LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Neurofibromatosis of the head and neck: classification and surgical management.

BACKGROUND
Neurofibromatosis is common and presents with variable penetrance and manifestations in one in 2500 to one in 3000 live births. The management of these patients is often multidisciplinary because of the complexity of the disease. Plastic surgeons are frequently involved in the surgical management of patients with head and neck involvement.


METHODS
A 20-year retrospective review of patients treated surgically for head and neck neurofibroma was performed. Patients were identified according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for neurofibromatosis and from the senior author's database.


RESULTS
A total of 59 patients with head and neck neurofibroma were identified. These patients were categorized into five distinct, but not exclusive, categories to assist with diagnosis and surgical management. These categories included plexiform, cranioorbital, facial, neck, and parotid/auricular neurofibromatosis.


CONCLUSIONS
A surgical classification system and clinical characteristics of head and neck neurofibromatosis is presented to assist practitioners with diagnosis and surgical management of this complex disease. The surgical management of the cranioorbital type is discussed in detail in 24 patients. The importance and safety of facial nerve dissection and preservation using intraoperative nerve monitoring were validated in 16 dissections in 15 patients. Massive involvement of the neck extending from the skull base to the mediastinum, frequently considered inoperable, has been safely resected by the use of access osteotomies of the clavicle and sternum, muscle takedown, and brachial plexus dissection and preservation using intraoperative nerve monitoring.


CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, IV.
Microelectronic systems design educational challenge

A new VLSI design center VDEC spearheaded by Tokyo University and supported by the Japanese government is about to alter the course of the microelectronic systems design education at Japanese universities. The industrial support for microelectronic education and how a new and innovative Japanese university specializing in computer science and computer engineering uses projects in its curriculum to effectively teach VLSI design are also described.
Enhanced solid-state citric acid bio-production using apple pomace waste through surface response methodology.

AIMS
  To evaluate the potential of apple pomace (AP) supplemented with rice husk for hyper citric acid production through solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus niger NRRL-567. Optimization of two key parameters, such as moisture content and inducer (ethanol and methanol) concentration was carried out by response surface methodology.


METHODS AND RESULTS
  In this study, the effect of two crucial process parameters for solid-state citric acid fermentation by A. niger using AP waste supplemented with rice husk were thoroughly investigated in Erlenmeyer flasks through response surface methodology. Moisture and methanol had significant positive effect on citric acid production by A. niger grown on AP (P < 0·05). Higher values of citric acid on AP by A. niger (342·41gkg(-1) and 248·42gkg(-1) dry substrate) were obtained with 75% (v/w) moisture along with two inducers [3% (v/w) methanol and 3% (v/w) ethanol] with fermentation efficiency of 93·90% and 66·42%, respectively depending upon the total carbon utilized after 144h of incubation period. With the same optimized parameters, conventional tray fermentation was conducted. The citric acid concentration of 187·96gkg(-1) dry substrate with 3% (v/w) ethanol and 303·34gkg(-1) dry substrate with 3% (v/w) methanol were achieved representing fermentation efficiency of 50·80% and 82·89% in tray fermentation depending upon carbon utilization after 120h of incubation period.


CONCLUSIONS
  Apple pomace proved to be the promising substrate for the hyper production of citric acid through solid-state tray fermentation, which is an economical technique and does not require any sophisticated instrumentation.


SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
  The study established that the utilization of agro-industrial wastes have positive repercussions on the economy and will help to meet the increasing demands of citric acid and moreover will help to alleviate the environmental problems resulting from the disposal of agro-industrial wastes.
Henoch–Schonlein Purpura Leads to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome may develop as sequelae to acute infectious gastroenteritis. Henoch–Schonlein purpura is a vaculitis that causes an inflammatory insult to the intestinal mucosa. To assess whether patients with Henoch–Schonlein purpura are more likely to develop functional gastrointestinal disorders in long-term follow-up than controls. Families of children diagnosed with Henoch–Schonlein purpura from 2002 to 2009 were contacted at least 6 months after an acute episode. Parents completed a validated questionnaire to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders according to Rome III criteria. Thirty-eight patients (mean 9.9 years, range 3–22 years, 19 males) and 38 controls (mean 9.5 years, range 1–24 years, 21 males) were recruited. Of the patients, 81% had abdominal pain with Henoch–Schonlein purpura presentation. Initial abdominal pain had resolved in all cases. At the time of study, 60.5% patients and 2.6% controls had abdominal pain. Children in Henoch–Schonlein purpura group were diagnosed with various functional gastrointestinal disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome in 11%, functional abdominal pain syndrome in 8%, and functional abdominal pain in 2.8%. Steroid usage was associated with higher incidence of abdominal pain (87.5%) at the time of the study as compared to no steroid usage (40.9%), p = 0.0065. Patients with Henoch–Schonlein purpura are at an increased risk of developing pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders. The presence of abdominal pain and use of steroids at presentation of Henoch–Schonlein purpura are associated with higher incidence of pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Parameter Control in Evolutionary Algorithms: Trends and Challenges

More than a decade after the first extensive overview on parameter control, we revisit the field and present a survey of the state-of-the-art. We briefly summarize the development of the field and discuss existing work related to each major parameter or component of an evolutionary algorithm. Based on this overview, we observe trends in the area, identify some (methodological) shortcomings, and give recommendations for future research.
Adaptive Vectorial Filter for Grid Synchronization of Power Converters Under Unbalanced and/or Distorted Grid Conditions

This paper presents a new synchronization scheme for detecting multiple positive-/negative-sequence frequency harmonics in three-phase systems for grid-connected power converters. The proposed technique is called MAVF-FLL because it is based on the use of multiple adaptive vectorial filters (AVFs) working together inside a harmonic decoupling network, resting on a frequency-locked loop (FLL) which makes the system frequency adaptive. The method uses the vectorial properties of the three-phase input signal in the αβ reference frame in order to obtain the different harmonic components. The MAVF-FLL is fully designed and analyzed, addressing the tuning procedure in order to obtain the desired and predefined performance. The proposed algorithm is evaluated by both simulation and experimental results, demonstrating its ability to perform as required for detecting different harmonic components under a highly unbalanced and distorted input grid voltage.
The effect of a pain management program on patients with cancer pain.

BACKGROUND
Pain is 1 of the most common symptoms that a cancer patient would experience. A significant barrier to positive pain management is patients' misconceptions regarding analgesics and inadequate use of nonpharmacological strategies as pain relief.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a pain management program (PMP) on pain intensity, use of PRN drugs and nonpharmacological strategies as pain relief, and barriers to managing pain in cancer patients.


METHODS
The study was conducted in the palliative care and hospice ward of a public hospital in Hong Kong. Patients were randomized to either an experimental group (receiving the PMP) or a control group (routine care). There were 38 hospitalized patients, with 20 (13 males and 7 females) in the experimental group and 18 (11 males and 7 females) in the control group; mean age was 61.95 years (experimental group) to 63.94 years (control group).


RESULTS
Upon the completion of PMP, pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups, yet patients in the experimental group showed a significant increase in the use of PRN analgesics and nonpharmacological strategies to relieve pain (P < .05) and significantly reduce barriers to managing their cancer pain (P < .05) compared with the control group.


CONCLUSION
Cancer patients should be empowered with pain management education to gain knowledge and correct misconceptions in managing their cancer pain.


IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Integration of the PMP into routine clinical work may help to improve the standard of care for cancer patients. It is recommended to provide pain management education to all cancer patients.
Customer retention-Case studies of agencies in the professional service sector

Acknowledgements i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This master thesis was written at the division of Industrial Marketing and E-commerce at Luleå University of Technology. The time frame for this thesis was ten weeks within which I have gained increased knowledge on the concept of customer retention within professional service firms but foremost, I have gained increased knowledge on how to conduct a thesis on my own. First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor and mentor professor Manucher Farhang for his guidance, patience and support during this ten weeks timeframe. I would also like to thank Lowe Brindfors in Stockholm, Favör Reklambyrå in Luleå, Holy Diver in Stockholm and Vinter Reklambyrå in Luleå for taking time to participate in this study and for providing valuable information about their agencies. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family for their understanding of my absence and to thank my closest friends for their never ending support and encouragements. Abstract ii ABSTRACT In recent years, customer retention has gained increased value among both goods and service providing firms. However although extensive research exist on the concept of customer retention and its measures and instruments, studies and research on how professional service firms retain their customers remain limited. Hence, in this thesis how professional service providers retain their targeted customers over time will be investigated through four case studies in the professional service industry, more specifically in the advertising sector. The empirical data was collected through interviews with four Swedish advertising agencies: Lowe Brindfors, Favör Reklambyrå, Holy Diver and Vinter Reklambyrå. The findings of this study first and foremost indicate that professional service providers do not have any formal nor standardized procedure which they follow when it comes to retaining their customers. The strategies employed by the firms are highly customized to each individual customer. Further the findings from this study indicate that in order to retain customers over time professional service providers need to place more efforts on the creation of personal relationships with the clients, as it is a strong bond tying customers to the firm. The findings further imply that the creation of customer satisfaction and the creation of switching barriers are the main strategies employed by firms, for retaining customers. Other factors affecting professional service firms " retention strategies are the firms " ability to convey confidence, to get the customers involved, and to be able to deliver …
Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for posterior instability of the shoulder: a prospective study of 200 shoulders.

BACKGROUND
There are few reports in the literature detailing the arthroscopic treatment of unidirectional posterior shoulder instability.


HYPOTHESIS
Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is effective in restoring stability and function and alleviating pain in athletes with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability.


STUDY DESIGN
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.


METHODS
One hundred eighty-three athletes (200 shoulders) with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability were treated with arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral reconstruction and underwent an evaluation at a mean of 36 months postoperatively. A subset of 117 shoulders of contact athletes was compared with the entire group of 200 shoulders. Patients were evaluated prospectively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scoring system. Stability, strength, and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with standardized subjective scales. Methods of intraoperative soft tissue fixation as well as anchorless (n = 44) and anchored (n = 156) plications were recorded for each patient.


RESULTS
At a mean of 36 months postoperatively, the mean ASES score improved from 45.9 to 85.1 (P < .001). There were also significant improvements in stability, pain, and function based on previously used scales (P < .001). The contact athletes did not demonstrate any significant differences when compared with the entire cohort for any outcome measure. With regard to the method of internal fixation, patients who underwent capsulolabral plications with suture-anchors showed significantly greater improvement in ASES scores (P < .001) and a higher rate of return to play (P < .05) when compared with patients with anchorless capsulolabral plications.


CONCLUSION
Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is an effective, reliable treatment for symptomatic, unidirectional recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability in an athletic population. Overall, 90% of patients were able to return to sport, with 64% of patients able to return to the same level postoperatively. With the incorporation of bone suture-anchors in capsulolabral reconstruction, patients had greater improvements in ASES scores and a higher rate of return to play.
Towards a study of information geographies: (im)mutable augmentations and a mapping of the geographies of information

Information has always had geography. It is from somewhere; about somewhere; it evolves and is transformed somewhere; it is mediated by networks, infrastructures, and technologies: all of which exist in physical, material places. These geographies of information about places matter because they shape how we are able to find and understand different parts of the world. Places invisible or discounted in representations are invisible in practice to many people. In other words, geographic augmentations are much more than just representations of places: they are part of the place itself; they shape it rather than simply reflect it. This fusing of the spatial and informational augmentations that are immutable means that annotations of place emerge as sites of political contestation: with different groups of people trying to impose different narratives on informational augmentations. This paper therefore explores how information geographies have their own geographic distributions: geographies of access, of participation, and of representation. The paper offers a deliberately broad survey of a range of key platforms that mediate, host, and deliver different types of geographic information. It does so using a combination of existing statistics and bespoke data not previously mapped or analysed. Through this effort, the paper demonstrates that in addition to the geographies of uneven access to contemporary modes of communication, uneven geographies of participation and representation are also evident and in some cases are being amplified rather than alleviated. In other words, the paper comprehensively shows one important facet of contemporary information geographies: that geographic information itself is characterised by a host of uneven geographies. The paper concludes that there are few signs that global informational peripheries are achieving comparable levels of participation or representation with traditional information cores, despite the hopes that the fast-paced spread of the internet to three billion people might change this pattern.
Optimising Learning Using Flashcards : Spacing Is More Effective Than Cramming

The spacing effect—that is, the benefit of spacing learning events apart rather than massing them together—has been demonstrated in hundreds of experiments, but is not well known to educators or learners. I investigated the spacing effect in the realistic context of flashcard use. Learners often divide flashcards into relatively small stacks, but compared to a large stack, small stacks decrease the spacing between study trials. In three experiments, participants used a web-based study programme to learn GRE-type word pairs. Studying one large stack of flashcards (i.e. spacing) was more effective than studying four smaller stacks of flashcards separately (i.e. massing). Spacing was also more effective than cramming—that is, massing study on the last day before the test. Across experiments, spacing was more effective than massing for 90% of the participants, yet after the first study session, 72% of the participants believed that massing had been more effective than spacing. Copyright # 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cesarean delivery for twins: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE
We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether a policy of planned cesarean section or vaginal delivery is better for twins.


STUDY DESIGN
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1980 through May 2001 using combinations of the following terms: twin, delivery, cesarean section, vaginal birth, birth weight, and gestational age. Studies that compared planned cesarean section to planned vaginal birth for babies weighing at least 1500 g or reaching at least 32 weeks' gestation were included. We computed pooled odds ratios for perinatal or neonatal mortality, low 5-minute Apgar score, neonatal morbidity, and maternal morbidity. The infant was the unit of statistical analysis. Results were considered statistically significant if the 95% CI did not encompass 1.0.


RESULTS
We retrieved 67 articles, 63 of which were excluded. Four studies with a total of 1932 infants were included in the analysis. A low 5-minute Apgar score occurred less frequently in twins delivered by planned cesarean section (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.26-0.88) principally because of a reduction among twins if twin A was in breech position (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.65). Twins delivered by planned cesarean section spent significantly longer in the hospital (mean difference, 4.01 days; 95% CI, 0.73-7.28 days). There were no significant differences in perinatal or neonatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, or maternal morbidity.


CONCLUSION
Planned cesarean section may decrease the risk of a low 5-minute Apgar score, particularly if twin A is breech. Otherwise, there is no evidence to support planned cesarean section for twins.
Rac1b and reactive oxygen species mediate MMP-3-induced EMT and genomic instability

The tumour microenvironment can be a potent carcinogen, not only by facilitating cancer progression and activating dormant cancer cells, but also by stimulating tumour formation. We have previously investigated stromelysin-1/matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), a stromal enzyme upregulated in many breast tumours, and found that MMP-3 can cause epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and malignant transformation in cultured cells, and genomically unstable mammary carcinomas in transgenic mice. Here we explain the molecular pathways by which MMP-3 exerts these effects: exposure of mouse mammary epithelial cells to MMP-3 induces the expression of an alternatively spliced form of Rac1, which causes an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS stimulate the expression of the transcription factor Snail and EMT, and cause oxidative damage to DNA and genomic instability. These findings identify a previously undescribed pathway in which a component of the breast tumour microenvironment alters cellular structure in culture and tissue structure in vivo, leading to malignant transformation.
Communicating Thematic Data Quality with Web Map Services

Geospatial information of many kinds, from topographic maps to scientific data, is increasingly being made available through web mapping services. These allow georeferenced map images to be served from data stores and displayed in websites and geographic information systems, where they can be integrated with other geographic information. The Open Geospatial Consortium’s Web Map Service (WMS) standard has been widely adopted in diverse communities for sharing data in this way. However, current services typically provide little or no information about the quality or accuracy of the data they serve. In this paper we will describe the design and implementation of a new “quality-enabled” profile of WMS, which we call “WMS-Q”. This describes how information about data quality can be transmitted to the user through WMS. Such information can exist at many levels, from entire datasets to individual measurements, and includes the many different ways in which data uncertainty can be expressed. We also describe proposed extensions to the Symbology Encoding specification, which include provision for visualizing uncertainty in raster data in a number of different ways, including contours, shading and bivariate colour maps. We shall OPEN ACCESS ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2015, 4 1966 also describe new open-source implementations of the new specifications, which include both clients and servers.
Sparse Depth Sensing for Resource-Constrained Robots

We consider the case in which a robot has to navigate in an unknown environment but does not have enough on-board power or payload to carry a traditional depth sensor (e.g., a 3D lidar) and thus can only acquire a few (point-wise) depth measurements. We address the following question: is it possible to reconstruct the geometry of an unknown environment using sparse and incomplete depth measurements? Reconstruction from incomplete data is not possible in general, but when the robot operates in man-made environments, the depth exhibits some regularity (e.g., many planar surfaces with only a few edges); we leverage this regularity to infer depth from a small number of measurements. Our first contribution is a formulation of the depth reconstruction problem that bridges robot perception with the compressive sensing literature in signal processing. The second contribution includes a set of formal results that ascertain the exactness and stability of the depth reconstruction in 2D and 3D problems, and completely characterize the geometry of the profiles that we can reconstruct. Our third contribution is a set of practical algorithms for depth reconstruction: our formulation directly translates into algorithms for depth estimation based on convex programming. In real-world problems, these convex programs are very large and general-purpose solvers are relatively slow. For this reason, we discuss ad-hoc solvers that enable fast depth reconstruction in real problems. The last contribution is an extensive experimental evaluation in 2D and 3D problems, including Monte Carlo runs on simulated instances and testing on multiple real datasets. Empirical results confirm that the proposed approach ensures accurate depth reconstruction, outperforms interpolation-based strategies, and performs well even when the assumption of structured environment is violated. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL • Video demonstrations: https://youtu.be/vE56akCGeJQ