LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Thromboembolic and major bleeding events in relation to perioperative bridging of vitamin K antagonists in 649 fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasties

Background - The benefit of preoperative bridging in surgical patients with continuous anticoagulant therapy is debatable, and drawing of meaningful conclusions may have been limited by mixed procedures with different thromboembolic and bleeding risks in most published studies. Patients and methods - This was an observational cohort treatment study in consecutive primary unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty patients between January 2010 and November 2013 in 8 Danish fast-track departments. Data were collected prospectively on preoperative comorbidity and anticoagulants in patients with preoperative vitamin K antagonist (VKA) treatment. We performed 30-day follow-up on in-hospital complications and re-admissions through the Danish National Patient Registry and patient records. Results - Of 13,375 procedures, 649 (4.7%) were in VKA patients with a mean age of 73 (SD 9) years and a median length of stay of 3 days (IQR: 2-4). Preoperative bridging was used in 430 (67%), while 215 (33%) were paused. Of 4 arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) (0.6%), 2 were in paused patients and 2 were in bridged patients (p = 0.6). Of 3 venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) (0.5%), 2 were in paused patients and 1 was in a bridged patient (p = 0.3). Of 8 major bleedings (MBs) (1.2%), 1 was in a paused patient and 7 were in bridged patients (p = 0.3), 5 of whom received therapeutic bridging. Similar results were found in a propensity-matched cohort. Interpretation - In contrast to recent studies in mixed surgical procedures, no statistically significant differences in ATE, VTE, or MB were found between preoperative bridging and pausation of VKA patients. However, the higher number of thromboembolic events in paused patients and the higher number of major bleedings in bridged patients warrant more extensive investigation.
Katamine - Effects on Human Performance and Behavior.

Ketamine is a rapid-acting anesthetic commonly used during surgical procedures in both animals and humans, as an experimental drug in the treatment of chronic pain, and as a probe for the study of the cause of schizophrenia. When used medically as an anesthetic it is administered as an intravenous (IV) solution, but when diverted to the illicit market it can be injected, snorted, smoked, or consumed in drinks. Ketamine produces effects similar in some respects to phencyclidine (PCP) and lysergic acid (LSD), but of shorter duration. Psychedelic effects are produced quickly by low doses of the drug, although larger doses are frequently used in an attempt to produce "near-death" experiences. Convulsions and death can be caused by higher doses, although most deaths in which ketamine is detected are the result of poly-drug use or trauma. Reports of ketamine use at rave parties attended by young adults appear to be on the rise. The effects from ketamine last from 1-5 hours, and ketamine can be detected in the urine for a period of 1-2 days following use.
Secure RGB Image Steganography from Pixel Indicator to Triple Algorithm-An Incremental Growth

Steganography is the art of hiding the fact that communication is taking place, by hiding information in other information. In this paper we have investigate two methods of RGB image steganography one is pixel indicator technique and other is triple-A algorithem.They uses the same principle of LSB, where the secret is hidden in the least significant bits of the pixels, with more randomization in selection of the number of bits used and the color channels that are used. This randomization is expected to increase the security of the system and also increase the capacity. These techniques can be applied to RGB images where each pixel is represented by three bytes to indicate the intensity of red, green, and blue in that pixel. This work showed attractive results especially in the capacity of the data-bits to be hidden with relation to the RGB image pixels.
Vaccine‐Associated Leptospira Antibodies in Client‐Owned Dogs

BACKGROUND
Long-term microscopic agglutination test (MAT) results after vaccination with 4-serovar Leptospira vaccines are not available for all vaccines used in client-owned dogs.


HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES
To determine antibody responses of client-owned dogs given 1 of 4 commercially available Leptospira vaccines.


ANIMALS
Healthy client-owned dogs (n = 32) with no history of Leptospira vaccination for at least the previous year.


METHODS
Dogs were given 1 of 4 Leptospira vaccines on week 0 and then approximately on week 3 and week 52. Sera were collected before vaccine administration on week 0 and then within 3 days of week 3, within 2 days of week 4, and approximately on weeks 7, 15, 29, 52, and 56. Antibody titers against Leptospira serovars bratislava, canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohemorrhagiae, and pomona and were determined by MAT.


RESULTS
When compared among vaccines, MAT results varied in maximal titers, the serovars inducing maximal titers, and the time required to reach maximal titers. Each vaccine induced at least some MAT titers ≥1 : 800. Most dogs were negative for antibodies against all serovars 1 year after vaccination, and anamnestic responses were variable.


CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Dogs vaccinated with Leptospira vaccines have variable MAT titers over time, and antibodies should not be used to predict resistance to Leptospira infection. MAT titers ≥1 : 800 can develop after Leptospira spp. vaccination, which can complicate the clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Research Guides: History 4034/4934: Historiography and Research Methods: Home

Library resources that support professor Jay Lockenour's course, Historiography & Research Methods
Environmental and Kinetic Parameters for Cr(VI) Bioreduction by a Bacterial Monoculture Purified from Cr(VI)-Resistant Consortium

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is toxic to living systems. Widespread contamination of water and soil by Cr(VI) present a serious public health problem. Chromium-resistant bacteria can reduce and detoxify Cr(VI). Twelve bacteria resistant to high concentrations of Cr(VI) were isolated from soil enrichment cultures. Environmental parameters and kinetic parameters of Cr(VI) bioreduction by one monoculture isolate, identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence as Bacillus sp. PB2, were studied. The optimal temperature for growth and Cr(VI) reduction was 35°C. The isolate grew luxuriantly and substantially reduced Cr(VI) at initial pH 7.5 to 9. Maximal Cr(VI) bioreduction occurred at initial pH 8.0. Substantial Cr(VI) bioreduction was observed in salt media, but removal efficiency was inversely related to salt concentration (1–9%). Michaelis–Menten hyperbolic equation and the Lineweaver–Burk double reciprocal plot were comparatively employed to determine the k m and V max of Cr(VI) bioreduction. A k m of 82.5 μg mL−1 and V max of 7.78 μg mL−1 h−1 were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis of the hyperbola curve. Linear regression analysis of the double reciprocal plot revealed k m and V max of 80.9 μg mL−1 and 10.6 μg mL−1 h−1, respectively. Time course studies displayed about 90% reduction of Cr(VI) at an initial concentration of 8,000 μg L−1 in 8 h, with an estimated t 1/2 of 4 h. Data from time course analysis of the rate of Cr(VI) bioreduction fitted zero-order model, and the kinetic constant k was calculated to be 840 μg L−1 h−1. The monoculture isolate, Bacillus sp. PB2, strongly reduces Cr(VI) and could be used for bioremediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Effect of personal health record booklet (PHRB) to knowledge, self-efficacy and healthy behaviors among Thai population at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVE
To investigate an effect of a personal health record booklet (PHRB) to knowledge, self-efficacy and healthy behaviors among Thai population at risk of CVD.


MATERIAL AND METHOD
The present study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in a primary care unit during November 2008 and January 2009. A random sample of 204 CVD risk population were recruited as a comparison group (n = 102), who received a regular follow-up and recorded routine blood pressure using booklet and an experimental group (n = 102), who received the regular follow-up and the intervention consisting of health education for CVD information and self-monitoring practice. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires at the baseline, the 4th week and the 8th week. These data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and GLM repeated measures.


RESULTS
Knowledge score was significantly decreased although self-efficacy was increased over a time in the experimental group. However except the figure of sweet/cookies consumption, the mean score of healthy behaviors were not improved in the experimental group when compared to the comparison group.


CONCLUSION
CVD information, activity illustrations with caption, health record section and daily self-monitoring tables in desired behaviors should be considered for inclusion in the booklet.
Anterior vaginal wall prolapse and voiding dysfunction in urogynecology patients

We investigated whether women with and without anterior vaginal wall prolapse have voiding differences. Women (n = 109) who presented to a urogynecology practice were categorized into two groups based on anterior vaginal wall prolapse: stages 0 and 1 and stages 2, 3, and 4. Women with prolapse were older than the women without prolapse but the groups were otherwise similar demographically. There was a higher rate of activity-related urine loss and use of wetness protection amongst women without prolapse. There was no significant difference for urgency symptoms or urge incontinence. Urodynamic testing found no significant differences for maximal flow rate or maximal urethral closing pressures. Postvoid residual volume and detrusor overactivity were not different but approached significance. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse of stage 2 or greater was not associated with urge incontinence or voiding function in this population. Women without prolapse were more likely to report stress incontinence.
Risk Factors for BK Polyoma Virus Treatment and Association of Treatment With Kidney Transplant Failure: Insights From a Paired Kidney Analysis.

BACKGROUND
Identification of risk factors for BK polyoma virus (BKPyV) without confounding by donor factors and era effects in paired analysis may inform strategies to prevent BKPyV.


METHODS
In this analysis of 21,575 mate kidney pairs in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between 2004 and 2010, the presence of a treatment code for BKPyV virus in follow-up forms was used to identify pairs in which 1 of 2 mate kidneys was treated (discordant treatment) or both mate kidneys were treated (concordant treatment).


RESULTS
Among 1975 discordant pairs, younger than 18 years or 60 years or older, male sex, HLA mismatch or 4 greater, acute rejection, and depleting antibody induction had a higher odds of treatment, whereas diabetes and sirolimus had a lower odds of treatment, and treatment was associated with a higher risk of allograft failure (hazards ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-2.48). The rate of concordant treatment (0.81%) was 2.8 times higher than expected. Concordant treatment was associated with nonwhite donor ethnicity, donation after circulatory death, transplantation after 2008, and transplantation of mate kidneys in the same center.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis of kidneys from the same donor in which only 1 transplant was treated for BKPyV identifies specific risk factors (age <18 or ≥ 60 years, male sex, depleting antibody, HLA mismatch ≥ 4) for BKPyV and provides an estimate of the BKPyV-associated risk of allograft failure (hazards ratio = 2.01) without confounding by donor factors or era effects. The higher than expected rate of concordant treatment suggests the importance of donor factors in BKPyV pathogenesis and warrants further study.
Progress and recent trends in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines

HCCI combustion has been drawing the considerable attention due to high efficiency and lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. However, there are still tough challenges in the successful operation of HCCI engines, such as controlling the combustion phasing, extending the operating range, and high unburned hydrocarbon and CO emissions. Massive research throughout the world has led to great progress in the control of HCCI combustion. The first thing paid attention to is that a great deal of fundamental theoretical research has been carried out. First, numerical simulation has become a good observation and a powerful tool to investigate HCCI and to develop control strategies for HCCI because of its greater flexibility and lower cost compared with engine experiments. Five types of models applied to HCCI engine modelling are discussed in the present paper. Second, HCCI can be applied to a variety of fuel types. Combustion phasing and operation range can be controlled by the modification of fuel characteristics. Third, it has been realized that advanced control strategies of fuel/air mixture are more important than simple homogeneous charge in the process of the controlling of HCCI combustion processes. The stratification strategy has the potential to extend the HCCI operation range to higher loads, and low temperature combustion (LTC) diluted by exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has the potential to extend the operation range to high loads; even to full loads, for diesel engines. Fourth, optical diagnostics has been applied widely to reveal in-cylinder combustion processes. In addition, the key to diesel-fuelled HCCI combustion control is mixture preparation, while EGR is the main path to achieve gasoline-fuelled HCCI combustion. Specific strategies for diesel-fuelled, gasoline-fuelled and other alternative fuelled HCCI combustion are also discussed in the present paper. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
An Energy-Efficient Protocol with Static Clustering for Wireless Sensor Networks

A wireless sensor network with a large number of tiny sensor nodes can be used as an effective tool for gathering data in various situations. One of the major issues in wireless sensor networks is developing an energy-efficient routing protocol which has a significant impact on the overall lifetime of the sensor network. In this paper, we propose a novel hierarchical with static clustering routing protocol called Energy-Efficient Protocol with Static Clustering (EEPSC). EEPSC, partitions the network into static clusters, eliminates the overhead of dynamic clustering and utilizes temporary-cluster-heads to distribute the energy load among highpower sensor nodes; thus extends network lifetime. We have conducted simulation-based evaluations to compare the performance of EEPSC against Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH). Our experiment results show that EEPSC outperforms LEACH in terms of network lifetime and power consumption minimization. Keywords—Clustering methods, energy efficiency, routing protocol, wireless sensor networks.
Adversarial Training Versus Weight Decay

Performance-critical machine learning models should be robust to input perturbations not seen during training. Adversarial training is a method for improving a model’s robustness to some perturbations by including them in the training process, but this tends to exacerbate other vulnerabilities of the model. The adversarial training framework has the effect of translating the data with respect to the cost function, while weight decay has a scaling effect. Although weight decay could be considered a crude regularization technique, it appears superior to adversarial training as it remains stable over a broader range of regimes and reduces all generalization errors. Equipped with these abstractions, we provide key baseline results and methodology for characterizing robustness. The two approaches can be combined to yield one small model that demonstrates good robustness to several whitebox attacks associated with different metrics.1
Virtual reality for education?

It is still unclear what, if any, impact virtual reality will have on public education. The virtual reality gorilla system is being used as a testbed to study if and how virtual reality might be use ful as an aid in educating middle school children, and to investigate the issues that arise when building virtual reality systems for knowledge acquisition and concept formation.
Optimization of micro-EDM with multiple performance characteristics using Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis

This study presents optimization of multiple performance characteristics [material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and overcut (OC)] in micro electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) using Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis. Machining process parameters selected were pulse-on time, discharge current, and gap voltage. Based on ANOVA, pulse-on time is found the most significant factor, which affects micro-EDM process. Optimized process parameters simultaneously leading to a higher MRR, lower TWR, and lower OC are then verified through a confirmation experiment. Validation experiment shows an improved MRR (12.88%), TWR (14.57%) and OC (6.1%) when Taguchi method and grey relational analysis were used.
Resonant clock design for a power-efficient high-volume x86–64 microprocessor

AMD's 4+ GHz x86-64 core codenamed “Piledriver” employs resonant clocking to reduce clock distribution power up to 24% while maintaining a low clock-skew target. To support testability and robust operation at the wide range of operating frequencies required of a commercial processor, the clock system operates in two modes: direct-drive (cclk) and resonant (rclk). Leveraging favorable factors such as the availability of two thick top-level metals, high operating frequency, clock-load density, and the existing clock-design methodology, the rclk mode was designed to enable both reduced average power dissipation and improved peak-power-constrained performance, with minimal area impact. This work represents a volume production-enabled implementation of resonant clock technology, and is plan of record for mid-2012 product offerings.
Evolution of Payments Bank and Impact From M-PESA: A Case of Mobile Banking Services in India

A large proportion of the Indian population is excluded from basic banking services. Just one in two Indians has access to a savings bank account and just one in seven Indians has access to bank credit (Business Standard, June 28 2013). There are merely 684 million savings bank accounts in the country with a population of 1.2 billion. Branch per 100,000 adult ratio in India stands at 747 compared to 1,065 for Brazil and 2,063 for Malaysia (World Bank Financial Access Report 2010). As more people, especially the poor, gain access to financial services, they will be able to save better and get access to funding in a more structured manner. This will reduce income inequality, help the poor up the ladder, and contribute to economic development. There is a need for transactions and savings accounts for the under-served in the population. Mobile banking has been evolved in last couple of years with the help of Mobile penetration, which has shown phenomenal growth in rural areas of India. The rural subscription increased from 398.68 million at the end of December 2014 to 404.16 million at the end of January 2015, said in a statement by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Banks in India are already investing in mobile technology and security from last couple of years. They are adding value in services such as developing smartphone apps, mobile wallets and educating consumers about the benefits of using the mobile banking resulting in adoption of mobile banking faster among consumers as compared to internet banking.
 The objective of this study is:
 1. To understand the scope of mobile banking to reach unbanked population in India.
 2. To analyze the learnings of M-PESA and Payments Bank Opportunity.
 3. To evaluate the upcoming challenges for the payments bank success in India.
Randomized Trial of Once-Daily Fluticasone Furoate in Children with Inadequately Controlled Asthma.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the dose-response, efficacy, and safety of fluticasone furoate (FF; 25 µg, 50 µg, and 100 µg), administered once daily in the evening during a 12-week treatment period to children with inadequately controlled asthma.


STUDY DESIGN
This was a Phase IIb, multicenter, stratified, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, placebo- and active-controlled study in children aged 5-11 years with inadequately controlled asthma. The study comprised a 4-week run-in period, 12-week treatment period, and 1-week follow-up period. Children were randomized to receive either placebo once daily, fluticasone propionate (FP) 100 µg twice daily, FF 25 µg, FF 50 µg, or FF 100 µg each once daily in the evening. Primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in daily morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) averaged over weeks 1-12. Adverse events (AEs) also were investigated.


RESULTS
In total, 593 children were included in the intent-to-treat population. The difference vs placebo in change from baseline daily morning PEF averaged over weeks 1-12 was statistically significant for the FF 25, FF 50, FF 100, and FP 100 groups (18.6 L/min, 19.5 L/min, 12.5 L/min, and 14.0 L/min, respectively; P < .001 for all). The incidence of AEs was greater in the FF groups (32%-36%) than in the placebo group (29%); the most frequent AE was cough.


CONCLUSION
FF and FP resulted in significant improvements in morning PEF compared with placebo, suggesting that they are effective treatments for children with inadequately controlled asthma. All treatments were well tolerated; no new safety concerns were identified.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01563029.
A Fast Triangle-Triangle Overlap Test Using Signed Distances

A fast test for triangle-triangle intersection by computing signed vertex-plane distances (sufficient if one triangle is wholly to one side of the other) and signed line-line distances of selected edges (otherwise) is presented. This algorithm is faster than previously published algorithms and the code is available online.
Baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN32121581]

BACKGROUND
Results of preclinical studies suggest that the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen may be useful in treatment of opioid dependence. This study was aimed at assessing the possible efficacy of baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.


METHODS
A total of 40 opioid-dependent patients were detoxified and randomly assigned to receive baclofen (60 mg/day) or placebo in a 12-week, double blind, parallel-group trial. Primary outcome measure was retention in treatment. Secondary outcome measures included opioids and alcohol use according to urinalysis and self-report ratings, intensity of opioid craving assessed with a visual analogue scale, opioid withdrawal symptoms as measured by the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale and depression scores on the Hamilton inventory.


RESULTS
Treatment retention was significantly higher in the baclofen group. Baclofen also showed a significant superiority over placebo in terms of opiate withdrawal syndrome and depressive symptoms. Non-significant, but generally favorable responses were seen in the baclofen group with other outcome measures including intensity of opioid craving and self-reported opioid and alcohol use. However, no significant difference was seen in the rates of opioid-positive urine tests. Additionally, the drug side effects of the two groups were not significantly different.


CONCLUSION
The results support further study of baclofen in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.