that modulation of signaling pathways involving PKC and AMPK can alter H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis, suggesting a signaling “program” is important in mediating H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis in primary hepatocytes. in cells because ATP is required for repair of damaged proteins, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage initiated by H 2 O 2 . Additional studies will be needed to determine if AMPK protects hepatocytes against H 2 O 2 -induced necrosis through upregulation of energy generating pathways.
STUDY OF POSSIBLE SYSTEMATICS IN THE L*X–T*a CORRELATION OF GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic sources in the universe and among the farthest known astrophysical sources. These features make them appealing candidates as standard candles for cosmological applications such that studying the physical mechanisms for the origin of the emission and correlations among their observable properties is an interesting task. We consider here the luminosity L*X and break time T*a (hereafter LT) correlation and investigate whether there are systematics induced by selection effects or redshift-dependent calibration. We perform this analysis both for the full sample of 77 Swift GRBs with known redshift and for the subsample of GRBs having canonical X-ray light curves, hereafter called the U0095 sample. We do not find any systematic bias, thus confirming the existence of physical GRB subclasses revealed by tight correlations of their afterglow properties. Furthermore, we study the possibility of applying the LT correlation as a redshift estimator both for the full distribution and for the canonical light curves. The large uncertainties and the non-negligible intrinsic scatter make the results not so encouraging, but there are nevertheless some hints motivating a further analysis with an increased U0095 sample.
Difference in Muscle Activities According to Stability on Support Surface During Plank Exercise

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to measure muscle activities in the pectoralis major, the erector spinae, and the quadriceps femoris according to support surface states of arms and legs during plank exercise. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 21 healthy males in their 20s and their muscle activities at three states were measured as follows: The first state was where the support surface of arms and legs was stable. The second state was where only arms were unstable, and the third state was where only legs were unstable. Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activities. Pectoralis major, quadriceps femoris, and elector spinae were measured for muscle activities. RESULTS: The muscle activities in the pectoralis major were statistically high when arms were unstable. The muscle activities in the quadriceps femoris were statistically high when legs were unstable. The muscle activities in the erector spinae were higher when arms and legs were unstable compared to that at the stable support surface. No significant
Do Mergers And Acquisition Result In What They Target For? An Analysis Of Corporate Governance And Mergers And Acquisition In Pakistan

This study examines the effect of corporate governance (CG) on M&A transactions (deal activity) by measuring financial performance on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) for non-financial companies from 1993 to 2014, focusing on SG and CFOA. Prior studies failed to include this firm's return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) in their calculations, whereas others have estimated return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and Tobin's q. In order to reach this goal, the research will provide more evidence on whether CG, which is found in some developing countries, increases M&A financial performance in a developing country like Pakistan. The research shows that, in the absence of CFOA, an increase in SG price will lead to an increase in CFOA value. Financial performance of acquiring firms in Pakistan changes in accordance with interaction variables such as PM*BS and PM*BI. M&A firms will likely prioritize independence on the board and the size of the board to achieve positive financial performance. According to the current literature, an effective CG mechanism is necessary for the value of the firm to be increased, especially during M&A.
The Structural Motif Glycine 190-Valine 202 of the Fibrinogen y Chain Interacts with CDllb/CD18 Integrin (a!Mp2, Mac-1) and Promotes Leukocyte Adhesion*

The leukocyte-restricted integrin CDl lb/CD18 (a&, Mac- 1) is a receptor for fibrinogen on stimulated monocytes and neutrophils. At variance with platelet aII& or endothelial cell avo3 integrins, CDllb/CD18 interacts with a -30-kDa plasmic fragment D (D30) of fibrinogen that lacks the Arg-Gly-Asp sequences in the Aa chain and the carboxyl terminus of the y chain. Using epitope-mapped antibodies and synthetic peptidyl mimicry, we have now identified a unique linear sequence in fibrinogen that mediates ligand binding to CDllb/CD18. Anti-fibrinogen antibodies directed to the y chain region 95-264 inhibited “‘I-fibrinogen or 12sI-D30 binding to chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils or monocytic THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Partially overlapping synthetic peptides re-producing this y chain region were tested for their ability to inhibit fibrinogen binding to leukocytes. A synthetic peptide designated P1, duplicating y chain Gly1go-Va1202, inhibited ”‘I-fibrinogen binding to stimulated neutrophils or THP- 1 cells and blocked adhesion of these cells to immobilized fibrinogen in a dose-de- pendent fashion. Increasing concentrations of P1 inhibited ”‘I-fibrinogen binding to isolated CD1 lb/ CD18 in a cell-free system. Consistent with genuine peptidyl mimicry, 1261-Pl bound saturably to THP-1 cells in a reaction inhibited by molar excess of unla- beled peptide, fibrinogen, or D30. Finally, immobilized P1 effectively supported adhesion of THP-1 cells in a CD1 lb/CDl%dependent manner. These data suggest that the fibrinogen y chain region Gly1”o-Va1202 functions as a minimal recognition sequence for the leuko- cyte integrin CDllb/CDlS. Given the participation of fibrin0gen:leukocyte interaction in inflammation and atherogenesis, antagonists based on this unique structural motif would effectively interfere with aberrant leukocyte adhesion mechanisms without affecting Arg- Gly-Asp-directed vascular integrins.
Scale-Invariant Formulation of Momentum Diffusion for High-Resolution Atmospheric Circulation Models

A new version of the dynamic Smagorinsky model is presented that applies for nonisotropic momentum diffusion in high-resolution atmospheric circulation models. While the horizontal mixing length is computed in accordance with scale invariance in the mesoscale regime of the horizontal energy cascade, the associated dynamic vertical mixing length (DVML) is based on a recently developed scale invariance criterion and represents an application of the scaling laws of stratiﬁed macroturbulence. The DVML is validated in high- resolutionsimulationswiththeK ü hlungsbornmechanisticgeneralcirculationmodel,usingtriangularspectral truncation at wavenumber 330 and a vertical level spacing of about 200m in the upper troposphere. For a proper choice of the test ﬁlter, the model simulates a realistic horizontal kinetic energy spectrum in the troposphere along with a realistic intensity of the Lorenz energy cycle. This result is obtained without any hyperdiffusion, and it depends only little on whether the vertical mixing length is prescribed or set to the DVML. The globally averaged Smagorinsky parameter is about c S ﬃ 0.53. The latitude–height cross sections show that c S maximizes in regions of strong mesoscale kinetic energy.