Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrasphincteric Botulinum Toxin Versus Pneumatic Balloon Dilation For Treatment of Primary Achalasia

Goals Despite a high success rate, pneumatic dilatation for achalasia is accompanied by a significant risk of esophageal perforation. Injection of botulinum toxin (botox) into the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can lead to improvement in symptoms with reduced risk of complications. Direct comparisons of the two techniques are needed to define their role in clinical management. Study We compared pneumatic dilatation to botox for patients with achalasia using a double blind, randomized study design. Patients underwent clinical, manometric, radiographic and endoscopic evaluation to confirm primary achalasia. They were randomized to receive either 80 units of botox into the LES or Witzel balloon dilatation. Patients also received sham dilatation or injection, respectively. The patients and investigators assessing symptom response were blinded to therapy. Symptoms and esophageal function were assessed at 3 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after therapy. Treatment failure was defined as the lack of decrease in symptom grade more than 1 or recurrence of symptoms. Patients with treatment failure crossed over to the alternative treatment. Results Thirty four patients were studied, and 31 completed the trial. Of the 18 patients randomized to Witzel dilatation, 16 (89%) of 18 remained in clinical remission. Of the two patients with treatment failure, one responded to botox injection. Of the 16 patients randomized to botox, (38%) 6 of 16 remained in clinical remission. Four patients had initial failure, and 6 relapsed at a mean of 4 months after therapy. Of the nine patients who crossed over to dilatation, seven responded well, but two required surgical management of perforation. Although both treatments had excellent initial clinical improvement, patients randomized to Witzel dilatation had superior long-term success (P < 0.01). Conclusion Initial therapy with Witzel dilatation is associated with better long-term outcome than a single injection of botox. Because of the risk of endoscopic perforation, botox remains a viable alternative to dilatation.
Patterns of structural Change in Developing Countries

This paper introduces the updated and extended Groningen Growth and Development Centre (GGDC) 10-Sector database. The database includes annual time series of value added and persons employed for ten broad sectors of the economy from 1950 onwards. It now includes eleven countries in Asia (China has been added compared to the previous release), nine in Latin America and eleven in Sub-Saharan Africa. We use the GGDC 10Sector database to document patterns of structural change in developing countries. We find that the expansion of manufacturing activities during the early post World War II period was related to a growth-enhancing reallocation of resources in most countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. This process of structural change stalled in many African and Latin American countries during the mid-1970s and 1980s. When growth rebounded in the 1990s, workers mainly relocated to market services industries, such as retail trade and distribution. Though such services have higher productivity than much of agriculture, they are not technologically dynamic and have been falling behind the world frontier.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Free-Ranging Sooty Mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys) from the Taï Forest, Côte d'Ivoire: Implications for the Origin of Epidemic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2

Citation for published version: Santiago, ML, Range, F, Keele, BF, Li, YY, Bailes, E, Bibollet-Ruche, F, Fruteau, C, Noe, R, Peeters, M, Brookfield, JFY, Shaw, GM, Sharp, PM & Hahn, BH 2005, 'Simian immunodeficiency virus infection in freeranging sooty Mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys) from the Tai Forest, Cote d'Ivoire: Implications for the origin of epidemic human immunodeficiency virus type 2', Journal of Virology, vol. 79, no. 19, pp. 1251512527. https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.79. 19.12515-12527.2005
14 Imitation Therapy for Young Children with Autism

This paper reviews the literature on the limitation skills of infants who were later diagnosed with autism and on the enhancing effect of adult imitation on the social behavior of children with autism. Nadel had previously used an adaptation of the still-face paradigm to demonstrate that children with autism showed more expectant behaviors such as looking and touching an adult stranger after being imitated by that stranger. Our studies are then reviewed showing that children with autism respond more to imitative than contingently responsive adults. After repeated imitation sessions the children showed more distal social behaviors (looking, vocalizing) and proximal social behaviors (moving close to and touching adult). In another study children approached more imitative and playful adults. And, children with autism were more imitative with an imitative adult than with their parents. In the final study reviewed the children showed more joint attention behaviors following imitation including referential looking, gaze following and imitation. This literature suggests, then, that children with autism show more social and imitative behavior when they are imitated, highlighting the importance of imitation as an effective therapy for these children.
The effects of a 5-HT 5 A receptor antagonist in a ketamine-based rat model of cognitive dysfunction and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Serotonin (5-HT) receptors still represent promising targets for the development of novel multireceptor or stand-alone antipsychotic drugs with a potential to ameliorate cognitive impairments and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The 5-HT5A receptor, one of the least known members of the serotonin receptor family, has also drawn attention in this regard. Although the antipsychotic efficacy of 5-HT5A antagonists is still equivocal, recent experimental data suggest the cognitive-enhancing activity of this
Clinical value of tumour markers and serum‐ascites albumin gradient in the diagnosis of malignancy‐related ascites

Abstract To determine the clinical value of tumour markers in the diagnosis of malignancy‐related ascites (not including hepatocellular carcinoma), serum and ascitic fluid levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 19–9, tissue polypeptide antigen and serum‐ascites albumin gradient were determined in 66 patients with cirrhotic ascites, 28 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and ascites, and 29 patients with malignancy‐related ascites. Three tumour markers and serum‐ascites albumin gradient showed significant difference between patients with malignancy‐related ascites and those without: serum carcinoembryonic antigen (26.4 ± 31.5 vs 4.8 ± 4.6 ng/mL, P < 0.01), ascitic fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (118.4 ± 196.5 vs 2.0 ± 1.4 ng/mL, P < 0.01), ascitic fluid carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (12 933 ± 25 496 vs 23 ± 67 U/mL, P < 0.01), and serum‐ascites albumin gradient (1.1 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.01). At the best cut‐off levels chosen from near 95% of the data in those without malignancy‐related ascites, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to diagnose malignancy‐related ascites were, respectively, 65.5%, 93.6%, 87.0% using serum carcinoembryonic antigen 10 ng/mL; 69.0%, 94.7%, 88.6% using ascitic fluid carcinoembryonic antigen 5 ng/mL; 65.5%, 93.6%, 87.0% using ascitic fluid carbohydrate antigen 19–9 50 U/mL; 62.1%, 98.9%, 90.2% using serum‐ascites albumin gradient < 1.1 g/dL. Although serum‐ascites albumin gradient offered the best diagnostic accuracy and specificity, its sensitivity was not good enough. Our study indicates that serum‐ascites albumin gradient and tumour markers are not sensitive parameters in the diagnosis of malignancy‐related ascites.
Stabilization of glucose oxidase with cyclodextrin-branched carboxymethylcellulose

We present a methodology for improving some enzymatic characteristics of glucose oxidase (GOx) (EC 1.1.3.4). The enzyme was chemically modified with a β-cyclodextrin-branched carboxymethylcellulose polymer (CMC-CD), using carbodiimide as coupling agent. The obtained neoglycoenzyme had 0.78 mol of polysaccharide per mol of GOx and retained 67% of its initial activity. Comparison of some characteristics of the modified and free enzymes showed a higher Km for derivatized GOx and better thermostability, which increased from 45 °C to 51 °C. In addi- tion, derivatization of GOx with CMC-CD increased its resistance to inactivation at 45 °C by 2.2-fold, protected the molecule against inactivation with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulphate to the point that it retained 75% of its activity after an incubation of 3 h, and extended its pH tolerance toward alkaline pH (7.5). Covalent glycosidation of glucose oxidase with CD-branched carboxymethylcellulose polymer constitutes therefore an effective strategy for enhancing the stability of this enzyme.
Frequency tunability and mode switching of 2.5 THz quantum cascade lasers

Spectral characteristics of quantum cascade lasers operating at about 2.5 terahertz have been investigated by means of high-resolution mixing spectroscopy. Linewidth, frequency tunability and frequency stability of the lasers were measured by mixing their radiation with radiation from a 2.5 terahertz gas laser (heterodyne mixing). The results of the homodyne mixing of different modes of the laser indicate on laser mode switching and large variations of the effective refractive index in the active medium caused by the laser drive current.
Genetics of nanos localization in Drosophila

The Drosophila gene nanos is required for two processes. During oogenesis, nanos function is required for the continued production of egg chambers, and nanos is expressed in the early germarium. During embryogenesis, nanos is required maternally to specify abdominal segmentation. Nanos shares this latter function with nine other genes, collectively known as the posterior group. Of this group, nanos encodes a determinant, and is localized as an RNA to the posterior pole of early embryos. This RNA is translated to form a gradient of nanos protein with highest concentrations at the posterior. Analysis of the distribution of nanos gene products in embryos mutant for posterior group genes shows that eight of these genes are required for localization, but not stability, of the nanos RNA. Embryos mutant for posterior group alleles which produce weak abdominal phenotypes show reduced amounts of localized nanos RNA. This correlation between nanos RNA localization and abdominal phenotype suggests that nanos acts as a localization‐dependent posterior determinant. Localization of nanos is not affected by mutations in bicoid or torso, confirming that the three maternal systems of anterior‐posterior determination initially act independently. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Negative Interference over Short Segments of the Genetic Structure of Bacteriophage T4.

HROUGH the development of highly specialized selective techniques, it T h as recently become possible to do genetic experiments which may ultimately permit a quantitative correlation between genetic material and chemical structure. The rII mutants of bacteriophage T4 are especially well suited for such studies, since there is a large number of genetically recombinable markers which fall into two distinct functional genes on the linkage map of this organism (BENZER 1955, 1957). If attempts to relate “genetic length” to “molecular length” are to be successful, and if the markers are to be profitably employed in radiological genetics studies (DOERMANN and CHASE 1958; KRIEG 1957), it is of utmost importance to establish unambiguously whether map linearity exists even within the individual functional units. During the course of crosses designed to test linear order within functional units, an unexpected result was encountered. A high degree of negative interference, or a positive correlation of recombination events, was observed and was found to increase as the map intervals under study were decreased. Similar observations have been reported among h f mutants in phage (STREISINGER and FRANKLIN 1956) and adenine-requiring mutants in Aspergillus niduluns ( PRITCHARD 1955). At the present time, the rII mutants of phage provide most favorable material for a systematic and thorough investigation of this phenomenon. It is possible to decide conclusively that the aberrantly high coefficients of coincidence obtained in these experiments are the result of multiple recombinations in short segments of the genetic structure. They cannot be accounted for by the hypothesis of gene conversion.
Influence of hypothermia, barbiturate therapy, and intracranial pressure monitoring on morbidity and mortality after near‐drowning

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and pathologic effects of hypothermia and high-dose barbiturate therapy on hypoxic/ischemic cerebral injury after near-drowning in children. Of 40 near-drowned patients admitted to the ICU, 13 died, seven had permanent cerebral damage, and 20 survived. Twenty-four patients (group 1) were treated with a regime of hyperventilation, hypothermia, and high-dose phenobarbitone while intracranial pressure (ICP) was continuously monitored. Of ten who died in this group, three were diagnosed as having cerebral death shortly after admission; autopsy revealed severe cerebral edema with herniation. The remaining seven nonsurvivors had severe cerebral hypoxia without raised ICP and had the features of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome and hypoxic/ischemic damage to other organs. Six of these seven patients developed septicemia which was invariably associated with a profound neutropenia. Sixteen patients (group 2) were treated with a similar protocol but without hypothermia. Three of these patients died but only one developed septicemia. Neutropenia after resuscitation from near-drowning seemed to indicate a poor prognosis; the mean polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in nonsurvivors (1.9 ± 0.5 x 109 cell/L) was significantly (p < .01) lower than that in survivors (6.4 ± 1.1 x 109 cell/L). Hypothermia was associated with a decreased number of circulating PMNs but did not increase the number of neurologically intact survivors. Similarly, although barbiturates may control ICP, their use did not improve outcome. Because severe cerebral edema and herniation after near-drowning is usually associated with irreversible brain damage, measures to control brain swelling such as hypothermia and barbiturates will be of little benefit. Therapy should be directed at maintaining cerebral perfusion and adequate oxygenation to prevent further damage to vital organs.
Impact of multipath channel parameters on channel estimation performance in OFDM systems

Performance of wireless OFDM systems significantly depends on channel estimation accuracy. However, it is difficult to take into account all possible scenarios as the variance of error at the output of the minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator depends on the second-order channel statistics. In this paper, we derive the lower and the upper MSE bounds, characterising the best and the worst-case channel estimation performance, and discuss channel conditions when these bounds are attained.
Dynamic knowledge nets - the 3C model: exploratory findings and conceptualisation of entrepreneurial knowledge constellations

– The purpose of the paper is twofold: first, it develops a knowledge‐based view of the development of networks in new venture settings and second, it provides a dynamic view of knowledge networks. That is, it aims to pay attention to the development and destruction of networks. , – The paper follows a grounded theory approach to develop the model of dynamic knowledge networks. The interviewees came from the following backgrounds: university researchers engaged in entrepreneurial ventures; entrepreneurs that run spin‐off companies; entrepreneurs in a university incubator or science park; incubator managers; university innovation managers; and innovation fund administrators. , – The paper finds that the 3C model which is developed from qualitative findings has three core dimensions: knowledge exchange, knowledge structure and network dynamics that stretch across three key new venture phases: conceptualization, commercialization and cultivation. The paper also finds that entrepreneurs build networks because of their particular knowledge needs, once fulfilled these networks are destroyed and new networks are established. The 3C model therefore provides a dynamic perspective on knowledge networks. , – The paper shows that a grounded theory approach is limited by it generalisability. The paper has developed a detailed view of knowledge networks in a particular context. Therefore, future research could usefully apply this model to other settings. It would also be useful to conduct further exploratory research into the interimistic nature of knowledge networks. , – The paper points to the importance of cross‐boundary knowledge exchange. It needs to look beyond the boundary of a particular unit, such as a firm, to develop the understanding of the dynamics of knowledge management. Second, the context of the knowledge network becomes important managerially. The network has a purpose. It is knowledge‐need driven and this purpose changes remarkably over time. Finally, the creative destruction of knowledge networks needs to be anticipated and managed. , – The paper provides a knowledge‐based perspective on entrepreneurial networks. The 3C‐model, which is grounded in reliable data includes several stakeholders in an entrepreneurial network which is in itself valuable and original.
How Perception of Benefits And Property Ownership Influence Environmental Regulations Compliance by Micro and Small Enterprises in the Manufacturing Sector in Nairobi, Kenya

This research paper examines how perception of benefits and property ownership influence compliance with environmental regulations (ERs) by micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the manufacturing sector in Nairobi City, Kenya. A sample of 10% (36 MSEs) was selected by stratified random sampling from a target population of 358 MSEs. Data was collected by questionnaires administered to the MSEs supplemented by interviews and observation schedule. The study established that majority of the MSEs perceived compliance with ERs as beneficial while non-ownership of business premises resulted in unwillingness to implement work place compliance measures due to lack of security of tenure. The study recommended enhancement of perceptions of benefits of ERs compliance through interventions by key actors and reduction of premises costs through increased property ownership by MSEs by availing soft loans, establishing industrial processing zones and industrial parks and encouraging MSEs partnerships on shared business premises.
Controlling fatigue while lifting objects using Pseudo-haptics in a mixed reality space

In this paper, we aim to compose a mixed reality (MR) weight display system without the use of complex structures. We realize this system by modifying the visual movement of a handled object to evoke the Pseudo-haptic effect. To apply the system to an MR space, we introduce a method to compensate for the difference between the position of the actual object and the position of the presented image that occurs by modifying the visual movement. Furthermore, we investigate how this system affects the physiological reaction of the user by implementing the proposed method to control fatigue during object lifting. The results suggest that the system effectively eliminates the need for excess energy use and reduces fatigue during object lifting.
Practices of performance measurement in companies in the Republic of Serbia

large number of acronyms which indicate different performance metrics, such as EBIT (Earnings Before Interest And Taxes), EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, And Amortization), ROIC (Return On Invested Capital), NPV (Net Present Value), EVA (Economic Value Added), IRR (Internal Rate Of Return), ROE (Return On Equity), ROA (Return On Assets) etc. are in use nowadays. In practice, managers cannot and do not want to apply all of these metrics and managers' choice does not necessarily rely on what theory emphasizes as their advantages and disadvantages. We surveyed 64 CFOs in order to explore the corporate practice in the Republic of Serbia. The DCF-based capital budgeting metrics are dominant compared to the traditional metrics, and the one that is used the most is the profitability index, only to be followed by the IRR and the NPV. The Payback Period is yet frequently used. The earnings based corporate performance metrics are still the most important. However, the presence of EVA and the balanced scorecard is not negligible. Large companies use them significantly more than small companies. The orientation towards EVA and the balanced scorecard increases with the internationalization of a firm as well. Finally, companies using sophisticated capital budgeting metrics are prone to using sophisticated corporate performance metrics.
Non-standard grain properties, dark gas reservoir, and extended submillimeter excess, probed by Herschel in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Context. Herschel provides crucial constraints on the IR SEDs of galaxies, allowing unprecedented accuracy on the dust mass estimates. However, these estimates rely on non-linear models and poorly-known optical properties. Aims. In this paper, we perform detailed modelling of the Spitzer and Herschel observations of the LMC, in order to: (i) systematically study the uncertainties and biases affecting dust mass estimates; and to (ii) explore the peculiar ISM properties of the LMC. Methods. To achieve these goals, we have modelled the spatially resolved SEDs with two alternate grain compositions, to study the impact of different submillimetre opacities on the dust mass. We have rigorously propagated the observational errors (noise and calibration) through the entire fitting process, in order to derive consistent parameter uncertainties. Results. First, we show that using the integrated SED leads to underestimating the dust mass by ≃50% compared to the value obtained with sufficient spatial resolution, for the region we studied. This might be the case, in general, for unresolved galaxies. Second, we show that Milky Way type grains produce higher gas-to-dust mass ratios than what seems possible according to the element abundances in the LMC. A spatial analysis shows that this dilemma is the result of an exceptional property: the grains of the LMC have on average a larger intrinsic submm opacity (emissivity index β ≃ 1.7 and opacity κ_(abs)(160 μm) = 1.6 m^2 kg^(-1)) than those of the Galaxy. By studying the spatial distribution of the gas-to-dust mass ratio, we are able to constrain the fraction of unseen gas mass between ≃10, and ≃100% and show that it is not sufficient to explain the gas-to-dust mass ratio obtained with Milky Way type grains. Finally, we confirm the detection of a 500 μm extended emission excess with an average relative amplitude of ≃15%, varying up to 40%. This excess anticorrelates well with the dust mass surface density. Although we do not know the origin of this excess, we show that it is unlikely the result of very cold dust, or CMB fluctuations.