LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative video-oculography to help diagnose stroke in acute vertigo and dizziness: toward an ECG for the eyes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Strokes can be distinguished from benign peripheral causes of acute vestibular syndrome using bedside oculomotor tests (head impulse test, nystagmus, test-of-skew). Using head impulse test, nystagmus, test-of-skew is more sensitive and less costly than early magnetic resonance imaging for stroke diagnosis in acute vestibular syndrome but requires expertise not routinely available in emergency departments. We sought to begin standardizing the head impulse test, nystagmus, test-of-skew diagnostic approach for eventual emergency department use through the novel application of a portable video-oculography device measuring vestibular physiology in real time. This approach is conceptually similar to ECG to diagnose acute cardiac ischemia.


METHODS
Proof-of-concept study (August 2011 to June 2012). We recruited adult emergency department patients with acute vestibular syndrome defined as new, persistent vertigo/dizziness, nystagmus, and (1) nausea/vomiting, (2) head motion intolerance, or (3) new gait unsteadiness. We recorded eye movements, including quantitative horizontal head impulse testing of vestibulo-ocular-reflex function. Two masked vestibular experts rated vestibular findings, which were compared with final radiographic gold-standard diagnoses. Masked neuroimaging raters determined stroke or no stroke using magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with diffusion-weighted imaging obtained 48 hours to 7 days after symptom onset.


RESULTS
We enrolled 12 consecutive patients who underwent confirmatory magnetic resonance imaging. Mean age was 61 years (range 30-73), and 10 were men. Expert-rated video-oculography-based head impulse test, nystagmus, test-of-skew examination was 100% accurate (6 strokes, 6 peripheral vestibular).


CONCLUSIONS
Device-based physiological diagnosis of vertebrobasilar stroke in acute vestibular syndrome should soon be possible. If confirmed in a larger sample, this bedside eye ECG approach could eventually help fulfill a critical need for timely, accurate, efficient diagnosis in emergency department patients with vertigo or dizziness who are at high risk for stroke.
Lipid-based nano-delivery systems for skin delivery of drugs and bioactives

Topical drug delivery across the skin can offer many advantages, such as confer sustained drug release, lower fluctuations in plasma drug levels, circumvent first-pass metabolism, improve patient compliance, and provide local (dermal), or systemic (transdermal) effects (Schäfer-Korting et al., 2007; El Maghraby et al., 2008). However, the barrier function of the skin, exerted by the horny layer of the stratum corneum, impairs the penetration and absorption of drugs (Bouwstra and Ponec, 2006). This layer prevents the penetration of hydrophilic compounds much more efficiently as compared to lipophilic compounds (Bouwstra et al., 2003; Bouwstra and Ponec, 2006). Therefore, there has been wide interest in exploring new techniques to increase drug absorption through the skin. Novel topical drug delivery systems, with the use of nanotechnology in dosage form design, have been used to facilitate overcoming the skin barrier. This article will summarize recent findings of lipid-based nano-delivery systems for skin delivery of drugs and bioactives agents.
Teachers ’ Beliefs about Classroom Assessment and their selection of Classroom Assessment Strategies

The use of classroom assessment is strongly supported to promote student learning. However, assessment for promoting learning is not yet widely used. On the contrary, summative assessments are emphasized and teachers continue to use classroom assessments primarily for grading students. Teachers' attitude and beliefs about students provide foundation for their philosophy of teaching. Teachers enter teaching with prior knowledge and beliefs about learners, learning and classroom teaching. These beliefs affect teachers’ choices of assessment strategies. This research was conducted to compare the beliefs of trained and untrained middle and secondary school teachers of Pakistan about classroom assessment. The data was collected from 123 teachers selected from 15 schools of various cities of Pakistan. The samples were selected by using the convenience sampling strategies (Gay, 1992; Gay, & Airasian, 2003; Fraenkel, Wallen, 2006 ) and teachers were categorized into trained and untrained groups. The data gathered from the sample was tabulated and analyzed. The hypothesis was tested using Chi Square. Except a few differences, the study revealed that there is no significant difference in the beliefs of trained and untrained teachers regarding the teacher knowledge and teaching approaches. The study opens up an issue, “whether or not the teacher training has a significant impact on teachers in Pakistan.” It was recommended that teacher education institutes should reconsider their teachings and there should be more professional development activities inside schools to encourage teachers to equip themselves with contemporary approaches of assessments.
A review on travel behaviour modelling in dynamic traffic simulation models for evacuations

Dynamic traffic simulation models are frequently used to support decisions when planning an evacuation. This contribution reviews the different (mathematical) model formulations underlying these traffic simulation models used in evacuation studies and the behavioural assumptions that are made. The appropriateness of these behavioural assumptions is elaborated on in light of the current consensus on evacuation travel behaviour, based on the view from the social sciences as well as empirical studies on evacuation behaviour. The focus lies on how travellers’ decisions are predicted through simulation regarding the choice to evacuate, departure time choice, destination choice, and route choice. For the evacuation participation and departure time choice we argue in favour of the simultaneous approach to dynamic evacuation demand prediction using the repeated binary logit model. For the destination choice we show how further research is needed to generalize the current preliminary findings on the location-type specific destination choice models. For the evacuation route choice we argue in favour of hybrid route choice models that enable both following instructed routes and en-route switches. Within each of these discussions, we point at current limitations and make corresponding suggestions on promising future research directions.
The Impact of Enterprise Risk Management on the Marginal Cost of Reducing Risk: Evidence from the Insurance Industry

We test the hypothesis that practicing enterprise risk management (ERM) reduces firms’ cost of reducing risk. Adoption of ERM represents a radical paradigm shift from the traditional method of managing risks individually to managing risks collectively allowing ERM-adopting firms to better recognize natural hedges, prioritize hedging activities towards the risks that contribute most to the total risk of the firm, and optimize the evaluation and selection of available hedging instruments. We hypothesize that these advantages allow ERM-adopting firms to produce greater risk reduction per dollar spent. Our hypothesis further predicts that, after implementing ERM, firms experience profit maximizing incentives to lower risk. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that firms adopting ERM experience a reduction in stock return volatility. We also find that the reduction in return volatility for ERM-adopting firms becomes stronger over time. Further, we find that operating profits per unit of risk (ROA/return volatility) increase post ERM adoption. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Free Flight Separation Assurance Using Distributed Algorithms

Many of the nation’s airspace users desire more freedom in selecting and modifying their routes. This desire has been expressed in the free flight concept, which has gained increased attention in the last few years. Free flight offers the potential for more efficient routes, decreased fuel costs, and less dependence on air traffic control. The greatest challenge, however, is maintaining the safe separation between aircraft. This problem is often referred to as conflict detection and resolution (CD&R). This paper describes a technique by which aircraft may simultaneously and independently determine collision-free routes in a free flight operational environment. The technique, derived from potential-field models, has demonstrated tremendous robustness in a variety of scenarios ranging from simple two-aircraft conflicts and contrived geometric formations to complex, randomized multi-aircraft conflicts. Communication failures and restrictive maneuverability constraints have also been considered. The results of this work suggest that potential field algorithms are an extremely robust solution to the problem of CD&R. The results also show that these algorithms can be adapted to a situation requiring distributed computation and resolution. The advantage of a distributed approach is the decreased reliance on a central command authority. In simulation, separation can be maintained even with an unreasonable number of aircraft, in close proximity, with only partially reliable communications, and operating under tight constraints on maneuverability. This paper explores the technical feasibility of performing autonomous CD&R. The results are very promising. This paper does not address the more difficult issue of transitioning the airspace into a free flight environment. Nor do we address the general questions about user acceptance and regulatory adoption of free flight concepts. However, it is believed that if the financial advantages of making the transition to free flight can be adequately demonstrated, the reality of a more user-centric airspace management system may be closer than most people think. TABLE OF CONTENTS
RF MEMS based impedance matching networks for tunable multi-band microwave low noise amplifiers

In this paper, we present different types of reconfigurable RF MEMS based matching networks intended for frequency-agile (multi-band) LNAs. Measured results of 2-bits matching networks show a centre frequency tuning range of 2–3 GHz (10–13%) around 20 GHz and 1.5–2.0 dB of minimum losses. Simulated tunable LNA results based on measured data of the RF MEMS matching networks show the possibilities of achieving similar high gain, good matching and low NF over the whole tuning range. The results demonstrate the potential of using RF MEMS switches for the realization of tunable LNAs at microwave and millimetre-wave frequencies.
A randomized, controlled trial of linopirdine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVES
We tested the efficacy and safety of linopirdine, a novel phenylindolinone, in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial of linopirdine (30 mg three times per day or placebo). Patients (n = 382, 55% male, 98% Caucasian, age range 51-95 years) with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease, of whom 375 received at least one treatment dose were analysed. There were no important differences between the groups at baseline.


RESULTS
No difference was seen in Clinical Global Impression scores between patients receiving placebo and those receiving linopirdine (n = 189). Small differences in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) scores were seen throughout the study favouring linopirdine; at 6 months the ADAS-Cog scores were 20.2 (linopirdine) and 22.1 (placebo) p = 0.01.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial did not detect clinically meaningful differences in patients receiving linopirdine for 6 months, despite evidence of a small degree of improved cognitive function. Further studies may benefit from more sensitive tests of treatment effects in Alzheimer's disease.
Minimum clinically important difference for the COPD Assessment Test: a prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND
The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is responsive to change in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has not been established. We aimed to identify the MCID for the CAT using anchor-based and distribution-based methods.


METHODS
We did three studies at two centres in London (UK) between April 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2012. Study 1 assessed CAT score before and after 8 weeks of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD who were able to walk 5 m, and had no contraindication to exercise. Study 2 assessed change in CAT score at discharge and after 3 months in patients admitted to hospital for more than 24 h for acute exacerbation of COPD. Study 3 assessed change in CAT score at baseline and at 12 months in stable outpatients with COPD. We focused on identifying the minimum clinically important improvement in CAT score. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) were measured concurrently as anchors. We used receiver operating characteristic curves, linear regression, and distribution-based methods (half SD, SE of measurement) to estimate the MCID for the CAT; we included only patients with paired CAT scores in the analysis.


FINDINGS
In Study 1, 565 of 675 (84%) patients had paired CAT scores. The mean change in CAT score with pulmonary rehabilitation was -2·5 (95% CI -3·0 to -1·9), which correlated significantly with change in SGRQ score (r=0·32; p<0·0001) and CRQ score (r=-0·46; p<0·0001). In Study 2, of 200 patients recruited, 147 (74%) had paired CAT scores. Mean change in CAT score from hospital discharge to 3 months after discharge was -3·0 (95% CI -4·4 to -1·6), which correlated with change in SGRQ score (r=0·47; p<0·0001). In Study 3, of 200 patients recruited, 164 (82%) had paired CAT scores. Although no significant change in CAT score was identified after 12 months (mean 0·6, 95% CI -0·4 to 1·5), change in CAT score correlated significantly with change in SGRQ score (r=0·36; p<0·0001). Linear regression estimated the minimum clinically important improvement for the CAT to range between -1·2 and -2·8 with receiver operating characteristic curves consistently identifying -2 as the MCID. Distribution-based estimates for the MCID ranged from -3·3 to -3·8.


INTERPRETATION
The most reliable estimate of the minimum important difference of the CAT is 2 points. This estimate could be useful in the clinical interpretation of CAT data, particularly in response to intervention studies.


FUNDING
Medical Research Council and UK National Institute of Health Research.
Biomechanical evaluation of three surgical scenarios of posterior lumbar interbody fusion by finite element analysis

BACKGROUND
For the treatment of low back pain, the following three scenarios of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) were usually used, i.e., PLIF procedure with autogenous iliac bone (PAIB model), PLIF with cages made of PEEK (PCP model) or titanium (Ti) (PCT model) materiel. But the benefits or adverse effects among the three surgical scenarios were still not fully understood.


METHOD
Finite element analysis (FEA), as an efficient tool for the analysis of lumbar diseases, was used to establish a three-dimensional nonlinear L1-S1 FE model (intact model) with the ligaments of solid elements. Then it was modified to simulate the three scenarios of PLIF. 10 Nm moments with 400 N preload were applied to the upper L1 vertebral body under the loading conditions of extension, flexion, lateral bending and torsion, respectively.


RESULTS
Different mechanical parameters were calculated to evaluate the differences among the three surgical models. The lowest stresses on the bone grafts and the greatest stresses on endplate were found in the PCT model. The PCP model obtained considerable stresses on the bone grafts and less stresses on ligaments. But the changes of stresses on the adjacent discs and endplate were minimal in the PAIB model.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCT model was inferior to the other two models. Both the PCP and PAIB models had their own relative merits. The findings provide theoretical basis for the choice of a suitable surgical scenario for different patients.
Immunoglobulin light chain class multiplicity and alternative organizational forms in early vertebrate phylogeny

The prototypic chondrichthyan immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain type (type I) isolated from Heterodontus francisci (horned shark) has a clustered organization in which variable (V), joining (J), and constant (C) elements are in relatively close linkage (V-J-C). Using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach on a light chain peptide sequence from the holocephalan, Hydrolagus colliei (spotted ratfish), it was possible to isolate members of a second light chain gene family. A probe to this light chain (type II) detects homologs in two orders of elasmobranchs, Heterodontus, a galeomorph and Raja erinacea (little skate), a batoid, suggesting that this light chain type may be present throughout the cartilaginous fishes. In all cases, V, J, and C regions of the type II gene are arranged in closely linked clusters typical of all known Ig genes in cartilaginous fishes. All representatives of this type II gene family are joined in the germline. A third (kappa-like) light chain type from Heterodontus is described. These findings establish that a degree of light chain class complexity comparable to that of the mammals is present in the most phylogenetically distant extant jawed vertebrates and that the phenomenon of germline-joined (pre-rearranged) genes, described originally in the heavy chain genes of cartilaginous fishes, extends to light chain genes.
Community trends in the use and characteristics of persons with acute myocardial infarction who are transported by emergency medical services.

OBJECTIVE
Limited data exist on recent trends in ambulance use and factors associated with ambulance use in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly from the more generalizable perspective of a community-wide investigation. This population-based prospective epidemiologic study describes the decade-long trends (1997-2007) in the use of emergency medical services (EMS) by residents of the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area who are hospitalized for AMI and the characteristics of patients with AMI who are transported to the hospital by EMS (n = 3789) compared with those transported by other means (n = 1505).


METHODS
The study population consisted of 5294 patients hospitalized for AMI at 11 greater Worcester medical centers in 5 annual periods between 1997 and 2007. Information on the use of EMS and the factors associated with EMS use was obtained through the review of hospital medical records.


RESULTS
There was a progressive increase in the proportion of greater Worcester residents with AMI who were transported to central Massachusetts hospitals by ambulance over time (66.9% transported in 1997; 74.9% transported in 2007). Patients transported by EMS were older, more likely to be women, and more likely to have a greater prevalence of previously diagnosed comorbidities.


CONCLUSION
Our findings provide encouragement for the use of EMS in residents of a large central New England community hospitalized with AMI. Despite increasing trends in ambulance use, more research is needed to explore the reasons why patients with AMI do not use EMS in the setting of an acute cardiac emergency.
Intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve

Intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve is very rare. To date, only 5 cases of this entity in the popliteal fossa have been reported. We report a new case and review the previously reported cases. A 40-year-old man experienced a mild vague pain in the medial half of his right foot for 3 years. Magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated a soft-tissue mass along the right tibial nerve. At surgery, an intraneural ganglion cyst was evacuated. After 12 months, the patient was pain-free with no signs of recurrence. Trauma might be a contributing factor to the development of intraneural ganglion cysts. Application of microsurgical techniques is encouraged.
Adaptation of Prototype Sets in On-line Recognition of Isolated Handwritten Latin Characters

Results on a comparison of adaptive recognition techniques for on-line recognition of handwritten Latin alphabets are presented. The emphasis is on ve adaptive classiication strategies described in this paper. The strategies are based on rst generating a user-independent set of prototype characters and then modifying this set in order to adapt it to each user's personal writing style. The initial set is formed by a simple clustering algorithm. The modiication of the prototype set is performed using three modes of operation: 1) new prototypes are added, 2) existing prototypes are reshaped to better match the input, and 3) prototypes which produce false classiications are removed. The classiication decision uses the k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) rule for the distances between the unknown character and the stored prototypes. The distances are calculated by using template matching with Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). The reshaping of the existing prototypes is performed by utilizing a modiied version of the Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) algorithm. The presented experiments show that the recognition system is able to adapt well to the user's writing style with only a few { say one hundred { handwritten characters.
Absent Multiple Kernel Learning

Multiple kernel learning (MKL) optimally combines the multiple channels of each sample to improve classification performance. However, existing MKL algorithms cannot effectively handle the situation where some channels are missing, which is common in practical applications. This paper proposes an absent MKL (AMKL) algorithm to address this issue. Different from existing approaches where missing channels are firstly imputed and then a standard MKL algorithm is deployed on the imputed data, our algorithm directly classifies each sample with its observed channels. In specific, we define a margin for each sample in its own relevant space, which corresponds to the observed channels of that sample. The proposed AMKL algorithm then maximizes the minimum of all sample-based margins, and this leads to a difficult optimization problem. We show that this problem can be reformulated as a convex one by applying the representer theorem. This makes it readily be solved via existing convex optimization packages. Extensive experiments are conducted on five MKL benchmark data sets to compare the proposed algorithm with existing imputation-based methods. As observed, our algorithm achieves superior performance and the improvement is more significant with the increasing missing ratio. Disciplines Engineering | Science and Technology Studies Publication Details Liu, X., Wang, L., Yin, J., Dou, Y. & Zhang, J. (2015). Absent multiple kernel learning. Proceedings of the Twenty-Ninth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (pp. 2807-2813). United States: IEEE. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/eispapers/5373 Absent Multiple Kernel Learning Xinwang Liu School of Computer National University of Defense Technology Changsha, China, 410073 Lei Wang School of Computer Science and Software Engineering University of Wollongong NSW, Australia, 2522 Jianping Yin, Yong Dou School of Computer National University of Defense Technology Changsha, China, 410073 Jian Zhang Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Technology Sydney NSW, Australia, 2007
A survey on tree edit distance and related problems

We survey the problem of comparing labeled trees based on simple local operations of deleting, inserting, and relabeling nodes. These operations lead to the tree edit distance, alignment distance, and inclusion problem. For each problem we review the results available and present, in detail, one or more of the central algorithms for solving the problem. keywords tree matching, edit distance