gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation versus Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Short Term: A Meta-Analysis (2017)

<i>Background</i>. The efficacy of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) and its outcomes for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to summarize and analyze the efficacy of two treatments for GERD. <i>Methods</i>. The meta-analysis search was performed, using four databases. All studies from 2005 to 2016 were included. Pooled effect was calculated using either the fixed or random effects model. <i>Results</i>. A total of 4 trials included 624 patients and aimed to evaluate the differences in proton-pump inhibitor use, complications, and adverse events. MSA had a shorter operative time (MSA and NF: RR = -18.80, 95% CI: -24.57 to -13.04, and <i>P</i> = 0.001) and length of stay (RR = -14.21, 95% CI: -24.18 to -4.23, and <i>P</i> = 0.005). Similar proton-pump inhibitor use, complication (<i>P</i> = 0.19), and severe dysphagia for dilation were shown in both groups. Although there is no difference between the MSA and NF in the number of adverse events, the incidence of postoperative gas or bloating (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94, and <i>P</i> = 0.02) showed significantly different results. However, there is no significant difference in ability to belch and ability to vomit. <i>Conclusions</i>. MSA can be recommended as an alternative treatment for GERD according to their short-term studies, especially in main-features of gas-bloating, due to shorter operative time and less complication of gas or bloating.
Improving large graph processing on partitioned graphs in the cloud (2012)

As the study of large graphs over hundreds of gigabytes becomes increasingly popular for various data-intensive applications in cloud computing, developing large graph processing systems has become a hot and fruitful research area. Many of those existing systems support a vertex-oriented execution model and allow users to develop custom logics on vertices. However, the inherently random access pattern on the vertex-oriented computation generates a significant amount of network traffic. While graph partitioning is known to be effective to reduce network traffic in graph processing, there is little attention given to how graph partitioning can be effectively integrated into large graph processing in the cloud environment. In this paper, we develop a novel graph partitioning framework to improve the network performance of graph partitioning itself, partitioned graph storage and vertex-oriented graph processing. All optimizations are specifically designed for the cloud network environment. In experiments, we develop a system prototype following Pregel (the latest vertex-oriented graph engine by Google), and extend it with our graph partitioning framework. We conduct the experiments with a real-world social network and synthetic graphs over 100GB each in a local cluster and on Amazon EC2. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our graph partitioning framework, and the effectiveness of network performance aware optimizations on the large graph processing engine.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Alginate Microspheres of Ibuprofen (2012)

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different variables on the release profile of ibuprofen microspheres formulated using modified emulsification method. Eight batches of microspheres (F1-F8) were prepared by applying 2(3) factorial design. The amount of sodium alginate, amount of calcium chloride, and amount of magnesium stearate were selected as formulation variables. All the batches were evaluated in terms of percentage yield, percentage encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release characteristics. The batch F7 was found to be optimum batch and was further characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. Multiple linear regression was applied to confirm significant effect of each variable on release characteristics. The model developed in the present study can be effectively utilized to achieve the formulation with desired release characteristics.
Some days are better than others : lessons learned from Uganda's first results-based financing pilot (2010)

In 2003, the Government of Uganda launched a pilot performance-based contracting scheme designed to improve the quality of and access to health services at private not-for-profit (PNFP) health facilities. In addition to performance incentives, facilities were given freedom to decide how to allocate resources. The latter innovation had a discernible positive impact on health facility performance, but the former, the incentives, did not. This brief explores the design and implementation issues behind the failure of the incentives and shows that while incentives matter, the success of results-based financing (RBF) programs is not inevitable. They require significant investment and careful design and implementation. The good news, though, is that enormous improvements can be had for free, by granting facilities the ability to choose how to spend their money.
General traffic sign recognition by feature matching (2009)

Traffic sign recognition is a technology which allows us to recognize signs in real time, typically in videos, or sometimes just (off-line) in photos. It is used for Driver Assistance Systems (DAS), road surveys, or the management of road assets (to improve road safety). In this paper, we propose a method for general traffic sign recognition (tested for the New Zealand road signs) which combines previously designed steps, but with an overall adaptation towards general traffic sign recognition (i.e., not just speed or stop signs). First, color input images or frames are converted from RGB color space into HSV color space. Second, special shapes as potential signs are detected (circles, triangles, squares) using Hough transform. Third, potential signs are compared with the template signs as given in the database by using feature matching methods (SIFT or SURF features). At the end, we recognize the traffic sign in an image aiming at realtime DAS. Experiments show that the proposed method is robust for the selected test data, with over 95 percent success rate on average. On a single frame of size 1024 × 768, the system uses on average 80 ms for preprocessing, and 100 ms for matching a traffic sign candidate.
<i>myo</i>‐Inositol oxygenase from rat kidneys (1990)

myo-Inositol from rat kidneys, an oligomeric protein with apparent molecular mass of about 270 kDa can be dissociated under mild conditions to structured 16.8-kDa monomers. This dissociation can be reversed at high protein concentrations at room temperature. The corresponding apparent dimerization constant K2app = 1.38 x 10(5) M-1, the corresponding rate constant k2 = 350 s-1.M-1, and the apparent constant for the association of dimers, K4app = 2.7 x 10(6) M-1. Reassociation is significantly enhanced in the presence of the substrate and iron(II) (K2app = 9.8 x 10(5) M-1; K4app = 3.75 x 10(6) M-1, k2 = 1750 s-1.M-1, at 20 mM myo-inositol and 0.5 mM FeSO4). Under these conditions almost 100% of the original enzymatic activity was reconstituted. Monomers, with or without bound ligands, lack catalytic activity, whereas the dimer is likely to be the elementary active enzyme-building unit. The effects of myo-inositol on the dimerization lead to the conclusion that this step is both mediated and facilitated by the substrate.
New nonthrombogenic polymer compositions (1981)

Platelet adhesion and aggregation are very important steps of thrombosis. Platelet adhesion onto foreign surfaces takes place as soon as these latter are in contact with blood. As a result of this interaction, the platelets release ADP and serotonin, which apparently cause subsequent platelet aggregation. For polymer surface modifications we have experienced ditazole and dipyridamole which are effective platelet aggregating agents. Apyrase which catalyzes the transformation of ADP into AMP and then to adenosine was also experienced. The preparation of nonthrombogenic surfaces starting from commercially available polymers such as cellulose, cellulose triacetate, nylon and polyethyleneterephtalate by addition of platelet antiaggregating drugs and apyrase is described together with their in vitro and in vivo characterization.
An efficient channel estimation scheme for downlink in WCDMA/FDD systems (2002)

In order to perform coherent demodulation under fading channel conditions, channel phase and amplitude estimation are required at the receiver. In WCDMA/FDD (wideband code division multiple access frequency division duplexing), proposed for the third-generation mobile communication systems, downlink channel estimation can be performed in both CPICH (common pilot channel) and DPCCH (dedicated physical control channel). Considering the different link quality between CPICH and DPCCH according to the location of a mobile station (MS), estimation schemes that use both channels are suggested and their performances are compared.
Dose-dependent Effects of Inhaled Mometasone Furoate on Airway Function and Inflammation After Allergen Inhalation Challenge (2001)

Comparisons of the potency of different inhaled corticosteroids, delivery devices, and treatment regimens in the management of asthma can only be made when outcome measurements display a dose-dependent effect. These outcomes have been difficult to identify. In this study, we compared in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, the effects of 6 d treatment with placebo and three doses (50, 100, and 400 microg, twice daily) of mometasone furoate delivered by dry powder inhaler (MF-DPI) on responses after allergen inhalation challenge. Twelve mild asthmatic subjects with dual responses after allergen inhalation were studied. Outcome measurements included early and late asthmatic responses, the change in methacholine airway responsiveness 24 h after challenge, and sputum eosinophilia measured 7 and 24 h after challenge. All three doses of MF-DPI demonstrated similar attenuation of early responses and allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness relative to placebo (p < 0.05). The late maximal %fall in FEV(1) after placebo treatment was 23.5% and was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner to 12.3%, 11.0%, and 5.9% for the 50-, 100-, and 400-microg twice-daily treatments (p = 0.007). The allergen-induced increase in sputum eosinophilia (x10(4) cells/ml) 24 h after challenge during placebo treatment was 60.2 and was significantly reduced to 24.0, 15.3, and 6.2 for the 50-, 100-, and 400-microg twice-daily treatments. MF-DPI is effective at attenuating allergen-induced early and late responses, airway hyperresponsiveness, and sputum eosinophilia, and dose-response effects exist for the attenuation of the late response.
Seismic imaging in massively parallel processors (MPP) computer architectures (1993)

Full 3D Pre-stack Depth Migration is, a computational problem that is pushing the Industry to the leading edge of computational capabilities. Perhaps a Massively Parallel Processors (MPP) computer architecture wilt be needed to reduce this problem to a feasible one? If so, what are the requirements (computational and data movement) for processing a representative seismic survey? And how to impose them on Cray Research, Inc's (CRI) forthcoming MPP product, the CRAY T3D?
AGRO-PESTICIDES AND ANDROLOGY (2014)

The extensive use of pesticides in agricultural practices has resulted in contamination of food and food resources. A number of animal species including humans have accumulated traces of pesticides through food chain. These toxic chemicals influence the physiology of numerous non-target species including man. The effects of many pesticides have been analyzed using  in vivo  and  in vitro  techniques and degenerative changes induced by the toxic chemicals have been reported even at nanomolar concentrations. The adverse effects on the male reproductive system include direct damage of the cells or disruption of the developmental pathways directly or through endocrine modifications. Toxic pesticides are known to cause Germ cells disintegration, loss of Leydig cells, atresia in Sertoli cell, degeneration of seminiferous tubules, alternation in spermatogenesis, depletion in semen quality, teratospermia and endocrine disruption. For ensuring pesticide free food and food supplements it is recommended that biological alternative should be explored to safeguard good health of plants, animals and humans.
ZnO extended-gate field-effect transistors as pH sensors (2005)

The objective of this work is the study and characterization of zinc oxide (ZnO) as pH sensor. We used an extended-gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) to obtain the response of ZnO as a function of pH. Sol-gel was used for the production of ZnO films because this is a low cost and easy fabrication procedure. The ZnO powder was obtained at different temperatures of calcination, from 150 up to 500°C. The samples were investigated by x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. The films were investigated as pH sensors (range 2–12) and the ZnO EGFET shows a sensitivity of 38mV∕pH.
Systematic review of therapy for men with overactive bladder (2013)

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can have multiple causes inmen. Overactive bladder (OAB) is an empirical diagnosis used asthe basis for initial management after assessing symptoms, physicalfindings, urinalysis and other indicated evaluations. In men,the diagnosis is complicated by the potential of benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH), which is a histological diagnosis. Althoughstorage symptoms (i.e., those associated with OAB) are the mostbothersome group of LUTS in men with BPH, these patients areusually treated with BPH rather than OAB drugs. The standardpharmacologic treatment of patients with bothersome voiding andstorage LUTS at low risk of progression should be an α1-AR antagonist.The combination α1-AR antagonist + antimuscarinic agentis an appropriate and valid option for male patients with voidingsymptoms and persistent storage symptoms.
Length of intestinal contact on nutrient-driven satiety (1998)

Chemosensors throughout small bowel and colon inhibit food intakes when contacted by monomeric nutrients. We postulated that calorie-dependent inhibition of food intakes depended on additions of feedbacks from sensors in proximal and distal bowel contacted after high intakes of nutrients. Therefore, we determined how feedback from sensors in proximal gut interacted with feedback from simultaneously contacted sensors in distal bowel and whether suppression of nutrient intakes by intestinally perfused nutrients depended on length of gut contacted. Suppression of food intakes by maltose simply added to that from dodecanoate when both were present together either in proximal or distal small bowel. When dodecanoate was infused into proximal gut while maltose was infused distally, suppression of intake was threefold higher and was thus potentiated. Limiting contact of slowly absorbed lactose or oleate to 35 cm of jejunum nearly abolished the satiating potencies each exhibited during access to whole gut. The observations were consistent with our hypothesis.
The visualization management system approach to visualization in scientific computing (1989)

This paper introduces the visualization management system (ViMS), a new approach to the development of software for visualization in scientific computing (ViSC). The conceptual foundation for a ViMS is an abstract visualization model that specifies a class of geometric objects, the graphic representations of the objects, and the operations on both. A ViMS implements a visualization model and provides four levels of mechanisms for developing applications. The ViMS requirements and a model-independent ViMS architecture are described. The ViMS approach presents several important opportunities for visualization standards.
The role of vena cava filters in the management of venous thromboembolism. (2010)

This paper will deal with the role of vena cava filters in the management of venous thromboembolism. The role of medical therapy, indications and contraindications for the placement of caval filters will be discussed. An overview of the currently available filters will be given, and technical aspects, as well as complications related to the procedure will be discussed. Finally the management of patients with a filter in situ and indications for caval filter removal shall be dealt with.
Issues Associated with Designating Additional Private IPv4 Address Space (2011)

When a private network or internetwork grows very large it is
sometimes not possible to address it using private IPv4 address space.
This document describes the problems faced by those networks, the
available options and the issues involved in assigning a new block of
private IPv4 address space.
Entrepreneurship, Competitive Strategies, and Transforming Firms from OEM to OBM in Taiwan (2012)

This article analyzes how entrepreneurs create wealth and capabilities in the early stages by practicing original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and later on transcend to original brand manufacturing (OBM). The author deliberately selects three cases of Taiwan's firms (Johnson Health Technology Corporation, CVC Technology Corporation, and HTC Corporation) to study firm growth and firm transformation by incorporating concepts from research fields of entrepreneurship, strategic management, and leadership. How Taiwan's firms thrive from transforming to create own brands and how they deal with ensuing issues of branding dilemma offer a useful lesson for latecomer economies.
Parenting Styles and Child Outcomes in Puerto Rican Families (2021)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate observed parenting styles among Puerto Rican parents living in Puerto Rico. Participants included 51 families with a child between the ages of 6 and 11. Families engaged in different behavioral observational tasks. Observations were coded for parenting dimensions and family parenting styles in order to determine its relationship to child outcomes. The Parenting Styles Observation Rating Scale was used to code the observations and the Child Behavior Checklist was used to assess for behavioral problems. Overall, parents received high ratings on warmth, demandingness, and autonomy granting. Supportive demandingness was negatively associated with internalizing, externalizing, and total child problems. The majority of the sample was categorized as authoritative (68.6%), while 23.5% was categorized as “cold.” Authoritative parenting was significantly associated with lower child problems across the board in comparison to “cold” and permissive families. Limitations of the current study were considered. Lastly, the implications of the results and directions for future research in regards to Puerto Rican parenting for families living in Puerto Rico were discussed.
Joe R. Feagin, Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations (2001)

Joe R. Feagin, Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future ReparationsDoes anyone in the United States today believe that racism, especially against African Americans, is embedded in almost all activities of the American people? That this malignant prejudice, there before the American Revolution, became an integral part of the American Constitution, which even today serves to discriminate against African Americans effectively making it well nigh impossible for them to compete equally with whites? And would any white American today agree that virtually all Euro-Americans now benefit most unfairly in very material ways from their unearned income,' received not only during the slave era, but subsequently and up to the present?Very few white Americans will buy these arguments, but Joe R. Feagin, professor and current president of the American Sociological Association persuasively makes the case in Racist Americans: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations. What Feagin finds most cancerous is that white Americans know that all this and more is true, but refuse to admit it -- some on the pretense of ignorance, and others out of the sheer fear of somehow losing their privileged status. Better then to pretend that African Americans and other racial minorities are in subordinate positions due to their innate inferiority.One could conclude that the situation is hopeless for black people. However, Feagin believes that if white Americans are persuasively shown through a pluralistic analysis of oppression, that they have always been privileged, then their attitudes and our systems of oppression will change. This is the purpose of his book.With stunning clarity, Feagin demonstrates that most white Americans have enriched themselves at the expense of black people, from the slave trader and slave holder, and the entrepreneurs who made fortunes in trading the products of slave labor, through those who profited from cheap African American labor after slavery, to those who even today prevent African Americans from competing fairly for part of America's wealth. No wonder then, that by 1995 the median net worth of white households was $61,000, more than eight times that of black households at $7400.The book is filled with numerous other examples of the alarming inequality racism has spawned, and Feagin concludes that white-on-black oppression is a comprehensive system of exploitation and oppression originally designed by white Americans for black Americans, a system of racism that for centuries has penetrated every major area of American society and thus shaped the lives of every American, black and non-black. Even in the medical practice, as the New England Journal of Medicine recently reported, African American lung cancer patients, compared to whites, were less likely to receive the best surgical care. …
Superconductivity in<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">Ba</mml:mi><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">Pb</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn>1</mml:mn><mml:mo>−</mml:mo><mml:mi>x</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:msub></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">Bi</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mi>x</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:msub></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi mathvariant="normal">O</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msub></mml:mrow></mml:math>near the metal-semiconductor phase boundary under pressure (1981)

The resistance of Ba${\mathrm{Pb}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{Bi}}_{0.2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ has been measured as a function of temperature at various pressures. The results show that the compound is made more semiconductorlike by the application of pressure, while its superconducting transition temperature is enhanced before a phase transition, evidenced by a resistance jump, sets in.
A forward mutation assay using ampicillin-resistance in <i>Escherichia coli</i> designed for investigating the mutagenicity of biological samples (1987)

The development of a bacterial mutation assay using forward mutation to ampicillin-resistance is described. It is a technically simple assay using Escherichia coli D494uvrB transformed with a multi-copy mutator plasmid pGW1700. Mutation is detected by an increase in the frequency of ampicillin-resistant colonies following treatment of bacteria with the test material during logarithmic growth. The determination of viable counts allows a correction factor to be applied to compensate for the effects of sample-induced growth enhancement or toxicity on the bacterial population. The assay has been tested with a range of reference mutagens. It is particularly sensitive to base-pair substitution mutagens, detecting these at doses equal to or less than those detected in the Salmonella/microsome assay or the SOS Chromotest. The assay also detects frameshift mutagens but with lower sensitivity than the Salmonella/microsome assay.