LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lipid lowering with rosuvastatin on progression of aortic stenosis: results of the aortic stenosis progression observation: measuring effects of rosuvastatin (ASTRONOMER) trial.

BACKGROUND
Aortic stenosis (AS) is an active process with similarities to atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cholesterol lowering with rosuvastatin on the progression of AS.


METHODS AND RESULTS
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in asymptomatic patients with mild to moderate AS and no clinical indications for cholesterol lowering. The patients were randomized to receive either placebo or rosuvastatin 40 mg daily. A total of 269 patients were randomized: 134 patients to rosuvastatin 40 mg daily and 135 patients to placebo. Annual echocardiograms were performed to assess AS progression, which was the primary outcome; the median follow-up was 3.5 years. The peak AS gradient increased in patients receiving rosuvastatin from a baseline of 40.8+/-11.1 to 57.8+/-22.7 mm Hg at the end of follow-up and in patients with placebo from 41.6+/-10.9 mm Hg at baseline to 54.8+/-19.8 mm Hg at the end of follow-up. The annualized increase in the peak AS gradient was 6.3+/-6.9 mm Hg in the rosuvastatin group and 6.1+/-8.2 mm Hg in the placebo group (P=0.83). Treatment with rosuvastatin was not associated with a reduction in AS progression in any of the predefined subgroups.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholesterol lowering with rosuvastatin 40 mg did not reduce the progression of AS in patients with mild to moderate AS; thus, statins should not be used for the sole purpose of reducing the progression of AS. Clinical Trial Registration Information- URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com/.


CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN 32424163.
Analyzing the Scientific Evolution of Social Work Using Science Mapping.

Objectives: This article reports the first science mapping analysis of the social work field, which shows its conceptual structure and scientific evolution. Methods: Science Mapping Analysis Software Tool, a bibliometric science mapping tool based on co-word analysis and h-index, is applied using a sample of 18,794 research articles published from 1930 to 2012 in 25 main social work journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports of the Web of Science. Results: Published research social work field concentrated in eight main thematic areas: children, social services, health care, violence, women, HIV/AIDS, social workers, and education. HIV/AIDS and violence have recently attracted the interest of the social word scientific community, while the rest are classical thematic areas that still attract the interest and efforts of the researchers. Conclusion: This conceptual and empirical analysis shows how research themes have evolved in social work.
Discussion on Direction of Design Creativity Research (Part 1) - New Definition of Design and Creativity: Beyond the Problem-Solving Paradigm

This article discusses the meanings of “design” and “creativity.” First, the authors provide a historical review of the terminologies of “design” and “creativity” used in the field of design research. On the basis of this review, they aim to formulate a fundamental perspective of design for our future society that does not focus on the notion of efficiency and is not restricted by the framework of a problem-solving process. Next, they redefine design as the process of composing a desirable figure toward the future on the basis of their classifications of design as drawing, problem solving, and pursuit of the ideal. Finally, they identify the meanings of such a new definition of design in order to find the essential areas of research for design in the future postindustrial society.
Phase II Trial Assessing the Ability of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Second-Look Surgery to Eliminate Measurable Disease for Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study.

PURPOSE
This phase II trial evaluated the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without second-look surgery before craniospinal irradiation on response rates and survival outcomes in children with newly diagnosed non-germinomatous germ cell tumors.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Induction chemotherapy consisted of six cycles of carboplatin/etoposide alternating with ifosfamide/etoposide. Patients demonstrating less than complete response after induction chemotherapy were encouraged to undergo second-look surgery. Patients who did not achieve complete response or partial response after chemotherapy with or without second-look surgery proceeded to high-dose chemotherapy with thiotepa and etoposide and autologous peripheral blood stem-cell rescue before craniospinal irradiation.


RESULTS
The study included 102 patients treated between January 2004 and July 2008. Median age was 12 years, and 76% were male; 53.9% had pineal region masses, and 23.5% had suprasellar lesions. Sixty-nine percent of patients achieved complete response or partial response with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At 5 years, event-free survival was 84% ± 4% (SE) and overall survival was 93% ± 3%. During the median follow-up of 5.1 years, 16 patients recurred or progressed, with seven deaths after relapse. No deaths were attributed to therapy-related toxicity. Relapse occurred at the site of primary disease in 10 patients, at a distant site in three patients, or both in one patient. In two patients, progression was detected by marker increase alone. Increased serum α-fetoprotein was a negative prognostic variable. Histologic subtype and increase of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were not significantly correlated with worse outcomes.


CONCLUSION
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without second-look surgery achieved high response rates contributing to excellent survival outcomes in children with newly diagnosed non-germinomatous germ cell tumors. This regimen should be included as a backbone for further studies.
Influence of Low Back Pain and Prognostic Value of MRI in Sciatica Patients in Relation to Back Pain

BACKGROUND
Patients with sciatica frequently complain about associated back pain. It is not known whether there are prognostic relevant differences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings between sciatica patients with and without disabling back pain.


METHODS
The study population contained patients with sciatica who underwent a baseline MRI to assess eligibility for a randomized trial designed to compare the efficacy of early surgery with prolonged conservative care for sciatica. Two neuroradiologists and one neurosurgeon independently evaluated all MR images. The MRI readers were blinded to symptom status. The MRI findings were compared between sciatica patients with and without disabling back pain. The presence of disabling back pain at baseline was correlated with perceived recovery at one year.


RESULTS
Of 379 included sciatica patients, 158 (42%) had disabling back pain. Of the patients with both sciatica and disabling back pain 68% did reveal a herniated disc with nerve root compression on MRI, compared to 88% of patients with predominantly sciatica (P<0.001). The existence of disabling back pain in sciatica at baseline was negatively associated with perceived recovery at one year (Odds ratio [OR] 0.32, 95% Confidence Interval 0.18-0.56, P<0.001). Sciatica patients with disabling back pain in absence of nerve root compression on MRI at baseline reported less perceived recovery at one year compared to those with predominantly sciatica and nerve root compression on MRI (50% vs 91%, P<0.001).


CONCLUSION
Sciatica patients with disabling low back pain reported an unfavorable outcome at one-year follow-up compared to those with predominantly sciatica. If additionally a clear herniated disc with nerve root compression on MRI was absent, the results were even worse.
Exploration by Distributional Reinforcement Learning

We propose a framework based on distributional reinforcement learning and recent attempts to combine Bayesian parameter updates with deep reinforcement learning. We show that our proposed framework conceptually unifies multiple previous methods in exploration. We also derive a practical algorithm that achieves efficient exploration on challenging control tasks.
Physical, social and productive leisure activities, cognitive decline and interaction with APOE-epsilon 4 genotype in Chinese older adults.

BACKGROUND
We evaluated the combined and differential effects of physical, social and productive activities on cognitive decline and whether they were modified by the presence of the APOE-epsilon 4 allele.


METHODS
In a prospective cohort study of 1635 community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged 55 or older participating in the ongoing Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study, physical, social and productive leisure activities were assessed at baseline, and cognitive decline (at least one point drop) in MMSE scores between baseline and follow-up after one year.


RESULTS
Cognitive decline was observed in 30% of the respondents. Controlling for age, gender, education and other risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) were significantly reduced in those with medium (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.79) and high activity levels (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46-0.84). A stronger association was shown for productive activity (OR = 0.36), than for physical (OR = 0.78) and social activities (OR = 0.85). These associations showed statistically significant interactions with APOE genotype, being more pronounced in those with the APOE-epsilon 4 allele.


CONCLUSION
Increased leisure activity, especially productive activities more than physical or social activities, was associated with a lowered risk of cognitive decline. APOE-epsilon 4 genotype individuals appeared to be more vulnerable to the effects of low and high levels of leisure activities.
Oral manifestations in HIV infection: fungal and bacterial infections, Kaposi's sarcoma

Oral candidiasis (OC) is a frequent oral manifestation of HIV infection, is a marker disease and occurs as a pseudomembranous, erythematous or rarely hyperplastic variant; angular cheilitis is also seen. Candida albicans is frequently isolated but other species such as C. krusei and C. dublienensis are emerging. Resistance against fluconazole is common. Bacterial oral infections are comparatively rare and are predominantly localized to the gingiva and periodontium. Linear gingival erythema, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis have been described in HIV-infected patients. Initially, these diseases were considered specific for HIV infection. In recent years, however, it has become apparent that gingivitis and periodontitis in HIV-infected patients do not differ from those in immunocompetent individuals. AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) predominantly occurs at the palate, the gingiva and the dorsum of the tongue. Histopathologically, oral KS is identical to classical KS. Oral KS has been treated surgically, using laser, radiotherapy and intralesional injections with chemo- and immunotherapy. After introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) oral manifestations, such as OC, gingivo-periodontitis and KS are rarely seen.
Assessment of venous thromboembolism risk and adequacy of prophylaxis in selected acute care medical centres in Arabian Gulf States: results from the ENDORSE study.

OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in acutely ill surgical and medical patients in selected acute care centres in the Arabian Gulf States, and to determine the proportion of at-risk patients who received effective prophylaxis in accordance with 2004 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight hospitals from 3 countries (Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates) contributed to the global ENDORSE (Epidemiological International Day for the Evaluation of Patients at Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in the Acute Hospital Care Setting) study. Medical records were reviewed for all the in-patients aged ≥40 years admitted to medical wards, and in patients aged ≥18 admitted to surgical wards. The VTE risk and recommended prophylaxis were assessed according to the 2004 ACCP guidelines.


RESULTS
Of 1,291 evaluable patients, 801 were considered at risk of VTE; 391 (48.8%) surgical patients and 410 (51.2%) medical patients. Of the 801 patients, 322 (40.2%) received ACCP-recommended VTE prophylaxis; 159 (40.7%) of surgical patients and 163 (39.8%) of medical patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The data showed that VTE prophylaxis was underutilized in high-risk hospitalized patients. We recommend that active measures should be implemented in acute care centres in these Arabian Gulf countries to ensure identification of patients at risk of VTE and institute the appropriate prophylaxis.
Control of a Quadrotor Helicopter Using Dual Camera Visual Feedback

In this paper we propose a vision-based stabilization and output tracking control method for a model helicopter. A novel two-camera method is introduced for estimating the full six-degrees-of-freedom pose of the helicopter. One of these cameras is located on-board the helicopter, and the other camera is located on the ground. Unlike previous work, these two cameras are set to see each other. The pose estimation algorithm is compared in simulation to other methods and is shown to be less sensitive to errors on feature detection. In order to build an autonomous helicopter, two methods of control are studied: one using a series of mode-based, feedback linearizing controllers and the other using a backstepping-like control law. Various simulations demonstrate the implementation of these controllers. Finally, we present flight experiments where the proposed pose estimation algorithm and non-linear control techniques have been implemented on a remote-controlled helicopter. KEY WORDS—helicopter control, pose estimation, unmanned aerial vehicle, vision-based control
A population-based study of animal component sensitization, asthma, and rhinitis in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND
Animal sensitization is a major determinant of asthma in children. Component-resolved studies of unselected pediatric populations are lacking. The aim was to describe sensitization to animal components and the association with asthma and rhinitis in animal-sensitized schoolchildren.


METHODS
A random sample of 696 children (11-12 years) from a Swedish population-based cohort was tested for sensitization to cat, dog, and horse dander using ImmunoCAP. Sera from animal-sensitized children were further analyzed by microarray including three allergen components from cat, four from dog, and two from horse. The parents completed an expanded ISAAC questionnaire.


RESULTS
Of 259 animal-sensitized children (≥0.1 kUA /l), 51% were sensitized to all three, 23% to two, and 25% to one species. Current asthma and asthma symptoms following contact with cats were associated with co-sensitization to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. This association was seen already at moderate-level sensitization (1-15 ISU) to Fel d 4, at which level most children were sensitized to Fel d 1, as well. In dog-sensitized children, the majority was sensitized to more than one dog component, and co-sensitization to Can f 5 and Can f 1/f 2 conferred the greatest risk for asthma. Sensitization to the highly cross-reactive serum albumins was uncommon and not associated with asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Among schoolchildren in northern Sweden, where mite allergy is uncommon, furry animals were the primary perennial sensitizers. Asthma was associated with higher levels of component sensitization, and sensitization to more than one component from the same animal conferred the greatest risk.
Safety and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Big Tumors (≥ 10 cm): A Retrospective Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic nephrectomy for big tumors.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Data from 116 patients were retrospectively collected from 16 tertiary centres. Clinical and operative parameters, tumor characteristics, pre- and postoperative parameters, and renal function before and after surgery were analyzed.


RESULTS
Mean age and body mass index were 61 years and 27.8 kg/m(2), respectively. Males represented 63.8% of patients, and 54.4% presented symptoms at diagnosis. Median tumor size was 11 cm, and 75% of the cases were performed by expert surgeons. Median operative time and blood loss were 180 minutes and 200 mL respectively. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 20.7% of cases. Intraoperative complications related to massive hemorrhage occurred in 16.4% of patients, resulting in open conversion in 62.5%. Major postoperative complications occurred in only 10 patients (8.6%). In univariate analysis, intraoperative complications, age, and blood loss were predictive factors of conversion to open surgery. Positive surgical margins occurred in 6 patients (5.2%). None of them presented a local recurrence. Predictive factors of recurrence or progression were lymph node invasion, metastases, and Furhman grade.


CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic nephrectomy for tumors > 10 cm can be performed safely. Complication rate and positive surgical margins are similar to open surgery. In experienced hands, the benefit of a mini invasive surgery remains evident.
Agent based approach for organization and personal knowledge modelling: knowledge management perspective

The paper tries to bridge gap between knowledge management and artificial intelligence approaches proposing agent-based framework for modelling organization and personal knowledge. The perspective of knowledge management is chosen to develop two conceptual models—one describes the intelligent enterprise memory, another models an intelligent organization’s knowledge management system. The concept of an agent-based environment of the knowledge worker for personal and organizational knowledge management support is introduced.
The omega rule is Π 1 1 -complete in the λβ-calculus

We give a many-one reduction of the set of true Π11 sentences to the set of consequences of the λ-calculus with the ω-rule. This solves in the affirmative a long-standing problem of H. Barendregt (1975).
CRYOPRESERVATION OF PLACENTAL UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD IN AN AUTOMATED CONTROLLED-RATE FREEZING AND STORAGE SYSTEM, THE“BIOARCHIVE SYSTEM”

Quality control for the cryopreservation of thousands of units of placental/umbilical cord blood (PCB) is a difficult problem in cord blood banking. The BioArchive System (BA) is a liquid nitrogen freezer tank equipped with a computer for controlled-rate freezing and a robotic arm for insertion and retrieval of the units. It is designed for the cryopreservation of up to 3, 626 units of PCB. Leukocyte concentrates prepared by the hydroxyethyl starch method were expressed into freezing bags, with large and small compartments, and then frozen and stored in the BA. The recoveries of CD34 positive cells in the large and small compartments were 95.1+9.6% and 93.5+1.6%, respectively (n =8) and the recoveries of colony-forming cell were 99.6+18.5% and 115.8+27.8%, respectively. The results indicate that the BA is useful for controlled cryopreservation of PCB in cord blood banking.
Automatic recognition of speakers from their voices

This paper presents a survey of automatic speaker recognition techniques. The paper indudes a discussion of the speaker-dependent properties of the speech signal, methods for selecting an efficient set of speech measurements, results of experimental studies illustrating the performance of various methods of speaker recognition, and a comparision of the performance of automatic methods with that of human listeners. Both text-dependent as well as text-independent speaker-recognition techniques are discussed.
The School Function Assessment: identifying levels of participation and demonstrating progress for pupils with acquired brain injuries in a residential rehabilitation setting.

BACKGROUND
Delivering and monitoring residential rehabilitation services for pupils with acquired brain injuries (ABI) is challenging because of variability in aetiology, age and pre-morbid characteristics. Therapists and educators in this residential rehabilitation setting identified the need for a comprehensive tool which would capture the pupils' ability to participate in typical, everyday, school-based functional activities. This study aimed to explore the ability of the School Function Assessment (SFA) to identify levels of participation in school-based functional tasks and demonstrate progress for pupils with an ABI in a residential rehabilitation setting.


METHODS
The SFA was conducted on admission and discharge for pupils with ABI receiving residential rehabilitation between January 2007 and October 2011. Data analysis used Kruskal-Wallis to determine between-group differences in age, time post injury and weeks in rehabilitation. Linear mixed effects modelling was used to establish differences between admission and discharge scores. Case vignettes demonstrated how the SFA was used with individual pupils.


RESULTS
Seventy pupils were identified (31 traumatic brain injury; 29 non-traumatic and 10 anoxic) 42 boys and 28 girls whose age at injury was 4.5-17.2 years (median 12.8). The SFA demonstrated that 54/70 pupils had made progress with their ability to participate in school activities. Significant differences were found between admission and discharge SFA scores for participation, physical and cognitive assistance and adaptation and activity performance (P < 0.05). There was wide variability between individual profiles reflecting the heterogeneity of ABI.


CONCLUSIONS
The SFA determined levels of participation in school-based functional tasks for these residential pupils with an ABI and demonstrated progress both at the group and individual level in this residential rehabilitation setting. It identified the amount of support a pupil would need when they return to their local school and their strengths and needs in relation to participation in physical and cognitive school-based functional activities.
Snow sports injuries in Scotland: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES
To examine the incidence and patterns of snow sports injuries at the three largest commercial ski areas in Scotland and to identify factors associated with injury risk.


METHODS
A prospective case-control study of all injured people at Cairngorm, Glenshee, and Nevis Range ski areas during the 1999-2000 winter season. Personal details, snow sports related variables, diagnosis, and treatment were recorded. Control data were collected at random from uninjured people at all three areas. Random counts were performed to analyse the composition of the on slope population.


RESULTS
A total of 732 injuries were recorded in 674 people. Control data were collected from 336 people. The injury rate for the study was 3.7 injuries per 1000 skier days. Alpine skiers comprised 67% of the on slope population, snowboarders 26%, skiboarders 4%, and telemark skiers 2%. Lower limb injuries and sprains were the commonest injuries in alpine skiers and skiboarders. Snowboarders sustained more injuries to the upper limb and axial areas. Skiboarders and snowboarders had a higher incidence of fractures. After adjustment for other variables, three factors were all independently associated with injury: snowboarding (odds ratio (OR) 4.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65 to 10.08), alpine skiing (OR 3.82, CI 1.6 to 9.13), and age <16 years (OR 1.9, CI 1.14 to 3.17). More than five days of experience in the current season and at least one week of experience in total had a protective effect against injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a change in the composition of the alpine population at Scottish ski areas, the overall rate and pattern of injury are similar to those reported previously in comparable studies. Several factors are associated with an increased risk of injury and should be targeted in future injury prevention campaigns.