Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disfunção vesical e intestinal em crianças e adolescentes

A presente revisao tem por objetivo apresentar e discutir as particularidades da disfuncao vesical e intestinal (DVI) na infância. A associacao de constipacao intestinal com a disfuncao do trato urinario inferior foi descrita inicialmente em 1998. Ambas sao condicoes de alta prevalencia na populacao pediatrica. A origem embrionaria comum do reto e da bexiga na cloaca, sua inervacao simpatica (L1-L3) e parassimpatica (S2-S4) similares, a representacao afim em regioes supra espinhais, a proximidade anatomica, sao diferentes teorias propostas para explicar essa associacao. A melhora dos sintomas urinarios esta relacionada ao sucesso terapeutico para a constipacao. Entretanto, muitas criancas com DVI apresentam constipacao refrataria ou respondem inicialmente ao tratamento, mas quando este e descontinuado, apresentam recidivas tanto dos sintomas de constipacao, quanto dos sintomas do trato urinario inferior. Embora, historia clinica e exame fisico completos, associados ao diario das eliminacoes, sejam os pilares do diagnostico da DVI, nos casos refratarios, testes diagnosticos adicionais sao necessarios. O manejo terapeutico da DVI envolve: educacao e desmistificacao, adequacao de habitos intestinal e miccional e acompanhamento regular e prolongado. A dificuldade na abordagem terapeutica de criancas com DVI ainda e pouco explorada na literatura. A cronicidade dos sintomas intestinais e urinarios interfere de forma significativa no desenvolvimento emocional desses pacientes. Estudos atuais chamam a atencao para a possibilidade da existencia de uma desordem neuromuscular comum, responsavel tanto pela dismotilidade vesical, quanto pela colonica. Esses achados poderao servir de base para o desenvolvimento de novas modalidades terapeuticas envolvendo ambos os sistemas. Descritores: Disfuncao vesical; Disfuncao intestinal; Constipacao cronica; Disfuncao do trato urinario inferior.
Real-time implementation of refractivity retrieval: Partnership Between the University of Oklahoma, National Severe Storms Laboratory, and the Radar Operations Center

High-resolution, near-surface refractivity measurements have the potential of becoming an important tool for operational forecasting and general scientific studies. Access to measured refractivity fields with high spatial and temporal resolution near the surface opens a new paradigm for understanding the convective processes within the boundary layer. It has been shown via advanced physical models that surface refractivity plays an important role in convective processes and, therefore, is expected to be valuable for forecasting the initiation and intensity of convective precipitation. For this project, the refractivity field is retrieved remotely using S-band radars by measuring the returned phase from ground clutter. Pioneering work of Fabry et al. [1997] has demonstrated the usefulness of this technique. By adopting this refractivity retrieval concept, an independent real-time software platform has been developed. The software was written with a modular design for portability and will be tested during the spring 2007 storm season on two radars in Oklahoma. Both the National Weather Radar Testbed – Phased Array Radar (NWRT PAR), supported by the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL), and the WSR-88D weather radar near Oklahoma City (KTLX), supported by the Radar Operations Center (ROC), will be used for this study. Using the raw Level-I time series data from the radars, the modular software platform will be used to process the data in real-time for refractivity fields, which will be sent to the Norman Weather Forecast Office (WFO). The refractivity fields will be displayed through the Warning Decision Support System Integrated Information (WDSSII) for evaluation. Working closely with the WFO forecasters, qualitative assessment procedures will be followed to evaluate the usefulness of the refractivity fields for operational forecasting. ∗ Corresponding author address: Boon Leng Cheong, University of Oklahoma, School of Meteorology, 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Rm 4640, Norman, OK 73072-7307; e-mail: boonleng@ou.edu
Cardiovascular risk factors in women with inheritable thrombophilia a decade after single or recurrent hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

ABSTRACT Objective: To described cardiovascular risk factors in women with inheritable thrombophilia 8–19 years after early-onset hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HD) with or without recurrent HD. Methods: Women with recurrent HD were compared with women with single HD, for physical examination and cardiovascular parameters in serum. Results: Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and albumin: creatinine ratio were higher in women with recurrent HD compared with women with single HD (p = 0.046, p = 0.029, and p = 0.008, respectively). In both groups 72.7% had an increased cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: Women with inheritable thrombophilia after single or recurrent HD have a high cardiovascular risk.
Forward and backward masking: interactions and additivity.

Monaural masked thresholds for clicks were established on three listeners. Masking functions across selected Δt's (the time disparities between the masker and click) were determined for four masking conditions in which the 70 dB SPL masker was a 500‐msec burst of random noise. These four conditions were (1) simultaneous masking, (2) forward masking (FM) at Δt's from 1 to 250 msec, (3) backward masking (BM) at Δt's from −1 to −250 msec, and (4) forward‐backward masking at selected Δt's between two 500‐msec noise bursts. In this last instance, the interval between bursts was varied to achieve seven interburst intervals (IBIs) ranging from 25 to 500 msec. Simultaneous masking was 3–5 dB less at the boundaries of the noise burst than it was in the middle of the noise burst. The functions for FM and for BM were not inversely symmetrical with one another, although both showed less threshold shift (TS) the further displaced in time the click was from the masker. The masking that appeared when the click was prese.
WASP-86b and WASP-102b: super-dense versus bloated planets

We report the discovery of two transiting planetary systems: a super dense, sub-Jupiter mass planet WASP-86b (Mpl = 0.82 ± 0.06 MJ; Rpl = 0.63 ± 0.01 RJ), and a bloated, Saturn-like planet WASP-102b (Mpl = 0.62 ± 0.04 MJ; Rpl = 1.27 ± 0.03 RJ). They orbit their host star every ∼5.03, and ∼2.71 days, respectively. The planet hosting WASP-86 is a F7 star (Teff = 6330±110 K, [Fe/H] = +0.23 ± 0.14 dex, and age ∼0.8–1 Gyr); WASP-102 is a G0 star (Teff = 5940±140 K, [Fe/H] = −0.09± 0.19 dex, and age ∼1 Gyr). These two systems highlight the diversity of planetary radii over similar masses for giant planets with masses between Saturn and Jupiter. WASP-102b shows a larger than model-predicted radius, indicating that the planet is receiving a strong incident flux which contributes to the inflation of its radius. On the other hand, with a density of ρpl = 3.24± 0.3 ρJ, WASP-86b is the densest gas giant planet among planets with masses in the range 0.05 < Mpl < 2.0 MJ. With a stellar mass of 1.34 M⊙ and [Fe/H]= +0.23 dex, WASP-86 could host additional massive and dense planets given that its protoplanetary disc is expected to also have been enriched with heavy elements. In order to match WASP-86b’s density, an extrapolation of theoretical models predicts a planet composition of more than 80% in heavy elements (whether confined in a core or mixed in the envelope). This fraction corresponds to a core mass of approximately 210M⊕ for WASP-86b’s mass of Mpl∼260 M⊕. Only planets with masses larger than about 2 MJ have larger densities than that of WASP-86b, making it exceptional in its mass range.
Understanding the persistence of measles: reconciling theory, simulation and observation

Ever since the pattern of localized extinction associated with measles was discovered by Bartlett in 1957, many models have been developed in an attempt to reproduce this phenomenon. Recently, the use of constant infectious and incubation periods, rather than the more convenient exponential forms, has been presented as a simple means of obtaining realistic persistence levels. However, this result appears at odds with rigorous mathematical theory; here we reconcile these differences. Using a deterministic approach, we parameterize a variety of models to fit the observed biennial attractor, thus determining the level of seasonality by the choice of model. We can then compare fairly the persistence of the stochastic versions of these models, using the ‘best–fit’ parameters. Finally, we consider the differences between the observed fade–out pattern and the more theoretically appealing ‘first passage time’.
Optical and non‐optical methods for detection and characterization of microparticles and exosomes

Summary. Microparticles and exosomes are cell‐derived microvesicles present in body fluids that play a role in coagulation, inflammation, cellular homeostasis and survival, intercellular communication, and transport. Despite increasing scientific and clinical interest, no standard procedures are available for the isolation, detection and characterization of microparticles and exosomes, because their size is below the reach of conventional detection methods. Our objective is to give an overview of currently available and potentially applicable methods for optical and non‐optical determination of the size, concentration, morphology, biochemical composition and cellular origin of microparticles and exosomes. The working principle of all methods is briefly discussed, as well as their applications and limitations based on the underlying physical parameters of the technique. For most methods, the expected size distribution for a given microvesicle population is determined. The explanations of the physical background and the outcomes of our calculations provide insights into the capabilities of each method and make a comparison possible between the discussed methods. In conclusion, several (combinations of) methods can detect clinically relevant properties of microparticles and exosomes. These methods should be further explored and validated by comparing measurement results so that accurate, reliable and fast solutions come within reach.
‘Hip-Hop' Stroke: A Stroke Educational Program for Elementary School Children Living in a High-Risk Community

Background and Purpose— Public stroke recognition is poor and poses a barrier to acute stroke treatment. We describe a stroke literacy program that teaches elementary school children in high-risk communities to recognize stroke and form an urgent action plan; we then present results of an intervention study using the program. Methods— “Hip-Hop” Stroke uses culturally and age-appropriate music and dance to enhance an interactive didactic curriculum including the FAST mnemonic (Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech disturbance, Time to call 911). The program occurred in central Harlem, New York City, a community with high stroke risk. During the 2006 to 2007 school year, 582 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders (9 to 11 years of age) participated in 1-hour sessions over 3 consecutive days. Stroke knowledge was tested before and after the program with a 94% group participant retention. Results— Students learned and retained knowledge well for stroke localization (20% correct before intervention, 93% correct immediately afterward, and 86% correct after 3-month delay; P<0.001 both posttests versus baseline), the term “brain attack” (16% pretest, 95% immediate, 86% delayed; P<0.001), and to call 911 for stroke (78% pretest, 99.8% immediate, 98% delayed; P<0.001). FAST stroke symptoms (facial droop and slurred speech) were better retained than non-FAST symptoms (headache and blurred vision) at 3 months (P<0.001). For stroke prevention measures, dietary change and exercise were better learned than concepts of diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Conclusions— Elementary school children are educable about stroke, retain their knowledge well, and may be able to appropriately activate emergency services for acute stroke. Incorporating cultural elements such as hip-hop music may improve retention of stroke knowledge among the youth.
Towards Increasing the Productivity of Lignocellulosic Bioethanol: Rational Strategies Fueled by Modeling

Bioethanol is not only currently the most widely used biofuel, but also potentially the most promising alternative to fossil fuels. The majority of bioethanol in today’s use is made from sucrose-containing (e.g., sugarcane, sugar beet, and sweet sorghum) or starch-based feedstocks (e.g., corn, wheat, rice, barley, and potatoes). The excessive production of such crop-based (first generation) bioethanol, however, imposes an adverse effect on global food supply. A sustainable alternative feedstock which can be used for non-crop (second generation) bioethanol is lignocellulosic biomass such as rice straw (Binod et al., 2010), wheat straw (Talebnia et al., 2010), corn stover (Kadam & McMillan, 2003), switchgrass (Keshwani & Cheng, 2009), sugarcane bagasse (Cardona et al., 2010), and various other agriculture and forest residues. Lignocellulose primarily consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulose is a homopolymer of glucose, while hemicellulose is a heteropolymer of pentoses (i.e., xylose and arabinose) and hexoses (i.e., glucose, mannose, and galactose) sugars. Lignin is a rich source of aromatic carbon compounds but extremely recalcitrant. Lignocellulose is decomposed via pretreatment and hydrolysis into a spectrum of sugars in which glucose and xylose are the first and second most dominant. These cellulosic sugars are finally converted to bioethanol by fermentation. The lignocellulosic bioethanol has not yet been produced on a commercial scale due to lack of cost-effectiveness. For ensuring its economical viability, comprehensive efforts are required to reduce cost (and maximize the profit) throughout the entire process from biomass to bioethanol. In the current discussion, we limit ourselves to the fermentation step only and examine various issues with increasing bioethanol productivity. Cost-benefit analysis of the fermentation process shows that the processing cost is more dominant (two-thirds of the total cost) than the feed cost (Lange, 2007; Wingren et al., 2003). It is thus important to improve the processing efficiency, not just the sugar conversion alone. In this regard, increasing the productivity should be a preferred target over increasing the yield, not only in the reactor optimization, but also in strain improvement. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has typically been used for the production of crop-based bioethanol. This wild-type strain is, however, not suitable for converting cellulosic sugars as it can efficiently ferment glucose but hardly xylose. Considerable effort has been made to
Use of risk adjustment in setting budgets and measuring performance in primary care II: advantages, disadvantages, and practicalities

Risk adjustment could help to improve decisions about budgets as well as help measure the performance of doctors. In the first of these two articles we discussed why risk adjustment could become more important in the United Kingdom and how it works in the United States.1 In this article we consider the benefits and problems of risk adjustment and assess how one US system would perform in the United Kingdom. #### Summary points Use of risk adjustment in the United Kingdom could help ensure that general practices and primary care trusts are not penalised for taking on patients with complex health needs Risk adjustment methods may also help ensure that computerised clinical records in primary care are complete and accurate Risk adjustment could add to the administrative complexity of healthcare systems It may draw attention away from the overall level of healthcare spending There is no gold standard method of risk adjustment Use of risk adjustment in setting budgets and monitoring performance should be explored further In the United States, risk adjustment is starting to be used to adjust capitation or other types of payments to healthcare providers such as family practices, multispecialty medical groups, or consortiums of physicians and hospitals (integrated delivery systems). 2 For large populations (such as that of a broad geographical area), age, sex, and ecological measures may be adequate for this purpose. But for smaller populations, such as those managed by one family practice or a small consortium of physicians, risk adjustment helps ensure that providers who manage patients with more complex medical problems have their budgets adjusted to take this into account (box). The use of risk adjustment systems has also given doctors and health maintenance organisations a powerful incentive to provide more accurate and complete diagnostic data.1 #### Potential advantages of risk adjustment
Recognition of Modulated Speech over OFDMA

This paper presents an analysis of the error associated with speech after it has been processed using QAM modulation and sent through an IFFT/FFT OFDM transmission system. The main focus will be on how this type of modulation and transmission system will affect the unique features of speech used for speaker recognition and verification systems. Channel deformations can lead to serious errors in speech feature, which would result in recognition and verification algorithms becoming unreliable for secure applications. We will use the well-known mel-frequency cepstral feature extraction algorithm to extract the speaker dependent features before and after the speech is modulated and sent over a noisy communication channel for comparison in our study
Determining the impact of internet channel use on a customer's lifetime

In light of mature markets and increasing competitive pressure, retaining the existing customer base becomes crucial for the future success of a firm. As a consequence, firms are increasingly interested in understanding the factors influencing and driving customer retention. One factor that is hypothesized to have an impact on customer retention is the growing use of the Internet channel. Firms are interested in understanding whether and how the Internet use induces a change in customer retention. The aim of this paper is to empirically quantify the impact of Internet use on customer retention when accounting for potentially present self-selection. Furthermore, the paper will derive managerial implications on how to use customer channel migration to improve overall customer retention. The results of the empirical study indicate a strong positive impact of Internet use on customer retention. Hence, migrating customers to the Internet channel has the potential to increase overall retention rates.
Converting Insertion Gain to and from Headphone Coupler Responses

Objective: The paper aims to show how insertion gain responses can be translated into equivalent headphone responses, and vice versa. Design: The relationship between the response types is theoretically derived by allowing for real ear to coupler differences and for real ear unaided responses. Results: The necessary corrections for each of these factors are obtained from published data, and the combined correction factors are compared with independently obtained published data. Conclusions: The equations and data presented can be used to translate insertion gain responses into responses suitable for use with equipment using headphones and, by inference, insert phones.
Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats - protective role of aqueous leaf extracts of Coccinia grandis.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of an aqueous leaf extract of Coccinia grandis on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in albino rats. Wistar albino rats weighing around 180-200g were used. Toxicity was induced by using 30% CCl4 suspended in olive oil (1.0 ml/kg body wt intraperitoneal) after every 72 hrs for 3doses. The aqueous leaf extract at a dose of 250mg/kg was administered orally by intragastric tube for 10 days. Blood and liver tissue were collected for the assessment of serum marker enzymes such as ALT, AST and ALP. The liver tissue was used for histopathological assessment.
Chiral inversion of the second generation IMiD CC-4047 (ACTIMID ) in human plasma and phosphate-buffered saline.

CC-4047 is a racemic second-generation immunomodulatory drug currently in clinical development for various oncologic indications. It has potent effects on key cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL-10), and interferon (IFN-gamma). The S-isomer of CC-4047 has been reported to be the more potent enantiomer of the racemate. In this article we report on the rapid racemization of the S-isomer of CC-4047 in human plasma and phosphate-buffered saline. These results support the further development of the racemate instead of the S-isomer.
Advances in Brief Maximum Tolerable Dose and Low-Dose Metronomic Chemotherapy Have Opposite Effects on the Mobilization and Viability of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells 1

There is growing evidence that vasculogenesis (progenitor cell-derived generation of new blood vessels) is required for the growth of some neoplastic diseases. Here we show that the administration of cyclophosphamide (CTX) at the maximum tolerable dose with 21-day breaks or at more frequent low-dose (metronomic) schedules have opposite effects on the mobilization and viability of circulating endothelial progenitors (CEPs) in immunodeficient mice bearing human lymphoma cells. Animals treated with the maximum tolerable dose CTX experienced a robust CEP mobilization a few days after the end of a cycle of drug administration, and tumors rapidly became drug resistant. Conversely, the administration of metronomic CTX was associated with a consistent decrease in CEP numbers and viability and with more durable inhibition of tumor growth. Our findings suggest that metronomic low-dose chemotherapy regimens are particularly promising for avoiding CEP mobilization and, hence, to potentially reduce vasculogenesis-dependent mechanisms of tumor growth.
Uniform staining of Cyclospora oocysts in fecal smears by a modified safranin technique with microwave heating

Cyclospora, a coccidian protist, is increasingly being identified as an important, newly emerging parasite that causes diarrhea, flatulence, fatigue, and abdominal pain leading to weight loss in immunocompetent persons with or without a recent travel history as well as in patients with AIDS. Modified Kinyoun's acid-fast stain is the most commonly used stain to identify the oocyst of this parasite in fecal smears. Oocysts of Cyclospora stain variably by the modified acid-fast procedure, resulting in the possible misidentification of this parasite. We examined fecal smears stained by six different procedures that included Giemsa, trichrome, chromotrope, Gram-chromotrope, acid-fast, and safranin stains. We report on safranin-based stain that uniformly stains oocysts of Cyclospora a brilliant reddish orange, provided that the fecal smears are heated in a microwave oven prior to staining. This staining procedure, besides being superior to acid-fast staining, is fast, reliable, and easy to perform in most clinical laboratories.
The properties of Gabor wavelet transform

The expression of the reproducing kernel function and the isometric identities of the image space of Gabor wavelet transform are shown in this paper. By the construction of the reproducing kernel function the authors show that the general and concrete properties of the image space of Gabor wavelet transform based on the image space of the continuous wavelet transform is a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. This provides the theoretic basis for discussing the image space of general wavelet transform.