LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Increasing work-place healthiness with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND
Short term illnesses, usually caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases are disruptive to productivity and there is relatively little focus on preventative measures. This study examined the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri protectis (ATCC55730) on its ability to improve work-place healthiness by reducing short term sick-leave caused by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.


METHODS
262 employees at TetraPak in Sweden (day-workers and three-shift-workers) that were healthy at study start were randomised in a double-blind fashion to receive either a daily dose of 108 Colony Forming Units of L. reuteri or placebo for 80 days. The study products were administered with a drinking straw. 181 subjects complied with the study protocol, 94 were randomised to receive L. reuteri and 87 received placebo.


RESULTS
In the placebo group 26.4% reported sick-leave for the defined causes during the study as compared with 10.6% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). The frequency of sick-days was 0.9% in the placebo group and 0.4% in the L. reuteri group (p < 0.01). Among the 53 shift-workers, 33% in the placebo group reported sick during the study period as compared with none in the L. reuteri group(p < 0.005).
Folded Dual-Loop Antenna for GSM/DCS/PCS/UMTS Mobile Handset Applications

A folded dual-loop antenna suitable for GSM/DCS/ PCS/UMTS applications is proposed. It is fabricated using a pair of symmetric meander strips to form two loops. By properly bending the radiating strips, the antenna can achieve a compact size of 50 (L) × 9 (W) × 9 (H) mm3 to be integrated within a mobile handset device as an internal antenna. With 6 dB return loss, two operating frequency bands covering 847-971 and 1670-2230 MHz can be obtained with our design. Moreover, the resonant characteristics of the antenna can be tuned by using various strip lengths and also spaces between the radiator and the ground plane. Experimental results exhibit that the proposed folded dual-loop antenna features nearly good omnidirectional radiation patterns with proper gain, so it is well suitable to meet GSM/DCS/PCS/UMTS operations for mobile handset applications.
A Model for Information Assurance : An Integrated Approach

ISBN 0-7803-9814-9/$10.00 © 2001 IEEE 306 Abstract-The model presented in this paper is an extension of work reported in 1991 by John McCumber. His model provided an abstract research and pedagogic framework for the profession. In the decade since McCumber prepared his model, Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) has evolved into Information Assurance (IA). Although the framework remains sound, the growth of the profession has suggested that changes are needed. This extension of the model accommodates the expanded needs of the IA discipline and include three temporal measures have been included.
Climate Change, Science and Technology, and Economics Are the Forces Behind the GIR

Climate change is a reality, and it is the major driving force behind the Green Industrial Revolution. However, there are other significant and compelling reasons pushing the world into this new carbonless existence.
Efficacy of the If current inhibitor ivabradine in patients with chronic stable angina receiving beta-blocker therapy: a 4-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

AIMS
To evaluate the anti-anginal and anti-ischaemic efficacy of the selective I(f) current inhibitor ivabradine in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris receiving beta-blocker therapy.


METHODS AND RESULTS
In this double-blinded trial, 889 patients with stable angina receiving atenolol 50 mg/day were randomized to receive ivabradine 5 mg b.i.d. for 2 months, increased to 7.5 mg b.i.d. for a further 2 months, or placebo. Patients underwent treadmill exercise tests at the trough of drug activity using the standard Bruce protocol for randomization and at 2 and 4 months. Total exercise duration at 4 months increased by 24.3 +/- 65.3 s in the ivabradine group, compared with 7.7 +/- 63.8 s with placebo (P < 0.001). Ivabradine was superior to placebo for all exercise test criteria at 4 months (P < 0.001 for all) and 2 months (P-values between <0.001 and 0.018). Ivabradine in combination with atenolol was well tolerated. Only 1.1% of patients withdrew owing to sinus bradycardia in the ivabradine group.


CONCLUSION
The combination of ivabradine 7.5 mg b.i.d. and atenolol at the commonly used dosage in clinical practice in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris produced additional efficacy with no untoward effect on safety or tolerability.
Expression levels of parvalbumins determine allergenicity of fish species.

BACKGROUND
Parvalbumins are the most important fish allergens. Polysensitization to various fish species is frequently reported and linked to the cross-reactivity of their parvalbumins. Studies on cross-reactivity and its association to the allergenicity of purified natural parvalbumins from different fish species are still lacking. In addition, some studies indicate that dark muscled fish such as tuna are less allergenic.


METHODS
Total protein extracts and purified parvalbumins from cod, whiff, and swordfish, all eaten frequently in Spain, were tested for their IgE-binding properties with 16 fish allergic patients' sera from Madrid. The extent of cross-reactivity of these parvalbumins was investigated by IgE ELISA inhibition assays. Additionally, the cDNA sequences of whiff and swordfish parvalbumins were determined.


RESULTS
Extractable amounts of parvalbumins from cod were 20 times and from whiff 30 times higher than from swordfish. Parvalbumins were recognized by 94% of the patients in extracts of cod and whiff, but only by 60% in swordfish extracts. Nevertheless, a high cross-reactivity was determined for all purified parvalbumins by IgE inhibition. The amino acid sequence identities of the three parvalbumins were in a range of 62-74%.


CONCLUSIONS
The parvalbumins of cod, whiff and swordfish are highly cross-reactive. The high amino acid sequence identity among cod, whiff and swordfish parvalbumins results in the observed IgE cross-reactivity. The low allergenicity of swordfish is due to the low expression levels of its parvalbumin.
Evolution of sesame revisited: domestication, diversity and prospects

This is an account of genetic, phytochemical, historical and cultural studies of sesame, Sesamum orientale L. and its wild relatives. The Pedaliaceae family, to which sesame belongs, is found chiefly in tropical Africa, with two unique sections of the genus Sesamum exclusive to India. Many authors who write about the domestication of sesame reiterate the widely published statement that sesame was domesticated in Africa. The evidence for this view is critically examined. Genetic and chemical data demonstrate the difficulty of accepting an African origin of the crop. Data are presented to authenticate the Indian subcontinent as the place where sesame was domesticated.
Reducing Test Time Using an Enhanced RF Loopback

This work presents a method to improve the loopback test used in RF transceivers. The approach is targeted to the System-On-Chip environment, being able to reuse system resources in order to minimize the test overhead. An RF sampler is used during loopback operation, allowing observation of spectral characteristics of the RF signal. While able to improve the overall observability of the RF signal path, faster diagnosis than conventional loopback tests is achieved thanks to a large reduction in the number of transmitted symbols. Theoretical analysis and practical results for a prototype transceiver operating at 846 MHz are presented. It is shown that a significant test time reduction is achievable considering bit error rate tests for common digital modulation schemes.
Common-Mode Voltage and Vibration Mitigation of a Five-Phase Three-Level NPC Inverter-Fed Induction Motor Drive System

Common-mode (CM) voltage is one of the main reasons for the flow of bearing currents in induction motors (IM) that ultimately leads to the bearing failure and causes severe vibrations. For three-phase IM drives, many works have been reported either on the reduction or on the elimination of CM voltages that are generated due to pulse width modulation (PWM) action of the feeding power converters. However, for five-phase IM drives, very few studies are available with the perspective of the CM voltage elimination. Also, the effect of CM voltage on the mechanical vibrations of a five-phase IM has not been reported in the literature. Hence, in this paper, firstly, the modeling of CM current generated in the five-phase IM is done and its expression based on admittance transfer function is derived. Then the CM voltage is eliminated from a five-phase three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter. The space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technique is developed for the elimination of CM voltages. Only those switching states are selected which give zero CM voltage. The same selected switching states also give the balanced dc link capacitor voltages. Its effect is observed on the mechanical vibration of the motor and it is correlated with the CM current. The mechanical vibration is observed for both, with and without CM voltage elimination. Both the simulation and experimental results are given to validate the concept proposed.
Improvement of sleep quality in elderly people by controlled-release melatonin

Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland at night, has a role in regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Among elderly people, even those who are healthy, the frequency of sleep disorders is high and there is an association with impairment of melatonin production. We investigated the effect of a controlled-release formulation of melatonin on sleep quality in 12 elderly subjects (aged 76 [SD 8] years) who were receiving various medications for chronic illnesses and who complained of insomnia. In all 12 subjects the peak excretion of the main melatonin metabolite 6-sulphatoxymelatonin during the night was lower than normal and/or delayed in comparison with non-insomniac elderly people. In a randomised, double-blind, crossover study the subjects were treated for 3 weeks with 2 mg per night of controlled-release melatonin and for 3 weeks with placebo, with a week's washout period. Sleep quality was objectively monitored by wrist actigraphy. Sleep efficiency was significantly greater after melatonin than after placebo (83 [SE 4] vs 75 [3]%, p < 0.001) and wake time after sleep onset was significantly shorter (49 [14] vs 73 [13] min, p < 0.001). Sleep latency decreased, but not significantly (19 [5] vs 33 [7] min, p = 0.088). Total sleep time was not affected. The only adverse effects reported were two cases of pruritus, one during melatonin and one during placebo treatment; both resolved spontaneously. Melatonin deficiency may have an important role in the high frequency of insomnia among elderly people. Controlled-release melatonin replacement therapy effectively improves sleep quality in this population.
Safety and effectiveness of uterine artery embolization in patients with pedunculated fibroids.

PURPOSE
To assess complications and outcomes of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with pedunculated fibroids in a large single-center patient cohort.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
From a database with prospectively collected data from 716 women treated with UAE between 1996 and 2008, 29 women were identified with 31 pedunculated fibroids. Magnetic resonance images obtained before and 3 months after UAE were used to calculate stalk diameter change and volume reduction of both the pedunculated fibroid and uterus. Two observers assessed the overall percentage infarction and infarction of pedunculated fibroid. Complications were recorded and long-term clinical follow-up (mean, 33 months; range, 10-78 months) assessed with use of a questionnaire.


RESULTS
The mean reduction in uterine and pedunculated fibroid volume was 37% and 33%, respectively. The mean reduction in stalk diameter was 0.3 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18, 0.52 cm) or 13% from initial mean diameter. Stalk enhancement was not affected by UAE. The mean pedunculated fibroid infarction and mean overall infarction rates were 87% and 92%, respectively, for observer 1 and 88% and 92% for observer 2, with good interobserver variability. All women returned the questionnaire and no early or late complications of UAE were reported (0%; 95% CI: 0.0%-13.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
In this small series of pedunculated subserosal fibroids treated with UAE, no complications occurred. The findings suggest that the use of UAE to treat pedunculated subserosal fibroids may be safe and effective.
Rationale and design of a randomized trial on the impact of aldosterone antagonism on cardiac structure and function in diabetic cardiomyopathy

UNLABELLED
Development of a cardiomyopathy in diabetes mellitus is independent of traditional risk factors, with no clinical trials targeting specific therapeutic interventions. Myocardial fibrosis is one of the key mechanisms and aldosterone is a key mediator of myocardial fibrosis. We propose that aldosterone antagonism will improve cardiac function. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of selective aldosterone receptor antagonism with eplerenone added to optimal medical treatment in improving cardiac structure and function in diabetic cardiomyopathy. We will randomize 130 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, stable metabolic control and impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic or diastolic function, to either eplerenone (target dose 50mg) or matching placebo, in addition to optimal medical therapy for 12 months. The primary endpoints are changes in LV systolic and diastolic function, measured by echocardiographic 2-dimensional speckle tracking strain and strain rate and tissue Doppler imaging. The secondary endpoints include changes in echocardiographic markers and plasma biomarkers of collagen turnover; left atrial dimensions and function, incidence of atrial fibrillation and changes in exercise capacity and dyspnea score. The present study will assess whether specific aldosterone antagonism with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy will prevent progression or reverse cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy using sensitive, robust and quantifiable echocardiographic measures that allow early detection of change. The study may offer a new direction in the management of this condition.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ACTRN12610001063000.
Mobile customer relationship management: an exploratory analysis of Italian applications

Purpose – The paper’s aims are to estimate the size of the Italian market for mobile customer relationship management (mCRM) services and to try to evaluate some benefits that can be obtained through the use of mCRM applications by companies. Design/methodology/approach – The research involved a census of mCRM applications in order to construct a typology of mCRM applications being used and the analysis of some case studies to assess the impact of such applications on the perspective adopted by the company. This second phase involved interviews with managers of the companies. Findings – In 2005, 1,077 mCRM services were used by 405 companies in Italy. The main benefits found were the improvement of customer satisfaction, an increase in the efficiency of internal processes and an increase in revenue. Research limitations/implications – The present research considers only Italian services based on data and not on voice. Future research will be required to investigate end-user needs and wants (which are not treated in this paper) and to make a comparison between the Italian market and other markets. Practical implications – This research is the first step towards the generation of a systematic study of mCRM applications and their future development. The hope is that other companies could benefit from the use of these kinds of technologies. Originality/value – The present research focuses upon companies that give a strategic role to their relationship with customers. The results provide a systematic typology of current services for those companies that do not know about opportunities offered by the mobile channel.
Customer satisfaction factors of mobile commerce in Korea

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to distinguish features of m-commerce from those of e-commerce and identify factors to influence customer satisfaction (m-satisfaction) and loyalty (m-loyalty) in m-commerce by empirically-based case study. Design/methodology/approach – First, based on previous literature, the paper builds sets of customer satisfaction factors for both e-commerce and m-commerce. Second, features of m-commerce are identified by comparing it with current e-commerce through decision tree (DT). Third, with the derived factors from DT, significant factors and relationships among the factors, m-satisfaction and m-loyalty are examined by m-satisfaction model employing structural equation model. Findings – The paper finds that m-commerce is partially similar in factors like “transaction process” and “customization” which lead customer satisfaction after connecting an m-commerce site, but it has unique aspects of “content reliability”, “availability”, and “perceived price level of mobile Internet (m-Internet)” which build customer’s intention to the m-commerce site. Through the m-satisfaction model, “content reliability”, and “transaction process” are proven to be significantly influential factors to m-satisfaction and m-loyalty. Research implications/limitations – The paper can be a meaningful step to provide empirical analysis and evaluation based on questionnaire survey targeting actual users. The research is based on a case study on digital music transaction, which is indicative, rather than general. Practical implications – The paper meets the needs to focus on customer under the fiercer competition in Korean m-commerce market. It can guide those who want to initiate, move or broaden their business to m-commerce from e-commerce. Originality/value – The paper develops a revised ACSI model to identify individual critical factors and the degree of effect.
Phase spectrum prediction of audio signals

Modeling the phases of audio signals has received significantly less attention in comparison to the modeling of magnitudes. This paper proposes to use linear least squares and neural networks to predict phases from the neighboring points only in the phase spectrum. The simulation results show that there is a structure in the phase components which could be used in further analysis algorithms based on the phase spectrum.
Can symptoms discriminate among those with delayed or normal gastric emptying in dysmotility-like dyspepsia?

ObjectiveDifferent subgroups can be identified in functional dyspepsia based on symptom type or severity, and may correlate with pathophysiological disturbances. In particular, female sex and severe fullness and vomiting have been reported to be strong independent predictors of slow solid gastric emptying. We aimed to determine if symptom patterns or severity could identify those with abnormal gastric emptying among patients with dysmotility-like functional dyspepsia and, for comparison, type I diabetes mellitus.METHODS:Patients with postprandial symptoms and documented functional dyspepsia by endoscopy (n = 551) and patients with type I diabetes who had postprandial dyspepsia (n = 247) enrolling in two separate randomized controlled trials were evaluated at baseline. Patients were assigned to either the delayed or normal gastric emptying strata, based on a validated C13 octanoic acid breath test with sampling over 4 h. A self-report questionnaire measured the presence and severity of eight symptoms on visual analog scales. The validated Nepean Dyspepsia Index measured the frequency, severity, and bothersomeness of 15 upper GI symptoms on Likert scales.RESULTS:Gastric emptying was definitely delayed (t1/2 >192 min) in 24% of patients with functional dyspepsia and 28% with diabetes. Delayed gastric emptying was associated with female gender but not age or Helicobacter pylori status. The age- and sex-adjusted risk (odds ratio) of delayed gastric emptying for the upper GI symptoms ranged from 0.99 to 1.0 (all p values ≥0.2). The results were very similar in functional dyspepsia and diabetes. There was also no correlation between t1/2 and number of symptoms or symptom severity scores.CONCLUSION:Symptom prevalence and severity were similar in dyspeptic patients with and without delayed gastric emptying. Specific symptoms do not seem to be of predictive value in dysmotility-like dyspepsia for identifying alterations of gastric emptying.
The classification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB): Report of the Third International Consensus Meeting on Diagnosis and Classification of EB.

BACKGROUND
Since publication in 2000 of the Second International Consensus Report on Diagnosis and Classification of Epidermolysis Bullosa, many advances have been made to our understanding of this group of diseases, both clinically and molecularly. At the same time, new epidermolysis bullosa (EB) subtypes have been described and similarities with some other diseases have been identified.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to arrive at a new consensus of the classification of EB subtypes.


RESULTS
We now present a revised classification system that takes into account the new advances, as well as encompassing other inherited diseases that should also be included within the EB spectrum, based on the presence of blistering and mechanical fragility. Current recommendations are made on the use of specific diagnostic tests, with updates on the findings known to occur within each of the major EB subtypes. Electronic links are also provided to informational and laboratory resources of particular benefit to clinicians and their patients.


LIMITATIONS
As more becomes known about this disease, future modifications may be needed. The classification system has been designed with sufficient flexibility for these modifications.


CONCLUSION
This revised classification system should assist clinicians in accurately diagnosing and subclassifying patients with EB.