LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
A more powerful exact test of noninferiority from binary matched-pairs data.

Assessing the therapeutic noninferiority of one medical treatment compared with another is often based on the difference in response rates from a matched binary pairs design. This paper develops a new exact unconditional test for noninferiority that is more powerful than available alternatives. There are two new elements presented in this paper. First, we introduce the likelihood ratio statistic as an alternative to the previously proposed score statistic of Nam (Biometrics 1997; 53:1422-1430). Second, we eliminate the nuisance parameter by estimation followed by maximization as an alternative to the partial maximization of Berger and Boos (Am. Stat. Assoc. 1994; 89:1012-1016) or traditional full maximization. Based on an extensive numerical study, we recommend tests based on the score statistic, the nuisance parameter being controlled by estimation followed by maximization.
A Fuzzy Self-tuning Controlled Feeding Servo System of Machine Tool

The permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) has been used widely for computer numerically controlled (CNC) feeding servo system (FSS) of machine tools. The control performance of the actual CNC-FSS depends on many parameters, and it has the properties of nonlinear uncertainty and time-varying characteristics. It is difficult to establish an accurate model for the actual CNC-FSS, therefore, a fuzzy self-tuning controller (FSC) of CNC-FSS was developed to overcome this problem in this paper. The proposed control strategy was based on fuzzy control theory combined with the conventional proportion integration differentiation (PID) control and its control algorithm. In this paper, we presented design of controller using FSC method and analyzed time response of the intelligent controller. Step response was plotted and analyzed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controllers. Simulation results show that the FSC has minimum overshoot, minimum transient and steady state parameters, which shows the more effectiveness and efficiency of FSC than conventional PID controller to control the position of the CNC-FSS.
Review: Christopher Pavsek (2013) The Utopia of Film: Cinema and its Futures in Godard, Kluge, and Tahimik. New York: Columbia University Press.

I have now read The Utopia of Film by Christopher Pavsek cover to cover twice and the introduction three more times. It is a book well worth returning to repeatedly for its close textual analyses, rigorous discussion of critical theory (especially Marxism, Modernism/Postmodernism, and the Frankfurt School), and dialectical approach to utopia and failure in these films and philosophies. I came to this book for its sustained focus on Kidlat Tahimik ‐ a filmmaker whose work I have often taught but rarely seen put under such thorough scrutiny ‐ and left with a refreshed appreciation of Jean-Luc Godard and a new excitement about the work of Alexander Kluge as well. Before encountering Pavsek’s book, I had only a passing familiarity with Kluge’s work, but after reading his richly engaging analysis of Kluge’s films and philosophy, I have come to consider Kluge, a former student of Theodor Adorno, in much more critically engaged ways. I have always been strongly influenced by, but am still wary of, Adorno’s Minima Moralia: Reflections from Damaged Life (1951), Negative Dialectics (1966), and Aesthetic Theory (1970). Now, with Pavsek’s explication of Kluge’s dialectical approach to Adorno, I find Frankfurt School critique ever more germane to cultural, ethical, political and aesthetic concerns. On the first page of his Introduction, Pavsek explains that he has borrowed his title from Kluge’s first essay on film, ‘Die Utopie Film’, and that the book is written under Kluge’s thought that ‘utopia is an inordinately rich concept possessed of complex temporal dimensions that bind the present to the past and to the future’ (1). According to Kluge, ‘utopia is a conservative idea, the search for a quality about which one vaguely knows that it existed at some point in the past’ (1). Something is amiss in the present political and cinematic situation due to a failure in the past or the failure of a past event to meet its full potential, and the utopic imperative is the call to redeploy these unrealised possibilities, thwarted ambitions, and disappointed hopes. The utopic impulse is to pursue the realisation of failed past promises that a better world, a better life, is possible, and Pavsek’s goal is to examine in detail the films and cinematic practices of Godard, Tahimik, and Kluge (as well as Sergei M. Eisenstein, Chris Marker and Agnes Varda in places) that reflect this utopic drive to engage dialectically with cinematic and political failure and realisation. Thus, The Utopia of Film considers how the utopic imperative addresses cinema production, distribution, exhibition,
Role of Enzymes in Maintaining Soil Health

Enzymes are the vital activators in life processes, likewise in the soil they are known to play a substantial role in maintaining soil health and its environment. The enzymatic activity in the soil is mainly of microbial origin, being derived from intracellular, cell-associated or free enzymes. A unique balance of chemical, physical, and biological (including microbial especially enzyme activities) components contribute to maintaining soil health. Evaluation of soil health therefore requires indicators of all these components. Healthy soils are essential for the integrity of terrestrial ecosystems to remain intact or to recover from disturbances, such as drought, climate change, pest infestation, pollution, and human exploitation including agriculture (Ellert et al. 1997). Deterioration of soil, and thereby soil health, is of concern for human, animal, and plant health because air, groundwater, and surface water consumed by humans, can be adversely affected by mismanaged and contaminated soil (Singer and Ewing 2000). As soil is the part of the terrestrial environment and supports all terrestrial life forms, protection of soil is therefore of high priority and a thorough understanding of soil enzymes activities is a critical factor in assuring that soil remains healthy. A better understanding of the role of this soil enzymes activity in maintaining the soil health will potentially provide a unique opportunity for an integrated biological assessment of soils due to their crucial role in several soil biological activities, their ease of measurement, and their rapid response to changes in soil management. Although there have been extensive studies on soil enzymes, little has been reported on their roles in maintaining soil health. Thus, it is authoritative to
Computed tomography enteroclysis in comparison with ileoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease

Abstract Background and aims. Enteroclysis and computed tomography (CT) have been recently combined in to assess small bowel alterations. We compared the accuracy of CT enteroclysis to that of endoscopy in detecting bowel wall alterations of the terminal or neoterminal ileum in Crohn's disease (CD) patients and assessed whether postcontrast wall density is related to clinical activity of CD. Patients and methods. A total of 39 patients referred for either established or suspected CD were enrolled. Diagnosis used ileocolonoscopy with histology; clinical activity was measured by CDAI. Contrast-enhanced spiral CT of the abdomen was performed after distension of the small bowel with an enema of methylcellulose. Retrograde ileocolonoscopy diagnosed 30 patients with CD of the ileum, while 9 patients served as controls. Results. CT enteroclysis detected CD in 26 patients (86.7%) and in none of the control group. Three of four patients with false-negative findings on CT enteroclysis had postsurgical CD recurrence. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CT enteroclysis for ileal CD detection were 86.7% and 100%, respectively (PPV=100%; NPV=69.2%), and 94.1% and 100% (PPV=100%; NPV=90%), excluding those patients with postsurgical recurrence. The postcontrast wall density was significantly higher in CD patients than in the controls and was significantly correlated with the severity of CD. Conclusion. CT enteroclysis proved highly accurate in detecting terminal ileal CD involvement, particularly in patients without previous surgery, and to allow assessment of the degree of intramural and clinical activity.
A LSO scintillator array for a PET detector module with depth of interaction measurement - eScholarship

-We present construction methods and performance results for a production scintillator array of 64 optically isolated, 3 mm x 3 mm x 30 mm sized LSO crystals. This scintillator array has been developed for a PET detector module consisting of the 8x8 LSO array coupled on one end to a single photomultiplier tube (PMT) and on the opposite end to a 64 pixel array of silicon photodiodes (PD). The PMT provides an accurate timing pulse and initial energy discrimination, the PD identifies the crystal of interaction, the sum provides a total energy signal, and the PD/(PD+PMT) ratio determines the depth of interaction (DOI). Unlike the previous LSO array prototypes, we now glue Lumirror reflector material directly onto 4 sides of each crystal to obtain an easily manufactured, mechanically rugged array with our desired depth dependence. With 511 keV excitation, we obtain a total energy signal of 3600 electrons, pulse-height resolution of 25% fwhm, and 6–15 mm fwhm DOI resolution.
Effects of alitretinoin on quality of life of patients having chronic hand eczema: an observational study.

UNLABELLED
Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a common disease that has a major impact on patients' health and on society.


AIM
The purpose of this observational, open-label study was to assess the efficacy of treatment with 30 mg/d of oral alitretinoin on the quality of life (QoL) in a group of patients affected by CHE.


METHODS
This study included 15 patients, all suffering from severe CHE refractory to treatment with potent topical corticosteroids, who underwent treatment with 30 mg/d of alitretinoin for a period of 3 months. At the 1- and 3-month points, together with a clinical evaluation, the QoL of these patients were evaluated by the Dermatology Life Quality Index and visual analog scale (EQ5D-VAS).


RESULTS
The oral administration of alitretinoin led to a notable QoL improvement among the patients, as shown by the statistically significant improvement in the Dermatology Life Quality Index and in the EQ5D-VAS after 1 and 3 months of therapy.
Hybridization in a warmer world

Climate change is profoundly affecting the evolutionary trajectory of individual species and ecological communities, in part through the creation of novel species assemblages. How climate change will influence competitive interactions has been an active area of research. Far less attention, however, has been given to altered reproductive interactions. Yet, reproductive interactions between formerly isolated species are inevitable as populations shift geographically and temporally as a result of climate change, potentially resulting in introgression, speciation, or even extinction. The susceptibility of hybridization rates to anthropogenic disturbance was first recognized in the 1930s. To date, work on anthropogenically mediated hybridization has focused primarily on either physical habitat disturbance or species invasion. Here, I review recent literature on hybridization to identify how ecological responses to climate change will increase the likelihood of hybridization via the dissolution of species barriers maintained by habitat, time, or behavior. Using this literature, I identify several cases where novel hybrid zones have recently formed, likely as a result of changing climate. Future research should focus on identifying areas and taxonomic groups where reproductive species interactions are most likely to be influenced by climate change. Furthermore, a better understanding of the evolutionary consequences of climate-mediated secondary contact is urgently needed. Paradoxically, hybridization is both a major conservation concern and an important source of novel genetic and phenotypic variation. Hybridization may therefore both contribute to increasing rates of extinction and stimulate the creation of novel phenotypes that will speed adaptation to novel climates. Predicting which result will occur following secondary contact will be an important contribution to conservation for many species.
Prebiotics, faecal transplants and microbial network units to stimulate biodiversity of the human gut microbiome

Accumulating evidence demonstrates the intimate association between human hosts and the gut microbiome. Starting at birth, the sterile gut of the newborn acquires a diverse spectrum of microbes, needed for immunological priming. However, current practices (caesarean sections, use of formula milk) deprive newborns from being exposed to this broad spectrum of microbes. Unnecessary use of antibiotics and excessive hygienic precautions (e.g. natural versus chlorinated drinking water) together with the Western diet further contribute to a decreased microbial diversity in the adult gut. This has been correlated with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity, among others. A healthy gut microbiome is thus characterized by a diverse network of metabolically interacting microbial members. In this context, we review several existing and novel approaches to manage the gut microbiome. First, prebiotic compounds should be re-defined in the sense that they should enhance the ecological biodiversity rather than stimulating single species. Recent studies highlight that structurally different polysaccharides require specific primary degraders but also enhance a similar network of secondary degraders that benefit from cross-feeding. A faecal transplantation is a second approach to restore biodiversity when the microbiota is severely dysbiosed, with promising results regarding C. difficile-associated disease and obesity-related metabolic syndromes. A final strategy is the introduction of key microbial network units, i.e. pre-organized microbial associations, which strengthen the overall microbial network of the gut microbiome that supports human health.
An Introduction to Object-Oriented Simulation in C++

An object-oriented simulation (OOS) consists of a set of objects that interact with each other over time. This paper provides a thorough introduction to OOS, addresses the important issue of composition versus inheritance, describes frames and frameworks for OOS, and presents an example of a network simulation language as an illustration of OOS.
Open-label infliximab therapy in Crohn's disease: a long-term multicenter study of efficacy, safety and predictors of response.

BACKGROUND
Efficacy of infliximab in Crohn's disease (CD) showed by randomized controlled trials must be confirmed in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of infliximab in CD patients of the Madrid area, looking for clinical predictors of response.


METHODS
Multicenter retrospective survey of all CD patients treated with infliximab in 8 University hospitals of the Madrid area (Spain) with a minimum follow up of 14 wks.


RESULTS
169 patients included (48%males, mean age 39 +/- 12 yrs). 64% of them had perianal disease. 82% were under immunosuppressants. 1,355 infliximab infusions administered (mean 8, range 1-30). 90% response rate and 48% remission rate were obtained with induction therapy. 73% followed maintenance treatment, and 78% of them maintained or improved the response after a mean follow up of 28 months (range 3.5-86). 24 patients lost response during the follow up, after a mean of 41 wks (range 6-248). Only the prescription of maintenance therapy was predictive factor for favourable response (p < 0.01). 17 infusion reactions were reported (10% of the patients, 1.2% of the infusions; only one case was severe) and were the cause of treatment withdrawal in 7 patients. Co-treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and maintenance infliximab therapy were protective factors for infusion reactions (p < 0.05). Other adverse events occurred in 26% of the patients, and were cause of treatment withdrawal in 7 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Infliximab is effective and safe for CD management but concomitant immunosuppressive drugs and maintenance treatment should be prescribed to obtain the best outcome. That confirms in a real life clinical setting the favourable results obtained in randomized clinical trials.
Mechanisms for fracture and fatigue-crack propagation in a bulk metallic glass

The fracture and fatigue properties of a newly developed bulk metallic glass alloy, Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5 Ni10Be22.5 (at. pct), have been examined. Experimental measurements using conventional fatigue precracked compact-tension C(T) specimens (,7-mm thick) indicated that the fully amorphous alloy has a plane-strain fracture toughness comparable to polycrystalline aluminum alloys. However, significant variability was observed and possible sources are identified. The fracture surfaces exhibited a vein morphology typical of metallic glasses, and, in some cases, evidence for local melting was observed. Attempts were made to rationalize the fracture toughness in terms of a previously developed micromechanical model based on the Taylor instability, as well as on the observation of extensive crack branching and deflection. Upon partial or complete crystallization, however, the alloy was severely embrittled, with toughnesses dropping to ,1 MPa!m. Commensurate with this drop in toughness was a marginal increase in hardness and a reduction in ductility (as measured via depthsensing indentation experiments). Under cyclic loading, crack-propagation behavior in the amorphous structure was similar to that observed in polycrystalline steel and aluminum alloys. Moreover, the crack-advance mechanism was associated with alternating blunting and resharpening of the crack tip. This was evidenced by striations on fatigue fracture surfaces. Conversely, the (unnotched) stress/life (S/N) properties were markedly different. Crack initiation and subsequent growth occurred quite readily, due to the lack of microstructural barriers that would normally provide local crack-arrest points. This resulted in a low fatigue limit of ,4 pct of ultimate tensile strength.
Information Retrieval and Filtering over Self-organising Digital Libraries

We present iClusterDL, a self-organising overlay network that supports information retrieval and filtering functionality in a digital library environment. iClusterDL is able to handle huge amounts of data provided by digital libraries in a distributed and self-organising way. The two-tier architecture and the use of semantic overlay networks provide an infrastructure for creating large networks of digital libraries that require minimum administration, yet offer a rich set of tools to the end-user. We present the main components of our architecture, the protocols that regulate peer interactions, and an experimental evaluation that shows the efficiency, and the retrieval and filtering effectiveness of our approach.
Microfoam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins: a Retrospective Analysis of a Modified Technique.

Varicose veins (VVs) are generally characterized by their elongated, twisted, bulging, superficial appearance on the lower extremities and usually present with acute or chronic venous diseases. Despite diagnostic and surgical advances in the management of VV, patients suffer from post-therapeutic complications and recurrence. We present findings from a retrospective study of a modified treatment modality in patients with varicose veins who attended St. Thomas Institute of Research on Venous Diseases, Changanassery, Kerala. The hospital caters to patients from India and outside. Out of 14,707 patients treated from 1997 till May 2013, 6,350 patients from January to March 2011 were selected for the study from the routine clinical practice (mid-segment) to facilitate follow-up. They were categorized according to Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) clinical classification system. Baseline data were accrued using a questionnaire. Patients were treated by microfoam sclerotherapy giving a maximum importance to smaller veins, depicting a modified technique of microfoam sclerotherapy (MMFST). This is based on the significance of microscopic venous valves (MVVs) in the development of chronic venous disease (CVD). Follow-up was according to a predefined schedule, and improvements and complications were recorded. A positive family history of VVs was reported in 85.23 % of patients. Half the study population belonged to CEAP clinical class IV. There were no significant complications in patients throughout the 2 to 6 years of follow-up. Recurrence was rarely reported during follow-up and was corrected by repeating the procedure as required during follow-up. MMFST is an innovation in the treatment of VVs based on new principles, with the potential to control and revert the symptoms of CVD, with minimal complications.
Importance of Standards

Design Automation (DA) standards are desperately needed by government and industry. The need for standards has reached a critical threshold as evidenced by the intensity of interest in standards work. Key technical people from all sections of the engineering community are voicing their ideas, and cooperating on a scale never before witnessed.
Much progress has been made in standards development. This paper will discuss that work, some of the rationale behind the work, and the current status and accomplishments of one IEEE Standards Committee.
A double blind randomized active-controlled clinical trial on the intra-articular use of Md-Knee versus sodium hyaluronate in patients with knee osteoarthritis ("Joint").

BACKGROUND
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a group of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) treated with MD-Knee (Guna S.p.a., Milan, Italy) versus a group of patients treated with sodium hyaluronate.


METHOD
This non-inferiority prospective randomized controlled trial involved 60 patients affected by knee OA, grade 2-3 of Kellgren-Lawrence scale. The MD-Knee Group, Group A (n = 29) was administered five intra-articular injections at 1 week interval; the sodium hyaluronate Group, Group B (n = 31), was administered five doses of intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate at 1 week interval. All patients were prospectively evaluated before and at 3 and 6 months after the treatment by the Lequesne Knee Index (LKI) as primary endpoint and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Killer consumption and SF-36 questionnaires as secondary endpoints.


RESULTS
At the 3- and 6 month follow-up, LKI and VAS improved significantly in both groups compared to baseline and no statistically significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B. There was no statistically significant difference in the SF36 questionnaire score and pain killer consumption between two groups at any time point.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that both preparations exert similar clinical effects as assessed through multiple outcome measures. MD-Knee is effective on knee OA symptoms over 6 months after a 5-weekly injection course, and it is equally effective as the reference sodium hyaluronate.


TRIAL REGISTRATION



TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN93862496 . Registration date: January 18th, 2016.
Magnetic Circuit Modeling of Brushless Doubly-Fed Machines With Induction and Reluctance Rotors

This paper presents a magnetic circuit modeling (MCM) technique for analysis of the brushless doubly-fed machine (BDFM). Two rotor types are considered: the induction type and the reluctance type. The flux density in both the stator and rotor can be calculated by the developed MCM. This is particularly beneficial to the BDFM with the induction rotor since the generated rotor currents may saturate the rotor or stator and this is difficult to foresee at the design stage due to the complex flux patterns in the machine. A coupling factor is proposed to determine the flux coupling between the stator and rotor teeth of the induction type of BDFM. Saturation is also considered in the MCM. Finite element analysis is used to verify the analytical results.