LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment of patients with chronic low back pain: a prognostic model for its outcome.

OBJECTIVES
(1) To determine if treatment outcome in chronic low back pain can be predicted by a predefined multivariate prognostic model based on consistent predictors from the literature and (2) to explore the value of potentially prognostic factors further.


METHODS
Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial on the effect of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for chronic low back pain compared with usual care. The primary outcome measure was the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire and secondary outcomes were the Physical and Mental Component Summary Scales, derived from the Short Form Health Survey. Outcomes were expressed as the differences between baseline and follow-up (8 wk and 6 mo) values. A confirmatory and an exploratory model were defined. Baseline predictors included in the confirmatory model were pain intensity, work status, and Multidimensional Pain Inventory subgroup membership. The exploratory model included sick leave, compensation, depression, and fear-avoidance beliefs. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression analysis.


RESULTS
One hundred and sixty-three patients participated in the study. More pain was prognostic for more improvement in the rehabilitation group. No value was found for work status or the Multidimensional Pain Inventory subgroups. For the exploratory model, more depression and fear-avoidance beliefs predicted more improvement after rehabilitation. The explained variance ranged from 18.5% to 43.8% depending on the length of follow-up evaluation, the treatment group, and the outcome variable of interest.


DISCUSSION
The results of this study do not support the construction of a clinical prediction model. Future confirmative studies of homogeneous rehabilitation treatments and outcome measures are needed to shed more light on relevant prognostic factors.
Offline Handwritten Gurmukhi Character and Numeral Recognition using Different Feature Sets and Classifiers - A Survey

A great work has been done for printed Gurmukhi text but in case of handwritten Gurmukhi text very less work has been done. In recent years research towards Indian handwritten character is getting increasing attention. Many approaches have been proposed by the researchers towards handwritten Indian character recognition and many recognition systems for isolated handwritten characters and numerals are available in the literature. This paper presents an overview of various O.C.R systems for Gurmukhi script which are developed for handwritten isolated Gurmukhi characters and
GNSS Spoofing Detection using Two-Antenna Differential Carrier Phase

A method is developed to detect GNSS spoofing by processing beat carrier-phase measurements from a pair of antennas in a CDGPS-type calculation. This system Copyright © 2014 by Mark L. Psiaki, Brady W. O'Hanlon, Steven P. Powell, Jahshan A. Bhatti, Kyle D. Wesson, Todd E. Humphreys, & Andrew Schofield. All rights reserved. Preprint from ION GNSS+ 2014 detects spoofing attacks that are resistant to standard RAIM technique, and it can sense an attack in a fraction of a second without external aiding. The signal-in-space properties used to detect spoofing are the relationships of the signal arrival directions to the vector that points from one antenna to the other. In the un-spoofed case, there are a multiplicity of relationships between the interantenna vector and the arrival directions of the multiple signals, which results in a quantifiable multiplicity of carrier-phase single-differences between the antennas. In the spoofed case, there is a single direction of arrival, assuming a single spoofer transmission antenna, and the carrier phase single-differences are identical for all channels, up to an integer cycle ambiguity. A real-time implementation of this detection method has been developed, and it has been tested against live-signal spoofing attacks aboard a superyacht that was cruising around Italy en route from Monaco to Venice. The prototype system demonstrated an ability to detect spoofing attacks in a fraction of a second, though lags in the system’s signal processing lengthened the detection delay to as much as 6 seconds. The system experienced challenges during the initial phase of a spoofing attack if the spoofer power was not much greater than that of the true signal. The true and spoofed signals interfere in a beating pattern in this case, making the composite signal harder to track and harder to classify as being either spoofed or non-spoofed. After the spoofer drags the victim receiver off to an erroneous position or timing fix, the beating subsides, and the new spoofing detection system performs well.
Vector Magnetic Property and Magnetic Characteristic Analysis by Vector Magneto-Hysteretic E&S Model

In this paper, the vector magnetic property is explained first. And this paper also presents the magnetic characteristic analysis of the electrical machines by using the vector magnetic hysteretic E&S model. Furthermore, the dynamic E&S model, which can analyze the eddy current effect due to the distorted magnetic flux waveform, is presented. From this method, we can express the various kinds of magnetic properties directly, for example, vector hysteresis loops (Bx-Hx, By-Hy) magnetic power loss and the behavior of H and B vectors by using this model.
Search for new physics in photon and jet final states

Results from the CDF and D0 collaborations from searches of physics beyond the standard model are presented in reactions involving high transverse momentum photons or jets in their final states.
Developing GIS Management Strategies for an Organization

An organization’s strategies for managing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role in the success of the technology within the organization. As with any technological innovation, the key factor in GIS success is how it is applied to solve the organization’s business problems. Corporatewide strategies to introduce, implement, and operate the GIS determine how well it serves business needs. This article addresses management and organizational issues associated with GIS technology adoption in complex organizations. I discuss issues related to managing the introduction and use of GIS and alternative strategies for integrating GIS into business operations. The article draws on a variety of experiences to highlight key organizational factors that must be considered when developing a GIS strategy.
Atorvastatin, etidronate, or both in patients at high risk for atherosclerotic aortic plaques: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND
Statins are not effective in reducing atherosclerotic plaques of the abdominal aorta, and accumulating evidence suggests that bisphosphonates have the potential to induce the regression of atherosclerotic plaques of the abdominal aorta.


METHODS AND RESULTS
A prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-end-point trial involving 108 participants with hypercholesterolemia was conducted. Participants received 20 mg atorvastatin daily, 400 mg etidronate daily, or both drugs daily. The primary end point was the percent change in maximal vessel wall thickness of atherosclerotic plaques in the thoracic and abdominal aortas as measured by magnetic resonance imaging after 12 months of treatment. In both the combination therapy and atorvastatin groups, maximal vessel wall thickness of the thoracic aorta was reduced by 13.8% (95% confidence interval, -16.4 to -11.3) and 12.3% (95% confidence interval, -14.9 to -9.7), respectively. These reduction rates were comparable between groups (P=0.61). Meanwhile, in the etidronate group, maximal vessel wall thickness of the thoracic aorta remained unchanged (2.2%; 95% confidence interval, -0.3 to 4.8). Conversely, maximal vessel wall thickness of the abdominal aorta was reduced more effectively in the combination therapy group (-11.4%) than in the atorvastatin group (-0.9%; P<0.001) and the etidronate group (5.5%; P=0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
Atorvastatin plus etidronate combination therapy for 12 months significantly reduced both thoracic and abdominal aortic plaques, whereas atorvastatin monotherapy reduced only thoracic aortic plaques and etidronate monotherapy reduced only abdominal aortic plaques. The effectiveness of combination therapy in reducing atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta was significantly greater than for both atorvastatin and etidronate monotherapy.


CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier: UMIN 000002635.
EINSTEIN AND HILBERT: THE CREATION OF GENERAL RELATIVITY ∗

e-mail: todorov@inrne.bas.bgABSTRACTIt took eight years after Einstein announced the basic physical ideas behind therelativistic gravity theory before the proper mathematical formulation of general relativitywas mastered. The eﬀorts of the greatest physicist and of the greatest mathematician ofthe time were involved and reached a breathtaking concentration during the last month ofthe work.Recent controversy, raised by a much publicized 1997 reading of Hilbert’s proof-sheets of his article of November 1915, is also discussed.
Galactic stellar haloes in the CDM model

We present six simulations of Galactic stellar haloes forme d by the tidal disruption of accreted dwarf galaxies in a fully cosmological setting. Ou r model is based on the Aquarius project, a suite of high resolution N-body simulations of in dividual dark matter haloes. We tag subsets of particles in these simulations with stellar p opulations predicted by the GALFORM semi-analytic model. Our method self-consistently tracks the dynamical evolution and disruption of satellites from high redshift. The luminosit y function and structural properties of surviving satellites, which agree well with observations, suggest that this technique is appropriate. We find that accreted stellar haloes are assembled be tween1 < z < 7 from less than 5 significant progenitors. These progenitors are old, metal -rich satellites with stellar masses similar to the brightest Milky Way dwarf spheroidals ( 10−10 M⊙). In contrast to previous stellar halo simulations, we find that several of these major contributors survive as self-bound systems to the present day. Both the number of these significa nt progenitors and their infall times are inherently stochastic. This results in great diversity among our stellar haloes, which amplifies small differences between the formation his tor es of their dark halo hosts. The masses ( ∼ 10 − 10 M⊙) and density/surface-brightness profiles of the stellar ha loes (from 10–100 kpc) are consistent with expectations from the Milky Way and M31. Each halo has a complex structure, consisting of well-mixed comp nents, tidal streams, shells and other subcomponents. This structure is not adequately desc rib d by smooth models. The central regions ( < 10 kpc) of our haloes are highly prolate ( c/a ∼ 0.3), although we find one example of a massive accreted thick disc. Metallicity gradi ents in our haloes are typically significant only where the halo is built from a small number of sat ellites. We contrast the ages and metallicities of halo stars with surviving satellites, finding broad agreement with recent observations.
Robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery for gastric cancer compared on surgical, clinical and oncological outcomes: a multi-institutional chart review. A study protocol of the International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for GASTRIc Cancer—IMIGASTRIC

INTRODUCTION
Gastric cancer represents a great challenge for healthcare providers and requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach in which surgery plays a major role. Minimally invasive surgery has been progressively developed, first with the advent of laparoscopy and recently with the spread of robotic surgery, but a number of issues are currently being debated, including the limitations in performing an effective extended lymph node dissection, the real advantages of robotic systems, the role of laparoscopy for Advanced Gastric Cancer, the reproducibility of a total intracorporeal technique and the oncological results achievable during long-term follow-up.


METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A multi-institutional international database will be established to evaluate the role of robotic, laparoscopic and open approaches in gastric cancer, comprising of information regarding surgical, clinical and oncological features. A chart review will be conducted to enter data of participants with gastric cancer, previously treated at the participating institutions. The database is the first of its kind, through an international electronic submission system and a HIPPA protected real time data repository from high volume gastric cancer centres.


ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This study is conducted in compliance with ethical principles originating from the Helsinki Declaration, within the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice and relevant laws/regulations. A multicentre study with a large number of patients will permit further investigation of the safety and efficacy as well as the long-term outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic and open approaches for the management of gastric cancer.


TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT02325453; Pre-results.
Gamification in E-Learning: Introducing Gamified Design Elements into E-Learning Systems

Corresponding Author: Daniel Strmečki Faculty of Organization and Informatics, Pavlinska 2, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia Email: danstrmecki@gmail.com Abstract: Gamification is the usage of game mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics and game thinking in non-game systems. Its main objective is to increase user’s motivation, experience and engagement. For the same reason, it has started to penetrate in e-learning systems. However, when using gamified design elements in e-learning, we must consider various types of learners. In the phases of analysis and design of such elements, the cooperation of education, technology, pedagogy, design and finance experts is required. This paper discusses the development phases of introducing gamification into e-learning systems, various gamification design elements and their suitability for usage in e-learning systems. Several gamified design elements are found suited for e-learning (including points, badges, trophies, customization, leader boards, levels, progress tracking, challenges, feedback, social engagement loops and the freedom to fail). Advices for the usage of each of those elements in e-learning systems are also provided in this study. Based on those advises and the identified phases of introducing gamification info e-learning systems, we conducted an experimental study to investigate the effectiveness of gamification of an informatics online course. Results showed that students enrolled in the gamified version of the online module achieved greater learning success. Positive results encourage us to investigate the gamification of online learning content for other topics and courses. We also encourage more research on the influence of specific gamified design elements on learner’s motivation and engagement.
Rapid virological response and treatment duration for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients: a randomized trial.

UNLABELLED
Recommended treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) patients is peginterferon plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. We assessed whether treatment duration of 24 weeks is as effective as standard treatment in HCV-1 patients with a rapid virological response (RVR; seronegative for hepatitis C virus [HCV] RNA at 4 weeks). Two hundred HCV-1 patients were randomized (1:1) to either 24 or 48 weeks of peginterferon-alpha-2a (180 microg/week) and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/day) with a 24-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response (SVR; seronegative for HCV RNA at 24-week follow-up). Overall, the 48-week arm had a significantly higher SVR rate (79%) than the 24-week arm (59%, P = 0.002). For 87 (43.5%) patients with an RVR, the 24-week arm had a lower SVR rate [88.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 80%-98%] than the 48-week arm (100%, P = 0.056). For 52 patients with low baseline viremia (<400,000 IU/mL) and an RVR, the 24-week arm had rates (CI) of relapse and SVR of 3.6% (-3%-11%) and 96.4% (89%-103%), respectively, which were comparable to those of the 48-week arm (0% and 100%) with difference (CI) of 3.6% (-7.2%-6.6%) and -3.6% (-14.3% to -0.6%), respectively. Multivariate analysis in all patients showed that RVR was the strongest independent factor associated with an SVR, followed by treatment duration, mean weight-based exposure of ribavirin, and baseline viral load.


CONCLUSION
HCV-1 patients derive a significantly better SVR from 48 weeks versus 24 weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin even if they attain an RVR. Both 24 and 48 weeks of therapy can achieve high SVR rates (>96%) in HCV-1 patients with low viral loads and an RVR.
Multimarket optimal bidding for a power producer

This paper considers a profit-maximizing thermal producer that participates in a sequence of spot markets, namely, day-ahead, automatic generation control (AGC), and balancing markets. The producer behaves as a price-taker in both the day-ahead market and the AGC market but as a potential price-maker in the volatile balancing market. The paper provides a stochastic programming methodology to determine the optimal bidding strategies for the day-ahead market. Uncertainty sources include prices for the day-ahead and AGC markets and balancing market linear price variations with the production of the thermal producer. Results from a realistic case study are reported and analyzed. Conclusions are duly drawn.
Combining qualitative and quantitative research within mixed method research designs: a methodological review.

OBJECTIVES
It has been argued that mixed methods research can be useful in nursing and health science because of the complexity of the phenomena studied. However, the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches continues to be one of much debate and there is a need for a rigorous framework for designing and interpreting mixed methods research. This paper explores the analytical approaches (i.e. parallel, concurrent or sequential) used in mixed methods studies within healthcare and exemplifies the use of triangulation as a methodological metaphor for drawing inferences from qualitative and quantitative findings originating from such analyses.


DESIGN
This review of the literature used systematic principles in searching CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO for healthcare research studies which employed a mixed methods approach and were published in the English language between January 1999 and September 2009.


RESULTS
In total, 168 studies were included in the results. Most studies originated in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. The analytic approach most widely used was parallel data analysis. A number of studies used sequential data analysis; far fewer studies employed concurrent data analysis. Very few of these studies clearly articulated the purpose for using a mixed methods design. The use of the methodological metaphor of triangulation on convergent, complementary, and divergent results from mixed methods studies is exemplified and an example of developing theory from such data is provided.


CONCLUSION
A trend for conducting parallel data analysis on quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods healthcare research has been identified in the studies included in this review. Using triangulation as a methodological metaphor can facilitate the integration of qualitative and quantitative findings, help researchers to clarify their theoretical propositions and the basis of their results. This can offer a better understanding of the links between theory and empirical findings, challenge theoretical assumptions and develop new theory.
Predicting Stock Returns Using Industry-Relative Firm Characteristics

Better proxies for the information about future returns contained in firm characteristics such as size, book-to-market equity, cash flow-to-price, percent change in employees, and various past return measures are obtained by breaking these explanatory variables into two industry-related components. The components represent (1) the difference between firms’ own characteristics and the average characteristics of their industries (within-industry variables), and (2) the average characteristics of firms’ industries (across-industry variables). Each variable is reliably priced within-industry and measuring the variables within-industry produces more precise estimates than measuring the variables in their more common form. Contrary to Moskowitz and Grinblatt [1999], we find that within-industry momentum (i.e., the firm’s past return less the industry average return) has predictive power for the firm’s stock return beyond that captured by across-industry momentum. We also document a significant short-term (one-month) industry momentum effect which remains strongly significant when we restrict the sample to only the most liquid firms.
Lathosterol and other non-cholesterol sterols during treatment of hypercholesterolaemia with beta-glucan-rich oat bran

Objective and subjects: Dietary fibre has been suggested to interfere with endogenous cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Therefore the effects of oat bran on the proportions of cholesterol synthesis precursors (squalene, Δ8-cholestenol, desmosterol and lathosterol), cholestanol and plant sterols (campesterol and beta-sitosterol) to cholesterol were analysed in serum of 36 hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Design: A randomized study of eight weeks duration where beta-glucan-rich oat bran (n=20, subjects) or wheat bran (n=16) was used as a part of a cholesterol lowering diet. Plant sterols and cholesterol synthesis precursors were analysed from frozen samples afterward. Results: In the oat-bran group, but not in the wheat bran group, serum total cholesterol declined transiently. The proportions of plant sterols and cholestanol in serum, which reflect cholesterol absorption efficiency were unchanged. However, the proportions of squalene appeared to be transiently increased during the study. Subjects with apolipoprotein E 4 allele had higher serum campesterol and sitosterol levels (suggestive of efficient cholesterol absorption) than those with homozygous apolipoprotein E 3 allele. Conclusions: Since the cholesterol precursors in serum reflecting endogenous cholesterol synthesis remained almost unchanged the reduction in the serum cholesterol level by oat bran treatment can not be ascribed to an inhibition of the endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Sponsorship: Supported by the Council for Health Sciences, Academy of Finland and Alko Ltd, Finland.
RecSys Challenge 2015: ensemble learning with categorical features

In this paper, we describe the winning approach for the RecSys Challenge 2015. Our key points are (1) two-stage classification, (2) massive usage of categorical features, (3) strong classifiers built by gradient boosting and (4) threshold optimization based directly on the competition score. We describe our approach and discuss how it can be used to build scalable personalization systems.