LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between traditional neural networks and radial basis function networks

The paper presents the properties of two types of neural networks: traditional neural networks and radial basis function (RBF) networks, both of which are considered as universal approximators. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of neural network architectures are analyzed and compared based on four different examples. The comparison results indicate approaches to be taken relative to the network model selection for practical applications.
Foreign Language Requirement for the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering: A Survey of U. S. and Canadian Policy

Over the past decade approximately one-half of all institutions offering the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering in the U.S. and Canada have dropped the mandatory requirement for translation skills. This correspondence attempts to reveal the nature and extent of this trend.
Value-Added Models and the Measurement of Teacher Productivity*

Research on teacher productivity, and recently developed accountability systems for teachers, rely on value-added models to estimate the impact of teachers on student performance. The authors test many of the central assumptions required to derive value-added models from an underlying structural cumulative achievement model and reject nearly all of them. Moreover, they find that teacher value added and other key parameter estimates are highly sensitive to model specification. While estimates from commonly employed value-added models cannot be interpreted as causal teacher effects, employing richer models that impose fewer restrictions may reduce the bias in estimates of teacher productivity.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by (meth)acrylates in nail cosmetic products in users and nail technicians - a 5-year study.

BACKGROUND
The increasing use of long-lasting nail aesthetic products has led to a growing number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates in recent years.


OBJECTIVES
To provide information on ACD caused by (meth)acrylates related to nail cosmetic products.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed files of patients with ACD caused by (meth)acrylates related to nail cosmetic products, who were patch tested between January 2011 and December 2015 in 13 departments of dermatology in Portugal.


RESULTS
Two-hundred and thirty cases of ACD caused by (meth)acrylates (55 technicians, 56 consumers, and 119 with mixed exposure) had been documented, mostly as chronic hand eczema (93%). The most common sensitizers were: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), which was positive in 90% of the tested patients, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), which was positive in 64.1%, and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, which was positive in 54.5%.


CONCLUSION
HEMA and HPMA were the most frequent positive allergens. HEMA, which identified 90% of cases, can be considered to be a good screening allergen. The high number of cases of ACD caused by (meth)acrylates in nail cosmetic products certainly warrants better preventive measures at the occupational level, and specific regulation in the field of consumer safety.
Hemodynamic outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement and medical management in severe, inoperable aortic stenosis: a longitudinal echocardiographic study of cohort B of the PARTNER trial.

BACKGROUND
Inoperable aortic stenosis may be treated with either transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or medical management (MM) with or without balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). The aim of this study was to compare the long-term echocardiographic findings among TAVR, MM, and BAV in patients with severe, inoperable aortic stenosis.


METHODS
A total of 358 inoperable patients in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves trial were randomized to MM or TAVR. Echocardiograms obtained at baseline, 30 days, and 1, 2, and 3 years were analyzed by a central core laboratory.


RESULTS
At baseline, TAVR and MM were similar, with more frequent Society of Thoracic Surgeons score > 10 (51.7% vs 65.0%, P = .03) and larger end-systolic volumes (54.5 ± 29.3 vs 69.1 ± 48.0 mL, P = .03) in MM. By 30 days after TAVR, mean aortic valve gradient had decreased (from 43.8 ± 14.7 to 10.0 ± 4.3 mm Hg, P < .001), ejection fraction had increased (from 53.2 ± 12.4% to 56.7 ± 10.0%, P < .001), and left ventricular (LV) mass index had decreased (from 144.7 ± 36.1 to 140.0 ± 37.9 gm/m(2), P < .05). After 1 year, aortic valve gradients and area were unchanged, while LV mass index had decreased by another 16 gm/m(2) (to 124 gm/m(2)). By 30 days after BAV, mean aortic valve gradient had decreased from 43.4 ± 15.0 to 31.9 ± 11.1 mm Hg, while ejection fraction and LV mass index were unchanged; gradient reverted to baseline at 1 year. No changes in gradients or mass were seen in MM patients.


CONCLUSIONS
TAVR results in immediate and sustained relief in pressure overload and improved LV systolic function, with continued regression of hypertrophy over 3 years. Poor clinical results with BAV are explained by the modest and transient reductions in pressure overload with BAV, which were not accompanied by improved LV function or remodeling. TAVR is the preferred treatment in eligible inoperable patients (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00530894).
Topically Applied Connective Tissue Growth Factor/CCN2 Improves Diabetic Preclinical Cutaneous Wound Healing: Potential Role for CTGF in Human Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS
Topical application of CTGF/CCN2 to rodent diabetic and control wounds was examined. In parallel research, correlation of CTGF wound fluid levels with healing rate in human diabetic foot ulcers was undertaken.


METHODS
Full thickness cutaneous wounds in diabetic and nondiabetic control rats were treated topically with 1 μg rhCTGF or vehicle alone, on 2 consecutive days. Wound healing rate was observed on day 14 and wound sites were examined for breaking strength and granulation tissue. In the human study across 32 subjects, serial CTGF regulation was analyzed longitudinally in postdebridement diabetic wound fluid.


RESULTS
CTGF treated diabetic wounds had an accelerated closure rate compared with vehicle treated diabetic wounds. Healed skin withstood more strain before breaking in CTGF treated rat wounds. Granulation tissue from CTGF treatment in diabetic wounds showed collagen IV accumulation compared with nondiabetic animals. Wound α-smooth muscle actin was increased in CTGF treated diabetic wounds compared with untreated diabetic wounds, as was macrophage infiltration. Endogenous wound fluid CTGF protein rate of increase in human diabetic foot ulcers correlated positively with foot ulcer healing rate (r = 0.406; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION
These data collectively increasingly substantiate a functional role for CTGF in human diabetic foot ulcers.
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: one year outcome of total and separate kidney function following stenting

BACKGROUND
Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a known cause of hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. Stenting of the artery is a valid approach, in spite of cases of unexpected adverse evolution of renal function.


METHODS
In this study, 27 patients with unilateral RAS were subjected to stenting and followed for a period of one year, while 19 patients were observed while on medical treatment only. The group of 27 patients, 67.33 +/- 6.8 years of age, creatinine of 2.15 +/- 0.9 mg/dl, following stenting, were followed at intervals with biochemical tests, renal scintigraphy and doppler ultrasonography. The control group (70.0 +/- 6.1 years, creatinine 1.99 +/- 0.7 mg/dl) was also followed for one year.


RESULT
One year after stenting mean creatinine clearance (Ccr) increased from 36.07 +/- 17.2 to 40.4 +/- 21.6 ml/min (NS). Arterial BP, decreased after 1,3,6, and 12 months (p < 0.05). The number of antihypertensive drugs also decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in proteinuria was also observed. In the control group both Ccr, BP and proteinuria did not show significant changes. Based on renal scintigraphy and Ccr at subsequent times, it was possible to evaluate the timecourse of renal function in both kidneys of the stented patients. In the stented kidneys Ccr increased significantly. On the controlateral kidney a decrease of renal function (p < 0.05) was observed. Resistance index appeared to be a risk factor of the functional outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Stenting of RAS due to atherosclerosis is followed by stabilization or improvement of Ccr, mainly at the stented kidney, while contralateral renal function showed a decrease.
ROCK inhibitor fasudil attenuated high glucose-induced MCP-1 and VCAM-1 expression and monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion

BACKGROUND
Previous studies suggested that the RhoA/ROCK pathway may contribute to vascular complications in diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate whether ROCK inhibitor fasudil could prevent high glucose-induced monocyte-endothelial cells adhesion, and whether this was related to fasudil effects on vascular endothelial cell expression of chemotactic factors, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1).


METHODS
HUVECs were stimulated with high glucose (HG) or HG + fasudil in different concentration or different time. Monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion was determined using fluorescence-labeled monocytes. The mRNA and protein expression of VCAM-1 and MCP-1 were measured using real-time PCR and western blot. The protein levels of RhoA, ROCKI and p-MYPT were determined using western blot analysis. ELISA was employed to measure the expression of soluble VCAM-1 and MCP-1 in cell supernatants and human serum samples.


RESULTS
Fasudil significantly suppressed HG-induced adhesion of THP-1 to HUVECs. Fasudil reduced Rho/ROCK activity (as indicated by lower p-MYPT/MYPT ratio), and prevented HG induced increases in VCAM-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein levels. Fasudil also decreased MCP-1 concentration in HUVEC supernatants, but increased sVCAM-1 shedding into the media. In human diabetic subjects, 2 weeks of fasudil treatment significantly decreased serum MCP-1 level from 27.9 ± 10.6 pg/ml to 13.8 ± 7.0 pg/ml (P < 0.05), while sVCAM-1 increased from 23.2 ± 7.5 ng/ml to 39.7 ± 5.6 ng/ml after fasudil treatment (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with the Rho/ROCK pathway inhibitor fasudil attenuated HG-induced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, possibly by reducing endothelial expression of VCAM-1 and MCP-1. These results suggest inhibition of Rho/ROCK signaling may have therapeutic potential in preventing diabetes associated vascular inflammation and atherogenesis.
360° Video Viewing Dataset in Head-Mounted Virtual Reality

360° videos and Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) are geing increasingly popular. However, streaming 360° videos to HMDs is challenging. is is because only video content in viewers’ Fieldof-Views (FoVs) is rendered, and thus sending complete 360° videos wastes resources, including network bandwidth, storage space, and processing power. Optimizing the 360° video streaming to HMDs is, however, highly data and viewer dependent, and thus dictates real datasets. However, to our best knowledge, such datasets are not available in the literature. In this paper, we present our datasets of both content data (such as image saliency maps and motion maps derived from 360° videos) and sensor data (such as viewer head positions and orientations derived from HMD sensors). We put extra eorts to align the content and sensor data using the timestamps in the raw log les. e resulting datasets can be used by researchers, engineers, and hobbyists to either optimize existing 360° video streaming applications (like rate-distortion optimization) and novel applications (like crowd-driven cameramovements). We believe that our dataset will stimulate more research activities along this exciting new research direction. ACM Reference format: Wen-Chih Lo, Ching-Ling Fan, Jean Lee, Chun-Ying Huang, Kuan-Ta Chen, and Cheng-Hsin Hsu. 2017. 360° Video Viewing Dataset in Head-Mounted Virtual Reality. In Proceedings ofMMSys’17, Taipei, Taiwan, June 20-23, 2017, 6 pages. DOI: hp://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3083187.3083219 CCS Concept • Information systems→Multimedia streaming
Cannabis use and first manic episode.

BACKGROUND
Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug among patients with bipolar disorder. Available data has shown that the risk of psychotic disorders increases with the frequency and intensity of cannabis abuse. The present purpose was to review relevant studies to investigate whether cannabis use can be linked to the onset of mania in bipolar disorder.


METHODS
Articles published between 1972 and December 2013 were searched on Medline and PsychInfo using the following keywords: first manic episode, or onset mania, or bipolar disorder and cannabis. Relevant papers cited in the references of selected articles were further considered for inclusion into the review.


RESULTS
Lifetime use of cannabis among bipolar patients appears to be around 70% and approximately 30% of patients with a bipolar disorder present a comorbidity of cannabis abuse or dependence. Cannabis use is associated with younger age at onset of first mania and with more frequent depressive or manic episodes, although the evidence is somewhat inconsistent. Likewise cannabis consumption is related to poorer outcome and an increased risk of rapid cycling or mixed episodes. In contrast, neuro-cognitive functioning seems to be positively affected in patients with psychiatric comorbidity. While cannabis use often precedes first manic episodes, the causal direction remains to be determined.


LIMITATIONS
Variations in definition of cannabis use/dependence. Lack of controlled studies limiting definite conclusions about a putative causal relationship between cannabis and onset of mania.


CONCLUSIONS
Further investigations are needed to clarify the relationships between cannabis use and first manic episode.
Quantum Search Algorithm with more Reliable Behaviour using Partial Diffusion

In this paper, we will use a quantum operator which performs the inversion about the mean operation only on a subspace of the system (Partial Diffusion Operator) to propose a quantum search algorithm runs in O( √ N/M ) for searching unstructured list of size N with M matches such that, 1 ≤ M ≤ N . We will show that the performance of the algorithm is more reliable than known quantum search algorithms especially for multiple matches within the search space. A performance comparison with Grover’s algorithm will be provided.
Air pollution - enemy of man and agriculture

A general review of the biological effects of air pollution is presented, emphasizing the impacts of soil phenomenon on agriculture. The various classes of air pollutants are described, as are their effects on different plant species. The responsibilities of various government agencies vis a vis air pollution are defined in general terms, as are the areas in which more research and better defined policy are needed.
Triterpenoid Saponins

Triterpenoid saponins are naturally occurring surface active glycosides of triterpenes. They can be divided into two major groups a) monodesmosides in which the aglycone has a singly attached linear or branched chain set of sugars and (b) bisdesmosides in which there are two sets of sugars. They are widely distributed in plant kingdom, certain marine organisms and marine flora and fauna. Their structural diversity, occurrence as complex mixtures, novel bioactivities of relevance to the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture, and usefulness as ingredients of cosmetics, allelochemicals, food and feeding stuff has generated great interest in the study of these molecules. With the introduction of advanced methods of isolation and structure determination there has been increased activity in these molecules. In recent years, the discovery of novel triterpenoid saponins with important biological activity, enhanced stability and toxicity has also led to the exploration the structure-activity relationships. The great structural diversity of saponins due to their various biosynthetic origins, the challenges of identification, the novel biological activities, possibility of developing potent herbal drugs for human society, novel biosynthetic processes and semi and total synthesis of saponins are now opening up new opportunities or newer trends for exploitation of novel saponins. Several reviews on triterponoied saponins have been published in recent years [1-5]. This review is concerned with the latest developments in isolation and structure elucidation of triterpenoied saponins and contains a compilation of the 13C NMR data of the novel aglycones of triterpenoid saponins, published during mid-1996-March, 2007 and arranged skeleton wise, together with the biological activities reported.
MagicBook: transitioning between reality and virtuality

The MagicBook explores how interfaces can be developed that allow for seamless transition between Physical Reality, Augmented Reality (AR), and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) in a collaborative setting. The MagicBook is a normal book and can be read without any additional technology. However, when book pages are viewed through a handheld display three-dimensional virtual images appear overlaid on them. Readers can view these AR scenes from any perspective and can also fly into the scenes and experience them as an immersive VR world. VR users can see other VR users represented as life-sized virtual avatars, while AR users will see VR users as miniature avatars in the scene.
USER INTERVENTION IN VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE STORYTELLING

In this paper, we describe how users of virtual storytelling environments can interact with the artificial actors by interfering with their plans, which determine plot orientation. We have developed a fully implemented prototype based on the Unreal game engine and carried experiments with a simple sitcom-like scenario. We first present our storyline, and follow previous work on AI planning formalisms to describe the techniques used for the implementation of the dynamic narrative. We outline the different modes of user interaction considered, i.e. physical and natural language interventions. The description is supported by the results from specific examples.
Third-party inspection as an alternative to command and control regulation.

This article makes the case for relying on decentralized market-based incentive mechanisms to supplement performance-based regulations for promoting industrial safety. In particular, we examine how third-party inspections, coupled with insurance protection, can encourage firms to reduce their risks from accidents and disasters. Our proposal is thus an example of a management-based regulatory strategy where the locus of decision making is shifted from the regulator to firms, which are now required to do their own planning as to how they will meet a set of standards or regulations. The third-party inspections we have in mind would take the form of a voluntary contractual relationship between the firm and the party auditing the facility in place of relying solely on the regulatory agency as enforcer. In undertaking the inspection, the third party can simply play the role of informing the firm that it is in violation of a regulation or, going one step further, it can assist the firm in developing a program for reducing its risks to comply with a particular standard or regulation. The passage of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 offers an opportunity to implement such a program. This legislation created two new federal regulatory programs aimed at preventing releases of hazardous chemicals: the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) standard and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Management Program. The OSHA program was enacted in 1992 and requires facilities containing large quantities of highly hazardous chemicals to implement accident prevention and emergency response measures to protect workers. The EPA Risk Management Program regulation, published in 1996, borrowed the same accident prevention concepts and language from PSM but went beyond the OSHA program. It also required facilities to perform a hazard assessment, estimate consequences from accidents, and submit a summary report, called the Risk Management Plan (RMP), to EPA by June 21, 1999. The challenge is how to encourage compliance with these regulations so that firms will be operating in a safer manner. The article proceeds as follow. In the next section we make the case for well-enforced RMPs and then show in Section 3 why firms may not voluntarily comply with this regulation. Section 4 shows analytically that third-party inspections coupled with insurance provide economic incentives for many firms to undertake RMPs voluntarily and encourages the remaining recalcitrant firms to comply with the regulation. Section 5 illustrates implementation challenges in utilizing third-party inspections while at the same time pointing to their success in a variety of different contexts. The concluding section discusses a set of open issues and questions, the need for future studies, and what analysts and practitioners can learn from this work.
Neurodevelopmental outcome among multiples and singletons: a regional neonatal intensive care unit's experience in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the neurodevelopmental outcome at 12-18 months' corrected age between multiples and singleton preterm infants.


METHODS
We designed a prospective study of preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestation) born and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit between November 2008 and November 2009, whose assessments were performed at 12-18 months' corrected age. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as the presence of any one of the following: moderate or severe cerebral palsy, severe bilateral hearing loss or bilateral blindness, mental developmental index score, or psychomotor developmental index score less than 70. Results were compared for both multiples and singleton infants.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty-nine multiples and 211 singleton infants were assessed at 12-18 months' corrected age. The neurodevelopmental outcome including all parameters at 12-18 months' corrected age in multiples was not significantly different from singleton preterm infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple gestation in preterm infants is not associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment at 12-18 months' corrected age compared with singleton preterm infants. For further information, long term and high participation in neurodevelopmental follow-up and evaluation at pre-school age will be needed.
Adaptive routing in wireless communication networks using swarm intelligence

There has been growing general interest in infrastructureless or “ad hoc” wireless networks recently as evidenced by such activities as the MANET (Mobile Ad hoc NETworking) working group within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Other examples are plans unveiled for NASA’s Earth orbit satellite constellation networks, and the Mars network, consisting of a “web” of satellites, rovers, and sensors within a ubiquitous information network. The main issues inherent in such an ad hoc network are the following:
STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AT SEARS

This article describes the HR Management System in place at Sears. Key emphases of Sears' HR management infrastructure include : (1) formulating and communicating a corporate mission, vision, and goals, (2) employee education and development through the Sears University, (3) performance management and incentive compensation systems linked closely to the firm's strategy, (4) validated employee selection systems, and (5) delivering the "HR Basics" very competently. Key challenges for the future include : (1) maintaining momentum in the performance improvement process, (2) identifying barriers to success, and (3) clearly articulating HR's role in the change management process . © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc .