LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Cysteine Peptidases as Schistosomiasis Vaccines with Inbuilt Adjuvanticity

Schistosomiasis is caused by several worm species of the genus Schistosoma and afflicts up to 600 million people in 74 tropical and sub-tropical countries in the developing world. Present disease control depends on treatment with the only available drug praziquantel. No vaccine exists despite the intense search for molecular candidates and adjuvant formulations over the last three decades. Cysteine peptidases such as papain and Der p 1 are well known environmental allergens that sensitize the immune system driving potent Th2-responses. Recently, we showed that the administration of active papain to mice induced significant protection (P<0.02, 50%) against an experimental challenge infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Since schistosomes express and secrete papain-like cysteine peptidases we reasoned that these could be employed as vaccines with inbuilt adjuvanticity to protect against these parasites. Here we demonstrate that sub-cutaneous injection of functionally active S. mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1), or a cathepsin L from a related parasite Fasciola hepatica (FhCL1), elicits highly significant (P<0.0001) protection (up to 73%) against an experimental challenge worm infection. Protection and reduction in worm egg burden were further increased (up to 83%) when the cysteine peptidases were combined with other S. mansoni vaccine candidates, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (SG3PDH) and peroxiredoxin (PRX-MAP), without the need to add chemical adjuvants. These studies demonstrate the capacity of helminth cysteine peptidases to behave simultaneously as immunogens and adjuvants, and offer an innovative approach towards developing schistosomiasis vaccines.
Effect of Postextubation High-Flow Nasal Cannula vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy on Reintubation in Low-Risk Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE
Studies of mechanically ventilated critically ill patients that combine populations that are at high and low risk for reintubation suggest that conditioned high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy after extubation improves oxygenation compared with conventional oxygen therapy. However, conclusive data about reintubation are lacking.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is superior to conventional oxygen therapy for preventing reintubation in mechanically ventilated patients at low risk for reintubation.


DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Multicenter randomized clinical trial conducted between September 2012 and October 2014 in 7 intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain. Participants were 527 adult critical patients at low risk for reintubation who fulfilled criteria for planned extubation. Low risk for reintubation was defined as younger than 65 years; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score less than 12 on day of extubation; body mass index less than 30; adequate secretions management; simple weaning; 0 or 1 comorbidity; and absence of heart failure, moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airway patency problems, and prolonged mechanical ventilation.


INTERVENTIONS
Patients were randomized to undergo either high-flow or conventional oxygen therapy for 24 hours after extubation.


MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was reintubation within 72 hours, compared with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test. Secondary outcomes included postextubation respiratory failure, respiratory infection, sepsis and multiorgan failure, ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality, adverse events, and time to reintubation.


RESULTS
Of 527 patients (mean age, 51 years [range, 18-64]; 62% men), 264 received high-flow therapy and 263 conventional oxygen therapy. Reintubation within 72 hours was less common in the high-flow group (13 patients [4.9%] vs 32 [12.2%] in the conventional group; absolute difference, 7.2% [95% CI, 2.5% to 12.2%]; P = .004). Postextubation respiratory failure was less common in the high-flow group (22/264 patients [8.3%] vs 38/263 [14.4%] in the conventional group; absolute difference, 6.1% [95% CI, 0.7% to 11.6%]; P = .03). Time to reintubation was not significantly different between groups (19 hours [interquartile range, 12-28] in the high-flow group vs 15 hours [interquartile range, 9-31] in the conventional group; absolute difference, -4 [95% CI, -54 to 46]; P = .66]. No adverse effects were reported.


CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Among extubated patients at low risk for reintubation, the use of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen compared with conventional oxygen therapy reduced the risk of reintubation within 72 hours.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01191489.
The Economics of Immediate Gratification

People have self-control problems: We pursue immediate gratification in a way that we ourselves do not appreciate in the long run. Only recently have economists begun to focus on the behavioral and welfare implications of such time-inconsistent preferences. In this paper, we outline a simple formal model of self-control problems, apply this model to some specific economic applications, and discuss some general lessons and open questions in the economic analysis of immediate gratification. We argue that the economic implications of self-control problems depend on the timing of the rewards and costs of an activity, as well as a person's awareness of future self-control problems. We identify situations where knowing about self-control problems can help a person and situations where it can hurt her, and also identify situations where even mild self-control problems can severely damage a person. In the process, we describe some specific implications of self-control problems for addiction, incentive theory, and consumer choice and marketing. Acknowledgments: O'Donoghue thanks the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Rabin thanks the Alfred P. Sloan and Russell Sage Foundations for financial support. Some of the research for this project was completed when both authors were visiting the Math Center at Northwestern University. We are extremely grateful for their hospitality, intellectual feedback, and financial support. We thank Erik Eyster for valuable research assistance.
Unsupervised kernel least mean square algorithm for solving ordinary differential equations

In this paper a novel method is introduced based on the use of an unsupervised version of kernel least mean square (KLMS) algorithm for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The algorithm is unsupervised because here no desired signal needs to be determined by user and the output of the model is generated by iterating the algorithm progressively. However, there are several new implementation, fast convergence and also little error. Furthermore, it is also a KLMS with obvious characteristics. In this paper the ability of KLMS is used to estimate the answer of ODE. First a trial solution of ODE is written as a sum of two parts, the first part satisfies the initial condition and the second part is trained using the KLMS algorithm so as the trial solution solves the ODE. The accuracy of the method is illustrated by solving several problems. Also the sensitivity of the convergence is analyzed by changing the step size parameters and kernel functions. Finally, the proposed method is compared with neuro-fuzzy [21] approach. Crown Copyright & 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Eliciting and Analyzing Expert Judgment, A Practical Guide

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Predictors of large esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis

Objective:Recent guidelines recommend that all cirrhotics undergo screening upper endoscopy to identify those patients at risk for bleeding from varices. However, this practice may not be cost effective as large esophageal varices are seen only in 9–36% of these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether clinical variables were predictive of the presence of large esophageal varices.Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of cirrhotics who had a screening upper endoscopy during an evaluation for liver transplantation at three different centers and who had not previously bled from varices. A multivariate model was derived on the combined cohort using logistic regression. Three hundred forty-six patients were eligible for the study.Results:The prevalence of large esophageal varices was 20%. On multivariate analysis, splenomegaly detected by computed tomographic scan (odds ratio: 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.6–11.5) or by physical examination (odds ratio: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–3.8), and low platelet count were independent predictors of large esophageal varices. On the basis of these variables, cirrhotics were stratified into high- and low-risk groups for the presence of large esophageal varices. Patients with a platelet count of ≥88,000/mm3 (median value) and no splenomegaly by physical examination had a risk of large esophageal varices of 7.2%. Those with splenomegaly or platelet count <88,000/mm3 had a risk of large esophageal varices of 28% (p < 0.0001).Conclusions:Our data show that clinical predictors could be used to stratify cirrhotic patients for the risk of large esophageal varices and such stratification could be used to improve the cost effectiveness of screening endoscopy.
Piriformis syndrome: a simple technique for US-guided infiltration of the perisciatic nerve. Preliminary results

The piriformis syndrome is an uncommon cause of sciatica, buttock or thigh pain. Because of the deep location of the muscle and sciatic nerve, infiltration has traditionally been guided by electromyography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of the present study is to describe a simple technique for ultrasound (US)-guided perisciatic infiltration of corticosteroids and anaesthetic using the inferior gluteal artery as a landmark. This technique was used satisfactorily in ten patients. Although the series in the study is limited, the procedure for US-guided infiltration of the perisciatic nerve is a quick, simple, economical and effective technique and can be considered an alternative in the percutaneous treatment of the piriformis syndrome.
A Production Model for Construction: A Theoretical Framework

The building construction industry faces challenges, such as increasing project complexity and scope requirements, but shorter deadlines. Additionally, economic uncertainty and rising business competition with a subsequent decrease in profit margins for the industry demands the development of new approaches to construction management. However, the building construction sector relies on practices based on intuition and experience, overlooking the dynamics of its production system. Furthermore, researchers maintain that the construction industry has no history of the application of mathematical approaches to model and manage production. Much work has been carried out on how manufacturing practices apply to construction projects, mostly lean principles. Nevertheless, there has been little research to understand the fundamental mechanisms of production in construction. This study develops an in-depth literature review to examine the existing knowledge about production models and their characteristics in order to establish a foundation for dynamic production systems management in construction. As a result, a theoretical framework is proposed, which will be instrumental in the future development of mathematical production models aimed at predicting the performance and behaviour of dynamic project-based systems in construction.
Cesarean Section Rates and Indications in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multi-Country Study from Medecins sans Frontieres

OBJECTIVES
The World Health Organization considers Cesarean section rates of 5-15% to be the optimal range for targeted provision of this life saving intervention. However, access to safe Cesarean section in resource-limited settings is much lower, estimated at 1-2% reported in sub-Saharan Africa. This study reports Cesarean sections rates and indications in Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Sierra Leone, and describe the main parameters associated with maternal and early neonatal mortality.


METHODS
Women undergoing Cesarean section from August 1 2010 to January 31 2011 were included in this prospective study. Logistic regression was used to model determinants of maternal and early neonatal mortality.


RESULTS
1276 women underwent a Cesarean section, giving a frequency of 6.2% (range 4.1-16.8%). The most common indications were obstructed labor (399, 31%), poor presentation (233, 18%), previous Cesarean section (184, 14%), and fetal distress (128, 10%), uterine rupture (117, 9%) and antepartum hemorrhage (101, 8%). Parity >6 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.6, P = 0.015), uterine rupture (aOR = 20.5; P = .010), antepartum hemorrhage (aOR = 13.1; P = .045), and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (aOR = 42.9; P = .017) were associated with maternal death. Uterine rupture (aOR = 6.6, P<0.001), anterpartum hemorrhage (aOR = 3.6, P<0.001), and cord prolapse (aOR = 2.7, P = 0.017) were associated with early neonatal death.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that target Cesarean section rates can be achieved in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying the common indications for Cesarean section and associations with mortality can target improvements in antenatal services and emergency obstetric care.
Factors important to patients' quality of life at the end of life.

BACKGROUND
When curative treatments are no longer options for patients dying of cancer, the focus of care often turns from prolonging life to promoting quality of life (QOL). Few data exist on what predicts better QOL at the end of life (EOL) for advanced cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that most influence QOL at the EOL, thereby identifying promising targets for interventions to promote QOL at the EOL.


METHODS
Coping With Cancer is a US multisite, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 396 advanced cancer patients and their informal caregivers who were enrolled from September 1, 2002, through February 28, 2008. Patients were followed up from enrollment to death a median of 4.1 months later. Patient QOL in the last week of life was a primary outcome of Coping With Cancer and the present report.


RESULTS
The following set of 9 factors, preceded by a sign indicating the direction of the effect and presented in rank order of importance, explained the most variance in patients' QOL at the EOL: 1 = (-) intensive care unit stays in the final week (explained 4.4% of the variance in QOL at the EOL), 2 = (-) hospital deaths (2.7%), 3 = (-) patient worry at baseline (2.7%), 4 = (+) religious prayer or meditation at baseline (2.5%), 5 = site of cancer care (1.8%), 6 = (-) feeding-tube use in the final week (1.1%), 7 = (+) pastoral care within the hospital or clinic (1.0%), 8 = (-) chemotherapy in the final week (0.8%), and 9 = (+) patient-physician therapeutic alliance at baseline (0.7%). The vast majority of the variance in QOL at the EOL, however, remained unexplained.


CONCLUSION
Advanced cancer patients who avoid hospitalizations and the intensive care unit, who are less worried, who pray or meditate, who are visited by a pastor in the hospital/clinic, and who feel a therapeutic alliance with their physicians have the highest QOL at the EOL.
LIFTING LINE METHOD FOR MODELLING COVERING AND BLANKETING EFFECTS FOR YACHT FLEET RACE SIMULATION

An approach is presented that can be used to enhance the realism of yacht fleet race simulations. The wake of an upwind sailing yacht is represented as a single heeled horseshoe vortex (and image) system. At each time step changes in vortex strength are convected into the wake as a pair of vortex line elements. These subsequently move in accordance with the local wind, self-induced velocity and velocity induced by the presence of the wakes of other yachts. An empirical based decay factor is used to eventually remove the far wake. A synthesis of sail yacht wake representations based on detailed 3D Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations with wind tunnel test results are used to capture the initial strength of the combined main-jib vortex system and its vertical height. These were based on a typical upwind sail arrangement for a range of heel angles and in-line calculations for a pair of yachts separated by three boat lengths. This paper details the basis of the validated CFD results for a yacht at heel and the analysis of the CFD results to provide an approximate single line vortex method for the yacht. The developed algorithm will eventually run within the Robo-Race which is a real-time yacht race strategy analysis tool based on MATLAB-Simulink developed at the University of Southampton. 1 Research Student, Fluid Structure Interactions Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, UK 2 Reader, Fluid Structure Interactions Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, UK 3 Head of Group, Fluid Structure Interactions Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, UK 4 Research Engineer, Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics, University of Southampton, UK NOMENCLATURE ACC America's Cup Class AoA Angle of Attack CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics RANS Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes SST Shear Stress Transport CL, CD Lift and drag coefficients L Sail rig and yacht length r = {x, y, z} Position U Freestream velocity q = {u, v, w} Induced velocities in x-, y-, -z directions Γi Vortex strength of element i ω Vorticity
Saccades and Vergence Performance in a Population of Children with Vertigo and Clinically Assessed Abnormal Vergence Capabilities

PURPOSE
Early studies reported some abnormalities in saccade and vergence eye movements in children with vertigo and vergence deficiencies. The purpose of this study was to further examine saccade and vergence performance in a population of 44 children (mean age: 12.3±1.6 years) with vertigo symptoms and with different levels of vergence abnormalities, as assessed by static orthoptic examination (near point of convergence, prism bar and cover-uncover test).


METHODS
Three groups were identified on the basis of the orthoptic tests: group 1 (n = 13) with vergence spasms and mildly perturbed orthoptic scores, group 2 (n = 14) with moderately perturbed orthoptic scores, and group 3 (n = 17) with severely perturbed orthoptic scores. Data were compared to those recorded from 28 healthy children of similar ages. Latency, accuracy and peak velocity of saccades and vergence movements were measured in two different conditions: gap (fixation offset 200 ms prior to target onset) and simultaneous paradigms. Binocular horizontal movements were recorded by a photoelectric device.


RESULTS
Group 2 of children with vergence abnormalities showed significantly longer latency than normal children in several types of eye movements recorded. For all three groups of children with vergence abnormalities, the gain was poor, particularly for vergence movement. The peak velocity values did not differ between the different groups of children examined.


INTERPRETATION
Eye movement measures together with static orthoptic evaluation allowed us to better identify children with vergence abnormalities based on their slow initiation of eye movements. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis of a central deficit in the programming and triggering of saccades and vergence in these children.
Demo: OpenAirInterface: an open LTE network in a PC

LTE 4G cellular networks are gradually being adopted by all major operators in the world and are expected to rule the cellular landscape at least for the current decade. They will also form the starting point for further progress beyond the current generation of mobile cellular networks to chalk a path towards fifth generation mobile networks. The lack of open cellular ecosystem has limited applied research in this field within the boundaries of vendor and operator R&D groups. Furthermore, several new approaches and technologies are being considered as potential elements making up such a future mobile network, including cloudification of radio network, radio network programability and APIs following SDN principles, native support of machine-type communication, and massive MIMO. Research on these technologies requires realistic and flexible experimentation platforms that offer a wide range of experimentation modes from real-world experimentation to controlled and scalable evaluations while at the same time retaining backward compatibility with current generation systems.
 In this work, we present OpenAirInterface (OAI) as a suitably flexible platform towards open LTE ecosystem and playground [1]. We will demonstrate an example of the use of OAI to deploy a low-cost open LTE network using commodity hardware with standard LTE-compatible devices. We also show the reconfigurability features of the platform.
Beyond incommensurability? Empirical expansion on diversity in research

Purpose – This paper is a practical attempt to contribute to the ongoing reappraisal of the dichotomies and categories that have become prevalent throughout marketing research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews current literature on incommensurability and undertakes a comparative re-examination of two studies. Findings – How the authors view their research is constituted in retrospective terms through a marketing and consumption logic based on the principles of division, distinction and difference. Re-examination of some empirical case material suggests that in practice the perceived duality separating research traditions is unsound. A misplaced reading of paradigm incommensurability has resulted in research practices appearing oppositional and static when they are essentially undifferentiated and dynamic. An over-socialised research epistemology has raised the tangible outcomes of research activities to be dominant in directing research practice. Research limitations/implications – The comparative analysis is illustrative rather than representative. Originality/value – The paper offers an applied exposition of theoretical debates in marketing research concerning paradigm incommensurability.