LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Multiband multistatic Passive Radar system for airspace surveillance: A step towards mature PCL implementations

Passive Radar systems present a novel approach to airspace surveillance. They use the target illumination by third-party transmitters, e.g. FM radio or TV broadcast stations, for air target detection and localisation. Due to the great number and wide frequency spacing of available transmitters the resulting multistatic and multiband illumination of air targets can be used to reliably obtain a wide-area air picture and to improve detection and tracking performance especially for low observable air targets. As no own transmitter is used Passive Radar systems are hard to detect and hard to jam and can potentially be implemented at low cost. For these reasons, interest in Passive Radar has grown significantly over the last years. However, most Passive Radar systems have been rather experimental set-ups tailored to a single frequency band or implemented as laboratory test devices. This paper describes the design, implementation and performance evaluation of a multi-band, multi-illuminator Passive Radar system. The result of this effort is a fully mobile FM/DAB/DVB Passive Radar system with cross-band data fusion capability. Multiple measurement campaigns with a great variety of third-party transmitters and arbitrary transmitter-target-receiver geometries have been conducted. In the paper, the design considerations and the resulting Passive Radar system structure are described and the evaluation of various measurement campaigns with this system are summarized.
Effect of probiotic supplements in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Very little is known about the use of probiotics among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) especially its effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory indices. The aim of present study was to measure the effect of a probiotic supplement capsule on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in women with newly-diagnosed GDM.


METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN
64 pregnant women with GDM were enrolled in a double-blind placebo controlled randomized clinical trial in the spring and summer of 2014. They were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic containing four bacterial strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Bifidobacterium BB-12, Streptococcus Thermophilus STY-31 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus LBY-27 or placebo capsule for 8 consecutive weeks. Blood samples were taken pre- and post-treatment and serum indices of inflammation and oxidative stress were assayed. The measured mean response scales were then analyzed using mixed effects model. All statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 16).


RESULTS
Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels improved in the probiotic group to a statistically significant level over the placebo group. Serum interleukin-6 levels decreased in both groups after intervention; however, neither within group nor between group differences interleukin-6 serum levels was statistically significant. Malondialdehyde, glutathione reductase and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase levels improved significantly with the use of probiotics when compared with the placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
The probiotic supplement containing L.acidophilus LA- 5, Bifidobacterium BB- 12, S.thermophilus STY-31 and L.delbrueckii bulgaricus LBY-2 appears to improve several inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in women with GDM.
Randomized, controlled pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of albinterferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Albinterferon is a fusion of albumin and interferon-α2b developed to improve the pharmacokinetics, convenience, and potential efficacy of interferon-α for the treatment of chronic hepatitis infections.


METHODS
This open-label, randomized, active-controlled, multicenter study investigated the safety and efficacy of albinterferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who were e-antigen (HBeAg) positive. One hundred and forty-one patients received one of four albinterferon doses/regimens or pegylated-interferon-α2a. Primary efficacy outcomes were changes in serum HBeAg and antibody, HBV-DNA, and alanine aminotransferase. Principal safety outcomes were changes in laboratory values, pulmonary function, and adverse events.


RESULTS
The study was prematurely terminated as phase III trials in hepatitis C infection indicated noninferior efficacy but inferior safety compared with pegylated-interferon-α2a. Here, all treatment groups had a significant reduction in HBV-DNA from baseline. Reductions in HBV-DNA were not significantly different, except the 1200 μg every 4 weeks albinterferon dose which was inferior compared with pegylated-interferon-α2a. The serum alanine aminotransferase levels decreased in all arms. The per-patient incidence of adverse events was not significantly different for albinterferon (96.4-100%) and pegylated-interferon-α2a (93.1%). Total adverse events, however, were higher for albinterferon and correlated to dose. Decreased lung function was found in all arms (∼93% of patients), and was more common in some albinterferon groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Albinterferon doses with similar anti-HBV efficacy to pegylated-interferon-α2a had higher rates of certain adverse events, particularly changes in lung diffusion capacity (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov number NCT00964665).
Prevalence of low back pain and its risk factors among secondary school teachers at Bentong, Pahang

Title: Prevalence of low back pain and its risk factors among secondary school teachers at Bentong, Pahang Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of low back pain among Secondary School Teachers and to investigate the associated risk factors at Bentong, Pahang. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 260 subjects through random sampling in 5 secondary schools. Seven female teaches were excluded because they never meet with the inclusion criteria, where at the end of the study only 253 subjects was included. Result: In the study, I found that prevalence of low back pain is high among secondary school teachers. Female teachers reported a significantly higher prevalence of low back pain when compared to male teachers. And the middle age group of teachers has reported high prevalence of pain compare to the younger and older age group. The highest risk factor for the low back pain among teachers is prolong standing, followed by prolong sitting and working with computer. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of low back pain among school teachers with most female and middle age group people affected and they are related with highest risk factor. There is a need to develop specific strategies on ergonomics educate, regular physical exercises and occupational stress in the schools to reduce the occurrence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) of the low back pain among teachers.
Characterization of biological diversity through analysis of discrete cranial traits.

In the present study, the frequency distributions of 20 discrete cranial traits in 70 major human populations from around the world were analyzed. The principal-coordinate and neighbor-joining analyses of Smith's mean measure of divergence (MMD), based on trait frequencies, indicate that 1). the clustering pattern is similar to those based on classic genetic markers, DNA polymorphisms, and craniometrics; 2). significant interregional separation and intraregional diversity are present in Subsaharan Africans; 3). clinal relationships exist among regional groups; 4). intraregional discontinuity exists in some populations inhabiting peripheral or isolated areas. For example, the Ainu are the most distinct outliers of the East Asian populations. These patterns suggest that founder effects, genetic drift, isolation, and population structure are the primary causes of regional variation in discrete cranial traits. Our results are compatible with a single origin for modern humans as well as the multiregional model, similar to the results of Relethford and Harpending ([1994] Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 95:249-270). The results presented here provide additional measures of the morphological variation and diversification of modern human populations.
Albuterol Overuse: A Marker of Psychological Distress?

BACKGROUND
Albuterol overuse, 3 or more canisters per year, is associated with poor asthma control and frequent exacerbations.


OBJECTIVE
To describe albuterol use on symptom and symptom-free days and identify predictors of albuterol overuse and controller medication underuse.


METHODS
Secondary analyses of data from adults with mild asthma from the Trial of Asthma Patient Education were carried out. Based on albuterol use of 80% or more on symptom days and less than 20% on symptom-free days, participants were characterized as expected users, overusers, or underusers of albuterol. Good controller medication adherence was defined as 80% or more of prescribed doses. Data included demographic characteristics, diary data, spirometry, and scores from standardized questionnaires. Bivariate associations were examined between categorization of medication use and measured characteristics.


RESULTS
Of the 416 participants, 212 (51%) were expected users, 114 (27%) were overusers, and 90 (22%) were underusers of albuterol. No differences were observed among the user groups by demographic characteristics or lung function. Expected users demonstrated the highest asthma-related knowledge, attitudes, and efficacy. Overusers reported the greatest symptom burden, worst asthma control, and highest frequency of symptom days. Overusers also had the highest burden of depression symptoms. More frequent symptom days accounted for 15% of overuse, greater use on symptom days accounted for 31%, and greater use on symptom free days accounted for 54% of overuse. Mean controller adherence was high across all groups, and there were no differences between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Although overusers experienced more frequent symptom days and used more albuterol on those days, most overuse was attributable to unexpected use on symptom-free days. High levels of comorbid depression were observed, particularly among overusers and among those nonadherent to controller medication.
Visual fields in hornbills: precision-grasping and sunshades: Visual fields in hornbills

Retinal visual fields were determined in Southern Ground Hornbills Bucorvus leadbeateri and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills Tockus leucomelas (Coraciiformes, Bucerotidae) using an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique. In both species the binocular field is relatively long and narrow with a maximum width of 30 ° occurring 40 ° above the bill. The bill tip projects into the lower half of the binocular field. This frontal visual field topography exhibits a number of key features that are also found in other terrestrial birds. This supports the hypothesis that avian visual fields are of three principal types that are correlated with the degree to which vision is employed when taking food items, rather than with phylogeny. However, unlike other species studied to date, in both hornbill species the bill intrudes into the binocular field. This intrusion of the bill restricts the width of the binocular field but allows the birds to view their own bill tips. It is suggested that this is associated with the precision-grasping feeding technique of hornbills. This involves forceps-like grasping and manipulation of items in the tips of the large decurved bill. The two hornbill species differ in the extent of the blind area perpendicularly above the head. Interspecific comparison shows that eye size and the width of the blind area above the head are significantly correlated. The limit of the upper visual field in hornbills is viewed through the long lash-like feathers of the upper lids and these appear to be used as a sunshade mechanism. In Ground Hornbills eye movements are non-conjugate and have sufficient amplitude (30–40 ° ) to abolish the frontal binocular field and to produce markedly asymmetric visual field configurations.
Validity of clinical outcome measures to evaluate ankle range of motion during the weight-bearing lunge test.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the concurrent validity of standard clinical outcome measures compared to laboratory outcome measure while performing the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT).


DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Fifty participants performed the WBLT to determine dorsiflexion ROM using four different measurement techniques: dorsiflexion angle with digital inclinometer at 15cm distal to the tibial tuberosity (°), dorsiflexion angle with inclinometer at tibial tuberosity (°), maximum lunge distance (cm), and dorsiflexion angle using a 2D motion capture system (°). Outcome measures were recorded concurrently during each trial. To establish concurrent validity, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (r) were conducted, comparing each dependent variable to the 2D motion capture analysis (identified as the reference standard). A higher correlation indicates strong concurrent validity.


RESULTS
There was a high correlation between each measurement technique and the reference standard. Specifically the correlation between the inclinometer placement at 15cm below the tibial tuberosity (44.9°±5.5°) and the motion capture angle (27.0°±6.0°) was r=0.76 (p=0.001), between the inclinometer placement at the tibial tuberosity angle (39.0°±4.6°) and the motion capture angle was r=0.71 (p=0.001), and between the distance from the wall clinical measure (10.3±3.0cm) to the motion capture angle was r=0.74 (p=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This study determined that the clinical measures used during the WBLT have a high correlation with the reference standard for assessing dorsiflexion range of motion. Therefore, obtaining maximum lunge distance and inclinometer angles are both valid assessments during the weight-bearing lunge test.
Object-oriented nonlinear finite element programming: a primer

This article describes an introductory object-oriented finite element program for static and dynamic nonlinear applications. This work can be considered as an extension of the original FEM_Object environment dealing with linear elasticity [1] and nonlinearity [2]. Mainly the static aspects are discussed in this paper. Interested readers will find a detailed discussion of the object-oriented approach applied to finite element programming in [15-18] and also in [7-8] and references therein. Our ambition, in this paper, is limited to a presentation of an introductory object-oriented finite element package for nonlinear analysis. Our goal is to make a starting package available to newcomers to the object-oriented approach and to provide an answer to the large number of demands for such a program received in recent time. In the first part of the paper, a brief recall of the basics of finite element modeling applied to continuum mechanics is given. Von Misès plasticity including isotropic and kinematic hardening, which is used as model problem, is described. This first part also presents an overview of the main features of the object-oriented approach. In the second part of this paper, classes and associated tasks forming the kernel of the code are described in detail. A hierarchy of classes is proposed and discussed; it provides an immediate overview of the program's capabilities. Finally interactions between classes are explained and numerical examples illustrate the approach.
30 years of media coverage on high drug prices in the US – a never-ending story or a time for change?

Background US drug prices are among the highest worldwide as US policy makers have historically been reluctant to embrace price regulations, instead relying on market forces to set prices. However, the introduction of a number of breakthrough, highly effective and high-cost specialty medicines over the past years has stoked the fire of the long-running drug price debate in the USA. The prices of those specialty medicines – more than $100,000 per treatment course – have resulted in widespread outcry among patients, providers, insurers, and members of the Congress and the Senate. We aimed at analyzing whether the recent debate on drug prices reflects a sign of change in the drug pricing debate in US print media.
Improving School Leadership. Volume 2: Case Studies on System Leadership.

The job of school leaders has changed radically as countries transform their education systems to prepare young people for today’s rapid technological change, economic globalisation and increased migration. One new role they are being asked to play is to work beyond their school borders so that they can contribute not only to the success of their own school but to the system as a whole – so that every school is a good school.
Artificial neural networks accurately predict mortality in patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding.

BACKGROUND
Risk stratification systems that accurately identify patients with a high risk for bleeding through the use of clinical predictors of mortality before endoscopic examination are needed. Computerized (artificial) neural networks (ANNs) are adaptive tools that may improve prognostication.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the capability of an ANN to predict mortality in patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and compare the predictive performance of the ANN with that of the Rockall score.


DESIGN
Prospective, multicenter study.


SETTING
Academic and community hospitals.


PATIENTS
This study involved 2380 patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding.


INTERVENTION
Upper GI endoscopy.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcome variable was 30-day mortality, defined as any death occurring within 30 days of the index bleeding episode. Other outcome variables were recurrent bleeding and need for surgery.


RESULTS
We performed analysis of certified outcomes of 2380 patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. The Rockall score was compared with a supervised ANN (TWIST system, Semeion), adopting the same result validation protocol with random allocation of the sample in training and testing subsets and subsequent crossover. Overall, death occurred in 112 cases (4.70%). Of 68 pre-endoscopic input variables, 17 were selected and used by the ANN versus 16 included in the Rockall score. The sensitivity of the ANN-based model was 83.8% (76.7-90.8) versus 71.4% (62.8-80.0) for the Rockall score. Specificity was 97.5 (96.8-98.2) and 52.0 (49.8 4.2), respectively. Accuracy was 96.8% (96.0-97.5) versus 52.9% (50.8-55.0) (P<.001). The predictive performance of the ANN-based model for prediction of mortality was significantly superior to that of the complete Rockall score (area under the curve 0.95 [0.92-0.98] vs 0.67 [0.65-0.69]; P<.001).


LIMITATIONS
External validation on a subsequent independent population is needed, patients with variceal bleeding and obscure GI hemorrhage are excluded.


CONCLUSION
In patients with nonvariceal upper GI bleeding, ANNs are significantly superior to the Rockall score in predicting the risk of death.
Upper auricular adhesion malformation: definition, classification, and treatment.

BACKGROUND
During treatment of upper auricular malformations, the author found that patients with cryptotia and patients with solitary helical and/or antihelical adhesion malformations showed the same anatomical finding of cartilage adhesion. The author defined them together as upper auricular adhesion malformations.


METHODS
Between March of 1992 and March of 2006, 194 upper auricular adhesion malformations were corrected in 137 patients. All of these cases were retrospectively studied and classified. Of these, 92 malformations in 68 recent patients were corrected with new surgical methods (these were followed up for more than 6 months).


RESULTS
The group of solitary helical and/or antihelical cartilage malformation patients was classified as group I and the cryptotia group as group II. These two groups were subdivided according to features of cartilage adhesion and classified into seven subgroups. Thirty-two malformations were classified as belonging to group I and 162 malformations to group II. There were 61 patients with bilateral upper auricular adhesion malformations. Nineteen patients (31 percent of the patients with bilateral malformations) showed malformations belonging to both groups I and II on both ears. On postoperative observation in patients corrected with new methods, it was noticed that the following unfavorable results had occurred in 18 upper auricular adhesion malformation cases (20 percent): venous congestion or partial skin necrosis of used flaps, "pinched antitragus," low-set upper auricle, hypertrophic scars, and baldness.


CONCLUSIONS
The new consideration for, and the singling out of, upper auricular adhesion malformation can lead to better understanding of the groups of upper auricular malformations to which it belongs, the decision for treatment, and, possibly, clarification of the pathophysiology in the future.
Depth Prediction Without the Sensors: Leveraging Structure for Unsupervised Learning from Monocular Videos

Learning to predict scene depth from RGB inputs is a challenging task both for indoor and outdoor robot navigation. In this work we address unsupervised learning of scene depth and robot ego-motion where supervision is provided by monocular videos, as cameras are the cheapest, least restrictive and most ubiquitous sensor for robotics. Previous work in unsupervised image-to-depth learning has established strong baselines in the domain. We propose a novel approach which produces higher quality results, is able to model moving objects and is shown to transfer across data domains, e.g. from outdoors to indoor scenes. The main idea is to introduce geometric structure in the learning process, by modeling the scene and the individual objects; camera ego-motion and object motions are learned from monocular videos as input. Furthermore an online refinement method is introduced to adapt learning on the fly to unknown domains. The proposed approach outperforms all state-of-the-art approaches, including those that handle motion e.g. through learned flow. Our results are comparable in quality to the ones which used stereo as supervision and significantly improve depth prediction on scenes and datasets which contain a lot of object motion. The approach is of practical relevance, as it allows transfer across environments, by transferring models trained on data collected for robot navigation in urban scenes to indoor navigation settings. The code associated with this paper can be found at https://sites.google.com/