LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Rise of oxyntomodulin in response to oral glucose after gastric bypass surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT
The mechanisms by which Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (GBP) results in sustained weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes are not fully understood.


OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that the anorexic hormone oxyntomodulin (OXM) might contribute to the marked weight reduction and the rapid improvement in glucose metabolism observed in morbidly obese diabetic patients after GBP.


METHODS
Twenty obese women with type 2 diabetes were studied before and 1 month after GBP (n=10) or after a diet-induced equivalent weight loss (n=10). Patients from both groups were matched for age, body weight, body mass index, and diabetes duration and control. OXM concentrations were measured during a 50-g oral glucose challenge before and after weight loss.


RESULTS
At baseline, OXM levels (fasting and stimulated values) were indistinguishable between the GBP and the diet group. However, OXM levels rose remarkably in response to an oral glucose load more than 2-fold (peak, 5.25+/-1.31 to13.8+/-16.2 pmol/liter; P=0.025) after GBP but not after diet. The peak of OXM after glucose was significantly correlated with glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY3-36.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the observed changes in OXM primarily occur in response to GBP and not as a consequence of weight loss. These changes were observed early after surgery and occurred in parallel with previously reported increases in incretins and peptide YY. We speculate that the combination of gut hormone changes is essential for the improved glucose homeostasis and may partially explain the success of this surgery on diabetes resolution and weight loss.
Who is Hiring Whom: A New Method in Measuring Graduate Programs

In this paper, based on the assumption that “schools tend to hire Ph.D.s from peer or better schools”, we propose a statistical and mathematical approach to rank graduate programs using algorithms deployed on a mutual “hiring graph” among universities. In order to validate our approach, we collect faculty data from the top 50 Computer Science (CS) departments, the top 50 Mechanical Engineering (ME) departments and the top 50 Electrical Engineering (EE) departments across the United States according to U.S. News so as to construct our hiring graph. We refine the PageRank (PR) algorithm and the Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search (HITS) algorithm in order to rank the graduate programs from the hiring graph. Our new rankings are generally consistent with U.S. News rankings, while exposing some new observations about some particular programs. By conducting extensive data analysis, we discover many interesting patterns and insights from our data. Finally, we propose a cross-domain model for graduate program ranking and introduce weight differentiation adjustment and tiles into our rankings.
Urodynamic effects of reducing devices in women with genital prolapse

Urodynamics have been recommended in women with urogenital prolapse because of the high prevalence of occult urinary incontinence. Various studies using a variety of devices recommend that the prolapsed organs be reduced prior to urodynamics, yet it is unknown whether urodynamic data can be varied by reducing devices. This study was undertaken to ascertain this in women with genital prolapse. The prospective study included 32 patients with vaginal or uterine prolapse to the introitus or beyond. Age, parity, menopausal status, hormone replacement and prior surgeries were all noted. Patients were evaluated using a ring pessary, a Smith Hodge pessary with and without a suburethral bolster, and a Graves's speculum secured by tape and subsequently toed by hand. The variance of the five reducing devices was not significant with respect to functional urethral length (P>0.8) or maximum urethral closure pressure (P>0.8). The results support the assumption that various devices used for prolapse reduction yield similar clinical effects.
The Dynamics of Reinforcement Learning in Cooperative Multiagent Systems

The application of learning to the problem of coordination in multiagent systems (MASs) has become increasingly popular in AI and game theory. The use of reinforcement learning (RL), in particular, has attracted recent attention [11, 9, 8, 6]. As noted in [9], using RL as.a means of achieving coordinated behavior is attractive because of its generality and robustness. Standard techniques for RL, for example, Q-learning [10], have been applied directly to MASs with some success. However, a general understanding of the conditions under which RL can be usefully applied, and exactly what form RL might take in MASs, are problems that have not yet been tackled in depth. We might ask the following questions:
Micropatterned Endotracheal Tubes Reduce Secretion-Related Lumen Occlusion

Tracheal intubation disrupts physiological homeostasis of secretion production and clearance, resulting in secretion accumulation within endotracheal tubes (ETTs). Novel in vitro and in vivo models were developed to specifically recapitulate the clinical manifestations of ETT occlusion. The novel Sharklet™ micropatterned ETT was evaluated, using these models, for the ability to reduce the accumulation of both bacterial biofilm and airway mucus compared to a standard care ETT. Novel ETTs with micropattern on the inner and outer surfaces were placed adjacent to standard care ETTs in in vitro biofilm and airway patency (AP) models. The primary outcome for the biofilm model was to compare commercially-available ETTs (standard care and silver-coated) to micropatterned for quantity of biofilm accumulation. The AP model’s primary outcome was to evaluate accumulation of artificial airway mucus. A 24-h ovine mechanical ventilation model evaluated the primary outcome of relative quantity of airway secretion accumulation in the ETTs tested. The secondary outcome was measuring the effect of secretion accumulation in the ETTs on airway resistance. Micropatterned ETTs significantly reduced biofilm by 71% (p = 0.016) compared to smooth ETTs. Moreover, micropatterned ETTs reduced lumen occlusion, in the AP model, as measured by cross-sectional area, in distal (85%, p = 0.005), middle (84%, p = 0.001) and proximal (81%, p = 0.002) sections compared to standard care ETTs. Micropatterned ETTs reduced the volume of secretion accumulation in a sheep model of occlusion by 61% (p < 0.001) after 24 h of mechanical ventilation. Importantly, micropatterned ETTs reduced the rise in ventilation peak inspiratory pressures over time by as much as 49% (p = 0.005) compared to standard care ETTs. Micropatterned ETTs, demonstrated here to reduce bacterial contamination and mucus occlusion, will have the capacity to limit complications occurring during mechanical ventilation and ultimately improve patient care.
Strategies for Power Line Communications Smart Metering Network Deployment

Smart Grids are becoming a reality all over the world. Nowadays, the research efforts for the introduction and deployment of these grids are mainly focused on the development of the field of Smart Metering. This emerging application requires the use of technologies to access the significant number of points of supply (PoS) existing in the grid, covering the Low Voltage (LV) segment with the lowest possible costs. Power Line Communications (PLC) have been extensively used in electricity grids for a variety of purposes and, of late, have been the focus of renewed interest. PLC are really well suited for quick and inexpensive pervasive deployments. However, no LV grid is the same in any electricity company (utility), and the particularities of each grid evolution, architecture, circumstances and materials, makes it a challenge to deploy Smart Metering networks with PLC technologies, with the Smart Grid as an ultimate goal. This paper covers the evolution of Smart Metering networks, together with the evolution of PLC technologies until both worlds have converged to project PLC-enabled Smart Metering networks towards Smart Grid. This paper develops guidelines over a set of strategic aspects of PLC Smart Metering network deployment based on the knowledge gathered on real field; and introduces the future challenges of these networks in their evolution towards the Smart Grid. OPEN ACCESS Energies 2014, 7 2378
Anti-inflammatory treatment with colchicine in stable chronic heart failure: a prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a 6-month course of anti-inflammatory treatment with colchicine in improving functional status of patients with stable chronic heart failure (CHF).


BACKGROUND
CHF has been shown to be associated with inflammatory activation. Inflammation has been designated as a therapeutic target in CHF.


METHODS
Patients with stable CHF were randomly assigned to colchicine (0.5 mg twice daily) or placebo for 6 months. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving at least one-grade improvement in New York Heart Association class.


RESULTS
Two hundred sixty-seven patients were available for final evaluation of the primary endpoint: its rate was 11% in the control group and 14% in the colchicine group (odds ratio: 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.67 to 2.93; p = 0.365). The rate of the composite of death or hospital stay for heart failure was 9.4% in the control group, compared with 10.1% in the colchicine group (p = 0.839). The changes in treadmill exercise time with treatment were insignificant and similar in the 2 groups (p = 0.938). C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were both significantly reduced in the colchicine group (-5.1 mg/l and -4.8 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001 for both, compared with the control group).


CONCLUSIONS
According to this prospective, randomized study, anti-inflammatory treatment with colchicine in patients with stable CHF, although effective in reducing inflammation biomarker levels, did not affect in any significant way patient functional status (in terms of New York Heart Association class and objective treadmill exercise tolerance) or the likelihood of death or hospital stay for heart failure.
Scaling from Traits to Ecosystems: Developing a General Trait Driver Theory via Integrating Trait-Based and Metabolic Scaling Theories

Aim: More powerful tests of biodiversity theories need to move beyond species richness and explicitly focus on mechanisms generating diversity via trait composition and diversity. The rise of trait-based ecology has led to an increased focus on the distribution and dynamics of traits in communities. However, a general theory of trait-based ecology, that can apply across different scales (e.g., species that differ in size) and gradients (e.g., temperature), has yet to be formulated. While research focused on metabolic and allometric scaling theory provides the basis for such a theory it does not explicitly account for differences traits within and across taxa, such as variation in the optimal temperature for growth. Here we synthesize trait-based and metabolic scaling approaches into a framework that we term " Trait Drivers Theory " or TDT. It shows that the shape and dynamics of trait distributions can be uniquely linked to fundamental drivers of community assembly and how the community will respond to future drivers. To assess predictions and assumptions of TDT, we review several theoretical studies, recent empirical studies spanning local and biogeographic gradients. Further, we analyze how the shift in trait distributions influences ecosystem productivity across an elevational gradient and a 140-year long ecological experiment. We argue that our general TDT provides a baseline for (i) recasting the predictions of ecological theories based on species richness in terms of the shape of trait distributions; and (ii) integrating how specific traits, including body size, and functional diversity 'scale up' to influence the dynamics of species assemblages across climatic gradients and how shifts in functional composition influences ecosystem functioning. Further, it offers a novel framework to integrate trait, metabolic/allometric, and species-richness based 4 approaches in order to build a more predictive functional biogeography to show how assemblages of species have and will respond to climate change.
Blockchain-Oriented Software Engineering: Challenges and New Directions

In this work, we acknowledge the need for software engineers to devise specialized tools and techniques for blockchain-oriented software development. Ensuring effective testing activities, enhancing collaboration in large teams, and facilitating the development of smart contracts all appear as key factors in the future of blockchain-oriented software development.
Time-Limited Trials of Intensive Care for Critically Ill Patients With Cancer: How Long Is Long Enough?

IMPORTANCE
Time-limited trials of intensive care are commonly used in patients perceived to have a poor prognosis. The optimal duration of such trials is unknown. Factors such as a cancer diagnosis are associated with clinician pessimism and may affect the decision to limit care independent of a patient's severity of illness.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the optimal duration of intensive care for short-term mortality in critically ill patients with cancer.


DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Decision analysis using a state-transition microsimulation model was performed to simulate the hospital course of patients with poor-prognosis primary tumors, metastatic disease, or hematologic malignant neoplasms admitted to medical and surgical intensive care units. Transition probabilities were derived from 920 participants stratified by sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores to identify severity of illness. The model was validated in 3 independent cohorts with 349, 158, and 117 participants from quaternary care academic hospitals. Monte Carlo microsimulation was performed, followed by probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Outcomes were assessed in the overall cohort and in solid tumors alone.


INTERVENTIONS
Time-unlimited vs time-limited trials of intensive care.


MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
30-day all-cause mortality and mean survival duration.


RESULTS
The SOFA scores at ICU admission were significantly associated with mortality. A 3-, 8-, or 15-day trial of intensive care resulted in decreased mean 30-day survival vs aggressive care in all but the sickest patients (SOFA score, 5-9: 48.4% [95% CI, 48.0%-48.8%], 60.6% [95% CI, 60.2%-61.1%], and 66.8% [95% CI, 66.4%-67.2%], respectively, vs 74.6% [95% CI, 74.3%-75.0%] with time-unlimited aggressive care; SOFA score, 10-14: 36.2% [95% CI, 35.8%-36.6%], 44.1% [95% CI, 43.6%-44.5%], and 46.1% [95% CI, 45.6%-46.5%], respectively, vs 48.4% [95% CI, 48.0%-48.8%] with aggressive care; SOFA score, ≥ 15: 5.8% [95% CI, 5.6%-6.0%], 8.1% [95% CI, 7.9%-8.3%], and 8.3% [95% CI, 8.1%-8.6%], respectively, vs 8.8% [95% CI, 8.5%-9.0%] with aggressive care). However, the clinical magnitude of these differences was variable. Trial durations of 8 days in the sickest patients offered mean survival duration that was no more than 1 day different from time-unlimited care, whereas trial durations of 10 to 12 days were required in healthier patients. For the subset of patients with solid tumors, trial durations of 1 to 4 days offered mean survival that was not statistically significantly different from time-unlimited care.


CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Trials of ICU care lasting 1 to 4 days may be sufficient in patients with poor-prognosis solid tumors, whereas patients with hematologic malignant neoplasms or less severe illness seem to benefit from longer trials of intensive care.
Effect of nursing interventions on stressors of parents of premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit.

AIM
This study was planned for the purpose of determining the effect of stress-reducing nursing interventions on the stress levels of mothers and fathers of premature infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).


DESIGN
Randomised intervention.


BACKGROUND
The physical and psychosocial environment of the NICU is a major factor in the stress experienced by the family.


METHOD
Interviews were conducted with the parents of premature infants who agreed to participate in the research. An approximately 30-minute educational programme about their infant and the intensive care unit was held for the mothers and fathers in the intervention group within the first week after their infant was admitted to the intensive care unit. Then they were introduced to the unit and personnel. They were given the information they requested and their questions were responded to. The parents in the control group received nothing in addition to the routine unit procedures. The mothers and fathers' stress scores were measured for both groups after their infants' 10th day in the NICU with the Parental Stress Scale: NICU (PSS:NICU).


RESULTS
The difference between the intervention group and the control group mothers' mean stress score was found to be statistically significant (t = 4.05, p < 0.05). It was determined that the stress scores for the fathers in the treatment group in this research were lower, but the difference between the two groups was not found to be statistically significant (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSION
It has been determined that parents experience very high stress levels when their infants are admitted to an NICU and that there are nursing interventions which can be implemented to decrease their levels of stress.


RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
Determining the sources of stress experienced by parents can help NICU nurses use appropriate interventions in cooperation with other members of the team to decrease the stress that parents experience.
Mathematics learning and tools from theoretical, historical and practical points of view: the productive notion of mathematics laboratories

In our research work, we have looked at the way in which artefacts become, for teachers as well as for students, instruments of their mathematical activity. The issues related to the use of tools and technologies in mathematical education are now widely considered. A look to history highlights the different ways in which the same questions have been studied at different times and in different places. This suggests that the contribution of artefacts to mathematics learning should be considered in terms of various contexts. Our “visits” to these contexts will be guided by the coordination of two main theoretical frameworks, the instrumental approach and the semiotic mediation approach from the perspective of mathematics laboratory. This journey through history and schooling represents a good occasion to address some questions: Aare there “good” contexts in which to develop mathematical instruments? Are there “good” teaching practices which assist students’ instrumental geneses and construct mathematical meanings? How is it possible to promote such teaching practices? Some study cases are discussed.
Information security - principles and practice

If you get the printed book in on-line book store, you may also find the same problem. So, you must move store to store and search for the available there. But, it will not happen here. The book that we will offer right here is the soft file concept. This is what make you can easily find and get this information security principles and practice by reading this site. We offer you the best product, always and always.
Automated X-ray Image Analysis for Cargo Security: Critical Review and Future Promise

We review the relatively immature field of automated image analysis for X-ray cargo imagery. There is increasing demand for automated analysis methods that can assist in the inspection and selection of containers, due to the ever-growing volumes of traded cargo and the increasing concerns that customs- and security-related threats are being smuggled across borders by organised crime and terrorist networks. We split the field into the classical pipeline of image preprocessing and image understanding. Preprocessing includes: image manipulation; quality improvement; Threat Image Projection (TIP); and material discrimination and segmentation. Image understanding includes: Automated Threat Detection (ATD); and Automated Contents Verification (ACV). We identify several gaps in the literature that need to be addressed and propose ideas for future research. Where the current literature is sparse we borrow from the single-view, multi-view, and CT X-ray baggage domains, which have some characteristics in common with X-ray cargo.
An Actor Based Architecture for Intelligent Tutoring Systems

The evolution of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) toward the use of multiple learning strategies calls on a multi-agent architecture. We designed an ITS where several agents assume different pedagogical roles; consequently, we called them actors. We first describe the conceptual architecture of an actor which allows it to be reactive, instructable, adaptive and cognitive. We then provide a detailed view of this architecture and show how it functions with an example involving the different actors of a new learning strategy, the learning by disturbing strategy.
COMPARISON OF PITCH TRACKERS FOR REAL-TIME GUITAR EFFECTS

A comparison of various pitch tracking algorithms is presented and the suitability to use these pitch trackers for real-time guitar signal pitch tracking is investigated. The pitch tracking algorithms are described and the performance regarding latency and accuracy is evaluated.
The incidence and aetiology of clinical bovine mastitis on 14 farms in Northland, New Zealand.

AIM
To estimate the incidence of clinical mastitis and the frequency of isolation of mastitis-causing organisms from clinical cases in one lactation season (July 2005 to May 2006) on 14 dairy farms from the Northland region of New Zealand.


METHODS
Cases of clinical mastitis were determined by trained farm personnel who recorded the identity of affected cows. Pooled milk samples from affected quarter(s) were aseptically collected by the farm personnel, for microbiology. Mean numbers of affected cows and quarters were compared at the population and farm level per 305 cow-days-at-risk (DAR).


RESULTS
One or more cases of clinical mastitis occurred in 559/3,765 (14.8%) lactating cows. The average incidence of clinical mastitis was 0.19 cases per 305 DAR. The incidence in rear quarters (56.2%) was 1.3 times (p=0.027) that of front quarters (43.8%). The incidence of clinical mastitis and numbers of affected quarters were significantly influenced by the stage of lactation (higher in early lactation), age (higher in older cows) and farm. At the cow level, the most common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (23.7%) and Streptococcus uberis (23.3%). No causative organisms were identified in 19.9% of the samples. Each cow had an average of 1.8 quarters affected during a case of clinical mastitis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated a higher incidence of staphylococcal clinical mastitis on dairy farms from Northland than has been reported in other regions of New Zealand.