LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Factors modifying the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression: a review.

OBJECTIVE
So far no convincing answer has emerged to the question of whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can make a clinically useful contribution to the treatment of depression. Here we examine whether multiple sensitivity analyses can highlight parameters that predict a favorable treatment response.


DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane database for controlled trials were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials using the expression (transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS) and depression.


STUDY SELECTION
Thirty-three studies were identified and included in the random-effects meta-analysis, and between 17 and 31 studies were included in the secondary analyses comparing outcome of studies with different parameters.


DATA EXTRACTION
Study data were extracted with a standardized data sheet. A meta-analysis based on Cohen d effect size measure was done for all studies and various subsets. Regression analysis of effect sizes with study parameters was done in 24 studies.


DATA SYNTHESIS
Active TMS treatment was more effective than sham, but variability was too great to take any single study design as paradigmatic. No significant predictors of study effect size were found. Mean effect sizes were reduced, although still significant, in studies with stimulation intensity below 90% of motor threshold and new medication starting within 7 days before to 7 days after start of TMS.


CONCLUSIONS
The absence of significant outcome predictors in the presence of significant variability of outcome measures can be interpreted in 2 ways: either study sizes and numbers and designs are insufficient to afford the power necessary to detect such predictors or TMS has a nonspecific effect on depression that is not influenced by study parameters. Large-scale comparative trials are necessary to decide between these interpretations.
Barley malt wort fermentation by exopolysaccharide-forming Weissella cibaria MG1 for the production of a novel beverage.

AIMS
The growing interest of governments and industry in developing healthy and natural alternative foods and beverages that will fulfil the consumer drive towards a healthy lifestyle and clean-label, natural diet has led to an increase in traditional lactic acid bacteria fermentation research. In particular, this research aims to address the organoleptic modulation of beverages using in situ-produced bacterial polysaccharides.


METHODS AND RESULTS
Weissella cibaria MG1 is capable of producing exopolysaccharides (dextran) and oligosaccharides (glucooligosaccharides) during sucrose-supplemented barley-malt-derived wort fermentation. Up to 36·4 g l(-1) of dextran was produced in an optimized system, which improved the rheological profile of the resulting fermentate. Additionally, small amounts of organic acids were formed, and ethanol remained below 0·5% (v/v), the threshold volume for a potential health claim designation.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the cereal fermentate produced by W. cibaria MG1 could be potentially used for the production of a range of novel, nutritious and functional beverages.


SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
Using conventional raw materials and traditional processes, novel LAB-fermented beverages can be produced representing an innovative mechanism towards fulfilling the aim to decrease government and personal costs as well as potentially ameliorating consumer lifestyle regarding dietary-related disease.
Clinical evaluation of ZD6474, an orally active inhibitor of VEGF and EGF receptor signaling, in patients with solid, malignant tumors.

BACKGROUND
ZD6474 selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor. The safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ZD6474 were assessed in a phase I dose-escalation study of patients with advanced solid tumors.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Adult patients with tumors refractory to standard treatments received once-daily oral ZD6474 (50-600 mg) in 28-day cycles, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity was observed.


RESULTS
Seventy-seven patients were treated at doses of 50 mg (n=9), 100 mg (n=19), 200 mg (n=8), 300 mg (n=25), 500 mg (n=8), and 600 mg (n=8). Adverse events were generally mild, and the most common dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were diarrhea (n=4), hypertension (n=4), and rash (n=3). The incidence of most adverse events appeared to be dose-dependant. In the 500 mg/day cohort, 3/8 patients experienced DLT and this dose was therefore considered to exceed the maximum tolerated dose. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed that ZD6474 was suitable for once-daily oral dosing.


CONCLUSIONS
Once-daily oral dosing of ZD6474 at 300 mg/day is generally well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors, and this dose is being investigated in phase II trials.
Pilot clinical trial on the efficacy of prophylactic use of vitamin K1-based cream (Vigorskin) to prevent cetuximab-induced skin rash in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND
Cetuximab is an effective option for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in the first and subsequent lines of treatment; among its side effects, acneiform skin rash is one of the major causes of treatment delay, reduction, or interruption, with a negative effect on quality of life. No effective strategy to prevent skin rash induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors is available; however, encouraging results have come from vitamin K1, phytomenadione, applied as a topical formulation. Available studies have been conducted in heterogeneous populations and are mainly focused on the use of vitamin K1-based cream for the treatment, rather than the prophylaxis, of acneiform rash.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Forty-one consecutive patients from a single center all affected by metastatic colorectal cancer and receiving cetuximab, alone or combined with chemotherapy, applied vitamin K1-based cream to prevent the occurrence of acneiform skin rash. The cream was applied twice a day on the face and trunk from the first day of administration of cetuximab.


RESULTS
The application of the cream was well tolerated. No grade 4 rash was reported. The proportion of grade 3 skin rash in the first 8 weeks of treatment in this population was 15%, at the lower limit of values reported in the literature, and the proportion of patients with grade 2 rash was reduced (22.5%).


CONCLUSION
This experience confirms available data in a homogeneous population, suggesting a possible benefit of topical vitamin K1 as prophylaxis for cetuximab-induced skin rash in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Restorative yoga for women with breast cancer: findings from a randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES
Restorative yoga (RY) is a gentle type of yoga that may be beneficial for cancer patients and post-treatment survivors. Study goals were: to determine the feasibility of implementing a RY intervention for women with breast cancer; and to examine group differences in self-reported emotional, health-related quality of life, and symptom outcomes.


METHODS
Women with breast cancer (n=44; mean age 55.8 years) enrolled in this study; 34% were actively undergoing cancer treatment. Study participants were randomized to the intervention (10 weekly 75-minute RY classes) or a waitlist control group. Participants completed questionnaires at Week 0 (baseline) and Week 10 (immediately post-intervention for the yoga group).


RESULTS
Group differences favoring the yoga group were seen for mental health, depression, positive affect, and spirituality (peace/meaning). Significant baseline*group interactions were observed for negative affect and emotional well-being. Women with higher negative affect and lower emotional well-being at baseline derived greater benefit from the yoga intervention compared to those with similar values at baseline in the control group. The yoga group demonstrated a significant within-group improvement in fatigue; no significant difference was noted for the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Although limited by sample size, these pilot data suggest potential benefit of RY on emotional outcomes and fatigue in cancer patients. This study demonstrates that a RY intervention is feasible for women with breast cancer; implications for study design and implementation are noted with an emphasis on program adoption and participant adherence.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Polymorphism and Macrovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

BACKGROUND
It is generally accepted that poor glycemic control, arterial hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia, and the associated oxidative stress may contribute to the development of macro- and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Such metabolic damage signals may activate inflammasome and trigger chronic inflammation. We investigated common polymorphisms in inflammasome coding genes and the risk for macro- and microvascular complications in T2D.


METHODS
In total 181 clinically well-characterised T2D patients were genotyped for NLRP3 rs35829419 and CARD8 rs2043211. Risk for diabetic complications was assessed using logistic regression.


RESULTS
Patients with median duration of T2D 11 (6-17) years had relatively well controlled blood glucose and lipid levels and blood pressure on the prescribed treatment regimen. Duration of T2D and plasma cholesterol levels were the most important clinical risk factors for macrovascular complications (P = 0.007 and P = 0.031). NLRP3 rs35829419 was associated with increased risk for macrovascular complications (P = 0.004), with myocardial infarction in particular (P = 0.052). No association was observed between CARD8 polymorphism and any of T2D complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary data suggest the role of NLRP3 polymorphism in diabetic macrovascular complications, especially in myocardial infarction.
Polymerase evolution and organism evolution

The continuing exploration of the structure-function relationships of polymerases and the use of polymerases as phylogenetic tools complement each other, as seen in the literature for the past year. DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase gene sequences, in particular, have been used both to define functional domains in the protein encoded and recently to explore fundamental questions in evolution.
Digital Didactical Designs in iPad-Classrooms

Traditionally, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) “has been segregated from the normal teaching classroom” [12], e.g. in computer labs. This has been changed with the advent of smaller devices like iPads. There is a shift from separating ICT and education to co-located settings in which digital technology becomes part of the classroom. This paper presents the results from a study about exploring digital didactical designs using iPads applied by teachers in schools. Classroom observations and interviews in iPad-classrooms in Danish schools have been done with the aim to provide empirical evidence on the co-evolutionary design of both, didactical designs and iPads. The Danish community Odder has 7 schools where around 200 teachers and 2,000 students aged 6-16 use iPads in a 1:1 iPad-program. Three key aspects could be explored: The teachers’ digital didactical designs embrace a) new learning goals where more than one correct answer exists, b) focus on producing knowledge in informal-in-formal learning spaces, c) making learning visible in different products (text, comics, podcasts etc.). The results show the necessity of rethinking traditional Didaktik towards Digital Didactics.
Successful ERP implementation: an integrative model

Purpose – The paper aims to present a conceptual model that better defines critical success factors to ERP implementation organized with the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. The paper also adds to current literature the critical success factor of trust with the vendor, system and consultant which has largely been ignored in the past. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses past literature and theoretical and conceptual framework development to illustrate a new conceptual model that incorporates critical success factors that have both been empirically tied to ERP implementation success in the past and new insights into how trust impacts ERP implementation success. Findings – The paper finds a lack of research depicted in how trust impacts ERP implementation success and likewise a lack of a greater conceptual model organized to provide insight into ERP implementation success. Originality/value – The paper proposes a holistic conceptual framework for ERP implementation success and discusses the impact that trust with the vendor, system and consultant has on ERP implementation success.
Characterization of the NEURARM bio-inspired joint position and stiffness open loop controller

This paper presents the characterization of the position and stiffness open loop controller for the NEURARM bio-inspired joint. A novel antagonistic non-linear actuation scheme is proposed for the NEURARM platform, a 2 DoF planar robotic arm that has been developed to imitate the principal functional features of the human arm for planar movements. The NEURARM joint has the actuation scheme based on a contractile element (a hydraulic piston) in series with a non-linear elastic element, able to mimic the force-elongation characteristic of the muscle-tendon complex. The non-linear spring is obtained by a linear tension spring rendered non-linear by means of a specifically designed mechanism. Such actuation scheme allows the implementation of control strategies based on equilibrium point and impedance control hypotheses of human motor behavior. The preliminary results of the characterization of the open loop joint stiffness and position controller are presented.
Classification of Hyperspectral Images by Exploiting Spectral–Spatial Information of Superpixel via Multiple Kernels

For the classification of hyperspectral images (HSIs), this paper presents a novel framework to effectively utilize the spectral-spatial information of superpixels via multiple kernels, which is termed as superpixel-based classification via multiple kernels (SC-MK). In the HSI, each superpixel can be regarded as a shape-adaptive region, which consists of a number of spatial neighboring pixels with very similar spectral characteristics. First, the proposed SC-MK method adopts an oversegmentation algorithm to cluster the HSI into many superpixels. Then, three kernels are separately employed for the utilization of the spectral information, as well as spatial information, within and among superpixels. Finally, the three kernels are combined together and incorporated into a support vector machine classifier. Experimental results on three widely used real HSIs indicate that the proposed SC-MK approach outperforms several well-known classification methods.
Networks in society : links and language

Social Networks: Toward General Models Rob Stocker On Graphs, Networks, and Social Groups David Green, Terry Bossomaier Language Networks Terry Bossomaier Complexity and Human Society David Green, Susan Sadedin Developing Agent-Based Models of Business Relations and Networks Ian Wilkinson, Fabian Held, Robert Marks, Louise Young Agent-Based Modeling of Social Networks: Natural Resource Applications of Human/Landscape Interactions Across Space and Time Randy Gimblett, Robert Itami, Aaron Poe Social Media Networks and the "Unthinkable Present": A User's Perspective John Carroll, David Cameron
Playing for real: video games and stories for health-related behavior change.

BACKGROUND
Video games provide extensive player involvement for large numbers of children and adults, and thereby provide a channel for delivering health behavior change experiences and messages in an engaging and entertaining format.


METHOD
Twenty-seven articles were identified on 25 video games that promoted health-related behavior change through December 2006.


RESULTS
Most of the articles demonstrated positive health-related changes from playing the video games. Variability in what was reported about the games and measures employed precluded systematically relating characteristics of the games to outcomes. Many of these games merged the immersive, attention-maintaining properties of stories and fantasy, the engaging properties of interactivity, and behavior-change technology (e.g., tailored messages, goal setting). Stories in video games allow for modeling, vicarious identifying experiences, and learning a story's "moral," among other change possibilities.


CONCLUSIONS
Research is needed on the optimal use of game-based stories, fantasy, interactivity, and behavior change technology in promoting health-related behavior change.
Ranibizumab 0.5 mg for Diabetic Macular Edema with Bimonthly Monitoring after a Phase of Initial Treatment: 18-Month, Multicenter, Phase IIIB RELIGHT Study.

PURPOSE
To evaluate ranibizumab 0.5 mg using bimonthly monitoring and individualized re-treatment after monthly follow-up for 6 months in patients with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema (DME).


DESIGN
A phase IIIb, 18-month, prospective, open-label, multicenter, single-arm study in the United Kingdom.


PARTICIPANTS
Participants (N = 109) with visual impairment due to DME.


METHODS
Participants received 3 initial monthly ranibizumab 0.5 mg injections (day 0 to month 2), followed by individualized best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography-guided re-treatment with monthly (months 3-5) and subsequent bimonthly follow-up (months 6-18). Laser was allowed after month 6.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Mean change in BCVA from baseline to month 12 (primary end point), mean change in BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to month 18, gain of ≥10 and ≥15 letters, treatment exposure, and incidence of adverse events over 18 months.


RESULTS
Of 109 participants, 100 (91.7%) and 99 (90.8%) completed the 12 and 18 months of the study, respectively. The mean age was 63.7 years, the mean duration of DME was 40 months, and 77.1% of the participants had received prior laser treatment (study eye). At baseline, mean BCVA was 62.9 letters, 20% of patients had a baseline BCVA of >73 letters, and mean baseline CRT was 418.1 μm, with 32% of patients having a baseline CRT <300 μm. The mean change in BCVA from baseline to month 6 was +6.6 letters (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9-8.3), and after institution of bimonthly treatment the mean change in BCVA at month 12 was +4.8 letters (95% CI, 2.9-6.7; P < 0.001) and +6.5 letters (95% CI, 4.2-8.8) at month 18. The proportion of participants gaining ≥10 and ≥15 letters was 24.8% and 13.8% at month 12 and 34.9% and 19.3% at month 18, respectively. Participants received a mean of 6.8 and 8.5 injections over 12 and 18 months, respectively. No new ocular or nonocular safety findings were observed during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
The BCVA gain achieved in the initial 6-month treatment period was maintained with an additional 12 months of bimonthly ranibizumab PRN treatment.
Alcohol and suicidal behavior: what is known and what can be done.

Research on associations between substances of abuse and suicidal behaviors is a large, complex area. Herein, alcohol, the most commonly abused intoxicant worldwide, is examined with a focus on two topics: (1) acute use of alcohol (AUA) shortly prior to suicidal behavior; and (2) more chronic alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal behavior. First, a brief summary of what is known about AUA, AUD, and suicidal behavior is provided. Next, we draw on preliminary evidence, practical considerations, and our own experience to offer recommendations for intervention research that may lower risk associated with AUA and AUD. The literature on AUD and suicidal behavior is more developed, thus we discuss separately research designed to: (1) prevent individuals with AUD with suicidal ideation from engaging in suicidal behavior; and (2) prevent individuals with AUD who have made a suicide attempt from reattempting. Our focus is on clinical intervention strategies for individuals at risk for suicidal behavior that use alcohol or have developed AUD. We also focus on applied research that may directly lead to practical prevention efforts. Although clinical interventions are important components of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy, they should be complemented with primary prevention efforts.
LIBLINEAR: A Library for Large Linear Classification

LIBLINEAR is an open source library for large-scale linear classification. It supports logistic regression and linear support vector machines. We provide easy-to-use command-line tools and library calls for users and developers. Comprehensive documents are available for both beginners and advanced users. Experiments demonstrate that LIBLINEAR is very efficient on large sparse data sets.
Straddle Injury in Girls. A Pilot Study Testing Potential for an InjurySurveillance Registry

Objectives: Straddle injury represents a rare and complex injury to the female genito urinary tract (GUT). Overall prevention would be the ultimate goal, but due to persistent inhomogenity and inconsistency in definitions and guidelines, or suboptimal coding, the optimal study design for a prevention programme is still missing. Thus, medical records data were tested for their potential use for an injury surveillance registry and their impact on future prevention programmes. Design: Retrospective record analysis out of a 3 year period. Setting: All patients were treated exclusively by the first author. Patients: Six girls, median age 7 years, range 3.5 to 12 years with classical straddle injury. Interventions: Medical treatment and recording according to National and International Standards. Main Outcome Measures: All records were analyzed for accuracy in diagnosis and coding, surgical procedure, time and location of incident and examination findings. Results: All registration data sets were complete. A specific code for “straddle injury” in International Classification of Diseases (ICD) did not exist. Coding followed mainly reimbursement issues and specific information about the injury was usually expressed in an individual style. Conclusions: As demonstrated in this pilot, population based medical record data collection can play a substantial part in local injury surveillance registry and prevention initiatives planning.