LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
On Feature Matching and Image Registration for Two-dimensional Forward-scan Sonar Imaging

The computer processing of forward-look sonar video imagery enables significant capabilities in a wide variety of underwater operations within turbid environments. Accurate automated registration of sonar video images to complement measurements from traditional positioning devices can be instrumental in the detection, localization, and tracking of distinct scene targets, building feature maps, change detection, as well as improving precision in the positioning of unmanned submarines. This work offers a novel solution for the registration of two-dimensional (2-D) forward-look sonar images recorded from a mobile platform, by optimization over the sonar 3-D motion parameters. It incorporates the detection of key features and landmarks, and effectively represents them with Gaussian maps. Improved performance is demonstrated with respect to the state-of-the-art approach utilizing 2-D similarity transformation, based on experiments with real data. C © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On stability in finite models

Abstract. We search for a set-up in which results from the theory of infinite models hold for finite models. As an example we prove results from stability theory.
Nature Inspired Meta-heuristics for Grid Scheduling: Single and Multi-objective Optimization Approaches

1 Centre for Quantifiable Quality of Service in Communication Systems, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway ajith.abraham@ieee.org http://www.softcomputing.net 2 School of Computer Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026 Dalian, China 3 Department of Computer, Dalian University of Technology, 116023 Dalian, China lhb@dlut.edu.cn 4 Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Babeş Bolyai University, Kogalniceanu 1, Cluj-Napoca, 3400, Romania cgrosan@cs.ubbcluj.ro 5 Dept. de Llenguatges i Sistemes Informàtics Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya C/Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain fatos@lsi.upc.edu
Electrochemical array microsystem with integrated potentiostat

This paper presents a single-chip electrochemical array system with a high performance CMOS potentiostat suitable for the implementation of a fully integrated instrument-on-chip microsystem. The chip contains a highly sensitive, range-programmable, amperometric readout amplifier that supports cyclic voltammetry assay techniques. Through post-CMOS fabrication, the surface of the chip provides an Au counter electrode, an Ag/AgCl reference electrode, and 3 times 3 array of individually addressable Au working electrodes. The microsystem is configurable and implements self-correction techniques to provide an adaptive interface for variety of electrochemical and current-mode sensors. The chip supports amperometric output from 10pA to 10muA and provides good noise performance to achieve sub-pA resolution
Multiple spatial learning strategies in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

There is a considerable amount of evidence that mammals and birds can use different spatial learning strategies based on multiple learning and memory systems. Unfortunately, only a few studies have investigated spatial learning and memory mechanisms in other vertebrates. This study aimed to identify the strategies used by goldfish to solve two different spatial tasks in a series of three experiments. In experiment 1, two groups of goldfish (Carassius auratus) were trained either in a spatial constancy task (SC), in which visual cues signalled the goal indirectly, or in a directly cued task (DC) in which similar cues signalled the goal directly. Transfer tests were conducted to study the effects of discrete cue deletion on the performance in both tasks. In these transfer tests the performance of the animals trained in the DC task dropped to chance level when the cue that signalled the goal directly was removed. In contrast, the removal of any single cue did not disrupt SC performance. In experiment 2, fish trained in the SC or the DC task were trained with the goal reversed. Goldfish in the SC group needed fewer sessions to master the reversal task than DC animals. Finally, experiment 3 investigated the effects of a substantial modification of the geometrical features of the apparatus on the performance of animals trained in the SC or in the DC condition. The performance of DC goldfish was not affected, whereas the same change disrupted performance in the SC animals despite the presence of the visual cues. These results suggest that there are separate spatial learning and memory systems in fish. Whereas the DC animals used a typical guidance strategy, relying only on the cue that signalled the goal directly, SC fish relied on a strategy with the properties of an actual spatial mapping system. Thus, the comparative approach points to the generality of these learning strategies among vertebrates.
Analyzing Ethical Conflict in the Transracial Adoption Debate: Three Conflicts Involving Community

This essay explores ethical conflicts underlying the discourse of the policy debate about transracial adoption, focusing on the adoption of Black children by whites. Three underlying conflicts are analyzed, namely, the values of equality versus community, interracial community versus mukiculturalism, individuality versus racial-ethnic community. The essay concludes with observations on multicultural families.
[Comparison of reboxetine and sertraline in terms of efficacy and safety in major depressive disorder].

OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of reboxetine and sertraline in major depressive disorder (MDD).


METHOD
The study subjects consisted of 41 patients who met the DSM-IV MDD diagnostic criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either reboxetine or sertraline. During the study the patients were assessed 6 times (baseline visit=day 0, visit 1=day 8, visit 2=day 22, visit 3=day 36, visit 4=day 57 and visit 5=day 78) over 11 weeks. Antidepressant response was measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness (CGI-SI) and Global Impressions-Global Improvement (CGI-GI).


RESULTS
Comparing the two groups in terms of response and remission (HAM-D< or =10) measures, the results were in favour of the reboxetine group at visits 2, 3 and 4. At visit 5, the scores were similar and no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. However, when remission was evaluated as HAM-D< or =7, a significant statistical difference was found in favour of the reboxetine group. Evaluating the side effects, dry mouth, sweating, palpitation, headache, hot flushing and sedation were more frequent in the reboxetine group. Only one patient, in the reboxetine group, dropped out due to a side effect (constipation).


CONCLUSION
Higher rates of full remission achievement, which is the main target of MDD treatment, in the reboxetine group compared with the sertraline group may be due to the suppression of anxiety symptoms by the noradrenergic feature of the drug. In order to understand the role of the noradrenergic system in treating MDD, larger patient samples are needed. Both reboxetine and sertraline were well tolerated and effective in treating MDD.
Homogeneous Alignment of Liquid Crystalline Dendrimers Confined in a Slit-Pore : Computational Simulation Study

In this work we present results from NPT (isobaric-isothermal) Monte Carlo Simulation studies of Liquid Crystalline Dendrimer (LCDr) systems confined in a slit-pore made of two parallel flat walls. We investigate the substrate induced conformational and alignment properties of the system at different thermodynamic state points under uniform (unidirectional) anchoring condition. Tractable coarse grained force fields to model both monomer-monomer and monomer-substrate interaction potentials have been used from our previous work. In this anchoring condition, at lower pressure almost all the monomers are anchored to the substrates and mesogens are perfectly aligned with the aligning direction. This alignment is not uniformly transmitted to the bulk region as the pressure grows, instead, it decays with distance from the surface to the bulk region. Due to this reason, the global orintational order parameter decreases with increasing pressure (density). In the neighborhood (2− 3 mesogenic diameter) of upper and lower walls, mesogenic units form smectic A like structure whose layers are separated by layers of spherical beads. In this region individual LCDrs possess a rod like shape.
Supporting integrated STEM in the elementary classroom: a professional development approach centered on an engineering design challenge

Background: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is becoming more prevalent at the elementary level, and there has been a push to focus on the integration between the STEM disciplines. Researchers within this study sought to understand the extent to which triads composed of a classroom teacher, student teacher, and an engineering fellow were able to use the context of an engineering design challenge to integrate and incorporate STEM concepts into the elementary classroom. Using a content analysis approach, researchers analyzed STEM integration across four phases of learning: professional development workshop, lesson plan, classroom enactment, and post-lesson reflection. Results: Results highlight the ability for triads to conceptualize the integration of STEM concepts but also the challenge to sustain the integration of STEM concepts across phases of enactment. Conclusions: The need to support teacher learning of STEM content and pedagogical practices for integration are discussed.
European guideline for the management of genital herpes.

Genital herpes is one of the commonest sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Using the best available evidence, this guideline recommends strategies for diagnosis, management and follow-up of the condition as well as for minimising transmission. Early recognition and initiation of therapy is key and may reduce the duration of illness or avoid hospitalisation with complications, including urinary retention, meningism or severe systemic illness. The guideline covers a range of common clinical scenarios, such as recurrent genital herpes, infection during pregnancy and coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus. Declarations of interest: None of the authors or editors had any conflicts of interest for the content of this guideline.
Hemodynamic effects of mannitol infusion in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

PURPOSE
To evaluate hemodynamic effects of mannitol infusion in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.


METHODS
Thirty patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled. Transcranial doppler was used to detect variables of bilateral middle cerebral arteria (MCA) including mean velocity (Vm) and pulsitility index (PI) before and after 125 ml and 250 ml mannitol infusion (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 min).


RESULTS
When 125 ml or 250 ml mannitol was infused in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage, Vm of bilateral MCA elevated, and reached the top at 30 min, and then decreased. PI decreased in the affected MCA (250 ml) and in the unaffected MCA (125 ml and 250 ml).


CONCLUSION
Mannitol infusion in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage can improve cerebral blood flow in bilateral hemispheres and decrease intracranial pressure in the hemorrhagic hemisphere (250 ml) and in the nonhemorrhagic hemisphere (125 ml and 250 ml).
Motor Planning for Loading During Gait in Subacute Stroke.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the characteristics of motor planning surrounding initial contact during gait through examination of thigh muscle timing, amplitude, and co-contraction of the paretic and nonparetic limbs in people poststroke, and to investigate whether muscle timing, amplitude, and clinical performance measures of balance and mobility differ based on the level of co-contraction.


DESIGN
Observational study.


SETTING
University-based research laboratory.


PARTICIPANTS
Individuals (n=27) in the subacute phase after stroke and healthy controls (n=8) (N=35).


INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Timing (onset and offset) and normalized amplitude (percent electromyography maximum) of the biceps femoris (BF) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles were measured during terminal swing and early stance. A co-contraction index (CCI) was calculated for the BF and RF muscle activity. Individuals with CCI values equal to or below the mean of the healthy group were in the low CCI group, whereas those with values above the mean were in the high CCI group. Functional balance and mobility evaluation used the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M).


RESULTS
For the paretic and nonparetic limbs, measures of timing, amplitude, and co-contraction were similar for both limbs. Compared with the healthy group, the high CCI group had lower CB&M scores, longer durations, and higher levels of RF and BF muscle activity, whereas the low CCI group had electromyographic measures statistically similar to healthy controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The motor control of gait after subacute stroke is characterized by symmetry of timing and amplitude of muscle recruitment at the knee. High co-contraction levels surrounding the knee were associated with lower functional balance and mobility. These findings suggest a compensatory strategy of increased co-contraction in those with more impairment while maintaining symmetry of lower-limb biomechanics between limbs.
Randomized trial to increase colorectal cancer screening in an ethnically diverse sample of first-degree relatives.

BACKGROUND
Ethnic minorities, especially African Americans and Latinos, bear a disproportionate burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), as reflected in incidence, cancer stage, and mortality statistics. In all ethnic groups, first-degree relatives (FDRs) of CRC cases are at an elevated disease risk. However, underuse of CRC screening persists and is particularly evident among minority groups. The current study tested a stepped intervention to increase CRC screening among an ethnically diverse sample of FDRs of CRC cases.


METHODS
A statewide cancer registry was used to recruit CRC cases and through them their FDRs. Relatives who were not current on CRC screening were randomized to intervention or usual-care control arms. The stepped intervention consisted of ethnically targeted and individually tailored print materials followed by telephone counseling for those unscreened at 6 months.


RESULTS
The study sample of 1280 individuals consisted of 403 Latino, 284 African American, 242 Asian, and 351 white FDRs. Statistically significant effects were observed for the cumulative print plus telephone intervention at 12 months (26% in the intervention vs 18% in the control group) and the print intervention alone at 6 months (15% in the intervention vs 10% in the control group). The effect of the print intervention alone versus the cumulative interventions was not statistically significantly different. Stratified analyses indicated that the intervention was effective among white, Latino, and Asian individuals, but not among African-Americans.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the intervention was effective in increasing screening rates. Oversampling racial/ethnic minorities allowed for the examination of effects within subgroups, revealing no effect among African American individuals. This finding illustrates the importance of including sufficient numbers of participants from diverse ethnic subgroups in intervention research to enable such stratified analyses.
Serum bicarbonate concentrations and kidney disease progression in community-living elders: the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study.

BACKGROUND
In populations with prevalent chronic kidney disease (CKD), lower serum bicarbonate levels are associated with more rapid CKD progression, but whether lower bicarbonate levels also are associated with risk of incident estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and CKD progression among community-living persons with predominantly preserved kidney function is unknown.


STUDY DESIGN
Longitudinal observational cohort study.


SETTING & PARTICIPANTS
Well-functioning community-living elders aged 70-79 years at inception.


PREDICTOR
Serum bicarbonate level measured at the time of collection by arterialized venous blood sample using an arterial blood gas analyzer.


OUTCOMES
Change in eGFR over 7 years, and new eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) with a rate of loss of at least 1 mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year.


MEASUREMENTS
Linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations of baseline serum bicarbonate level with change in eGFR and incident eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2).


RESULTS
At baseline, mean eGFR was 84 ± 16 (SD)mL/min/1.73 m(2), and serum bicarbonate level was 25.2 ± 1.9 mmol/L. Compared with participants with higher bicarbonate concentrations (23.0-28.0 mmol/L), those with bicarbonate concentrations < 23 mmol/L (n = 85 [8%]) lost eGFR0.55 (95% CI, 0.13-0.97) mL/min/1.73 m(2) per year faster in models adjusted for demographics, CKD risk factors, baseline eGFR, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. Among the 989 (92%) participants with baseline eGFRs > 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), 252 (25%) developed incident eGFRs < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at follow-up. Adjusting for the same covariates, participants with bicarbonate concentrations < 23 mmol/L had nearly 2-fold greater odds of incident eGFRs < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.97-3.07) compared with those with higher bicarbonate concentrations.


LIMITATIONS
Only 2 measurements of kidney function separated by 7 years and loss to follow-up due to intervening mortality in this elderly population.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower serum bicarbonate concentrations are associated independently with decline in eGFR and incident eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in community-living older persons. If confirmed, serum bicarbonate levels may give insight into kidney tubule health in persons with preserved eGFRs and suggest a possible new target for intervention to prevent CKD development.
Interpreting differences in patterns of supportive care needs between patients with breast cancer and patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND
Understanding cancer patients' supportive care needs can help optimize health-care systems and inform services development. We therefore examined the prevalence of supportive care needs in Chinese breast (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients to identify prevalence and correlates of unmet needs.


METHODS
We assessed supportive care needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form), psychological distress (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), symptom distress (The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form), and satisfaction with care (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire) among 210 Chinese BC (97) or CRC (104) outpatient clinic attendees.


RESULTS
Breast cancer patients (89.7%) reported more unmet needs (χ(2)  = 4.409, p = 0.027), but both CRC and BC samples ranked unmet needs prevalence similarly, with health system and information needs reported as the most common. Younger patients reported higher health system and information and sexuality needs. After multivariate adjustment, the strength of unmet needs did not differ by cancer type. Unmet psychological, physical and daily living, and sexuality needs were positively associated with greater symptom distress. Greater health system information needs were associated with high global distress and low depression scores, whereas greater psychological needs were associated with higher anxiety scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Hong Kong Chinese BC and CRC patients strongly prioritized needs related to health systems and information provision. Symptoms and psychological distress were associated with unmet needs, reflecting a service shortfall in symptom management. Improving care provision by optimizing communication and clinic organization can better prepare cancer patients for their rehabilitation and improve symptom control.
Educational affordances of PDAs: A study of a teacher's exploration of this technology

This paper reports on a case study of a teacher from a technical education institution who explored the educational affordances of PDA technology over a period of six months. Based on this teacher’s perspectives, the study was designed to inform our own understanding of educational affordances of this new and emerging technology. Understanding of educational affordances is important in the context of planning a suitable intervention to support pedagogically effective integration of PDA technology. The study explicated a set of five affordances of PDA technology: as a multimedia-access tool, connectivity tool, capture tool, representational tool and analytical tool. We call on further research to expand this set into a more comprehensive collage of educational affordances of PDA technology. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Integrated coastal management to sustainable coastal planning

Integrated coastal management (ICM) has been the basis for coastal planning and management since the 1970s. The theory and practice of ICM is based on the premise that increased integration of planning and management in the coastal zone will lead to impro
Pool exercise combined with an education program for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. A prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of 6 months of pool exercise combined with a 6 session education program for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM).


METHODS
The study population comprised 58 patients, randomized to a treatment or a control group. Patients were instructed to match the pool exercises to their threshold of pain and fatigue. The education focused on strategies for coping with symptoms and encouragement of physical activity. The primary outcome measurements were the total score of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the 6 min walk test, recorded at study start and after 6 mo. Several other tests and instruments assessing functional limitations, severity of symptoms, disabilities, and quality of life were also applied.


RESULTS
Significant differences between the treatment group and the control group were found for the FIQ total score (p = 0.017) and the 6 min walk test (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were also found for physical function, grip strength, pain severity, social functioning, psychological distress, and quality of life.


CONCLUSION
The results suggest that a 6 month program of exercises in a temperate pool combined with education will improve the consequences of FM.
Board test coverage: the value of prediction and how to compare numbers

Test coverage prediction for board assemblies has an important function in, among others, test engineering, test cost modeling, test strategy definition and product quality estimation. Introducing a method that defines how this coverage is calculated can increase the value of such prediction across the electronics industry. There are three aspects to test coverage calculation: fault modeling, coverage-per-fault and total coverage. An abstraction level for fault categories is introduced, called MPS (material, placement, soldering) that enables us to compare coverage results using different fault models. Additionally, the rule-based fault coverage estimation and the weighted coverage calculation are discussed. This paper was submitted under the ITC Special Board and System Test Call-for-Papers that had an extended due-date. As such, the full text of the paper was not available in time for inclusion in the general volume of the 2003 ITC Proceedings. The full text is available in 2003 ITC Proceedings— Board and System Test Track. ITC INTERNATIONAL TEST CONFERENCE Proceedings of the International Test Conference 2003 (ITC’03) 1089-3539/03 $ 17.00 © 2003 IEEE