LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Learning CP-net Preferences Online from User Queries

We present an online, heuristic algorithm for learning Conditional Preference networks (CP-nets) from user queries. This is the first efficient and resolute CP-net learning algorithm: if a preference order can be represented as a CP-net, our algorithm learns a CP-net in time n, where p is a bound on the number of parents a node may have. The learned CP-net is guaranteed to be consistent with the original CP-net on all queries from the learning process. We tested the algorithm on randomly generated CP-nets; the learned CP-nets agree with the originals on a high percent of non-training preference comparisons.
Neighborhood environment and physical activity among older adults: do the relationships differ by driving status?

Some attributes of neighborhood environments are associated with physical activity among older adults. This study examined whether the associations were moderated by driving status. Older adults from neighborhoods differing in walkability and income completed written surveys and wore accelerometers (N = 880, mean age = 75 years, 56% women). Neighborhood environments were measured by geographic information systems and validated questionnaires. Driving status was defined on the basis of a driver's license, car ownership, and feeling comfortable to drive. Outcome variables included accelerometer-based physical activity and self-reported transport and leisure walking. Multilevel generalized linear regression was used. There was no significant Neighborhood Attribute × Driving Status interaction with objective physical activity or reported transport walking. For leisure walking, almost all environmental attributes were positive and significant among driving older adults but not among nondriving older adults (five significant interactions at p < .05). The findings suggest that driving status is likely to moderate the association between neighborhood environments and older adults' leisure walking.
Safety and effectiveness of BufferGel and 0.5% PRO2000 gel for the prevention of HIV infection in women.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety and effectiveness of BufferGel and 0.5% PRO2000 microbicide gels for the prevention of male-to-female HIV transmission.


DESIGN
Phase II/IIb, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with three double-blinded gel arms and an open-label no gel arm.


METHODS
Study participants from Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the USA were instructed to apply study gel up to 1 h before each sex act and safety, sexual behavior, pregnancy, gel adherence, acceptability, and HIV serostatus were assessed during follow-up.


RESULTS
The 3101 enrolled women were followed for an average of 20.4 months with 93.6% retention and 81.1% self-reported gel adherence. Adverse event rates were similar in all study arms. HIV incidence rates in the 0.5% PRO2000 gel, BufferGel, placebo gel, and no gel arms were 2.70, 4.14, 3.91, and 4.02 per 100 women-years, respectively. HIV incidence in the 0.5% PRO2000 gel arm was lower than the placebo gel arm (hazard ratio = 0.7, P = 0.10) and the no gel arm (hazard ratio = 0.67, P = 0.06). HIV incidence rates were similar in the BufferGel and both placebo gel (hazard ratio = 1.10, P = 0.63) and no gel control arms (hazard ratio = 1.05, P = 0.78). HIV incidence was similar in the placebo gel and no gel arms (hazard ratio = 0.97, P = 0.89).


CONCLUSION
The 0.5% PRO2000 gel demonstrated a modest 30% reduction in HIV acquisition in women. However, these results were not statistically significant and subsequent findings from the Microbicide Development Programme (MDP) 301 trial have confirmed that 0.5% PRO2000 gel has little or no protective effect. BufferGel did not alter the risk of HIV infection. Both products were well tolerated.
Wireless Optofluidic Systems for Programmable In Vivo Pharmacology and Optogenetics

In vivo pharmacology and optogenetics hold tremendous promise for dissection of neural circuits, cellular signaling, and manipulating neurophysiological systems in awake, behaving animals. Existing neural interface technologies, such as metal cannulas connected to external drug supplies for pharmacological infusions and tethered fiber optics for optogenetics, are not ideal for minimally invasive, untethered studies on freely behaving animals. Here, we introduce wireless optofluidic neural probes that combine ultrathin, soft microfluidic drug delivery with cellular-scale inorganic light-emitting diode (μ-ILED) arrays. These probes are orders of magnitude smaller than cannulas and allow wireless, programmed spatiotemporal control of fluid delivery and photostimulation. We demonstrate these devices in freely moving animals to modify gene expression, deliver peptide ligands, and provide concurrent photostimulation with antagonist drug delivery to manipulate mesoaccumbens reward-related behavior. The minimally invasive operation of these probes forecasts utility in other organ systems and species, with potential for broad application in biomedical science, engineering, and medicine.
Health cloud - Healthcare as a service(HaaS)

Health care industry has come a long way from more than just Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to computer assisted surgeries and remote patient care, since the advent of information technology into the health care domain. With the advances in information technology, healthcare in all kinds of markets is becoming more digital, more collaborative, more patient-centric, more data-driven. It aims towards accessing information anytime, anywhere. The traditional technology infrastructure of health care sector will not be able to cater to this massive amount of data generated and the various health care services to be offered to the patients. Cloud Computing is a fast growing trend that includes several services, all offered on demand over the internet in a pay-as-you-go model. It promises to increase the speed with which applications are deployed and lowers costs. Cloud computing can play a critical role in managing the current trend of growth in digital data and anywhere anytime availability of medical services. Cloud computing can also contribute significantly to containing healthcare integration costs, optimizing resources and ushering a new era of innovations in healthcare. This paper examines in brief, some of the digital data challenges that the healthcare industry is facing. The paper describes a system that is capable of offering various health care services that utilize cloud computing. The paper also presents the implementation of one service offered as part of the system described.
Dataset Issues in Object Recognition

Appropriate datasets are required at all stages of object recognition research, including learning visual models of object and scene categories, detecting and localizing instances of these models in images, and evaluating the performance of recognition algorithms. Current datasets are lacking in several respects, and this paper discusses some of the lessons learned from existing efforts, as well as innovative ways to obtain very large and diverse annotated datasets. It also suggests a few criteria for gathering future datasets.
Paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty vs. plain balloon dilation for the treatment of failing dialysis access: 6-month interim results from a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE
To report the 6-month results of a prospective randomized trial investigating angioplasty with paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) vs. plain balloon angioplasty (BA) for the treatment of failing native arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) or prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVG).


METHODS
The enrollment criteria for this non-inferiority hypothesis trial included clinical signs of failing dialysis access with angiographic documentation of a significant venous stenotic lesion in patients with AVF or AVG circuits. From March to December 2010, 40 patients (29 men; mean age 64.1 ± 14.3 years) were randomized to undergo either PCB dilation (n = 20) or standard BA (n = 20) of a stenosed venous outflow lesion. Regular angiographic follow-up was scheduled bimonthly. Study outcome measures included device success (<30% residual stenosis without postdilation), procedural success (<30% residual stenosis), and primary patency of the treated lesion (<50% angiographic restenosis and no need for any interim repeat procedures).


RESULTS
Baseline and procedural variables were comparably distributed between both groups. Device success was 9/20 (45%) for the PCB device vs. 20/20 (100%) for standard control BA (p<0.001). Procedural success was 100% in both groups after further high-pressure post-dilation as necessary. There were no major or minor complications in either group. At 6 months, cumulative target lesion primary patency was significantly higher after PCB application (70% in PCB group vs. 25% in BA group, p<0.001; HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.71, p<0.006).


CONCLUSION
PCB angioplasty improves patency after angioplasty of venous stenoses of failing vascular access used for dialysis.
A Tumor Suppressor Function for Notch Signaling in Forebrain Tumor Subtypes.

In the brain, Notch signaling maintains normal neural stem cells, but also brain cancer stem cells, indicating an oncogenic role. Here, we identify an unexpected tumor suppressor function for Notch in forebrain tumor subtypes. Genetic inactivation of RBP-Jκ, a key Notch mediator, or Notch1 and Notch2 receptors accelerates PDGF-driven glioma growth in mice. Conversely, genetic activation of the Notch pathway reduces glioma growth and increases survival. In humans, high Notch activity strongly correlates with distinct glioma subtypes, increased patient survival, and lower tumor grade. Additionally, simultaneous inactivation of RBP-Jκ and p53 induces primitive neuroectodermal-like tumors in mice. Hence, Notch signaling cooperates with p53 to restrict cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse models of human brain tumors.
Co-dependents: MR1-restricted MAIT cells and their antimicrobial function

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique T cell subset in mammals. They are present at high frequencies at mucosal tissue sites and have an intrinsic capacity to respond to microbial infections. The semi-invariant antigen recognition receptor of MAIT cells detects the non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecule major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein 1 (MR1), which can bind microorganism-derived riboflavin metabolites. The striking evolutionary conservation in both the MR1 molecule and the MAIT T cell receptor suggests that strong selective pressures maintain this T cell pattern recognition system which detects microbial infection.
The Situational Humour Response Questionnaire ( SHRQ ) as a test of “ sense of humour ” : a validity study in the field of humour appreciation

The Situational Humour Response Questionnaire [SHRQ, Martin Lefcourt (1984) Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 47, 145–155] measures the propensity to smile and laugh in a variety of daily life situations. Since the SHRQ is regarded as a test of “sense of humour”, its validity in the field of humour appreciation was investigated. Two student samples (N = 105 and 101) from Indiana answered the SHRQ and rated the funniness and aversiveness of one of two sets of 35 jokes and cartoons taken from Form A and Form B of the 3-WD Humour Test [Ruch (1983) Humour Test 3-WD (Form A, B and K). Unpublished Manuscript]. Product-moment correlations between the SHRQ and humour appreciation was computed at the level of funniness and aversiveness for individual items, for humour categories as well as for total scores. Contrary to expectations, the SHRQ did not correlate with any level of 3-WD Humour Test scores suggesting that these two tests apparently tap totally different domains of humour. It may be that the SHRQ measures laughter that is only partially accompanied by the humour experience with that experience being more fully measured in the 3-WD Test. It appears that the SHRQ fails to fulfil the criterion that a test of “sense of humour” should be able to account for individual differences in humour appreciation. A hypothesis is proposed suggesting that the relationship between the SHRQ and humour appreciation might be mediated by social factors. DOI: 10.1016/0191-8869(92)90029-O Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: http://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-77454 Originally published at: Deckers, Lambert; Ruch, Willibald (1992). The Situational Humour Response Questionnaire (SHRQ) as a test of “sense of humour”: a validity study in the field of humour appreciation. Personality and Individual Differences, 13(10):1149-1152. DOI: 10.1016/0191-8869(92)90029-O This manuscript was published as: Deckers, L. & Ruch, W. (1992). The Situational Humour Response Questionnaire (SHRQ) as a test of "sense of humour": A validity study in the field of humour appreciation. Personality and Individual Differences, 13, 1149-1152. THE SITUATIONAL HUMOUR RESPONSE QUESTIONNAIRE (SHRQ) AS A TEST OF "SENSE OF HUMOUR": A VALIDITY STUDY IN THE FIELD OF HUMOUR APPRECIATION. LAMBERT DECKERS 1, 2 AND WILLIBALD RUCH 2 1 Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA; 2 Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
What Is New in Rome IV

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are diagnosed and classified using the Rome criteria; the criteria may change over time as new scientific data emerge. The Rome IV was released in May 2016. The aim is to review the main changes in Rome IV. FGIDs are now called disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Rome IV has a multicultural rather than a Western-culture focus. There are new chapters including multicultural, age-gender-women's health, intestinal microenvironment, biopsychosocial, and centrally mediated disorders. New disorders have been included although not truly FGIDs, but fit the new definition of DGBI including opioid-induced gastrointestinal hyperalgesia , opioid-induced constipation , and cannabinoid hyperemesis . Also, new FGIDs based on available evidence including reflux hypersensitivity and centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome . Using a normative survey to determine the frequency of normal bowel symptoms in the general population changes in the time frame for diagnosis were introduced. For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) only pain is required and discomfort was eliminated because it is non-specific, having different meanings in different languages. Pain is now related to bowel movements rather than just improving with bowel movements (ie, can get worse with bowel movement). Functional bowel disorders (functional diarrhea , functional constipation , IBS with predominant diarrhea [IBS-D], IBS with predominant constipation [IBS-C ], and IBS with mixed bowel habits ) are considered to be on a continuum rather than as independent entities. Clinical applications such as diagnostic algorithms and the Multidimensional Clinical Profile have been updated. The new Rome IV iteration is evidence-based, multicultural oriented and with clinical applications. As new evidence become available, future updates are expected.
Endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with cortical venous drainage: new management using Onyx.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
DAVFs (dural arteriovenous fistulas) represent one of the most dangerous types of intracranial AV shunts. Most of them are cured by arterial or venous embolization, but surgery/radiosurgery can be required in case of failure. Our goal was to reconsider the endovascular treatment strategy according to the new possibilities of arterial embolization using non polymerizing liquid embolic agent.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty patients were included in a prospective study during the interval between July 2003 and November 2006. Ten of these had type II, 8 had type III, and 12 had type IV fistulas. Sixteen presented with hemorrhage. Five had been treated previously with other embolic materials.


RESULTS
Complete angiographic cure was obtained in 24 cases. Of these 24 cures, 20 were achieved after a single procedure. Cures were achieved in 23 of 25 patients who had not been embolized previously and in only 1 of 5 previously embolized patients. Among these 24 patients, 23 underwent a follow-up angiography, which has confirmed the complete cure. Partial occlusion was obtained in 6 patients, 2 were cured after additional surgery, and 2 underwent radiosurgery. Onyx volume injected per procedure ranged from 0.5 to 12.2 mL (mean, 2.45 mL). Rebleeding occurred in 1 completely cured patient at day 2 due to draining vein thrombosis. One patient had cranial nerve palsy that resolved. Two ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas were occluded. All 10 of the patients with sinus and then CVR drainage were cured.


CONCLUSION
Based on this experience, we believe that Onyx may be the treatment of choice for many patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (ICDAVF) with direct cortical venous reflux (CVR). The applicability of this new embolic agent indicates the need for reconsideration of the global treatment strategy for such fistulas.
A COMPARISON OF OSTEOPATHIC SPINAL MANIPULATION WITH STANDARD CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN

A BSTRACT Background The effect of osteopathic manual therapy (i.e., spinal manipulation) in patients with chronic and subchronic back pain is largely unknown, and its use in such patients is controversial. Nevertheless, manual therapy is a frequently used method of treatment in this group of patients. Methods We performed a randomized, controlled trial that involved patients who had had back pain for at least three weeks but less than six months. We screened 1193 patients; 178 were found to be eligible and were randomly assigned to treatment groups; 23 of these patients subsequently dropped out of the study. The patients were treated either with one or more standard medical therapies (72 patients) or with osteopathic manual therapy (83 patients). We used a variety of outcome measures, including scores on the Roland–Morris and Oswestry questionnaires, a visual-analogue pain scale, and measurements of range of motion and straight-leg raising, to assess the results of treatment over a 12-week period. Results Patients in both groups improved during the 12 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in any of the primary outcome measures. The osteopathic-treatment group required significantly less medication (analgesics, antiinflammatory agents, and muscle relaxants) (P< 0.001) and used less physical therapy (0.2 percent vs. 2.6 percent, P<0.05). More than 90 percent of the patients in both groups were satisfied with their care. Conclusions Osteopathic manual care and standard medical care have similar clinical results in patients with subacute low back pain. However, the use of medication is greater with standard care. (N Engl J Med 1999;341:1426-31.)
ADOPTION OF FARM MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN LOWLAND RICE PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN GHANA

The strategy of the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) is ‘based on the concept of a “Forested North” where agricultural production is modernized and oriented towards a larger market embracing the Sahelian countries, including northern Cote d’Ivoire and Togo.The modernization of agricultural production hinges on the adoption of efficient and sustainable farm management practices. The main objectives of the study were to find out: farmers’ perceptions on the most important farm management practices that are relevant in increasing their output or income; and (2) the determinants of the adoption of four soil fertility management practices (improved seed varieties, inorganic fertilizers, dibbling and sowing in rows). The methods of analysis involved a Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance and the estimation of an Ordered Probit Model for the two objectives respectively. The survey covered seven districts in the Upper East and Northern Regions involving a total of 300 lowland rice farmers. In order of importance, the farmers ranked the following as relevant in increasing their output and income : Timely land preparation; Good seed variety; Soil fertility; Water availability/irrigation; Planting time; Weed control; Harvesting time; Commodity price; and others (such as pests infestation). A Kendall’s coefficient of 51% was recorded, which means that 51% of the respondents agreed on the ranking. The maximum likelihood estimation results of the probit model showed that extension visits, experience and training had a positive influence on the adoption of farm practices, while farm size, landownership and input distance had a negative effect on adoption.The farmers’ field school and the extension delivery systems must be improved. More input shops must also be set up close to farmers for easy access to inputs. Also, in as much as large scale farming must be encouraged, this must not be done at the detriment of small-scale farming and the landless. Above all, it is important that whatever support that is given to the farmers must be timely so as to yield the full impact.
Evaluation of COPD progression based on spirometry and exercise capacity.

INTRODUCTION
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an airflow limitation that is usually progressive. The progression of COPD expressed as the rate of an annual decline in FEV 1 is very heterogeneous. Exercise capacity in COPD patients is often diminished and becomes worsened over the time. The purpose of the study was to examine how the change in FEV 1 and exercise capacity would deteriorate over long-term observation.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 22 men with COPD were examined. At the beginning the average age was 59 ± 8.1 years and the mean post-bronchodilator FEV 1 was 52 ± 14.9% predicted. Pulmonary function testing was performed at entry and then each year for 10 years, and exercise testing on a cycle ergometer was performed at entry and after 10 years.


RESULTS
FEV 1 and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximum mechanical work (W max ), maximum minute ventilation (V Emax ) and maximum tidal volume (V Tmax ) declined significantly over the observation time. The mean annual decline in FEV 1 was 42 ± 37 mL, and the mean decline for VO 2max was 30 ± 15 mL/min/yr and 0.44 ± 0.25 mL/min/kg/yr. Regression analysis revealed that the changes in FEV 1 do not predict changes in VO2max. We observed a correlation between the annual change in V Emax and annual change in VO2max (r = 0.51 p < 0.05). The baseline FEV 1 (expressed as a percentage of predicted and in absolute values) is the predictor of FEV 1 annual decline (r = 0.74 and 0.82; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We observed over time deterioration in exercise capacity in COPD patients which is independent of decline in airflow limitation. The long term follow-up of exercise capacity is important in monitoring of COPD patients in addition to pulmonary function.
All fiber-optic neural network using coupled SOA based ring lasers

An all-optical neural network is presented that is based on coupled lasers. Each laser in the network lases at a distinct wavelength, representing one neuron. The network status is determined by the wavelength of the network's light output. Inputs to the network are in the optical power domain. The nonlinear threshold function required for neural-network operation is achieved optically by interaction between the lasers. The behavior of the coupled lasers is explained by a simple laser model developed in the paper. In particular, the winner take all (WTA) neural-network behavior of a system of many lasers is described. An experimental system is implemented using single mode fiber optic components at wavelengths near 1550 nm. A number of functions are implemented to demonstrate the practicality of the new network. The neural network is particularly robust against input wavelength variations.