LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Add-on prolonged-release melatonin for cognitive function and sleep in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial

PURPOSE
A link between poor sleep quality and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has recently been suggested. Since endogenous melatonin levels are already reduced at preclinical AD stages, it is important to ask whether replenishing the missing hormone would be beneficial in AD and whether any such effects would be related to the presence of sleep disorder in patients.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
The effects of add-on prolonged-release melatonin (PRM) (2 mg) to standard therapy on cognitive functioning and sleep were investigated in 80 patients (men [50.7%], women [49.3%], average age 75.3 years [range, 52-85 years]) diagnosed with mild to moderate AD, with and without insomnia comorbidity, and receiving standard therapy (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with or without memantine). In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients were treated for 2 weeks with placebo and then randomized (1:1) to receive 2 mg of PRM or placebo nightly for 24 weeks, followed by 2 weeks placebo. The AD Assessment Scale-Cognition (ADAS-Cog), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), sleep, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a daily sleep diary, and safety parameters were measured.


RESULTS
Patients treated with PRM (24 weeks) had significantly better cognitive performance than those treated with placebo, as measured by the IADL (P=0.004) and MMSE (P=0.044). Mean ADAS-Cog did not differ between the groups. Sleep efficiency, as measured by the PSQI, component 4, was also better with PRM (P=0.017). In the comorbid insomnia (PSQI ≥6) subgroup, PRM treatment resulted in significant and clinically meaningful effects versus the placebo, in mean IADL (P=0.032), MMSE score (+1.5 versus -3 points) (P=0.0177), and sleep efficiency (P=0.04). Median ADAS-Cog values (-3.5 versus +3 points) (P=0.045) were significantly better with PRM. Differences were more significant at longer treatment duration. PRM was well tolerated, with an adverse event profile similar to that of placebo.


CONCLUSION
Add-on PRM has positive effects on cognitive functioning and sleep maintenance in AD patients compared with placebo, particularly in those with insomnia comorbidity. The results suggest a possible causal link between poor sleep and cognitive decline.
GPS and 3DOF Tracking for Georeferenced Registration of Construction Graphics in Outdoor Augmented Reality

This paper describes research that investigated the application of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and 3DOF angular tracking to address the registration problem in visualization of construction graphics in outdoor Augmented Reality (AR) environments. AR is the overlaying of virtual images and computer-generated information over scenes of the real world so that the user’s resulting view is enhanced or augmented beyond the normal experience. One of the basic issues in AR is the registration problem. Objects in the real world and superimposed virtual objects must be properly aligned with respect to each other, or the illusion that the two coexist in augmented space is compromised. In the presented research, the global position and the 3D orientation of the user’s viewpoint (i.e. longitude, latitude, altitude, heading, pitch, and roll) are tracked, and this information is reconciled with the known global position and orientation of superimposed CAD objects. The result is an augmented outdoor environment where superimposed CAD objects stay fixed to their real world locations as the user moves freely on a construction site. The algorithms are implemented in a prototype platform called UM-AR-GPS-ROVER that is capable of interactively placing 3D CAD models at any desired location in an outdoor augmented space.
Roth's theorem in the primes

We show that any set containing a positive proportion of the primes contains a 3-term arithmetic progression. An important ingredient is a proof that the primes enjoy the so-called Hardy-Littlewood majorant property. We derive this by giving a new proof of a rather more general result of Bourgain which, because of a close analogy with a classical argument of Tomas and Stein from Euclidean harmonic analysis, might be called a restriction theorem for the primes.
Futures and government: Combating the new philistinism

Abstract The downgrading of long-term forecasting and planning in the governments of a number of Western countries is traced to the rise of ‘the new philistinism’—blunt myopia and political opportunism—typified by the stance of the Thatcher and Reagan administrations. After a review of the fate of the proposals for an independent European futures unit deriving from the Europe Plus Thirty project, this article calls for another attempt to set up effective Western futures institutions. Not to forecast and not to plan is a use—or rather, a misuse—of government power.
Dual Quaternions for Rigid Transformation Blending

Quaternions have been a popular tool in 3D computer graphics for more than 20 years. However, classical quaternions are restricted to the representation of rotations, whereas in graphical applications we typically work with rotation composed with translation (i.e., a rigid transformation). Dual quaternions represent rigid transformations in the same way as classical quaternions represent rotations. In this paper we show how to generalize established techniques for blending of rotations to include all rigid transformations. Algorithms based on dual quaternions are computationally more efficient than previous solutions and have better properties (constant speed, shortest path and coordinate invariance). For the specific example of skinning, we demonstrate that problems which required considerable research effort recently are trivial to solve using our dual quaternion formulation. However, skinning is only one application of dual quaternions, so several further promising research directions are suggested in the paper. CR Categories: I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling – Geometric Transformations— [I.3.7]: Computer Graphics—Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism – Animation
Performance Analysis of Modified SEPIC Converter with Low Input Voltage

The paper presents performance analysis of modified SEPIC dc-dc converter with low input voltage and wide output voltage range. The operational analysis and the design is done for the 380W power output of the modified converter. The simulation results of modified SEPIC converter are obtained with PI controller for the output voltage. The results obtained with the modified converter are compared with the basic SEPIC converter topology for the rise time, peak time, settling time and steady state error of the output response for open loop. Voltage tracking curve is also shown for wide output voltage range. I. Introduction Dc-dc converters are widely used in regulated switched mode dc power supplies and in dc motor drive applications. The input to these converters is often an unregulated dc voltage, which is obtained by rectifying the line voltage and it will therefore fluctuate due to variations of the line voltages. Switched mode dc-dc converters are used to convert this unregulated dc input into a controlled dc output at a desired voltage level. The recent growth of battery powered applications and low voltage storage elements are increasing the demand of efficient step-up dc–dc converters. Typical applications are in adjustable speed drives, switch-mode power supplies, uninterrupted power supplies, and utility interface with nonconventional energy sources, battery energy storage systems, battery charging for electric vehicles, and power supplies for telecommunication systems etc.. These applications demand high step-up static gain, high efficiency and reduced weight, volume and cost. The step-up stage normally is the critical point for the design of high efficiency converters due to the operation with high input current and high output voltage [1]. The boost converter topology is highly effective in these applications but at low line voltage in boost converter, the switching losses are high because the input current has the maximum value and the highest step-up conversion is required. The inductor has to be oversized for the large current at low line input. As a result, a boost converter designed for universal-input applications is heavily oversized compared to a converter designed for a narrow range of input ac line voltage [2]. However, recently new non-isolated dc–dc converter topologies with basic boost are proposed, showing that it is possible to obtain high static gain, low voltage stress and low losses, improving the performance with respect to the classical topologies. Some single stage high power factor rectifiers are presented in [3-6]. A new …
Investigation of dielectric and thermal properties of nano-filler (ZrO2) mixed enamel

In recent years, significant developments in nano-particles/fillers for electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties have been observed. In the present work, experimentally the dielectric and thermal properties of standard/nano-filled sample of enamel with Zirconia as filler have been critically examined. The dielectric loss (tan δ), dielectric constant (ε), insulation strength, partial discharge inception voltage and weight loss of the material have been studied under various operating conditions. It has been observed from the present investigation that 1wt% of Zirconia (ZrO2) nano filler mixed enamel have improved dielectric and thermal properties.
Boredom in the Workplace: A New Look at an Old Problem

OBJECTIVE
We review historical and more recent efforts in boredom research and related fields. A framework is presented that organizes the various facets of boredom, particularly in supervisory control settings, and research gaps and future potential areas for study are highlighted.


BACKGROUND
Given the ubiquity of boredom across a wide spectrum of work environments--exacerbated by increasingly automated systems that remove humans from direct, physical system interaction and possibly increasing tedium in the workplace--there is a need not only to better understand the multiple facets of boredom in work environments but to develop targeted mitigation strategies.


METHOD
To better understand the relationships between the various influences and outcomes of boredom, a systems-based framework, called the Boredom Influence Diagram, is proposed that describes various elements of boredom and their interrelationships.


RESULTS
Boredom is closely related to vigilance, attention management, and task performance. This review highlights the need to develop more naturalistic experiments that reflect the characteristics of a boring work environment.


CONCLUSION
With the increase in automation, boredom in the workplace will likely become a more prevalent issue for motivation and retention. In addition, developing continuous measures of boredom based on physiological signals is critical.


APPLICATION
Personnel selection and improvements in system and task design can potentially mitigate boredom. However, more work is needed to develop and evaluate other potential interventions.
Chronic gastritis in China: a national multi-center survey

BACKGROUND
Chronic gastritis is one of the most common findings at upper endoscopy in the general population, and chronic atrophic gastritis is epidemiologically associated with the occurrence of gastric cancer. However, the current status of diagnosis and treatment of chronic gastritis in China is unclear.


METHODS
A multi-center national study was performed; all patients who underwent diagnostic upper endoscopy for evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms from 33 centers were enrolled. Data including sex, age, symptoms and endoscopic findings were prospectively recorded.


RESULTS
Totally 8892 patients were included. At endoscopy, 4389, 3760 and 1573 patients were diagnosed to have superficial gastritis, erosive gastritis, and atrophic gastritis, respectively. After pathologic examination, it is found that atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were prevalent, which accounted for 25.8%, 23.6% and 7.3% of this patient population. Endoscopic features were useful for predicting pathologic atrophy (PLR = 4.78), but it was not useful for predicting erosive gastritis. Mucosal-protective agents and PPI were most commonly used medications for chronic gastritis.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests non-atrophic gastritis is the most common endoscopic finding in Chinese patients with upper GI symptoms. Precancerous lesions, including atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia are prevalent in Chinese patients with chronic gastritis, and endoscopic features are useful for predicting pathologic atrophy.
New approximation algorithm for the force of Fluidic Muscles

The newest and most promising type of pneumatic actuators is the pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM). Different designs have been developed, but the McKibben muscle is the most popular and is made commercially available by different companies (e. g. Fluidic Muscle manufactured by Festo Company). Pneumatic artificial muscles have a wide range of use in industrial and medical fields. There are a lot of advantages of these muscles like the high strength, good power-weight ratio, low price, little maintenance needed, great compliance, compactness, inherent safety and usage in rough environments. The main disadvantage is that their dynamic behavior is highly nonlinear. The most often mentioned characteristic of PAMs is the force as a function of pressure and contraction. In this paper our newest function approximation for the force generated by Fluidic Muscles is shown that can be generally used for different muscles made by Festo Company.
Prospectively assessed changes in lamotrigine-concentration in women with epilepsy during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period

PURPOSE
To prospectively analyse the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine (LTG) during pregnancy and lactation in a consecutive series of epileptic pregnant women.


METHODS
Nine women on LTG-monotherapy were studied during pregnancy, delivery and lactation, until a mean of 3 weeks postpartum. Maternal blood samples were available from all trimesters as well as umbilical cord blood samples of the newborn 24 and/or 48 h postpartum. In 4 cases we additionally determined the LTG-concentration in breast milk.


RESULTS
The median LTG-clearance was elevated by 197% during the first trimester, 236% and 248% during the second and third trimester respectively. A maximum of 264% was reached at delivery. An average LTG-dose increase by 250% had to be undertaken in order to obtain therapeutic serum levels. In puerperium LTG-clearance decreased again to reach the initial concentrations approximately at the third week postpartum. The median LTG-concentration ratio of the umbilical cord blood to maternal serum was 1.01 (range: 0.56-1.42), while the median LTG-concentration ratio of breast milk to maternal serum was 0.59 (range: 0.35-0.86).


DISCUSSION
Our study confirms the therapeutic relevant changes of LTG-clearance during pregnancy and lactation in women on LTG-monotherapy. Since LTG crosses the placenta, a close monitoring of both mother and newborn is indispensable.
Biomechanical Characterization of a Model of Noninvasive, Traumatic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in the Rat

The onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) remains prevalent following traumatic joint injury such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, and animal models are important for studying the pathomechanisms of PTOA. Noninvasive ACL injury using the tibial compression model in the rat has not been characterized, and it may represent a more clinically relevant model than the common surgical ACL transection model. This study employed four loading profiles to induce ACL injury, in which motion capture analysis was performed, followed by quantitative joint laxity testing. High-speed, high-displacement loading repeatedly induces complete ACL injury, which causes significant increases in anterior-posterior and varus laxity. No loading protocol induced valgus laxity. Tibial internal rotation and anterior subluxation occurs up to the point of ACL failure, after which the tibia rotates externally as it subluxes over the femoral condyles. High displacement was more determinative of ACL injury compared to high speed. Low-speed protocols induced ACL avulsion from the femoral footprint whereas high-speed protocols caused either midsubstance rupture, avulsion, or a combination injury of avulsion and midsubstance rupture. This repeatable, noninvasive ACL injury protocol can be utilized in studies assessing PTOA or ACL reconstruction in the rat.
Performance of a high frequency quasi-resonant inverter with variable-frequency output for induction heating

This paper presents the performance of a high frequency quasi-resonant inverter using power Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFETs) as switching devices is described. This inverter circuit can output the variable frequency from 160kHz to 400kHz by power MOSFET for induction heating. The induction heating is often used for the heat-treatment of a metal work-piece. In hardening of a gear, since the bottom or tips are heated at lower frequency fL or higher frequency fH respectively, the heating at two different frequencies for uniform heat-treatment is required. Therefore, two inverters are necessary to output different resonant frequency each other. To solve this problem a single adjustable frequency quasi-resonant inverter circuits. This inverter circuit includes the first resonant capacitor and that of the second with a one-way short-circuit switch. Synthetic series capacitance is varied by manipulating the switch and then the resonant frequency can be adjusted. The power MOSFET has the disadvantages of withstand voltage and current. To solve this problem by the methods of connecting switching devices to series [2]. Voltage across the series connected power MOSFETs are balanced by magnetically coupling all gate lines using a simple two-winding transformer.
Endoscopic tri-modal imaging is more effective than standard endoscopy in identifying early-stage neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS
Endoscopic tri-modal imaging (ETMI) incorporates high-resolution endoscopy (HRE), autofluorescence imaging (AFI), and narrow band imaging (NBI). A recent uncontrolled study found that ETMI improved the detection of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early carcinoma (Ca) in Barrett's esophagus (BE). The aim was to compare ETMI with standard video endoscopy (SVE) for the detection of HGD/Ca with the use of a randomized cross-over design.


METHODS
Patients referred for work-up of inconspicuous HGD/Ca were eligible and underwent both SVE and ETMI in randomized order within an interval of 6-12 weeks. During ETMI, inspection with HRE was followed by AFI. Detected lesions were inspected in detail with NBI and biopsied, followed by random biopsies. During SVE, any visible lesion was biopsied followed by random biopsies.


RESULTS
Eighty-seven patients with BE underwent ETMI and SVE. No significant difference was observed in overall histologic yield between ETMI and SVE. ETMI had a significantly higher targeted yield compared with SVE because of AFI. However, the yield of targeted biopsies of ETMI was significantly inferior to the overall yield of SVE. Detailed inspection with NBI reduced the false-positive rate of HRE + AFI from 71% to 48% but misclassified 17% of HGD/Ca lesions as not suspicious.


CONCLUSIONS
ETMI statistically significant improves the targeted detection of HGD/Ca compared with SVE. Subsequent characterization of lesions with NBI appears to be of limited value. At this stage, ETMI cannot replace random biopsies for detection of lesions or targeted biopsies for characterization of lesions in a high-risk population.
Innovation and Growth with Financial, and other, Frictions

The generation and implementation of ideas, or knowledge, is crucial for economic performance. We study this process in a model of endogenous growth with frictions. Productivity increases with knowledge, which advances via innovation, and with the exchange of ideas from those who generate them to those best able to implement them (technology transfer). But frictions in this market, including search, bargaining, and commitment problems, impede exchange and thus slow growth. We characterize optimal policies to subsidize research and trade in ideas, given both knowledge and search externalities. We discuss the roles of liquidity and nancial institutions, and show two ways in which intermediation can enhance e¢ ciency and innovation. First, intermediation allows us to nance more transactions with fewer assets. Second, it ameliorates certain bargaining problems, by allowing entrepreneurs to undo otherwise sunk investments in liquidity. We also discuss some evidence, suggesting that technology transfer is a signicant source of innovation and showing how it is a¤ected by credit considerations. Keywords: innovation, growth, ideas, technology transfer, liquidity, nancial intermediation, search and bargaining We thank many friends and colleagues for comments on earlier work on this and related projects. Wright thanks the Bank of Canada for their hospitality, as well as the NSF and the Ray Zemon Chair in Liquid Assets at the Wisconsin School of Business for support. The views expressed here do not necessarily reect the position of the Bank of Canada, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, or the Federal Reserve System.
CD4/CD8-lineage differentiation in the thymus: from nuclear effectors to membrane signals

During thymocyte development, immature thymocytes that express both CD4 and CD8 genes must choose either a helper CD4+ or cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell fate. Over the past two years, there have been some important advances regarding T-cell lineage choice, including the identification of transcription factors required for CD4 gene silencing by CD8-lineage cells (RUNX3) or for CD4+ T-cell differentiation (GATA3), and a better understanding of how T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling correlates CD4/CD8-lineage differentiation to MHC specificity. This review summarizes these recent advances and highlights potential links between TCR signals and nuclear effectors of lineage differentiation.
Organisational influences on attitudes in mandatory system use environments: a longitudinal study

Usage of information systems has moved increasingly from being an optional means of enhancing productivity to a required part of organisational jobs. However, prior research on technology acceptance has largely focused on volitional systems and on individual, rather than organisational factors that could influence technology acceptance and use. As a result, little is known about how management may be able to influence user attitudes toward use of mandatory systems. In this paper, we examine the impact of organisational level influences on individual user attitudes toward system use over time. Our study is set in the context of a major mandatory system implementation at a multi-bank holding company. Our results suggest that subjective norms, top management commitment, and perceived organisational benefits are important to users at different times in the implementation process. Our results also highlight that direct system experience plays a significant role in determining which factors are important and when.