LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
AODV-BR: backup routing in ad hoc networks

Nodes in mobile ad hoc networks communicate with one another via packet radios on wireless multihop links. Because of node mobility and power limitations, the network topology changes frequently. Routing protocols therefore play an important role in mobile multihop network communications. A recent trend in ad hoc network routing is the reactive on-demand philosophy where routes are established only when required. Most of the protocols in this category, however, use single route and do not utilize multiple alternate paths. In this paper, we propose a scheme to improve existing on-demand routing protocols by creating a mesh and providing multiple alternate routes. Our algorithm establishes the mesh and multipaths without transmitting any extra control message. We apply our scheme to the Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) protocol and evaluate the performance improvements by simulation.
Diagnostic performance of duplex ultrasonography in the detection of high grade internal carotid artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVES
to establish on a national basis whether the diagnostic accuracy of carotid duplex justifies carotid surgery without preoperative angiography.


DESIGN
prospective national multicentre study with 10 participating university and county hospitals.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
one hundred and thirty-four patients, aged 69+/-9 years, were subjected to routine carotid duplex ultrasonography and angiography. The influence of relevant factors on the relation between ultrasonographic and angiographic variables was evaluated using multiple regression analysis. The capacity of carotid ultrasonography to detect internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis > or =80% was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis.


RESULTS
the correlation between peak systolic velocity in ICA (PSV(ICA)) and the angiographic degree of stenosis was strong and significantly influenced only by the applied Doppler angle. Accordingly, the optimal PSV(ICA) cutpoint values for the diagnosis of ICA stenosis > or =80% (ECST method) differed substantially (2.1 and 3.2 m/s) between the two considered angle ranges (0-49 degrees and 50-62 degrees ), the ability to identify high grade ICA stenosis being significantly better at small Doppler angles (0-49 degrees ).


CONCLUSION
ultrasonographic duplex technique identifies high grade ICA stenosis with a high degree of accuracy, which can be further improved by the application of small Doppler angles and the use of angle range specific PSV(ICA) cut-off points.
Bitter melon: a panacea for inflammation and cancer.

Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds (Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, α-eleostearic acid) and proteins (α-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30) possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.
Balance of payments, capital movements, domestic equilibrium in the first 50 years of the Kingdom of Italy

the paper interprets the initial 50 years of the Kingdom of Italy in the light of external balance. It presents estimates of capital flows, discusses the problems connected to the balance of payments and to domestic equilibrium
Assessment of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and recommendation.

BACKGROUND
Clinical signs are a core outcome domain for atopic dermatitis (AD) trials. The current lack of standardization of outcome measures in AD trials hampers evidence-based communication.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to provide evidence-based recommendations for the measurement of clinical signs in AD trials and to inform the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Atopic Dermatitis Initiative.


METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on measurement properties of outcome measurements for clinical signs of AD. We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase (until October 1, 2012) for validation studies on instruments measuring the clinical signs of AD. Grading of the truth, discrimination, and feasibility of scales; methodological study quality; and recommendations were based on predefined criteria.


RESULTS
Sixteen eligible instruments were identified, of which 2 were best validated. The Eczema Area and Severity Index has adequate validity, responsiveness, internal consistency, intraobserver reliability, and intermediate interobserver reliability but unclear interpretability and feasibility. The Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD) has adequate validity, responsiveness, interobserver reliability, and interpretability and unclear intraobserver reliability. Only the objective SCORAD (ie, the clinical signs domain of the SCORAD) is internally consistent. The Six Area, Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis Index severity score and Three Item Severity Score fulfill some quality criteria, but the performance in other required measurement properties is unclear. The Patient-oriented Eczema Measure is reliable and responsive but has inadequate content validity to assess clinical signs of AD. The remaining 11 scales have either (almost) not been validated or performed inadequately.


CONCLUSIONS
The Eczema Area and Severity Index and SCORAD are the best instruments to assess the clinical signs of AD. The other 14 instruments identified are (currently) not recommended because of unclear or inadequate measurement properties.
Seven legal barriers to end-of-life care: myths, realities, and grains of truth.

OBJECTIVE
The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM) End-of-Life Care Consensus Panel was convened in 1997 to identify clinical, ethical, and policy problems in end-of-life care, to analyze critically the available evidence and guidelines, and to offer consensus recommendations on how to improve care of the dying. Topic selection and content presentation were carefully debated to maximize the project's focus on providing practical clinical and other guidance to clinicians who are not specialists in palliative care. This statement examines current legal myths, realities, and grains of truth in end-of-life care.


PARTICIPANTS
The Consensus Panel comprises 13 medical and bioethics experts, clinicians, and educators in care at the end of life selected by the Ethics and Human Rights Committee, College leadership, and the Center for Ethics and Professionalism at the ACP-ASIM.


EVIDENCE
A literature review including a MEDLINE search of articles from 1970-1998 and review of end-of-life care literature and organizational bibliographies was conducted. Unpublished sources were also identified by participants, as was anecdotal clinical experience.


CONSENSUS PROCESS
The draft statement was debated by panel members over a series of 3 to 4 meetings. For this statement, the initial draft and subsequent revised drafts were discussed in 1998-1999. The statement then underwent external peer review and revision before panel approval and the journal peer review process.


CONCLUSIONS
Legal myths about end-of-life care can undermine good care and ethical medical practice. In addition, at times ethics, clinical judgment, and the law conflict. Patients (or families) and physicians can find themselves considering clinical actions that are ethically appropriate, but raise legal concerns. The 7 major legal myths regarding end-of-life care are: (1) forgoing life-sustaining treatment for patients without decision-making capacity requires evidence that this was the patient's actual wish; (2) withholding or withdrawing of artificial fluids and nutrition from terminally ill or permanently unconscious patients is illegal; (3) risk management personnel must be consulted before life-sustaining medical treatment may be terminated; (4) advance directives must comply with specific forms, are not transferable between states, and govern all future treatment decisions; oral advance directives are unenforceable; (5) if a physician prescribes or administers high doses of medication to relieve pain or other discomfort in a terminally ill patient, resulting in death, he/she will be criminally prosecuted; (6) when a terminally ill patient's suffering is overwhelming despite palliative care, and he/she requests a hastened death, there are no legally permissible options to ease suffering; and (7) the 1997 Supreme Court decisions outlawed physician-assisted suicide. Many legal barriers to end-of-life care are more mythical than real, but sometimes there is a grain of truth. Physicians must know the law of the state in which they practice. JAMA. 2000;284:2495-2501.
Mean-Field Electrodynamic Theory of Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composites

We propose an improved effective-medium theory to study the interaction of the electromagnetic field with carbon nanotubes composites. The axial response of the tube is obtained by an approximate solution of the parallel polarization scattering by spheroidal-shape inclusions, which takes into account the first-order geometric resonances and intra/inter-band transitions. The proposed theory is in conformity with experimental results published elsewhere. Mathematical derivations are provided to demonstrate that aligned carbon nanotube composites can support negative-refraction wave propagation under certain conditions. The theory is employed to perform a statistical analysis of carbon nanotube composites using practical probability distributions.
Dissociating contributions of ACC and vmPFC in reward prediction, outcome, and choice

Acting in an uncertain environment requires estimating the probability and the value of potential outcomes. These computations are typically ascribed to various parts of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but the functional architecture of this region remains debated. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) encodes reward prediction and outcome (i.e. win vs lose, Silvetti, Seurinck, & Verguts, 2013. Cortex, 49(6), 1627-35. doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2012.05.008). An outcome-related value signal has also been reported in the ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC, Rangel & Hare, 2010. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 20(2), 262-70. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2010.03.001). Whether a functional dissociation can be traced in these regions with respect to reward prediction and outcome has been suggested but not rigorously tested. Hence an fMRI study was designed to systematically examine the contribution of ACC and vmPFC to reward prediction and outcome. A striking dissociation was identified, with ACC coding for positive prediction errors and vmPFC responding to outcome, irrespective of probability. Moreover, ACC has been assigned a crucial role in the selection of intentional actions (decision-making) and computing the value associated to these actions (action-based value). Conversely, vmPFC seems to implement stimulus-based value processing (Rudebeck et al., 2008. Journal of Neuroscience, 28(51), 13775-85. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3541-08.2008; Rushworth, Behrens, Rudebeck, & Walton, 2007. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 11(4), 168-76. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2007.01.004). Therefore, a decision-making factor (choice vs. no choice condition) was also implemented in the present paradigm to distinguish stimulus-based versus action-based value coding in the mPFC during both decision and outcome phase. We found that vmPFC was more activated during the outcome phase in the no-choice than in the choice condition, potentially confirming the role of this area in stimulus-based (more than action-based) value processing.
Semiconducting Metal Oxide Based Sensors for Selective Gas Pollutant Detection

A review of some papers published in the last fifty years that focus on the semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) based sensors for the selective and sensitive detection of various environmental pollutants is presented.
Randomized trial of an intervention to improve mammography utilization among a triracial rural population of women.

INTRODUCTION
Mammography is underused by certain groups of women, in particular poor and minority women. We developed a lay health advisor (LHA) intervention based on behavioral theories and tested whether it improved mammography attendance in Robeson County, NC, a rural, low-income, triracial (white, Native American, African American) population.


METHODS
A total of 851 women who had not had a mammogram within the past year were randomly assigned to the LHA intervention (n = 433) or to a comparison arm (n = 418) during 1998-2002. Rates of mammography use after 12-14 months (as verified by medical record review) were compared using a chi-square test. Baseline and follow-up (at 12-14 months) surveys were used to obtain information on demographics, risk factors, and barriers, beliefs, and knowledge about mammography. Linear regression, Mantel-Haenszel statistics, and logistic regression were used to compare barriers, beliefs, and knowledge from baseline to follow-up and to identify baseline factors associated with mammography.


RESULTS
At follow-up, 42.5% of the women in the LHA group and 27.3% of those in the comparison group had had a mammogram in the previous 12 months (relative risk = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29 to 1.87). Compared with those in the comparison group, women in the LHA group displayed statistically significantly better belief scores (difference = 0.46 points on a 0-10 scale, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.77) and reduced barriers at follow-up (difference = -0.77 points, 95% CI = -1.02 to -0.53), after adjusting for baseline scores.


CONCLUSIONS
LHA interventions can improve mammography utilization. Future studies are needed to assess strategies to disseminate effective LHA interventions to underserved populations.
Simulator platform that enables social interaction simulation — SIGVerse: SocioIntelliGenesis simulator

Understanding mechanisms of intelligence of human beings and animals is one of the most important approaches to develop intelligent robot systems. Since the mechanisms of such real-life intelligent systems are so complex, physical interactions between agents and their environment and the social interactions between agents should be considered. Comprehension and knowledge in many peripheral fields such as cognitive science, developmental psychology, brain science, evolutionary biology, and robotics is also required. Discussions from an interdisciplinary aspect are very important for implementing this approach, but such collaborative research is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is difficult to obtain fruitful results from such research because the basis of experiments is very different in each research field. In the social science field, for example, several multi-agent simulation systems have been proposed for modeling factors such as social interactions and language evolution, whereas robotics researchers often use dynamics and sensor simulators. However, there is no integrated system that uses both physical simulations and social communication simulations. Therefore, we developed a simulator environment called SIGVerse that combines dynamics, perception, and communication simulations for synthetic approaches to research into the genesis of social intelligence. In this paper, we introduce SIGVerse, its example application and perspectives.
Pediatric Tuberculosis in Young Children in India: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND
India has one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) burdens globally. However, few studies have focused on TB in young children, a vulnerable population, where lack of early diagnosis results in poor outcomes.


METHODS
Young children (≤ 5 years) with suspected TB were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary hospital in Pune, India. Detailed clinical evaluation, HIV testing, mycobacterial cultures, and drug susceptibility testing were performed.


RESULTS
223 children with suspected TB were enrolled. The median age was 31 months, 46% were female, 86% had received BCG, 57% were malnourished, and 10% were HIV positive. 12% had TB disease (definite or probable), 35% did not have TB, while TB could not be ruled out in 53%. Extrapulmonary disease was noted in 46%, which was predominantly meningeal. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in 20% of children with TB. Four of 7 (57%) children with culture-confirmed TB harbored drug-resistant (DR) strains of whom 2 (50%) were multi-DR (MDR). In adjusted analyses, HIV infection, positive TST, and exposure to household smoke were found to be significantly associated with children with TB (P ≤ 0.04). Mortality (at 1 year) was 3 of 26 (12%) and 1 of 79 (1%), respectively, in children with TB and those without TB (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of TB is challenging in young children, with high rates of extra-pulmonary and meningeal disease. While the data on DR-TB are limited by the small sample size, they are however concerning, and additional studies are needed to more accurately define the prevalence of DR strains in this vulnerable population.
Value of Implantable Loop Recorders in Monitoring Efficacy of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of the implantable loop recorder (ILR) in diagnosing atrial fibrillation (AF) and assessing the postoperative efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 patients who successfully underwent RFCA were selected. These patients discontinued antiarrhythmic medication with no AF recurrence for more than 3 months after RFCA, and underwent ILR placement by a conventional method. The clinical manifestations and information on arrhythmias recorded by the ILR were followed up to assess the efficacy of AF RFCA. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 24.7±12.5 months. Of 32 patients with ILR information, 27 had successful RFCA and 5 had recurrent AF. The follow-up results obtained by traditional methods showed 29 patients with successful RFCA and 3 with recurrent AF (P<0.05). Among the 18 patients with clinical symptoms, 13 had recorded cardiac arrhythmic events (72.2%) and 5 showed sinus rhythm (27.8%). The ILRs recorded 18 patients with arrhythmic events (56.3%), including 12 cases of atrial arrhythmias, among whom 5 recurred at 9, 12, 16, 17, and 32 months after AF RFCA; there were also 2 patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and 4 with bradycardia. CONCLUSIONS The value of ILR in assessing the efficacy of AF RFCA was superior to that of traditional methods. ILR can promptly detect asymptomatic AF, and can monitor electrocardiogram features after RFCA, thus providing objective evidence of efficacy.
A Survey about Fuzzy Cognitive Maps Papers (Invited Paper)

In this paper we present different results and studies around the world about the Fuzzy Cognitive Maps. This technique is the fusion of the advances of the fuzzy logic and cognitive maps theories. At this moment, there are several applications in different domains (control, multiagent systems, etc.) and new works (dynamical characteristics, learning procedures, etc.) to improve the performance of these systems. In this paper, we present a survey of different work about this topic. Copyright c © 2004-2005 Yang’s Scientific Research Institute, LLC. All rights reserved.
Standard Setting Organizations and Standard Essential Patents: Voting Power versus Market Power

The key nding is that Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) choose e¢ cient technology standards because voting power and market power have counterbalancing e¤ects. Agents on the long side of the market have less added value in the marketplace but more voting power in cooperative organizations and conversely for the short side of the market. In a two-stage model, industry members choose technology standards by voting and then compete in the marketplace. When there is disagreement among industry groups, without Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), SSO members vote for the e¢ cient standard unanimously. In an equilibrium with SEPs, inventors and technology adopters choose e¢ cient standards, although voting may not be unanimous. With disagreements within industry groups, SSO members choose e¢ cient standards Elinor Hobbs Distinguished Professor of International Business, and Professor of Strategy, Strategy Department, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2001 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208. E-mail: jems@kellogg.northwestern.edu. This paper is a substantially revised version of an earlier working paper with a similar title. I gratefully acknowledge research support from Qualcomm and the Kellogg School of Management. I thank Justus Baron, Jorge Contreras, and Manfred Holler for helpful comments.
Development and validation of the fecal incontinence and constipation quality of life measure in children with spina bifida.

PURPOSE
Fecal incontinence and constipation in children with spina bifida are recognized to impact quality of life. Most disease specific quality of life instruments on fecal incontinence target adults and/or children without neuropathic bowel. We developed an instrument to evaluate bowel function and its impact on quality of life in children with spina bifida and their caregivers.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A 51-item questionnaire termed the FIC QOL (Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Quality of Life) survey was developed from expert opinion, patient interviews, and modification of previously published adult and pediatric studies for nonneuropathic bowel dysfunction. The items are divided into 7 quality of life factor groupings, including bowel program, dietary management, symptoms, travel and socialization, family relationships, caregiver emotional impact and financial impact. The questionnaire was given to caregivers of children with and without spina bifida. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparing the spina bifida and control groups. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by having 41 patients complete 2 surveys within 4 to 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Comparing questionnaires from 92 index patients and 52 controls showed a statistically significant difference for all 7 quality of life factor groupings. The FIC QOL instrument objectively demonstrated the negative impact of fecal incontinence and constipation on quality of life in these families. Comparing 82 questionnaires at 2 time points demonstrated the reliability of all FIC QOL questions.


CONCLUSIONS
The FIC QOL instrument provides a valid and reliable measure of the effect of fecal incontinence and constipation on the quality of life of caregivers and their children with spina bifida.