LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles using dioscorea batatas rhizome extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities

The eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles through various biological means helps to explore various plants for their ability to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Here we have synthesized AgNPs by using rhizome extract of Dioscorea batatas at 80◦C as well as room temperature (25◦C). AgNPs were characterized under UV-vis spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, XRD, and EDX. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was evaluated on gram positive (B. substilis and S. aureus), gram negative (E. coli), and fungi (S. cerivisae and C. albicans). At room temperature, S. cerivisae and C. albicans were found to be more susceptible to AgNPs than at 80◦C.
Personal health records: a scoping review

Electronic personal health record systems (PHRs) support patient centered healthcare by making medical records and other relevant information accessible to patients, thus assisting patients in health self-management. We reviewed the literature on PHRs including design, functionality, implementation, applications, outcomes, and benefits. We found that, because primary care physicians play a key role in patient health, PHRs are likely to be linked to physician electronic medical record systems, so PHR adoption is dependent on growth in electronic medical record adoption. Many PHR systems are physician-oriented, and do not include patient-oriented functionalities. These must be provided to support self-management and disease prevention if improvements in health outcomes are to be expected. Differences in patient motivation to use PHRs exist, but an overall low adoption rate is to be expected, except for the disabled, chronically ill, or caregivers for the elderly. Finally, trials of PHR effectiveness and sustainability for patient self-management are needed.
Consensus Recommendations for Optimal Augmentation of the Asian Face with Hyaluronic Acid and Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers.

BACKGROUND
Although the use of filling agents for soft-tissue augmentation has increased worldwide, most consensus statements do not distinguish between ethnic populations. There are, however, significant differences between Caucasian and Asian faces, reflecting not only cultural disparities, but also distinctive treatment goals. Unlike aesthetic patients in the West, who usually seek to improve the signs of aging, Asian patients are younger and request a broader range of indications.


METHODS
Members of the Asia-Pacific Consensus group-comprising specialists from the fields of dermatology, plastic surgery, anatomy, and clinical epidemiology-convened to develop consensus recommendations for Asians based on their own experience using cohesive polydensified matrix, hyaluronic acid, and calcium hydroxylapatite fillers.


RESULTS
The Asian face demonstrates differences in facial structure and cosmetic ideals. Improving the forward projection of the "T zone" (i.e., forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin) forms the basis of a safe and effective panfacial approach to the Asian face. Successful augmentation may be achieved with both (1) high- and low-viscosity cohesive polydensified matrix/hyaluronic acid and (2) calcium hydroxylapatite for most indications, although some constraints apply.


CONCLUSION
The Asia-Pacific Consensus recommendations are the first developed specifically for the use of fillers in Asian populations.


CLINCIAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, V.
Predictive value and utility of oral steroid testing for treatment of COPD in primary care: the COOPT study

BACKGROUND
The oral prednisolone test is widely used to distinguish chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who might benefit from inhaled steroid treatment. Previous studies used selected patient groups that did not represent the large COPD population in primary care.


METHODS
The study included smokers and exsmokers with chronic bronchitis or COPD from primary care, who underwent prednisolone testing (30 mg for 14 days) before randomization in a three-year follow-up randomized controlled trial (COOPT Study). Spirometry was performed before and after the test. Responders and nonresponders were classified according to international criteria. Effectiveness of inhaled fluticasone relative to placebo was compared in terms of health status (Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire), exacerbations, and postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), using repeated measurement analysis.


RESULTS
Two hundred eighty-six patients recruited from 44 primary care practices were randomized. Nine percent to 16% of the COPD population was classified as responder, depending on the international guideline criteria used. On average, responders did not reach the minimum clinically important difference in health status (0.29 points/year, P = 0.05), although a borderline significant effect of inhaled fluticasone was noted. Possible clinically relevant reductions in exacerbation rate (rate ratio 0.67) and FEV(1) decline (39 mL/year) occurred in responders, but did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral steroid testing identifies a limited proportion of COPD patients, but does not reveal any clinically relevant benefit from inhaled steroid treatment on health status. No significant effects on exacerbation rate and lung function decline occurred.
Design of BPSK / QPSK Modulator using Verilog HDL and Matlab

Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) is a modulation scheme commonly used in wireless communication system and it’s because of its ability to transmit twice the data rate for a given bandwidth. In most cases, the QPSK modulator consumes less power and bandwidth in a modern devices but for a system like satellite and mobile devices where their operations are power limited, this is a problem that needs to be fixed. The objective is to design the QPSK modulator that uses less power for operation and it should be bandwidth efficient. The proposed technique uses data stored inside a memory block to produce a symbol according to the given input data. The QPSK modulation process requires a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) to produce sine and cosine wave which are used as carrier signal with the data signal to produce QPSK/BPSK output signal. The proposed modulator successfully modeled with Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL), simulated with Xilinx Integrated Software Environment (ISE) version 14.5 software. QPSK modulation is also performed on MATLAB tool, which gives three types of waveforms. 1) In-phase component, 2) Quadrature phase, and 3) Composite of both. After that the QPSK demodulator has been developed using MATLAB tool in order to verify the functionality of the modulator.
Decision-making in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis: why are so many denied surgery?

AIMS
To analyse decision-making in elderly patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS).


METHODS AND RESULTS
In the Euro Heart Survey on valvular heart disease, 216 patients aged > or =75 had severe AS (valve area < or =0.6 cm(2)/m(2) body surface area or mean gradient > or =50 mmHg) and angina or New York Heart Association class III or IV. Patient characteristics were analysed according to the decision to operate or not. A decision not to operate was taken in 72 patients (33%). In multivariable analysis, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction [OR = 2.27, 95% CI (1.32-3.97) for ejection fraction 30-50, OR = 5.15, 95% CI (1.73-15.35) for ejection fraction < or =30 vs. >50%, P = 0.003] and age [OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.18-2.89) for 80-85 years, OR=3.38, 95% CI (1.38-8.27) for > or =85 vs. 75-80 years, P = 0.008] were significantly associated with the decision not to operate; however, the Charlson comorbidity index was not [OR = 1.72, 95% CI (0.83-3.50), P = 0.14 for index > or =2 vs. <2]. Neurological dysfunction was the only comorbidity significantly linked with the decision not to operate.


CONCLUSION
Surgery was denied in 33% of elderly patients with severe, symptomatic AS. Older age and LV dysfunction were the most striking characteristics of patients who were denied surgery, whereas comorbidity played a less important role.
Prehospital electrocardiograms (ECGs) do not improve the process of emergency department care in hospitals with higher usage of ECGs in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND
This article will describe the impact of prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) use on emergency department (ED) processes of care for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients and assess the characteristics associated with prehospital ECG use.


METHODS
This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational analysis of NSTEMI patients captured by the National Cardiovascular Data Registry-Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get with the Guidelines (NCDR ACTION-GWTG) in 2007. Patient and hospital data were stratified by documentation of a prehospital ECG (pECG). Hospitals were stratified into tertiles of pECG use by higher pECG (>5.6%, n 91), lower pECG (< or = 5.6%, n = 83), or no pECG (n = 100). Statistical evaluation was done via Wilcoxon rank sum and chi(2) tests.


RESULTS
There were 21 251 patients eligible for analysis. A pECG was documented in 1609 (7.6%) patients. Of 274 hospitals, 100 (36.5%) had no pECGs recorded. Median ED length of stay (LOS) was shorter at no pECG hospitals vs lower pECG hospitals (3.97 h vs 4.12 h, P < 0.05), but not higher pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals (3.85 h vs 3.97 h, P = not significant [NS]). A pECG was not associated with an improvement in ED performance metrics (use of aspirin, beta-blocker, any heparin) in the higher pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals or the lower pECG hospitals vs no pECG hospitals.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of prehospital ECG in NSTEMI patients is uncommon. In contrast to its impact on reperfusion times in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, its use does not appear to be associated with an improvement in ED processes of care at the hospital level.
Is sleep position associated with glenohumeral shoulder pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND
Glenohumeral pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) are common musculoskeletal complaints with high prevalence among working populations. The primary proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms are sub-acromial RC tendon impingement and reduced tendon blood flow. Some sleep postures may increase subacromial pressure, potentially contributing to these postulated mechanisms. This study uses a large population of workers to investigate whether there is an association between preferred sleeping position and prevalence of: (1) shoulder pain, and (2) rotator cuff tendinopathy.


METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis was performed on baseline data from a multicenter prospective cohort study. Participants were 761 workers who were evaluated by questionnaire using a body diagram to determine the presence of glenohumeral pain within 30 days prior to enrollment. The questionnaire also assessed primary and secondary preferred sleep position(s) using 6 labeled diagrams. All workers underwent a structured physical examination to determine whether RCT was present. For this study, the case definition of RCT was glenohumeral pain plus at least one of a positive supraspinatus test, painful arc and/or Neer's test. Prevalence of glenohumeral pain and RCT were individually calculated for the primary and secondary sleep postures and odds ratios were calculated.


RESULTS
Age, sex, Framingham cardiovascular risk score and BMI had significant associations with glenohumeral pain. For rotator cuff tendinopathy, increasing age, Framingham risk score and Hand Activity Level (HAL) showed significant associations. The sleep position anticipated to have the highest risk of glenohumeral pain and RCT was paradoxically associated with a decreased prevalence of glenohumeral pain and also trended toward being protective for RCT. Multivariable logistic regression showed no further significant associations.


CONCLUSION
This cross-sectional study unexpectedly found a reduced association between one sleep posture and glenohumeral pain. This cross-sectional study may be potentially confounded, by participants who are prone to glenohumeral pain and RCT may have learned to avoid sleeping in the predisposing position. Longitudinal studies are needed to further evaluate a possible association between glenohumeral pain or RCT and sleep posture as a potential risk factor.
Different microsurgical approaches to meningiomas of the anterior cranial base

Meningiomas of the anterior skull base show specific characteristics, which render them difficult to handle. These tumors include olfactory groove, supra- and parasellar, anterior sphenoid ridge, cavernous sinus, and spheno-orbital meningiomas. Tumor localization and size, encasement of important structures as well as the extent of dural attachment may influence the decision for an adequate approach. Various approaches to the anterior cranial fossa exist, each with corresponding advantages and disadvantages. Recently, endoscopic approaches have increasingly been used. In this review, the different approaches to meningiomas of the anterior cranial fossa in respect of anatomical issues, indications, and associated risks are discussed.
Smart water quality monitoring system

Nowadays Internet of Things (IoT) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques are used in different area of research for monitoring, collecting and analysis data from remote locations. Due to the vast increase in global industrial output, rural to urban drift and the over-utilization of land and sea resources, the quality of water available to people has deteriorated greatly. The high use of fertilizers in farms and also other chemicals in sectors such as mining and construction have contributed immensely to the overall reduction of water quality globally. Water is an essential need for human survival and therefore there must be mechanisms put in place to vigorously test the quality of water that made available for drinking in town and city articulated supplies and as well as the rivers, creeks and shoreline that surround our towns and cities. The availability of good quality water is paramount in preventing outbreaks of water-borne diseases as well as improving the quality of life. Fiji Islands are located in the vast Pacific Ocean which requires a frequent data collecting network for the water quality monitoring and IoT and RS can improve the existing measurement. This paper presents a smart water quality monitoring system for Fiji, using IoT and remote sensing technology.
Mechanical unloading during left ventricular assist device support increases left ventricular collagen cross-linking and myocardial stiffness.

BACKGROUND
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) induce reverse remodeling of the failing heart except for the extracellular matrix, which exhibits additional pathophysiological changes, although their mechanisms and functional consequences are unknown.


METHODS AND RESULTS
Hearts were obtained at transplant from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) not requiring LVAD support (n=30), patients requiring LVAD support (n=16; LVAD duration, 145+/-33 days), and 5 nonfailing hearts. Left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) ex vivo pressure-volume relationships were measured, and chamber and myocardial stiffness constants were determined. Myocardial tissue content of total and cross-linked collagen, collagen types I and III, MMP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and angiotensin (Ang) I and II were measured. LV size, mass, and myocyte diameter decreased after LVAD compared with DCM without LVAD (P<0.05). Total and cross-linked collagen and ratio of type I to III collagen increased in DCM compared with nonfailing hearts and increased further after LVAD (P<0.05 versus DCM and nonfailing). Concomitantly, chamber and myocardial stiffness increased with LVAD. The ratio of MMP-1 to TIMP-1 increased in DCM and almost normalized after LVAD, favoring decreased collagen degradation. Tissue Ang I and II also increased during LVAD. There was no significant change in the RV of LVAD-supported heart compared with DCM.


CONCLUSIONS
LVAD support increases LV collagen cross-linking and the ratio of collagen type I to III, which is associated with increased myocardial stiffness. Decreased tissue MMP-1-to-TIMP-1 ratio (decreased degradation) and increased Ang levels (stimulants of synthesis) are likely mechanisms for these changes. Lack of significant effects on the RV suggest that hemodynamic unloading of the LV (not provided to the RV) might be the primary factor that regulates these extracellular matrix changes.
Melatonin treatment for tardive dyskinesia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUND
Antipsychotics remain the mainstay of drug intervention in the management of schizophrenia. However, long-term treatment with antipsychotics is associated with a variety of movement disorders, the most disabling of which is tardive dyskinesia (TD), which occurs in up to 50% of patients hospitalized with chronic schizophrenia. The pathophysiology of TD is still unclear and no definite treatment exists. Both dopamine receptor supersensitivity and oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity in the nigrostriatal system are apparently implicated. The pineal hormone melatonin is a potent antioxidant and attenuates dopaminergic activity in the striatum and dopamine release from the hypothalamus. Thus, it may have a beneficial effect for both the treatment and prevention of TD.


METHODS
Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we evaluated the efficacy of 10 mg/d of melatonin for 6 weeks in 22 patients with schizophrenia and TD. The primary outcome measure was the change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score.


RESULTS
The decrease (mean +/- SD) in AIMS score was 2.45 +/- 1.92 for the melatonin and 0.77 +/- 1.11 for the placebo treatment groups (P<.001). No adverse events or side effects were noted.


CONCLUSION
This is the first clinical evidence for efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of TD.
Designing Graph Database Models from Existing Relational Databases

In this paper, a method for transforming a relational database to a graph database model is described. In this approach, the dependency graphs for the entities in the system are transformed into star graphs. This star graph model is transformed into a hyper graph model for the relational database, which, in turn, can be used to develop the domain relationship model that can be converted in to a graph database model.
The Early Political Writings of The German Romantics

1. Anon., The Oldest Systematic Programme of German Idealism 2. Novalis, Pollen 3. Novalis, Faith and Love 4. Novalis, Political Aphorisms 5. Novalis, Christianity or Europe 6. Friedrich Schlegel, Essay on the Concept of Republicanism 7. Schlegel, Athenaeum Fragments (excerpts) 8. Schlegel, Ideas 9. Schlegel, Lectures on Transcendental Philosophy 10. Schlegel, Fragments from the Philosophical Apprenticeship 11. Schleiermacher, Monologues II & III.
Lumanote: A Real-Time Interactive Music Composition Assistant

Musical composition typically requires several years of experience and knowledge in music theory that includes but is not limited to chord progression, melody note theory, and an understanding of whole-step/half-step passing tones among others. Due to the complexity of musical composition, even experienced musicians may find the writing process challenging and time consuming. Songwriters may find the need to employ trained pianists to aid in the theory behind musical composition. We present Lumanote, an interactive real-time music composition tool that aids songwriters in their writing endeavors by presenting real-time suggestions on appropriate melody notes and chord progression. Lumanote’s color-coded design provides chords appropriate to chosen scales, and melody notes appropriate to given chords in real-time as musicians play chords and melody notes. We performed a qualitative study to gauge the effectiveness of this tool, including both experienced musicians and complete beginners to assess the intuitiveness of the system at various skill levels. Qualitative results helped in identifying potential issues on differing interpretations of color-coded suggestions, and yielded insights on interface improvements and polish. ACM Classification
Joint angle estimation for floating base robots utilizing MEMS IMUs

This paper describes a novel motion estimation algorithm for floating base manipulators that utilizes low-cost inertial measurement units (IMUs) containing a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. Four strap-down microelectromechanical system (MEMS) IMUs are mounted on each link to form a virtual IMU whose body's fixed frame is located at the center of the joint rotation. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) and a complementary filter are used to develop a virtual IMU by fusing together the output of four IMUs. The novelty of the proposed algorithm is that no forward kinematic model that requires data flow from previous joints is needed. The measured results obtained from the planar motion of a hydraulic arm show that the accuracy of the estimation of the joint angle is within ± 1 degree and that the root mean square error is less than 0.5 degree.
Computing the Visibility Polygon from a Convex Set and Related Problems

In this paper, we propose efficient algorithms for computing the complete and weak visibility polygons of a simple polygon P of n vertices from a convex set C inside P. The algorithm for computing the complete visibility polygon of P from C takes O(n + k) time in the worst case, where k is the number of extreme points of the convex set C. Given a triangulation of P C, the algorithm for computing the weak visibility polygon of P from C takes O(n + k) time in the worst case. We also show that computing the complete and weak visibility polygons of P from a nonconvex set inside P has the same time complexity. The algorithm for computing the complete visibility polygon of P from a convex set inside P leads to efficient algorithms for the following problems: (i) Given a polygon Q of m vertices inside another polygon P of n vertices, construct a minimum nested convex polygon K between P and Q. The algorithm runs in OKn + m)log k) time, where k is the number of vertices of K. This is an improvement over the O((n + m)log(n + m)) time algorithm of Wang and Chan. (ii) Given two points inside a polygon P, compute a minimum link path between them inside P. Given a triangulation of P, the algorithm takes O(n) time. Suri also proposed a linear time algorithm for this problem in a triangulated polygon but our algorithm is simpler.
Sokoban: Enhancing general single-agent search methods using domain knowledge

Artificial intelligence (AI) research has developed an extensive collection of methods to solve state-space problems. Using the challenging domain of Sokoban, this paper studies the effect of general search enhancements on program performance. We show that the current state of the art in AI generally requires a large research and programming effort to use domain-dependent knowledge to solve even moderately complex problems in such difficult domains. The application of domainspecific knowledge to exploit properties of the search space can result in large reductions in the size of the search tree, often several orders of magnitude per search enhancement. This applicationspecific knowledge is discovered and applied using application-independent search enhancements. Understanding the effect of these enhancements on the search leads to a new taxonomy of search enhancements, and a new framework for developing single-agent search applications. This is used to illustrate the large gap between what is portrayed in the literature versus what is needed in practice.  2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.