LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Habitable Zones in the Universe

Habitability varies dramatically with location and time in the universe. This was recognized centuries ago, but it was only in the last few decades that astronomers began to systematize the study of habitability. The introduction of the concept of the habitable zone was key to progress in this area. The habitable zone concept was first applied to the space around a star, now called the Circumstellar Habitable Zone. Recently, other, vastly broader, habitable zones have been proposed. We review the historical development of the concept of habitable zones and the present state of the research. We also suggest ways to make progress on each of the habitable zones and to unify them into a single concept encompassing the entire universe.
A geometric alternative to Nesterov's accelerated gradient descent

We propose a new method for unconstrained optimization of a s mooth and strongly convex function, which attains the optimal rate of convergence of N esterov’s accelerated gradient descent. The new algorithm has a simple geometric interpret ation, loosely inspired by the ellipsoid method. We provide some numerical evidence that t he new method can be superior to Nesterov’s accelerated gradient descent.
Closed reduction with CT-guided screw fixation for unstable sacroiliac joint fracture-dislocation

Unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures and dislocations are uncommon but potentially life-threatening injuries in children. Early definitive management reduces risk of immediate complications as well as chronic pain and gait dysfunction. Conventional operative therapy carries substantial risk of extensive blood loss and iatrogenic neurological and vascular injury. Minimally invasive image-guided intervention may further reduce immediate risk and improve long-term outcome. To describe CT-guided closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) and review outcomes of unstable fracture-dislocation of the sacroiliac (SI) joint in children. Between 2000 and 2003, three children (two girls, one boy) age 8–14 years were referred to interventional radiology for treatment of unstable SI joint fracture-dislocation not adequately treated with anterior external fixation alone. The three affected SI joints (two left, one right) were treated in a combined approach by pediatric interventional radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, using a percutaneous approach under CT guidance. Over a threaded guiding pin, 7.3 mm cannulated screws were used to achieve stable reduction of the affected SI joints. One screw was removed after slight (2 mm) migration. No neurovascular or other complications occurred. All patients had satisfactory healing with near-anatomic reduction, although recovery of the youngest was delayed by associated spinal injury. Compared to open surgical alternatives, CRIF under CT guidance reduces operating time, decreases blood loss, and allows early definitive fixation and immediate non-weight-bearing mobilization with a low rate of complication for unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures. In addition, CT-guided placement of the guide pin may allow safer screw positioning and may minimize the total number of screws needed to achieve pelvic stability.
Identification of material constants for piezoelectric transformers by three-dimensional, finite-element method and a design-sensitivity method

In this paper, an inversion scheme for piezoelectric constants of piezoelectric transformers is proposed. The impedance of piezoelectric transducers is calculated using a three-dimensional finite element method. The validity of this is confirmed experimentally. The effects of material coefficients on piezoelectric transformers are investigated numerically. Six material coefficient variables for piezoelectric transformers were selected, and a design sensitivity method was adopted as an inversion scheme. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed by step-up ratio calculations. The proposed method is applied to the analysis of a sample piezoelectric transformer, and its resonance characteristics are obtained by numerically combined equivalent circuit method.
Stability and ergodicity of piecewise deterministic Markov processes

The main goal of this paper is to establish some equivalence results on stability, recurrence between a piecewise deterministic Markov process (PDMP for short) {X(t)} and an embedded discrete-time Markov chain {¿n} generated by a Markov kernel G that can be explicitly characterized in terms of the three local characteristics of the PDMP contrary to the resolvent kernel. First we establish some important results characterizing {¿n} as a sampling of the PDMP {X(t)} and deriving a connection between the probability of the first return time to a set for the discrete-time Markov chains generated by G and the resolvent kernel R of the PDMP. From these results we obtain equivalence results regarding recurrence and positive recurrence between {X(t)} and {¿n}.
A Comparative Study of Capillary-Pressure-Based Empirical Models for Estimating Absolute Permeability in Tight Gas Sands

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at SPE meetings are subject to publication review by Editorial Committees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Abstract This paper presents the results of a laboratory study where we compare permeability estimates obtained from several mercury injection capillary-pressure-based models to a set of measured (steady-state), Klinkenberg 1-corrected permeability in tight gas sands. We evaluated 63 core samples from several prolific tight gas reservoirs in the U.S. Steady-state per-meability and mercury-injection capillary pressure tests were completed on each sample. The permeability samples range is from 0.0001 mD to 0.2 mD. We review a variety of currently-employed models that are classified as belonging to either Poiseuille or Percolation/ Characteristic Length models. We identify those correlations that are best applied in tight gas sands by quantifying each method's accuracy and precision and force rank each based on error analysis score. Introduction The petroleum and geoscience literature are replete with models for estimating both air and absolute permeability from basic rock properties. The most widespread models are those which incorporate pore dimensions and length characteristics quantified from mercury-injection capillary pressure (MICP) measurements. Moreover, most capillary-pressure-based models developed prior to the mid-1980s were derived for more conventional reservoirs with permeability greater than 1.0 mD. Except for the Walls-Amaefule 2 modification to the Swanson 3 model and the more recent Huet-Blasingame
Adding omalizumab to the therapy of adolescents with persistent uncontrolled moderate--severe allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omalizumab among adolescents with moderate-severe allergic asthma inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Data from patients 12 to 17 years of age were pooled from 5 placebo-controlled registration trials of omalizumab. Impact on asthma control was assessed by need for rescue bursts of oral corticosteroids, lung function, symptom scores, and unscheduled office visits.


RESULTS
In adolescents (n = 146), addition of omalizumab decreased mean number of rescue bursts (0.3 vs 0.9) versus placebo; relative risk 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.99; P = .047). At study conclusion, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased 268 mL (13.8%) in omalizumab-treated subjects versus 98 mL (5.5%) for placebo (least squares mean treatment difference 146 mL [95% CI, 19.4-272.6; P = .024]). Omalizumab significantly improved asthma symptom scores and reduced unscheduled office visits.


CONCLUSION
Omalizumab added to baseline therapy improves measures of asthma control in adolescents with persistent moderate-severe allergic asthma.
Modern Humans Did Not Admix with Neanderthals during Their Range Expansion into Europe

The process by which the Neanderthals were replaced by modern humans between 42,000 and 30,000 before present is still intriguing. Although no Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineage is found to date among several thousands of Europeans and in seven early modern Europeans, interbreeding rates as high as 25% could not be excluded between the two subspecies. In this study, we introduce a realistic model of the range expansion of early modern humans into Europe, and of their competition and potential admixture with local Neanderthals. Under this scenario, which explicitly models the dynamics of Neanderthals' replacement, we estimate that maximum interbreeding rates between the two populations should have been smaller than 0.1%. We indeed show that the absence of Neanderthal mtDNA sequences in Europe is compatible with at most 120 admixture events between the two populations despite a likely cohabitation time of more than 12,000 y. This extremely low number strongly suggests an almost complete sterility between Neanderthal females and modern human males, implying that the two populations were probably distinct biological species.
Tai Chi for treating knee osteoarthritis: Designing a long-term follow up randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND
Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major cause of pain and functional impairment among elders. Currently, there are neither feasible preventive intervention strategies nor effective medical remedies for the management of KOA. Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body exercise that is reported to enhance muscle function, balance and flexibility, and to reduce pain, depression and anxiety, may safely and effectively be used to treat KOA. However, current evidence is inconclusive. Our study examines the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi program compared with an attention control (wellness education and stretching) on pain, functional capacity, psychosocial variables, joint proprioception and health status in elderly people with KOA. The study will be completed by July 2009.


METHODS/DESIGN
Forty eligible patients, age > 55 yr, BMI < or = 40 kg/m2 with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (American College of Rheumatology criteria) are identified and randomly allocated to either Tai Chi (10 modified forms from classical Yang style Tai Chi) or attention control (wellness education and stretching). The 60-minute intervention sessions take place twice weekly for 12 weeks. The study is conducted at an urban tertiary medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. The primary outcome measure is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) pain subscale at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include weekly WOMAC pain, function and stiffness scores, patient and physician global assessments, lower-extremity function, knee proprioception, depression, self-efficacy, social support, health-related quality of life, adherence and occurrence of adverse events after 12, 24 and 48 weeks.


DISCUSSION
In this article, we present the challenges of designing a randomized controlled trial with long-term follow up. The challenges encountered in this design are: strategies for recruitment, avoidance of selection bias, the actual practice of Tai Chi, and the maximization of adherence/follow-up while conducting the clinical trial for the evaluation of the effectiveness of Tai Chi on KOA.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00362453.
Health Authorities Data Collection of THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray (L'Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco Web Registry): Figures after 1.5 Years.

BACKGROUND
In Italy, all prescriptions for THC:CBD oromucosal spray for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity are linked to the official Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) web-based registry, which tracks the effectiveness and tolerability of medications in a prospective and observational manner.


METHODS
AIFA e-registry data for THC:CBD oromucosal spray collected between January 2014 and February 2015 for 1,534 patients from 30 large Italian specialized MS centres were compiled. Patients had a long disease history (17.6 ± 8.6 years) and significant impairment (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score 6.4 ± 1.2). MS spasticity was evaluated using the 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS).


RESULTS
After the first month titration and trial period, 61.9% of patients achieved sufficient improvement in spasticity (≥20% NRS) to qualify for continued treatment. After 6 months, clinically meaningful ≥30% NRS improvement was recorded in 40.2% of patients continuing with treatment. Spasticity-associated symptoms such as cramps and nocturnal spasms improved in most responding patients. Mean reported doses of THC:CBD oromucosal spray (6.2-6.7 sprays/day) were lower than those reported in clinical trials. Adverse events (mainly mild to moderate) were reported by 15% of patients; no new safety concerns beyond the approved label were identified.


CONCLUSION
The results of the AIFA e-registry analysis align with those of other THC:CBD observational projects and reaffirm the characteristics of this therapeutic option in the management of treatment-resistant MS spasticity, a frequently overlooked symptom.
An Image Inpainting Technique Based on the Fast Marching Method

Digital inpainting provides a means for reconstruction of small damaged portions of an image. Although the inpainting basics are straightforward, most inpainting techniques published in the literature are complex to understand and implement. We present here a new algorithm for digital inpainting based on the fast marching method for level set applications. Our algorithm is very simple to implement, fast, and produces nearly identical results to more complex, and usually slower, known methods. Source code is available online.
Assembly Sequence Planning

ion Spaces. In Proceedings of the Third International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 412–422. Menlo Park, Calif.: International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence. Sanderson, A. C., and Homem de Mello, L. S. 1990. Automatic Generation of Mechanical Assembly Sequences. In Geometric Modeling for Product Engineering, eds. M. Wozny, J. Turner, and K. Preiss, 461–482. New York: Elsevier. Turner, J. 1989a. GEOS Design Notes, Rensselaer Design Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Raman scattering of nitrogen incorporated diamond thin films grown by hot filament chemical vapor deposition

Abstract A detailed Raman scattering analysis of nitrogen incorporated polycrystalline diamond thin films grown using NH 3 /CH 4 /H 2 gas mixture in hot filament chemical vapor deposition system is presented. To understand the nitrogen bonding configuration in these films, diamond films are grown by replacing H 2 with D 2 in the gas mixture. The Raman peak observed at ~1190 cm −1 showed an isotopic shift to ~830 cm −1 upon replacing H 2 with D 2 in the gas mixture. With the present Raman analysis, the peak at ~1190 cm −1 is assigned to C N H. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy revealed the abundance of nitrogen in the sub-surface region of the annealed diamond thin films.
Constructing high-order Runge-Kutta methods with embedded strong-stability-preserving pairs

Runge-Kutta methods are one of the fundamental techniques in scientific computing. They are used to compute numerical solutions in a step-by-step fashion for ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and also, via the method of lines, for partial differential equations (PDEs). By sharing information, embedded Runge-Kutta methods execute two Runge-Kutta schemes simultaneously while incurring minimal additional cost. Traditionally this is done for the purpose of actively selecting step-sizes for error control. However, in this thesis, we suggest another possible use where the two schemes would be used in different regions of the spatial domain based on local properties of the solution. For example, the solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws contain both smooth and non-smooth features. Strongstability-preserving (SSP) Runge-Kutta schemes are particularly well suited for use near non-smooth or discontinuous behavior such as shocks because they have a nonlinear stability property that helps them prevent spurious oscillations (such as the Gibb’s phenomenon) and other non-physical behaviour. Unfortunately, SSP schemes have limitations that make them expensive or inappropriate in smooth regions of the solution where a high order of accuracy is desired. In these regions, schemes based on “classical” linear stability analysis are likely a better choice. This motivates the use of high-order Runge-Kutta schemes with embedded SSP pairs, where the higher-order scheme, based on linear stability analysis, would be used to evolve smooth regions of the solution. The lower-order SSP scheme would be used near shocks or other discontinuities to help prevent spurious oscillations. This thesis explores the construction of these new methods. Following a review of Runge-Kutta methods, strong-stability, and other related concepts, the proprietary BARON optimization software is introduced as a powerful tool for deriving optimal SSP schemes. Various Runge-Kutta methods with embedded SSP pairs are then constructed using a combination of BARON optimization and analytical techniques.
Leveraging Automated Sentiment Analysis in Software Engineering

Automated sentiment analysis in software engineering textual artifacts has long been suffering from inaccuracies in those few tools available for the purpose. We conduct an in-depth qualitative study to identify the difficulties responsible for such low accuracy. Majority of the exposed difficulties are then carefully addressed in developing SentiStrength-SE, a tool for improved sentiment analysis especially designed for application in the software engineering domain. Using a benchmark dataset consisting of 5,600 manually annotated JIRA issue comments, we carry out both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of our tool. SentiStrength-SE achieves 73.85% precision and 85% recall, which are significantly higher than a state-of-the-art sentiment analysis tool we compare with.
Supportive care needs in Hong Kong Chinese women confronting advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND
Women with advanced breast cancer (ABC) are living longer, so understanding their needs becomes important. This cross-sectional study investigated the type and extent of unmet supportive care needs in Hong Kong Chinese women with advanced breast cancer.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were conducted among women with stage III or stage IV disease mostly awaiting chemotherapy (76%) to identify unmet needs using the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form, psychological morbidity using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, symptom distress using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, and satisfaction with care using the Patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-9).


RESULTS
About 27-72% of 198/220 (90%) women (mean age = 53.4 ± 9.74 (standard deviation) years) identified needs from the health system, information, and patient support (HSIPS) domain as the top 15 most prevalent unmet needs. 'having one member of hospital staff with whom you can talk to about all aspect of your condition, treatment, and follow-up' was most cited by 72% of the patients, with remaining unmet needs addressing mostly desire for information. Unmet need strength did not differ between women with stage III and stage IV disease, whereas women with first time diagnosis reported greater health system and information unmet needs compared with women with recurrent disease. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that symptom distress was consistently positively associated with all but sexuality need domains, whereas low satisfaction with care was associated with HSIPS (β = 3.270, p < 0.001) and physical and daily living (β = 2.810, p < 0.01) domains.


DISCUSSIONS
Chinese women with ABC expressed need for continuity of care and improved information provision. High symptom distress was associated with lower levels of satisfaction with care. These unmet needs appear to reflect current care services shortcomings.
From prospective biobanking to precision medicine: BIO-RAIDs – an EU study protocol in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is -second to breast cancer- a dominant cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths worldwide. CC tumor biopsies and blood samples are of easy access and vital for the development of future precision medicine strategies. BIO-RAIDs is a prospective multicenter European study, presently recruiting patients in 6 EU countries. Tumor and liquid biopsies from patients with previously non-treated cervical cancer (stages IB2-IV) are collected at defined time points. Patients receive standard primary treatment according to the stage of their disease. 700 patients are planned to be enrolled. The main objectives are the discovery of -dominant molecular alterations, -signalling pathway activation, and -tumor micro-environment patterns that may predict response or resistance to treatment. An exhaustive molecular analysis is performed using 1° Next generation sequencing, 2° Reverse phase protein arrays and 3° Immuno-histochemistry. The clinical study BIO-RAIDs is activated in all planned countries, 170 patients have been recruited till now. This study will make an important contribution towards precision medicine treatments in cervical cancer. The results will support the development of clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer patients to improve their prognosis and their quality of life. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02428842 , registered 10 February 2015.
Study of ethylene copolymers films by dielectric spectroscopy: influence of the polymer thickness on the glass-relaxation temperature

Abstract The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the thickness of a polymer layer deposited on a glass cover on the glass-relaxation temperature. The chosen polymer is an ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer (EVA) with different amounts of vinylacetate (VA). Dielectric spectroscopy analysis is performed directly on polymer–glass assemblies and the relaxation temperature corresponding to the maximum of the loss factor, tan  δ , is examined. This temperature is related to the glass transition of the copolymer. The results show that at high thickness values, the glass-relaxation temperature corresponds to the glass-transition temperature of the bulk copolymer. However, when the polymer thickness decreases, the relaxation temperature increases greatly whatever is the VA content. These results evidence the formation of an interphase in the polymer layer, localised in the vicinity of the glass surface, and whose properties are different from that of the bulk. The increase of the relaxation temperature when the polymer thickness decreases is a consequence of the reduced mobility of the polymer chains in the interphasial zone.