LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Health care spending and use of information technology in OECD countries.

In 2003, the United States had fewer practicing physicians, practicing nurses, and acute care bed days per capita than the median country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Nevertheless, U.S. health spending per capita was almost two and a half times the per capita health spending of the median OECD country. One proposal for both lowering health spending and improving quality is the adoption of health information technology (HIT). The United States lags as much as a dozen years behind other industrialized countries in HIT adoption--countries where national governments have played major roles in establishing the rule, and health insurers have paid most of the costs.
Microbiology and immunology of fish larvae

1 Department of Biotechnology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway 2 Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway 3 INRA, UR 1067, Nutrition, Metabolism, Aquaculture, Ifremer, Centre de Brest, Brest, France 4 Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain 5 Department of Science for Innovative Biology, Agroindustry, and Forestry, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy 6 Institute of Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Iraklion, Crete, Greece 7 Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium 8 Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Understanding the behavior of malicious applications in social networks

The World Wide Web has evolved from a collection of static HTML pages to an assortment of Web 2.0 applications. Online social networking in particular is becoming more popular by the day since the establishment of SixDegrees in 1997. Millions of people use social networking web sites daily, such as Facebook, My-Space, Orkut, and LinkedIn. A side-effect of this growth is that possible exploits can turn OSNs into platforms for malicious and illegal activities, like DDoS attacks, privacy violations, disk compromise, and malware propagation. In this article we show that social networking web sites have the ideal properties to become attack platforms. We introduce a new term, antisocial networks, that refers to distributed systems based on social networking web sites which can be exploited to carry out network attacks. An adversary can take control of a visitor's session by remotely manipulating their browsers through legitimate web control functionality such as image-loading HTML tags, JavaScript instructions, and Java applets.
A study on the efficiency of transparent patch antennas designed from conductive oxide films

A study on the efficiency of transparent patch antennas designed from indium tin oxide (ITO) films is presented to provide design guidelines for patch type transparent antennas. The trade-offs between optical transparency and antenna efficiency is analyzed by considering typical material properties of ITO films. It is shown that the efficiency of a patch antenna designed from ITO films is determined by the electron mobility of ITO films, operational frequency, and the substrate material. The study shows that with today's material processing methods, it is feasible to achieve at least 30% efficiency of an ITO antenna with 90% optical transparency for operational frequency higher than 5 GHz. While progress in material science may improve the antenna performance, the highly transparent patch antenna with 30% efficiency may be employed in array design for practical implementations.
The effect of statins on survival in patients with stage IV lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES
Prior studies have shown an anticancer effect of statins in patients with certain malignancies. However, it is unclear whether statins have a mortality benefit in lung cancer. We compared survival of patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vs. not receiving statins prior to diagnosis.


METHODS
Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry linked to Medicare claims, we identified 5118 patients  >65 years of age diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC between 2007 and 2009. We used propensity score methods to assess the association of statin use with overall and lung cancer-specific survival while controlling for measured confounders.


RESULTS
Overall, 27% of patients were on statins at time of lung cancer diagnosis. Median survival in the statin group was 7 months, compared to 4 months in patients not treated with statins (p<0.001). Propensity score analyses found that statin use was associated with improvement in overall (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.79) and lung cancer-specific survival (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73-0.81), after controlling for baseline patient characteristics, cancer characteristics, staging work-up and chemotherapy use.


CONCLUSIONS
Statin use is associated with improved survival among patients with stage IV NSCLC suggesting a potential anticancer effect. Further research should evaluate plausible biological mechanisms as well as test the effect of statins in prospective clinical trials.
Alternative G protein coupling and biased agonism: New insights into melanocortin-4 receptor signalling

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a considerable role in controlling appetite and energy homeostasis. Signalling initiated by MC4R is orchestrated by multiple agonists, inverse agonism and by interactions with accessory proteins. The exact molecular events translating MC4R signalling into its physiological role, however, are not fully understood. This review is an attempt to summarize new aspects of MC4R signalling in the context of its recently discovered alternative G protein coupling, and to give a perspective on how future research could improve our knowledge about the intertwining molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the regulation of energy homeostasis by the melanocortin system.
A Robust Uniaxial Force Sensor for Minimally Invasive Surgery

This paper presents a novel miniature uniaxial force sensor for use within a beating heart during mitral valve annuloplasty. The sensor measures 5.5 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length and provides a hollow core to pass instrumentation. A soft elastomer flexure design maintains a waterproof seal. Fiber optic transduction eliminates electrical circuitry within the heart, and acetal components minimize ultrasound-imaging artifacts. Calibration uses a nonlinear viscoelastic method, and in vitro tests demonstrate a 0-4-N force range with rms errors of 0.13 N (< 3.2%). In vivo tests provide the first endocardial measurements of tissue-minimally invasive surgery instrument interaction forces in a beating heart.
Perceived CT-Space for Motion Planning in Unknown and Unpredictable Environments

One of the ultimate goals in robotics is to make high-DOF robots work autonomously in unknown changing environments. However, motion planning in completely unknown environments is largely an open problem and poses many challenges. One challenge is that in such an environment, the configuration-time space (CT-space) of a robot is not known beforehand. This paper describes how guaranteed collision-free regions in the unknown CT-space can be discovered progressively via sensing in real time based on the concept dynamic envelope, which is not conservative, i.e., does not assume worst-case scenarios, and is robust to uncertainties in obstacle behaviors. The introduced method can be used in general by real-time motion planners for high-DOF robots to discover the existence of guaranteed collisionfree future motions efficiently. The utility is further confirmed both in simulation and in real-world testing involving a 5-DOF robot manipulator.
Assessing Soft-and Hardware Bottlenecks in PC-based Packet Forwarding Systems

Due to grown capabilities of commodity hardware for packet processing and the high flexibility of software, the use of those systems as alternatives to expensive dedicated networking devices has gained momentum. However, the performance of such PC-based software systems is still low when compared to specialized hardware. In this paper, we analyze the performance of several packet forwarding systems and identify bottlenecks by using profiling techniques. We show that the packet IO in the operating system’s network stack is a significant bottleneck and that a six-fold performance increase can be achieved with user space networking frameworks like Intel DPDK. Keywords–Linux Router; Intel DPDK; Performance Evaluation; Measurement.
Knowledge Management Strategies: Toward a Taxonomy

This paper draws on primary and secondary data to propose a taxonomy of strategies, or "schools." for knowledge management. The primary purpose of this fratiiework is to guide executives on choices to initiate knowledge tnanagement projects according to goals, organizational character, and technological, behavioral, or economic biases. It may also be useful to teachers in demonstrating the scope of knowledge management and to researchers in generating propositions for further study.
FAST POWER LINE DETECTION AND LOCALIZATION USING STEERABLE FILTER FOR ACTIVE UAV GUIDANCE

In this paper we present a fast power line detection and localisation algorithm as well as propose a high-level guidance architecture for active vision-based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) guidance. The detection stage is based on steerable filters for edge ridge detection, followed by a line fitting algorithm to refine candidate power lines in images. The guidance architecture assumes an UAV with an onboard Gimbal camera. We first control the position of the Gimbal such that the power line is in the field of view of the camera. Then its pose is used to generate the appropriate control commands such that the aircraft moves and flies above the lines. We present initial experimental results for the detection stage which shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms two state-of-the-art line detection algorithms for power line detection from aerial imagery. * Corresponding author.
Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Polyphenols Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Middle-Aged Overweight Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND
Olive plant leaves (Olea europaea L.) have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat diabetes, but there are very limited data examining the effects of olive polyphenols on glucose homeostasis in humans.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of supplementation with olive leaf polyphenols (51.1 mg oleuropein, 9.7 mg hydroxytyrosol per day) on insulin action and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged overweight men.


DESIGN
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in New Zealand. 46 participants (aged 46.4 ± 5.5 years and BMI 28.0 ± 2.0 kg/m(2)) were randomized to receive capsules with olive leaf extract (OLE) or placebo for 12 weeks, crossing over to other treatment after a 6-week washout. Primary outcome was insulin sensitivity (Matsuda method). Secondary outcomes included glucose and insulin profiles, cytokines, lipid profile, body composition, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, and carotid intima-media thickness.


RESULTS
Treatment evaluations were based on the intention-to-treat principle. All participants took >96% of prescribed capsules. OLE supplementation was associated with a 15% improvement in insulin sensitivity (p = 0.024) compared to placebo. There was also a 28% improvement in pancreatic β-cell responsiveness (p = 0.013). OLE supplementation also led to increased fasting interleukin-6 (p = 0.014), IGFBP-1 (p = 0.024), and IGFBP-2 (p = 0.015) concentrations. There were however, no effects on interleukin-8, TNF-α, ultra-sensitive CRP, lipid profile, ambulatory blood pressure, body composition, carotid intima-media thickness, or liver function.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation with olive leaf polyphenols for 12 weeks significantly improved insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell secretory capacity in overweight middle-aged men at risk of developing the metabolic syndrome.
Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE
Glucosamine, classified as a slow-acting drug in osteoarthritis (SADOA), is an efficacious chondroprotective agent. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the isoxidised form of dimethyl-sulfoxide (DSMO), is an effective natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral glucosamine (Glu), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), their combination and placebo in osteoarthritis of the knee.


PATIENTS AND DESIGN
A total of 118 patients of either sex with mild to moderate osteoarthritis were included in the study and randomised to receive either Glu 500mg, MSM 500mg, Glu and MSM or placebo capsules three times daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 0 (before drug administration), 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-treatment for efficacy and safety. The efficacy parameters studied were the pain index, the swelling index, visual analogue scale pain intensity, 15m walking time, the Lequesne index, and consumption of rescue medicine.


RESULTS
Glu, MSM and their combination significantly improved signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared with placebo. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean (+/- SD) pain index from 1.74 +/- 0.47 at baseline to 0.65 +/- 0.71 at week 12 with Glu (p < 0.001). MSM significantly decreased the mean pain index from 1.53 +/- 0.51 to 0.74 +/- 0.65, and combination treatment resulted in a more significant decrease in the mean pain index (1.7 +/- 0.47 to 0.36 +/- 0.33; p < 0.001). After 12 weeks, the mean swelling index significantly decreased with Glu and MSM, while the decrease in swelling index with combination therapy was greater (1.43 +/- 0.63 to 0.14 +/- 0.35; p < 0.05) after 12 weeks. The combination produced a statistically significant decrease in the Lequesne index. All treatments were well tolerated.


CONCLUSION
Glu, MSM and their combination produced an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis. Combination therapy showed better efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the individual agents. All the treatments were well tolerated. The onset of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity was found to be more rapid with the combination than with Glu. It can be concluded that the combination of MSM with Glu provides better and more rapid improvement in patients with osteoarthritis.
Abnormalities in emotion processing within cortical and subcortical regions in criminal psychopaths: evidence from a functional magnetic resonance imaging study using pictures with emotional content

BACKGROUND
Neurobiology of psychopathy is important for our understanding of current neuropsychiatric questions. Despite a growing interest in biological research in psychopathy, its neural underpinning remains obscure.


METHODS
We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the influence of affective contents on brain activation in psychopaths. Series containing positive and negative pictures from the International Affective Picture System were shown to six male psychopaths and six male control subjects while 100 whole-brain echo-planar-imaging measurements were acquired. Differences in brain activation were evaluated using BrainVoyager software 4.6.


RESULTS
In psychopaths, increased activation through negative contents was found right-sided in prefrontal regions and amygdala. Activation was reduced right-sided in the subgenual cingulate and the temporal gyrus, and left-sided in the dorsal cingulate and the parahippocampal gyrus. Increased activation through positive contents was found left-sided in the orbitofrontal regions. Activation was reduced in right medial frontal and medial temporal regions.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings underline the hypotheses that psychopathy is neurobiologically reflected by dysregulation and disturbed functional connectivity of emotion-related brain regions. These findings may be interpreted within a framework including prefrontal regions that provide top-down control to and regulate bottom-up signals from limbic areas. Because of the small sample size, the results of this study have to be regarded as preliminary.
COMPARISON OF SOLAR TERRESTRIAL AND SPACE POWER GENERATION FOR EUROPE

Electricity supply from space is one opportunity to ensure a climatic sustainable energy supply. However, generation in space must compete with terrestrial systems like photovoltaic or solar thermal power plants. This paper will compare electricity supply from Solar Power Satellites in space and two terrestrial generation systems for several European load curves: constant base load with 8760 full load hours per year in several power levels from below 1 GW to full supply, as well as remaining load where base load is subtracted from real existing load curves. Additionally, several combined space-terrestrial scenarios have been investigated, optimized for real load curves. Results are leveled electricity costs (LEC) and energy payback time (EPT).
Psychological impact of thrombophilia testing in asymptomatic family members.

INTRODUCTION
Psychological distress and worry are commonly described as potential consequences of genetic screening for various disorders. Thrombophilia testing may be offered to asymptomatic persons with a family history of venous thrombosis and thrombophilia. Our objectives were to measure the psychological impacts of thrombophilia testing in first degree relatives and to determine if our intervention, a more intensive care strategy to heighten awareness of both risk and symptoms of thrombosis, caused psychological distress.


MATERIALS & METHODS
First degree relatives of patients with a known thrombophilia and history of venous thrombosis were tested for thrombophilia. The Perceived Risk Questionnaire and validated psychological instruments (POMS-SF; SCL-90-R Somatization subscale) were administered before testing, one week after receiving results and a year later. Thrombophilia carriers were randomized in family clusters to receive Standard Care or the Intensive Care intervention.


RESULTS
There were 100 carriers who were randomized to Standard (n=48) or Intensive Care (n=52) and 103 non-carriers. One week after receiving results, we did not observe any difference in psychological distress between carriers and non-carriers, with low levels overall. At 1 year, psychological distress scores were similar between the Standard and Intensive Care arms and did not differ from baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this pilot study do not support the concern that thrombophilia screening in asymptomatic relatives triggers psychological distress and worry. Furthermore, our intensive educational approach did not appear to induce undue distress. While the positive benefits of thrombophilia screening remain unproven, clinicians should not be deterred from offering screening by the fear of causing psychological harm.
Meet continuous lattices, limit spaces, and L-topological spaces

In this paper, a systematic investigation of the relationship between meet continuous lattices, limit spaces, and L-topological spaces is given. It is a continuation of the investigation on this topic by Hohle (2000, 2001). The relationship between the Lowen functors and the functors introduced by Hohle (2000, 2001) is made clear.
Where is the technology-induced pedagogy? Snapshots from two multimedia EFL classrooms

This research examines two multimedia secondary EFL classrooms to identify what changes, pedagogical or otherwise, have taken place in technologically integrated classroom practice. The research analyses data generated from a range of sources: classroom observations, videotapes and teacher’s lesson plans. It is argued that substantial pedagogical innovations will not come unless there is a perceived change in the understanding of the process of teaching and learning and philosophy of language. The research concludes that the traditional Chinese notion of teaching and the role of the teacher in the classroom need to be redefined to allow for a learner-centred multimedia language classroom to emerge. New trends in Chinese ELT A new educational reform, which emphasises the integration of new technologies into the curriculum, is surging in China with an increased momentum. EFL professionals are either constantly searching themselves for, or being timetabled into various computer literacy courses, to develop and upgrade technology-based skills. It is not uncommon for some forward-thinking institutions to establish a skill database that contains information about staff skills in using various computer software. On the other hand, the ability to use PowerPoint, Authorware or Flash to preen their courseware, and give showcase “Multimedia EFL Lessons” has been admired as an enviable skill. 05Zhong 04/01/2002 1:21 pm Page 39
Cross-cultural adaptation of research instruments: language, setting, time and statistical considerations

BACKGROUND
Research questionnaires are not always translated appropriately before they are used in new temporal, cultural or linguistic settings. The results based on such instruments may therefore not accurately reflect what they are supposed to measure. This paper aims to illustrate the process and required steps involved in the cross-cultural adaptation of a research instrument using the adaptation process of an attitudinal instrument as an example.


METHODS
A questionnaire was needed for the implementation of a study in Norway 2007. There was no appropriate instruments available in Norwegian, thus an Australian-English instrument was cross-culturally adapted.


RESULTS
The adaptation process included investigation of conceptual and item equivalence. Two forward and two back-translations were synthesized and compared by an expert committee. Thereafter the instrument was pretested and adjusted accordingly. The final questionnaire was administered to opioid maintenance treatment staff (n=140) and harm reduction staff (n=180). The overall response rate was 84%. The original instrument failed confirmatory analysis. Instead a new two-factor scale was identified and found valid in the new setting.


CONCLUSIONS
The failure of the original scale highlights the importance of adapting instruments to current research settings. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that concepts within an instrument are equal between the original and target language, time and context. If the described stages in the cross-cultural adaptation process had been omitted, the findings would have been misleading, even if presented with apparent precision. Thus, it is important to consider possible barriers when making a direct comparison between different nations, cultures and times.