Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Efficiency Multiplier and Random Effects in Spatial Stochastic Frontier Models

We extend the emerging literature on spatial frontier models in three respects. Firstly, we account for latent heterogeneity by developing a maximum likelihood random effects spatial autoregressive (SAR) stochastic frontier model. Secondly, to analyze the finite sample properties of a spatial stochastic frontier model we develop a Monte Carlo experimental methodology which we then apply. Thirdly, we introduce the concept of the spatial efficiency multiplier and show that the efficiency benchmark for a productive unit from the structural form of a spatial stochastic frontier model differs from the efficiency benchmark from the reduced form of the model.
Common hemostasis and inflammation gene variants and venous thrombosis in older adults from the Cardiovascular Health Study

Summary. Background/Objectives: Age‐related changes in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are associated with increased risk of thrombotic events. Inherited deficiencies of coagulation proteins, such as factor V (FV) Leiden and prothrombin G20210A, explain a small fraction of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE). Additional genetic factors are likely to underlie the etiology of VTE, some of which may become manifest at older ages. Methods: We tested 290 common SNPs within 51 thrombosis and inflammation genes for association with VTE in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a large, prospective cohort of older adults followed for up to 12 years. Results: There were 184 VTE events that occurred at mean age of 78 years. TagSNPs within four genes encoding FXIII subunit A (F13A), FVII activating protease (HABP2), protease activated receptor‐1 (F2R) and the urokinase receptor (PLAUR) showed the strongest evidence for association with VTE, with each gene having a global P‐value < 0.05 and at least one tagSNP false discovery rate (FDR) q‐value < 0.05. The rs3024409 variant allele of F13A1 was associated with 1.66‐fold increased risk of VTE, while the minor alleles of HABP2 rs6585234 and rs3862019, F2R rs253061 and rs153311, and PLAUR rs344782 were each associated with lower risk of VTE (hazard ratios in the range of 0.49–0.66). Consistent with the observed protective association for VTE risk, the HABP2 rs3862019 variant allele was also associated with lower activity levels of coagulation factors FVIII, FIX, FX and plasminogen. We also confirm previously reported associations between common variants of the coagulation FII, FV, FVIII, FXI, alpha‐fibrinogen and protein C genes and risk of VTE. Conclusions: These findings suggest that several novel common coagulation gene variants may be related to risk of VTE in older adults. Further studies in older adults are needed to validate these findings and assess functional molecular mechanisms.
Enhanced Na+/H+ Exchange During Ischemia and Reperfusion Impairs Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Myocardial Function

Inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) during ischemia reduces cardiac injury due to reduced reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange. We hypothesized that activating NHE-1 at buffer pH 8 during ischemia increases mitochondrial oxidation, Ca2+ overload, and reactive O2 species (ROS) levels and worsens functional recovery in isolated hearts and that NHE inhibition reverses these effects. Guinea pig hearts were perfused with buffer at pH 7.4 (control) or pH 8 +/- NHE inhibitor eniporide for 10 minutes before and for 10 minutes after 35- minute ischemia and then for 110 minutes with pH 7.4 buffer alone. Mitochondrial NADH and FAD, [Ca2+], and superoxide were measured by spectrophotofluorometry. NADH and FAD were more oxidized, and cardiac function was worse throughout reperfusion after pH 8 versus pH 7.4, Ca2+ overload was greater at 10-minute reperfusion, and superoxide generation was higher at 30-minute reperfusion. The pH 7.4 and eniporide groups exhibited similar mitochondrial function, and cardiac performance was most improved after pH 7.4+eniporide. Cardiac function on reperfusion after pH 8+eniporide was better than after pH 8. Percent infarction was largest after pH 8 and smallest after pH 7.4+eniporide. Activation of NHE with pH 8 buffer and the subsequent decline in redox state with greater ROS and Ca2+ loading underlie the poor functional recovery after ischemia and reperfusion.
Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in Chilean patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies found in patients with autoimmune diseases are also detected in those with inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of these antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to evaluate the association of these antibodies with thrombosis and/or other clinical characteristics of this inflammatory disorder. Eighty‐four patients with RA and 82 normal controls were studied. Anticardiolipin (aCL), anti‐β2 glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI), and antiprothrombin (aPT) antibodies and the lupus anticoagulant (LA) activity were determined. Seven out of 84 (8.3%) patients were positive for aCL, six out of 84 (7.2%) for anti‐β2GPI, and six out of 84 (7.2%) for aPT, while in controls the overall prevalence of aPL antibodies was 3.6% (3 out of 82). All patients and controls were LA negative. There was no correlation between the presence of aPL with thrombosis and/or other clinical features of the antiphospholipid syndrome. We found aPL antibodies in 19.1% (16 out of 84) of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis and this prevalence was statistically higher than in normal controls (P<0.003). In this study, the presence of aPL antibodies was not associated with the development of thrombosis and/or thrombocytopenia. Whether the presence of aPL antibodies implies an increased risk for thrombosis and atherosclerosis in these patients should be studied further. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:190–194, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding chemically processed solar cells based on quantum dots

Abstract Photovoltaic energy conversion is one of the best alternatives to fossil fuel combustion. Petroleum resources are now close to depletion and their combustion is known to be responsible for the release of a considerable amount of greenhouse gases and carcinogenic airborne particles. Novel third-generation solar cells include a vast range of device designs and materials aiming to overcome the factors limiting the current technologies. Among them, quantum dot-based devices showed promising potential both as sensitizers and as colloidal nanoparticle films. A good example is the p-type PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) forming a heterojunction with a n-type wide-band-gap semiconductor such as TiO2 or ZnO. The confinement in these nanostructures is also expected to result in marginal mechanisms, such as the collection of hot carriers and generation of multiple excitons, which would increase the theoretical conversion efficiency limit. Ultimately, this technology could also lead to the assembly of a tandem-type cell with CQD films absorbing in different regions of the solar spectrum.
Evaluation of Logistics Service Provider Using Analytic Network Process

This paper puts forward a comprehensive method for the evaluation of a logistic service provider using ANP. The proposed method consists of two parts: preliminary screening of the available providers, and an analytic network process-based final evaluation. The criteria, which are relevant in the evaluation of a provider, have been identified and used to construct an ANP model. Thereafter, the application of ANP for the final evaluation of a provider has been demonstrated through an illustration. This approach enables the decision-makers to better understand the complex relationships of the relevant attributes in the decision-making, which may subsequently improve the reliability of the decision.
Bivariate Longitudinal Model For The Analysis Of The Evolution Of Hiv Rna And Cd4 Cell Count In Hiv Infection Taking Into Account Left Censoring Of Hiv Rna Measures

We present a bivariate linear mixed model taking into account censored measures of the response variable due to lower quantification limit of the assays. It allows an estimate of the correlation between the two response variables and takes into account this correlation for the estimation of other model parameters. This model was applied in a large cohort study (APROCO Cohort) to study the evolution under antiretroviral treatment of the two major biomarkers of the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection: plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ T lymphocytes cell count. In a sample of 929 patients who started an highly active antiretroviral therapy, we illustrate the superiority in terms of likelihood of a bivariate model compared to two univariate models and the impact of taking into account the left-censoring of HIV-RNA. Moreover, interpretation of the model parameters allows confirmation of the correlation between these two markers throughout the whole follow-up and the continuous decrease of plasma HIV RNA on average. Despite some limitations (distribution assumption, ignorance of missingness process), such a model appeared to be very useful to correctly describe the current evolution of important biomarkers in HIV infection.
Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and CHD in older men: Whitehall study of London civil servants

Dietary fatty acids (FA) are the major determinants of blood lipids, and measurements of plasma phospholipid FA (PL-FA) composition that reflect the dietary intake of FA may provide insights into the relationships between diet and CHD. We assessed CHD mortality associations with PL-FA (SFA, PUFA and MUFA) levels measured in a nested case–control study of 116 cases of CHD death and 239 controls that were frequency-matched for age and employment grade. The participants had plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol, apo B and apo A1, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen recorded. SFA levels were significantly positively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL-C, apo B, CRP protein and fibrinogen. By contrast, phospholipid-PUFA were inversely associated with CRP, but not with any of the lipids. A higher SFA content (top v. bottom quarter) was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of CHD (OR and 95 % CI: OR 2·12; 95 % CI: 1·13, 3·99), and an equivalent difference in PUFA was associated with a halving in CHD risk (OR 0·49; 95 % CI: 0·26, 0·94), but MUFA was unrelated to CHD risk. These associations were substantially attenuated, after additional adjustment for lipids and inflammatory markers. Higher levels of saturated fat and lower levels of polyunsaturated fats were each associated with a higher risk of CHD in elderly men, and these associations were partly explained by their effects on blood lipids and biomarkers of inflammation.
Cognitive function in relation to hearing aid use

Two experiments were conducted to investigate possible relationships between cognitive function and hearing aid use. In Experiment 1, 72 first-time hearing aid users were tested for speech recognition in noise (Hagerman sentence test) with and without hearing aids. Cognitive function was assessed by tests of working memory (reading span test) and verbal information-processing speed. The results indicate that, after controlling for age and hearing loss, significant correlations exist between the measures of cognitive performance and speech recognition in noise, both with and without hearing aids. High cognitive performance was associated with high performance in the speech recognition task. In Experiment 2. 17 first-time hearing aid users with either high or low working-memory capacity tested an experimental hearing aid which processed the sound differently depending on whether or not speech was detected. The results revealed that those with high working-memory capacity were better than those with low capacity at identifying and reporting the specific processing effects of the aid. This may have implications for how reported results should be interpreted in a research context, how a person's rehabilitation needs are formulated, and how hearing aid controls should be supervised. In conclusion, careful attention should be paid to the cognitive status of listeners, as it can have a significant influence on their ability to utilize their hearing aids.
Stochastic Analysis of Multiconductor Cables and Interconnects

This paper provides an effective solution for the simulation of cables and interconnects with the inclusion of the effects of parameter uncertainties. The problem formulation is based on the telegraphers equations with stochastic coefficients, whose solution requires an expansion of the unknown parameters in terms of orthogonal polynomials of random variables. The proposed method offers accuracy and improved efficiency in computing the parameter variability effects on system responses with respect to the conventional Monte Carlo approach. The approach is validated against results available in the literature, and applied to the stochastic analysis of a commercial multiconductor flat cable.
Effectiveness of mild ovarian stimulation versus GnRH agonist protocol in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: our meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the mild ovulation induction protocol using CC/gonadotropin/GnRH antagonist compared to the conventional GnRH agonist protocol in women undergoing ART. Method: Six electronic databases were searched from their date of establishment until August 2016. Outcomes in our analysis were calculated in terms of relative risk (RR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) and standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effect models or fixed effect models. Results: Six prospective controlled clinical trials with 1543 women comparing the clinical impacts of the two protocols were included. The synthesized results suggested a significant reduction in the quantity of gonadotropins (SMD: −1.96, 95% CI: −2.28 to 1.64, I2 = 78.5%), the incidence of OHSS (RR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.86, I2 = 0%) and an increase in the cycle cancelation rate (RR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.03, I2 = 89.4%). While no evidence of statistically signiﬁcant differences between the groups existed in the other clinical outcomes. Conclusion: This study suggested that the probable benefits of the mild protocol, including its less costs and safer process without reducing the overall IVF treatment success rates, seemed to make it a better treatment option. Larger sample prospective trials evaluating live birth, clinical pregnancy, OHSS, multiple pregnancy incidence and so on were desired to establish.
Sarcomas in TP53 germline mutation carriers

Sarcoma is the index diagnosis of Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a familial predisposition to cancer that also includes brain cancer, breast cancer, and adrenal cortical carcinoma. Germline mutations in the TP53 gene are detected in approximately 80% of families that fulfill LFS criteria and in 15% to 25% of families that fulfill criteria for Li‐Fraumeni‐like syndrome (LFS), a group of related syndromes with broader clinical criteria.
A Novel in Vitro Replication System for Dengue Virus

Positive strand viral replicases are membrane-bound complexes of viral and host proteins. The mechanism of viral replication and the role of host proteins are not well understood. To understand this mechanism, a viral replicase assay that utilizes extracts from dengue virus-infected mosquito (C6/36) cells and exogenous viral RNA templates is reported in this study. The 5′- and 3′-terminal regions (TR) of the template RNAs contain the conserved elements including the complementary (cyclization) motifs and stem-loop structures. RNA synthesis in vitro requires both 5′- and 3′-TR present in the same template molecule or when the 5′-TR RNA was added in trans to the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) RNA. However, the 3′-UTR RNA alone is not active. RNA synthesis occurs by elongation of the 3′-end of the template RNA to yield predominantly a double-stranded hairpin-like RNA product, twice the size of the template RNA. These results suggest that an interaction between 5′- and 3′-TR of the viral RNA that modulates the 3′-UTR RNA structure is required for RNA synthesis by the viral replicase. The complementary cyclization motifs of the viral genome also seem to play an important role in this interaction.
Detection of focal cerebral hemisphere lesions using the neurological examination

Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical tests for detecting focal lesions in a prospective blinded study. Methods: 46 patients with a focal cerebral hemisphere lesion without obvious focal signs and 19 controls with normal imaging were examined using a battery of clinical tests. Examiners were blinded to the diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of each test were measured. Results: The upper limb tests with the greatest sensitivities for detecting a focal lesion were finger rolling (sensitivity 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.21 to 0.47)), assessment of power (0.30 (0.19 to 0.45)), rapid alternating movements (0.30 (0.19 to 0.45)), forearm rolling (0.24 (0.14 to 0.38)), and pronator drift (0.22 (0.12 to 0.36)). All these tests had a specificity of 1.00 (0.83 to 1.00). This combination of tests detected an abnormality in 50% of the patients with a focal lesion. In the lower limbs, assessment of power was the most sensitive test (sensitivity 0.20 (0.11 to 0.33)). Visual field defects were detected in 10 patients with a focal lesion (sensitivity 0.22 (0.12 to 0.36)) and facial weakness in eight (sensitivity 0.17 (0.09 to 0.31)). Overall, the examination detected signs of focal brain disease in 61% of the patients with a focal cerebral lesion. Conclusions: The neurological examination has a low sensitivity for detecting early cerebral hemisphere lesions in patients without obvious focal signs. The finger and forearm rolling tests, rapid alternating movements of the hands, and pronator drift are simple tests that increase the detection of a focal lesion without greatly increasing the length of the examination.
Contribution of youth self help group initiatives to socio-economic wellbeing of youth in Dandora, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Approximately 36% of Kenya’s population are youths who remain marginalized and unable to contribute to their full potential in national development. Whereas numerous studies have been conducted on youth issues, a review of literature reveals a gap of information on how Youth Self Help Group initiatives transform the youths’ socio-economic wellbeing. This study sought to assess the contribution of youth self help group initiatives to socio-economic wellbeing of youth in Dandora, Nairobi County, Kenya. Objective of this study was to examine whether initiatives undertaken by youth in registered YSHGs in Dandora contribute to their socio-economic wellbeing. The study used the cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was all the 16 registered YSHGs in Dandora. From the research findings, it was concluded that YSHGs are a good platform via which development programs can target youth to improve their social economic well being. It was recommended that youth in self helps groups be provided with financial training, formal education, psycho-social support and training in project management and proposal writing. There is need for government to streamline financing mechanisms for access to devolved funds particularly Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Uwezo Fund by the youth.
Treatment strategies for childhood noninfectious chronic uveitis: an update

Background: Uveitis is an inflammatory disorder involving inflammation of the uveal tract. It is classified as anterior, intermediate, posterior or panuveitis, depending on the part of eye affected by the inflammatory process. In children, noninfectious, chronic uveitis is a relatively uncommon but serious disease, with the potential for significant long-term complications and possible blindness. Although frequently associated with an underlying systemic disease, for example, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a significant number of cases in children show no associated signs or symptoms and are labeled as idiopathic. Results: We reviewed the available literature. Taking into account this evidence, an anti-inflammatory therapy based on an immunomodulatory approach seems a reasonable strategy for noninfectious chronic uveitis, in children as well as in adults. Due to a lack of controlled studies regarding uveitis in children, immunosuppressive strategy is supported only at evidence level III. Our aim is to review the currently available medical strategies for the treatment of childhood sight-threatening chronic uveitis. Conclusion: Uveitis in children can be severe. Methotrexate is the drug of choice for recalcitrant cases, and biologic therapies can be useful in selected situations.
Economic Openness and Stagnation In Central America

Central American countries undertook ambitious programs of economic liberalization during the 1980s' and 1990's, particularly in areas of trade reform, which implied the elimination of import controls and quotas, and substantially lowering import tariffs. The objectives of such reforms were to gain economic efficiency and more dynamic economic growth; however, the results are distant from such objectives. Economic growth has been slower than in the period previous to reform when import substitution policies were in vigor, and the main manifestation of trade reform has beenhigh trade deficits, falls in national savings and investment, and economic stagnation, which has given rise to emigration and high volumes of remittances. This paper analyzes the economic growth experience of the Central America countries in the past two decades, to explain the causes behind the stagnation tendencies that set in after two decade of trade liberalization, and to seek answers to the question of what policies should be undertaken to accelerate economic growth. After a review of the literature on the economic repercussions from trade liberalization in developing countries, a Var model is estimated with the variables: national savings, public and private investment, the level of the external tariff, trade balance and economic growth. The Var permits quantifying the impulse responses of said variables to increases in the external tariff. The results show that an increase in the external tariff would lead to increases in national savings, public and private investment, and in economic growth, and as well, would give rise to a reduction in the trade deficit. Moreover, it is argued that the low growth rates resulting from trade liberalization lead to rising unemployment, and thus give impetus to emigration; the resulting remittances finance the trade deficit and thus the cycle continues in a sort of openness trap. However, by restoring import substitution policies this trap can be overcome. It is recommended that trade protection policies should be implemented so as to create room for investment and thus impart dynamism to economic growth. It is recommended that trade protection should be complemented by human capital policies so as to create a virtuous circle of human capital, governance, productivity, export development and economic growth. It is argued that dynamic economic growth would be conducive to increasing tax revenues which would impart sustainability to health and education investments.