LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Genetic and clinical risk prediction model for postoperative atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) is common after coronary artery bypass grafting. We previously showed that atrial fibrillation susceptibility single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the chromosome 4q25 locus are associated with PoAF. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a combined clinical and genetic model incorporating atrial fibrillation risk SNPs would be superior to a clinical-only model.


METHODS AND RESULTS
We developed and externally validated clinical and clinical/genetic risk models for PoAF. The discovery and validation cohorts included 556 and 1164 patients, respectively. Clinical variables previously associated with PoAF and 13 SNPs at loci associated with atrial fibrillation in genome-wide association studies were considered. PoAF occurred in 30% and 29% of patients in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. In the discovery cohort, a logistic regression model with clinical factors had good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.76. The addition of 10 SNPs to the clinical model did not improve discrimination (area under receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.78; P=0.14 for difference between the 2 models). In the validation cohort, the clinical model had good discrimination (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.69) and addition of genetic variables resulted in a marginal improvement in discrimination (area under receiver operator characteristic curve, 0.72; P<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
We developed and validated a model for the prediction of PoAF containing common clinical variables. Addition of atrial fibrillation susceptibility SNPs did not improve model performance. Tools to accurately predict PoAF are needed to risk stratify patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and identify candidates for prophylactic therapies.
Robust Discriminative Localization Maps

Activation maps obtained from CNN filter responses have been used to visualize and improve the performance of deep learning models. However, as CNNs are susceptible to adversarial attack, so are the activation maps. While recovering the predictions of the classifier is a difficult task and often requires complex transformations, we show that recovering activation maps is trivial and does not require any changes either to the classifier or the input image. Code: github.com/iamaaditya/robust-activation-maps
Axiomatising ST-Bisimulation Equivalence

A simple ST operational semantics for a process algebra is provided, by defining a set of operational rules in Plotkin’s style. This algebra comprises TCSP parallel composition, ACP sequential composition and a refinement operator, which is used for replacing an action with an entire process, thus permitting hierarchical specification of systems. We prove that ST-bisimulation equivalence is a congruence, resorting to standard techniques on rule formats. Moreover, we provide a set of axioms that is sound and complete with respect to ST-bisimulation. The intriguing case of the forgetful refinement (i.e. when an action is refined into the properly terminated process) is dealt with in a new, improved manner. 1. To appear in Proceedings of the IFIP Working Conference on Programming Concepts, Methods and Calculi (PROCOMET ’94), S. Miniato, Italy, June 1994. The first and third authors have been supported by CNR, MURST and Esprit project 8130LOMAPS. The second author has been fundedbyONRundergrant numberN00014-92-J-1974. 2. Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Siena Via del Capitano, 15, I-53100 Siena, Italy. 3. Computer Science Department, Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305, USA. 4. Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Bologna Piazza di Porta S. Donato 5, I-40127 Bologna, Italy.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Chewable Tablet of Albendazole by Different Techniques

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with broad spectrum anthelmenthic activity and excellent tolerability. Orally it is rapidly absorbed and metabolized to sulfoxide and sulfone, which may be responsible for its anthelmenthic action. Single dose administration of albendazole has produced cure rates in ascarisis, hookworm and enterobiasis which are comparable to three day treatment with mebendazole. Albendazole chewable tablets (400 mg) were prepared by three methods viz. non aqueous granulation, aqueous granulation and direct compression and were named as NAG, AG and DC respectively. Tablet prepared by these three methods were evaluated by different parameters such as average weight, hardness, carr’s index, tapped density, friability, disintegration, content uniformity test, in vitro dissolution etc. All the parameters were found within the specifications. The study on the dissolution profile revealed that product ‘DC’ had faster dissolution rate while compared to remaining batches and marketed product. Assay values were within the limits of 90% to 110%.
Central arteriovenous anastomosis for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled hypertension (the ROX CONTROL HTN study): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND
Hypertension contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a central iliac arteriovenous anastomosis to alter the mechanical arterial properties and reduce blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.


METHODS
We enrolled patients in this open-label, multicentre, prospective, randomised, controlled trial between October, 2012, and April, 2014. Eligible patients had baseline office systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and average daytime ambulatory blood pressure of 135 mm Hg or higher systolic and 85 mm Hg or higher diastolic despite antihypertensive treatment. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to undergo implantation of an arteriovenous coupler device plus current pharmaceutical treatment or to maintain current treatment alone (control). The primary endpoint was mean change from baseline in office and 24 h ambulatory systolic blood pressure at 6 months. Analysis was by modified intention to treat (all patients remaining in follow-up at 6 months). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01642498.


FINDINGS
83 (43%) of 195 patients screened were assigned arteriovenous coupler therapy (n=44) or normal care (n=39). Mean office systolic blood pressure reduced by 26·9 (SD 23·9) mm Hg in the arteriovenous coupler group (p<0·0001) and by 3·7 (21·2) mm Hg in the control group (p=0·31). Mean systolic 24 h ambulatory blood pressure reduced by 13·5 (18·8) mm Hg (p<0·0001) in arteriovenous coupler recipients and by 0·5 (15·8) mm Hg (p=0·86) in controls. Implantation of the arteriovenous coupler was associated with late ipsilateral venous stenosis in 12 (29%) of 42 patients and was treatable with venoplasty or stenting.


INTERPRETATION
Arteriovenous anastomosis was associated with significantly reduced blood pressure and hypertensive complications. This approach might be a useful adjunctive therapy for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.


FUNDING
ROX Medical.
Oil price risk and the Australian stock market

Abstract The primary aim of this paper is to investigate the sensitivity of Australian industry equity returns to an oil price factor over the period 1983–1996. The paper employs an augmented market model to establish the sensitivity. The key findings are as follows. First, a degree of pervasiveness of an oil price factor, beyond the influence of the market, is detected across some Australian industries. Second, we propose and find significant positive oil price sensitivity in the Oil and Gas and Diversified Resources industries. Similarly, we propose and find significant negative oil price sensitivity in the Paper and Packaging, and Transport industries. Generally, we find that long-term effects persist, although we hypothesize that some firms have been able to pass on oil price changes to customers or hedge the risk. The results have implications for management in these industries and policy makers and enhance our understanding of the “Dutch disease.”
Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis of Mentha arvensis Extracts and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties

Silver nanoparticle synthesis of selected plant extract were confirmed by Ultra violet visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy The Mentha arvensis leaf extract mediated nanoparticles showed absorbance peaks at 340 nm region in the spectral analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of the silver nanoparticles showed absorption peaks of reduced silver at1650.95 cm −1 . The total antioxidant of AgNO3) shows a maximum activity of 40% was observed at 600μg/ml. 1-Dibhenyl-2-Picrylhydrazlradical in Mentha arvensis mediated silver nanoparticles showed a maximum activity of 25% was observed at 600μg/ml. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay in Mentha arvensis mediated silver nanoparticles showed a maximum activity of 10% was observed at 600μg/ml. Reducing power of Mentha arvensis silver nanoparticles exhibited a higher activity of 19% in 600μg/ml. The selected plant exhibits better antioxidant properties.
Effects of Meridian Acupressure Massage on Body Composition, Edema, Stress, and Fatigue in Postpartum Women.

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate the effects of meridian acupressure massage on body composition, edema, stress, and fatigue in postpartum women.


DESIGN
A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group was utilized.


SETTINGS/LOCATION
The Postpartum Care Center of Women's Hospital in Gwangju City, Republic of Korea.


SUBJECTS
The study group consisted of 39 postpartum women, 19 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group, recruited from the postpartum care center of Women's Hospital in Gwangju city, South Korea.


INTERVENTIONS
The experimental group was provided with meridian acupressure massage for 90 min daily over 5 days as an experimental therapy.


OUTCOME MEASURES
Body composition (body weight, BMI, total body water, ECW ratio, LBM, and body fat) Edema (subjective edema, average girth of the upper limbs, and average girth of the lower limbs), Stress (psychological stress and physical stress), and Fatigue.


RESULTS
The experimental group demonstrated a significantly larger decrease compared with the control group in measures of body composition, edema, total subjective stress, psychological stress, and subjective fatigue.


CONCLUSIONS
Meridian acupressure massage can hasten the return to original body composition after childbirth.
Task Parameterization Using Continuous Constraints Extracted From Human Demonstrations

In this paper, we propose an approach for learning task specifications automatically, by observing human demonstrations. Using this approach allows a robot to combine representations of individual actions to achieve a high-level goal. We hypothesize that task specifications consist of variables that present a pattern of change that is invariant across demonstrations. We identify these specifications at different stages of task completion. Changes in task constraints allow us to identify transitions in the task description and to segment them into subtasks. We extract the following task-space constraints: 1) the reference frame in which to express the task variables; 2) the variable of interest at each time step, position, or force at the end effector; and 3) a factor that can modulate the contribution of force and position in a hybrid impedance controller. The approach was validated on a seven-degree-of-freedom Kuka arm, performing two different tasks: grating vegetables and extracting a battery from a charging stand.
Clinical outcomes of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute dapsone poisoning

OBJECTIVE
Adverse cardiovascular events (ACVEs) account for a large proportion of the morbidities and mortalities associated with drug overdose emergencies. However, there are no published reports regarding outcomes of ACVEs associated with acute dapsone poisoning. Here, the authors retrospectively analyzed ACVEs reported within 48 hours of treatment in patients with acute dapsone poisoning and assessed the significance of ACVEs as early predictors of mortality.


METHODS
Sixty-one consecutive cases of acute dapsone poisoning that were diagnosed and treated at a regional emergency center between 2006 and 2014 were included in the study. An ACVE was defined as myocardial injury, shock, ventricular dysrhythmia, cardiac arrest, or any combination of these occurring within the first 48 hours of treatment for acute dapsone poisoning.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients (31.1%) had evidence of myocardial injury (elevation of serum troponin-I level or electrocardiography signs of ischemia) after dapsone overdose, and there were a total of 19 ACVEs (31.1%), including one case of shock (1.6%). Fourteen patients (23.0%) died from pneumonia or multiple organ failure, and the incidence of ACVEs was significantly higher among non-survivors than among survivors (64.3% vs. 21.3%, P=0.006). ACVE was a significant predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 5.690; 95% confidence interval, 1.428 to 22.675; P=0.014).


CONCLUSION
The incidence of ACVE was significantly higher among patients who died after acute dapsone poisoning. ACVE is a significant predictor of mortality after dapsone overdose, and evidence of ACVE should be carefully sought in these patients.
Understanding the Predictive Power of Social

Please check this box if you do not wish your email address to be published Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments that have enabled the improvement of manuscript's quality. The authors would also like to acknowledge that the Before that, he served as a Researcher Grade D at the research center CERTH/ITI and at research center NCSR " Demokritos ". He was also founder and manager of the eGovernment Unit at Archetypon SA, an international IT company. He holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and an MSc and PhD from Brunel University, UK. During the past years he has initiated and managed several research projects (e.g. Automation. He has about 200 research publications in the areas of software modeling and development for the domains of eGovernment, eBusiness, eLearning, eManufacturing etc. Structured Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this article is to consolidate existing knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of the use of Social Media (SM) data for predictions in various areas, such as disease outbreaks, product sales, stock market volatility, and elections outcome predictions. Design/methodology/approach The scientific literature was systematically reviewed to identify relevant empirical studies. These studies were analyzed and synthesized in the form of a proposed conceptual framework, which was thereafter applied to further analyze this literature, hence gaining new insights into the field. Findings The proposed framework reveals that all relevant studies can be decomposed into a small number of steps, and different approaches can be followed in each step. The application of the framework resulted in interesting findings. For example, most studies support SM predictive power, however more than one-third of these studies infer predictive power without employing predictive analytics. In addition, analysis suggests that there is a clear need for more advanced sentiment analysis methods as well as methods for identifying search terms for collection and filtering of raw SM data. Value The proposed framework enables researchers to classify and evaluate existing studies, to design scientifically rigorous new studies, and to identify the field's weaknesses, hence proposing future research directions. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to consolidate existing knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of the use of Social Media (SM) data for predictions in various areas, such as disease outbreaks, product sales, stock market volatility, and elections outcome predictions. Design/methodology/approach: The scientific literature was systematically reviewed …
On the splitting method for VQ codebook generation

The well known LBG algorithm uses binary splitting method for generating initial codebook which is then iteratively improved by GLA. In the present paper we study different variants of the splitting method and its application to codebook generation problem with and without GLA. A new iterative splitting method is proposed which is applicable to the codebook generation without the use of GLA. Experiments show that the improved splitting method outperforms both GLA and the other existing splitting based algorithms. The best combination uses hyperplane partitioning of the clusters along the principal axis as proposed in [ 1] , integrated with a local repartitioning phase at each step of the algorithm.
Speaker segmentation and clustering

This survey focuses on two challenging speech processing topics, namely: speaker segmentation and speaker clustering. Speaker segmentation aims at finding speaker change points in an audio stream, whereas speaker clustering aims at grouping speech segments based on speaker characteristics. Model-based, metric-based, and hybrid speaker segmentation algorithms are reviewed. Concerning speaker clustering, deterministic and probabilistic algorithms are examined. A comparative assessment of the reviewed algorithms is undertaken, the algorithm advantages and disadvantages are indicated, insight to the algorithms is offered, and deductions as well as recommendations are given. Rich transcription and movie analysis are candidate applications that benefit from combined speaker segmentation and clustering.
Barriers to ITC Integration into Teachers' Classroom Practices: Lessons from a Case Study on Social Studies Teachers in Turkey

This study analyses the difficulties and obstacles faced by teachers of social studies education while using ICT-based teaching equipment and methods in their classes. Although ICT-based equipment and methods create important opportunities for the development of teaching, the literature shows that the ICT integration into teachers’ classroom practices is not at the desired level. The study aims to use case study methods to analyze the reasons underlying this situation. Eighteen teachers of social studies education participated in the study. Classroom observation and semi-structured interview were used as data collection methods. According to the results of the study, the main barriers against the use of ICT-based methods and equipment in teachers’ instructional practices are lack of ICT equipment in classrooms, lack of ICT-based teaching resources, the effect of traditional approaches on teachers’ practices, inadequacies regarding in-service teacher training and lack of time.
Asymmetric Information : Theory and Applications

This paper discusses asymmetric information theory as presented in economics literature. We present the theory’s implications for market behavior and the market institutions that are created to mitigate the adverse effects implied by the theory. Furthermore, we present some applications of the theory found in the literature and propose a new application of the theory.
The Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocol Version 1.2

This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited. Abstract This document specifies Version 1.2 of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. The TLS protocol provides communications security over the Internet. The protocol allows client/server applications to communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery.
Verapamil causes decreased diaphragm endurance but no decrease of nocturnal O2 saturation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: In animal studies, it has been shown that verapamil reduces strength and endurance of the diaphragm and inhibits the beneficial effects of theophylline. We examined whether the use of verapamil in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use theophylline leads to a deterioration of diaphragmatic function resulting in a decrease of nocturnal O2 saturation. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was designed in eight stabile severe COPD patients [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 0.9 ± 0.1 l] taking theophylline. The doses of theophylline ranged from 600 mg daily to 1200 mg daily (7.0 mg/kg daily to 16.9 mg/kg daily). Nocturnal recordings, maximal respiratory muscle strength and endurance tests, lung function, blood pressure, electrocardiogram and arterial blood gas analysis were performed after 6 days of verapamil and after placebo. Results: A significant decrease of the endurance time from 7.7 min to 6.4 min was found in the threshold loading test. However, the mean nocturnal saturation values did not change significantly: 89.8% and 89.6%, respectively. Results of pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis and routine blood samples also did not change. Conclusion: The decrease of the respiratory muscle endurance after the use of verapamil is in line with experiments in animal diaphragms. However, the nocturnal saturation did not change. This finding suggests that the effect found on diaphragm endurance is of no clinical significance and that verapamil can be given to COPD patients without risk of worsening nocturnal saturation. However, this must be confirmed by future larger scale studies.
Advanced Imaging for the Early Diagnosis of Local Recurrence Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

Currently the diagnosis of local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RT) is based on the onset of biochemical failure which is defined by two consecutive values of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) higher than 0.2 ng/mL. The aim of this paper was to review the current roles of advanced imaging in the detection of locoregional recurrence. A nonsystematic literature search using the Medline and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to November 2013. Bibliographies of retrieved and review articles were also examined. Only those articles reporting complete data with clinical relevance for the present review were selected. This review article is divided into two major parts: the first one considers the role of PET/CT in the restaging of PCa after RP; the second part is intended to provide the impact of multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) in the depiction of locoregional recurrence. Published data indicate an emerging role for mp-MRI in the depiction of locoregional recurrence, while the performance of PET/CT still remains unclear. Moreover Mp-MRI, thanks to functional techniques, allows to distinguish between residual glandular healthy tissue, scar/fibrotic tissue, granulation tissue, and tumour recurrence and it may also be able to assess the aggressiveness of nodule recurrence.