LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
CT enterography with polyethylene glycol solution vs CT enteroclysis in small bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to compare CT enterography with polyethylene glycol solution (PEG-CT) with CT enteroclysis (CT-E) in patients with suspected small bowel disease.


METHODS
145 patients underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced 16-row multidetector CT after administration of 2000 ml of PEG by mouth (n = 75) or after administration of 2000 ml of methylcellulose by nasojejunal tube (n = 70). Small bowel distension, luminal and extraluminal findings were evaluated and compared with small bowel follow-through examination in 60 patients, double contrast enema in 50, surgery in 25 and endoscopy in 35. Statistical evaluation was carried out by χ² testing. For both techniques we have also calculated the effective dose and the equivalent dose in a standard patient.


RESULTS
Crohn's disease was diagnosed in 64 patients, neoplasms in 16, adhesions in 6. Distension of the jejunum was better with CT-E than PEG-CT (p<0.05: statistically significant difference). No significant difference was present for others sites (p>0.05). Evaluation of pathological ileal loops was good with both techniques. The values of sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were respectively 94%, 100% and 96% with CT-E, and 93%, 94% and 93% with PEG-CT. The effective dose for PEG-CT was less than the dose for the CT-E (34.7 mSv vs 39.91 mSv).


CONCLUSION
PEG-CT shows findings of Crohn's disease as well as CT-E does, although CT-E gives better bowel distension, especially in the jejunum, and has higher specificity than PEG-CT.
Comparison of statistical methods for classification of ovarian cancer using mass spectrometry data

MOTIVATION
Novel methods, both molecular and statistical, are urgently needed to take advantage of recent advances in biotechnology and the human genome project for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Mass spectrometry (MS) holds great promise for biomarker identification and genome-wide protein profiling. It has been demonstrated in the literature that biomarkers can be identified to distinguish normal individuals from cancer patients using MS data. Such progress is especially exciting for the detection of early-stage ovarian cancer patients. Although various statistical methods have been utilized to identify biomarkers from MS data, there has been no systematic comparison among these approaches in their relative ability to analyze MS data.


RESULTS
We compare the performance of several classes of statistical methods for the classification of cancer based on MS spectra. These methods include: linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbor classifier, bagging and boosting classification trees, support vector machine, and random forest (RF). The methods are applied to ovarian cancer and control serum samples from the National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program clinic at Northwestern University Hospital. We found that RF outperforms other methods in the analysis of MS data.
Dynamic comparative advantage and the welfare effects of trade

Developing economies may face a trade-off between specializing according to existing comparative advantage (in low-technology goods) and entering sectors in which they currently lack a comparative advantage but may acquire such an advantage in the future as a result of the potential for productivity growth (in high-technology goods). Comparative advantage is endogenously determined by past technological change, while simultaneously shaping current rates of innovation. Hence, specialization according to current comparative advantage under free trade may be welfare reducing. Selective intervention may be welfare improving, both for the economy undertaking it and for its trade partner. Copyright 1999 by Royal Economic Society.
Effects of aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance in healthy women.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a progressive 10-wk aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance and muscle mass of the knee extensors and flexors in healthy women.


METHODS
Twenty-four healthy women (34.2 +/- 3.9 yr) were randomly assigned into aquatic exercise (N = 12) and control group (N = 12). Maximum knee extension and flexion torques were measured isometrically and at constant angular velocities of 60 degrees x s(-1) and 180 degrees x s(-1) (isokinetic) with simultaneous electromyography (EMG) recordings of the quadriceps and hamstrings. The lean muscle mass (LCSA) of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was determined by computed tomography scanning.


RESULTS
Significant interaction of group by time was observed in each of the measured parameters. The change in extension and flexion isometric/isokinetic torque varied between 8 and 13% and in EMGs between 10 and 27% in the exercise group. The change in the quadriceps LCSA of the exercise group was 4% and in hamstrings 5.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study showed that 10 wk of progressive aquatic resistance training resulted in significant improvement in muscle torque of the knee extensors and flexors accompanied with proportional improvement in neural activation and with significant increase in the LCSA of the trained muscles. Aquatic training can be recommended for neuromuscular conditioning in healthy persons.
A controlled study comparing visual function in patients treated with vigabatrin and tiagabine.

OBJECTIVE
Vigabatrin treatment is frequently associated with irreversible retinal injury and produces retinal electrophysiological changes in nearly all patients. Concern has been raised that tiagabine and other antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs) that increase brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) might produce similar electrophysiological and clinical changes in visual function. The study compared visual function between groups of patients with epilepsy treated long term with tiagabine, vigabatrin, and patients treated with other AEDs.


METHODS
A cross sectional study comparing visual acuity, colour vision, static and kinetic perimetry, and electroretinograms between groups of patients treated with tiagabine, vigabatrin, and other AEDs (control patients). Patients were adults receiving stable AED treatment for >6 months.


RESULTS
Vigabatrin treated patients had marked visual field constrictions in kinetic perimetry (mean radius 39.6 degrees OD, 40.5 degrees OS), while tiagabine patients had normal findings (mean 61 degrees OD, 62 degrees OS) (differences OD and OS, p=0.001), which were similar to epilepsy control patients (mean 60 degrees OD, 61 degrees OS). Vigabatrin patients had abnormal electroretinographic photopic B wave, oscillatory, and flicker responses, which correlated with visual field constrictions. These electroretinographic responses were normal for tiagabine patients and control patients. Patients were treated with vigabatrin for a median of 46 months compared with 29 months for tiagabine. Patients taking other AEDs that may change brain GABA had normal visual function.


CONCLUSION
Unlike vigabatrin, tiagabine treatment is associated with normal electroretinography and visual fields and ophthalmological function similar to epilepsy control patients. Differences between vigabatrin and other GABA modulating AEDs in retinal drug concentrations and other effects might explain why tiagabine increases in GABA reuptake do not cause retinal injury.
A client-centred ADL intervention: three-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE
The aim was to study a client-centred activities of daily living (ADL) intervention (CADL) compared with the usual ADL intervention (UADL) in people with stroke regarding: independence in ADL, perceived participation, life satisfaction, use of home-help service, and satisfaction with training and, in their significant others, regarding: caregiver burden, life satisfaction, and informal care.


METHODS
In this multicentre study, 16 rehabilitation units were randomly assigned to deliver CADL or UADL. The occupational therapists who provided the CADL were specifically trained. Eligible for inclusion were people with stroke treated in a stroke unit ≤3 months after stroke, dependent in ≥two ADL, not diagnosed with dementia, and able to understand instructions. Data were collected at inclusion and three months thereafter. To detect a significant difference between the groups in the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) domain "participation", 280 participants were required. Intention-to-treat analysis was applied.


RESULTS
At three months, there was no difference in the outcomes between the CADL group (n = 129) and the UADL group (n = 151), or their significant others (n = 87/n = 93) except in the SIS domain "emotion" in favour of CADL (p = 0.04).


CONCLUSION
The CADL does not appear to bring about short-term differences in outcomes and longer follow-ups are required.
Foundations of AI: The Big Issues

Kirsh, D., Foundations of AI: the big issues, Artificial Intelligence 47 (1991) 3-30. The objective of research in the foundations of AI is to explore such basic questions as: What is a theory in AI? What are the most abstract assumptions underlying the competing visions of intelligence? What are the basic arguments for and against each assumption? In this essay I discuss five foundational issues: (1) Core AI is the study of conceptualization and should begin with knowledge level theories. (2) Cognition can be studied as a disembodied process without solving the symbol grounding problem. (3) Cognition is nicely described in propositional terms. (4) We can study cognition separately from learning. (5) There is a single architecture underlying virtually all cognition. I explain what each of these implies and present arguments from both outside and inside AI why each has been seen as right or wrong.
Medico legal procedures related to sexual assault : a 10-year retrospective experience of a Daphne protocol application

Background: Sexual assault is a worldwide problem that has not yet been sufficiently acknowledged as confirmed by the literature. Italian law n.96, 1996, foreseeing norms regarding rape and sexual abuse, finally gave significant relevance to sex crimes. In 2004, the European Commission for Justice Internal Affairs and Social Politics promoted the Daphne II program to support victims of rape and abuse, and the Violence and Operative Healthcare Networks (Ve.R.S.O.) project started at the Policlinico “P. Giaccone” University Hospital of Palermo in 2006. Aim: data analysis emerging from 10 years experience of Daphne protocol utilization for the management of sexual assault victims. Methods: From October 2006 since December 2016 a total of 90 victims of sexual assault were retrospectively investigated. Patients are divided into groups in relation to: gender, age, place of SA, number and type of assailant, nature of sexual assault, presence/absence of physical or genital injuries. Results: Among victims 88 were females (97%) and 2 males (3%); 68 Italians (75.5%) and 22 foreigners (24.5%). At the time the events occurred, 42% (n = 38) of the victims were minors aged less than 16 years. In 11 cases, the age of the victim is not indicated. The assailant was an acquaintance of the victim in 65% of the cases (in 73% of these cases, the assailant was a family member). In 26 cases (28%) happened indoor, 44 cases happened outdoor and in 20 cases there were no data. Evidence of recent acute general body trauma (abrasions, bruises, lacerations) was found in 38 cases (42%); other types of injuries include: genital trauma (14 cases, 15%), genital and body traumas (49 cases, 54%) (tab. 1–2-). In 24 cases (26%) there were no injuries. Among genital trauma, we distinguished vulvovaginal lesions (68.5%) and anal lesions (31.5%). We have classified the minor victims using first Adam’s classification and based on Adam’s classification revised in 2015. Conclusion: Application of the Ve.R.S.O project protocol changed and greatly improved health management of victims of violence. By following these procedures, violence and abuse are analyzed from every point of view, also for an appropriate assessment of the medium and long term health consequences of sexual assault. Only in this way are citizens provided with a high level of protection against gender violence, psychological support and prevention from any form of violence which takes place in respect of such vulnerable people.
A Virtual Machine for Multi-Language Execution

This paper presents the architecture of a virtual machine designed specifically for the execution of multiple languages, which we call Seam. The architecture consists of a number of generic components, usable by all languages, and of a number of interfaces for which implementations have to be provided by language implementors. Our contribution is the identification of the generic services and the clean design for the parameterization over their language-specific aspects. The goal of Seam is to provide both for ample reuse and simple language implementation, concerning both compilers and runtime components, and to be a platform for language interoperation. We have implemented a prototype version of Seam and validated it with two language implementations. We present a full running implementation of Alice and a näıve implementation of a Java Virtual Machine running on Seam. The paper presents first implementation effort and performance results for the prototype.
The role of visual representation type, spatial ability, and reading comprehension in word problem solving: An item-level analysis in elementary school children

This study examined the role of visual representation type, spatial ability, and reading comprehension in word problem solving in 128 sixth-grade students by using primarily an item-level approach rather than a test-level approach. We revealed that compared to students who did not make a visual representation, those who produced an accurate visual-schematic representation increased the chance of solving a word problem correctly almost six times. Inaccurate visual-schematic and pictorial representations, on the other hand, decreased students’ chance of problem solving success. Noteworthy, reading comprehension was related to word problem solving at the test-level but not at the itemlevel. In interpreting the results, we advocate the use of item-level analyses since they are able to disclose such level-of-analysis discrepancies. 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
RFID Reader Front-End Having Robust Tx Leakage Canceller for Load Variation

A novel front-end structure for ultra-high-frequency RF identification reader is proposed. The proposed front-end consists of a balanced coupler and four-port feed antenna system. The proposed balanced coupler structure has high transmit/receiver isolation feature and good insensitivity to load variations. The proposed four-port feed antenna system is applied for removing the coupling among antennas, which deteriorates the isolation. The proposed system is numerically analyzed and verified experimentally as well.
ERP implementation: a compilation and analysis of critical success factors

Purpose – To explore the current literature base of critical success factors (CSFs) of ERP implementations, prepare a compilation, and identify any gaps that might exist. Design/methodology/approach – Hundreds of journals were searched using key terms identified in a preliminary literature review. Successive rounds of article abstract reviews resulted in 45 articles being selected for the compilation. CSF constructs were then identified using content analysis methodology and an inductive coding technique. A subsequent critical analysis identified gaps in the literature base. Findings – The most significant finding is the lack of research that has focused on the identification of CSFs from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Additionally, there appears to be much variance with respect to what exactly is encompassed by change management, one of the most widely cited CSFs, and little detail of specific implementation tactics. Research limitations/implications – There is a need to focus future research efforts on the study of CSFs as they apply to the perspectives of key stakeholders and to ensure that this stakeholder approach is also comprehensive in its coverage of CSFs. As well, there is need to conduct more in-depth research into the concept of change management. One key limitation of this research is the occurrence of duplication in the frequency analysis of the success factors. This is attributed to secondary research being the main methodology for a large number of the articles cited. Originality/value – This research provides a comprehensive compilation of all previously identified ERP implementation success factors, through a clearly structured methodological approach.
Psychology resources on the world wide web

1. Locating Web Resources. 2. Evaluating Web Resources. 3. General Resources in Psychology. 4. Psychology as History and as Science. 5. Biological Bases of Behavior. 6. Sensation, Perception, and Consciousness. 7. Learning and Conditioning. 8. Memory. 9. Language and Cognition. 10. Intelligence and Testing. 11. Motivation and Emotion. 12. Human Development. 13. Personality. ]14. Abnormal Behavior. 15. Therapy. 16. Stress, Coping, and Health. 17. Social Behavior. 18. Research and Statistics. Alphabetical List of Sites.
A 1-h Combination Algorithm Allows Fast Rule-Out and Rule-In of Major Adverse Cardiac Events.

BACKGROUND
A 1-h algorithm based on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) testing at presentation and again 1 h thereafter has been shown to accurately rule out acute myocardial infarction.


OBJECTIVES
The goal of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the 1-h algorithm when supplemented with patient history and an electrocardiogram (ECG) (the extended algorithm) for predicting 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and to compare it with the algorithm using hs-cTnT alone (the troponin algorithm).


METHODS
This prospective observational study enrolled consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain, for whom hs-cTnT testing was ordered at presentation. Hs-cTnT results at 1 h and the ED physician's assessments of patient history and ECG were collected. The primary outcome was an adjudicated diagnosis of 30-day MACE defined as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmia, atrioventricular block, cardiac arrest, or death of a cardiac or unknown cause.


RESULTS
In the final analysis, 1,038 patients were included. The extended algorithm identified 60% of all patients for rule-out and had a higher sensitivity than the troponin algorithm (97.5% vs. 87.6%; p < 0.001). The negative predictive value was 99.5% and the likelihood ratio was 0.04 with the extended algorithm versus 97.8% and 0.17, respectively, with the troponin algorithm. The extended algorithm ruled-in 14% of patients with a higher sensitivity (75.2% vs. 56.2%; p < 0.001) but a slightly lower specificity (94.0% vs. 96.4%; p < 0.001) than the troponin algorithm. The rule-in arms of both algorithms had a likelihood ratio >10.


CONCLUSIONS
A 1-h combination algorithm allowed fast rule-out and rule-in of 30-day MACE in a majority of ED patients with chest pain and performed better than the troponin-alone algorithm.
Clopidogrel improves systemic endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability in patients with coronary artery disease: evidence for antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects.

BACKGROUND
Platelet stimulation and activation are known not only as prerequisite of clot formation but are increasingly recognized as important contributors to inflammation and vascular injury. The present study in patients with symptomatic coronary disease investigated whether platelet adenosine diphosphate receptor blockade by clopidogrel exerts beneficial effects on endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability, oxidative stress, and/or inflammatory status.


METHODS AND RESULTS
One hundred three consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary disease and long-term aspirin therapy were studied. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation was determined measuring forearm blood flow (FBF)-responses to acetylcholine with and without N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginin (L-NMMA) and sodium nitroprusside, by using venous occlusion plethysmography. Patients were randomized to receive additional treatment with clopidogrel or placebo. Vascular function tests were repeated after 5 weeks and showed significant improvement of acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation and L-NMMA responses in the clopidogrel-added group (max. FBF from 9.8+/-0.3 to 14.7+/-0.4; L-NMMA-response from 3.7+/-0.1 to 6.8+/-0.3 mL/100 mL/min). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Sodium nitroprusside-induced vasodilation was not changed in either group. Urinary excretion of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha and plasma levels of hsCRP, sCD40L, and RANTES were reduced in patients on additional treatment with clopidogrel, but not in patients on placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Clopidogrel improves endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability and diminishes biomarkers of oxidant stress and inflammation in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, suggesting that beyond inhibition of platelet aggregation, adenosine phosphate receptor blockade may also have promising vasoprotective effects.
Evaluation of the effects of formulation and food on the pharmacokinetics of lenvatinib (E7080) in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of formulation and a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered lenvatinib (E7080).


MATERIALS
Lenvatinib 10-mg capsule and tablet.


METHODS
Pharmacokinetics and safety of a single 10-mg lenvatinib dose were evaluated in healthy subjects in two randomized, two-period, crossover, phase 1, bioavailability trials. The first compared a new capsule formulation with an older tablet formulation (n = 20 subjects); the second evaluated the influence of a standard high-fat meal on the relative bioavailability of the capsule formulation (n = 16 subjects). Geometric least squares mean ratios of AUC0-∞, maximum observed concentration (Cmax), and AUC0-t were determined. tmax, tlag (food effect only), and t1/2,z were also calculated, and descriptive statistics were provided.


RESULTS
A total of 36 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the two studies (mean ages 29 and 33 years). In the formulation study, AUC0-∞ and AUC0-t of the capsule formulation were ~ 10% less than the tablet formulation, and Cmax for the capsule formulation was ~ 14% lower. 90% Confidence intervals (CIs) for both AUCs were within the 80 - 125% CI, which is generally considered to denote bioequivalence, while the lower bound of the interval for Cmax was 79.8%. tmax and t1/2,z were comparable. For the capsule formulation, the mean (%CV) t1/2,z was 27.6 hours (27.3) and the median (range) tmax was 2.0 hours (2 - 4). In the food effect study, lenvatinib's AUC0-∞ and AUC0-t increased ~ 6% and 4% with the high-fat meal. Cmax following a high-fat meal was 5% lower than following administration in the fasted state. Administration with food delayed lenvatinib's tmax (2 vs. 4 hours). 90% CIs for AUCs were within the 80 - 125% CI, while the CI for Cmax was 72.1 - 126.4%. The single 10-mg dose demonstrated an acceptable tolerability profile; treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 9 subjects (25%) overall and were typically mild in severity.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies show that a new capsule formulation produces slightly lower exposure (~10 - 14%) to lenvatinib compared with the original tablet formulation, and that oral administration with a high-fat meal does not significantly affect exposure, although absorption is delayed. Thus, lenvatinib can be administered without regard to the timing of meals.
A Cognitive Model of Theory of Mind

It is generally well acknowledged that humans are capable of having a theory of mind (ToM) of others. We present here a model which borrows mechanisms from three dissenting explanations of how ToM develops and functions, and show that our model behaves in accordance with various ToM experiments (Wellman, Cross, & Watson, 2001; Leslie, German, & Polizzi, 2005).