LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Perioperative course and accuracy of screw positioning in conventional, open robotic-guided and percutaneous robotic-guided, pedicle screw placement

Robotic-guided and percutaneous pedicle screw placement are emerging technologies. We here report a retrospective cohort analysis comparing conventional open to open robotic-guided and percutaneous robotic-guided pedicle screw placement. 112 patient records and CT scans were analyzed concerning the intraoperative and perioperative course. 35 patients underwent percutaneous, 20 open robotic-guided and 57 open conventional pedicle screw placement. 94.5% of robot-assisted and 91.4% of conventionally placed screws were found to be accurate. Percutaneous robotic and open robotic-guided subgroups did not differ obviously. Average X-ray exposure per screw was 34 s in robotic-guided compared to 77 s in conventional cases. Subgroup analysis indicates that percutaneously operated patients required less opioids, had a shorter hospitalization and lower rate of adverse events in the perioperative period. The use of robotic guidance significantly increased accuracy of screw positioning while reducing the X-ray exposure. Patients seem to have a better perioperative course following percutaneous procedures.
Computing discrete transforms on the Cell Broadband Engine

Discrete transforms are of primary importance and fundamental kernels in many computationally intensive scientific applications. In this paper, we investigate the performance of two such algorithms; Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), on the Sony–Toshiba–IBM Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.), a heterogeneous multicore chip architected for intensive gaming applications and high performance computing. We design an efficient parallel implementation of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to fully exploit the architectural features of the Cell/B.E. Our FFT algorithm uses an iterative outof-place approach and for 1K to 16K complex input samples outperforms all other parallel implementations of FFT on the Cell/B.E. including FFTW. Our FFT implementation obtains a single-precision performance of 18.6 GFLOP/s on the Cell/B.E., outperforming Intel Duo Core (Woodcrest) for inputs of greater than 2K samples. We also optimize Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) in the context of JPEG2000 for the Cell/B.E. DWT has an abundant parallelism, however, due to the low temporal locality of the algorithm, memory bandwidth becomes a significant bottleneck in achieving high performance. We introduce a novel data decomposition scheme to achieve highly efficient DMA data transfer and vectorization with low programming complexity. Also, we merge the multiple steps in the algorithm to reduce the bandwidth requirement. This leads to a significant enhancement in the scalability of the implementation. Our optimized implementation of DWT demonstrates 34 and 56 times speedup using one Cell/B.E. chip to the baseline code for the lossless and lossy transforms, respectively. We also provide the performance comparison with the AMD Barcelona (Quad-core Opteron) processor, and the Cell/B.E. excels the AMD Barcelona processor. This highlights the advantage of the Cell/B.E. over general purpose multicore processors in processing regular and bandwidth intensive scientific applications. 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Learning as immersive experiences: Using the four-dimensional framework for designing and evaluating immersive learning experiences in a virtual world

Traditional approaches to learning have often focused upon knowledge transfer strategies that have centred around textually-based engagements with learners, and dialogic methods of interaction with tutors. The use of virtual worlds, with text-based, voice-based and a feeling of ‘presence’ naturally is allowing for more complex social interactions and designed learning experiences and role plays, as well as encouraging learner empowerment through increased interactivity. To unpick these complex social interactions and more interactive designed experiences, this article considers the use of virtual worlds in relation to structured learning activities for college and lifelong learners. This consideration necessarily has implications upon learning theories adopted and practices taken up, with real implications for tutors and learners alike. Alongside this is the notion of learning as an ongoing set of processes mediated via social interactions and experiential learning circumstances within designed virtual and hybrid spaces. This implies the need for new methodologies for evaluating the efficacy, benefits and challenges of learning in these new ways. Towards this aim, this article proposes an evaluation methodology for supporting the development of specified learning activities in virtual worlds, based upon inductive methods and augmented by the four dimensional framework reported in (de Freitas & Oliver, 2006). The study undertaken aimed to test the efficacy of the proposed evaluation methodology and framework, and to evaluate the broader uses of a virtual world for supporting lifelong learners specifically in their educational choices and career decisions. The paper presents the findings of the study and considers that virtual worlds are reorganising significantly how we relate to the design and delivery of learning. This is opening up a transition in learning predicated upon the notion of learning design through the lens of ‘immersive learning experiences’ rather than sets of knowledge to be transferred between tutor and learner. The challenges which remain for tutors rest with the design and delivery of these activities and experiences. The approach advocated here builds upon an incremental testing and evaluation of virtual world learning experiences.
Occupational risks for uveal melanoma results from a case-control study in nine European countries

Objective Uveal melanoma is a rare disease with poor prognosis and largely unknown etiology. We studied potential occupational risk factors. Methods A population based case-control study was undertaken during 1995–1997 in nine European countries using population and colon cancer controls with personal interviews. Occupational exposure to sunlight and artificial UV radiation was assessed with a job exposure matrix. In total, 320 uveal melanoma cases were eligible at pathology review, and 292 cases were interviewed, participation 91%. Out of 3357 population controls, 2062 were interviewed, 61%, and out of 1272 cancer controls 1094 were interviewed, 86%. Results Using population controls, occupational exposure to sunlight was not associated with an increased risk (RR=1.24, 95% CI=0.88−1.74), while an excess risk found with use of colon cancer controls was attributed to confounding factors. An excess risk in welders was restricted to the French part of the data. Cooks, RR=2.40; cleaners, RR 2.15; and laundry workers, RR=3.14, were at increased risk of uveal melanoma. Conclusion Our study does overall not support an association between occupational sunlight exposure and risk of uveal melanoma. The finding of an excess risk of eye melanoma in cooks in several European countries is intriguing.
Implementing home blood glucose and blood pressure telemonitoring in primary care practices for patients with diabetes: lessons learned.

BACKGROUND
Prior telemonitoring trials of blood pressure and blood glucose have shown improvements in blood pressure and glycemic targets. However, implementation of telemonitoring in primary care practices may not yield the same results as research trials with extra resources and rigid protocols. In this study we examined the process of implementing home telemonitoring of blood glucose and blood pressure for patients with diabetes in six primary care practices.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Grounded theory qualitative analysis was conducted in parallel with a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of home telemonitoring. Data included semistructured interviews with 6 nurse care coordinators and 12 physicians in six participating practices and field notes from exit interviews with 93 of 108 randomized patients.


RESULTS
The three stakeholder groups (patients, nurse care coordinators, and physicians) exhibited some shared themes and some unique to the particular stakeholder group. Major themes were that practices should (1) understand the capabilities and limitations of the technology and the willingness of patient and physician stakeholders to use it, (2) understand the workflow, flow of information, and human factors needed to optimize use of the technology, (3) engage and prepare the physicians, and (4) involve the patient in the process. Although there was enthusiasm for a patient-centered medical home model that included between-visit telemonitoring, there was concern about the support and resources needed to provide this service to patients.


CONCLUSIONS
As with many technology interventions, careful consideration of workflow and information flow will help enable effective implementations.
Correction: Single Sustained Inflation followed by Ventilation Leads to Rapid Cardiorespiratory Recovery but Causes Cerebral Vascular Leakage in Asphyxiated Near-Term Lambs

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146574.].
Effects of sealing the intramedullary femoral canal in total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND
This study investigates the clinical effects of sealing the femoral canal by intramedullary alignment instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).


METHODS
One hundred twenty consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis, who underwent unilateral TKA, were enrolled in the study and equally randomized into 2 groups: the sealing group and the control group. In the sealing group, the femoral canal was sealed with autogenous bone and cement using intramedullary alignment instrumentation, while the femoral hole was left open for patients in the control group. Blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) reduction, and other parameters were recorded, as well as the duration of hospital stay and complications. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was used to assess knee function at the final follow-up appointment.


RESULTS
The calculated blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion requirements, drainage volume, and Hb reduction measurements were significantly different (P < .05) between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, HSS score or complications between the 2 groups (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Sealing the intramedullary canal with autologous bone and a cement plug is an effective method for reducing blood loss and decreasing blood transfusion requirements during TKA procedures that have increasing complication rates.
A Dictionary of Hallucinations

One day, you will discover a new adventure and knowledge by spending more money. But when? Do you think that you need to obtain those all requirements when having much money? Why don't you try to get something simple at first? That's something that will lead you to know more about the world, adventure, some places, history, entertainment, and more? It is your own time to continue reading habit. One of the books you can enjoy now is a dictionary of hallucinations here.
Challenges with Optically Transparent Patch Antennas

In this paper, antennas made out of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are explored. The optical transparency of transparent conducting oxides is achieved through thin-film depositions on substrates. However, thin-film depositions create a new set of electrical challenges that require a full understanding of semiconductor physics. This work looks into the governing equations that limit light transmission, absorption, and reflection through a transparent conductor, along with the electrical conductivity and antenna efficiency of transparent-conducting-oxide thin-film patch antennas.
Control of Hybrid Dynamical Systems : An Overview of Recent Advances

Hybrid systems are dynamical systems exhibiting both continuous and discrete behavior. Having states that can evolve continuously or discretely, hybrid dynamical systems permit modeling and simulation of systems in a wide range of applications including robotics, automotive systems, power systems, biological systems, to just list a few. Key motivation for studying hybrid systems comes from the recognition of the capabilities of hybrid feedback in robust stabilization of nonlinear systems. Numerous frameworks for modeling and analysis of hybrid systems have appeared in the literature. These include the work of Tavernini [26], Michel and Hu [11], Lygeros et al. [10], Aubin et al. [2], and van der Schaft and Schumacher [28], among others. In this paper, we consider the hybrid systems framework in [7, 6], where the continuous dynamics (or flows) of a hybrid system are modeled using differential inclusions while the discrete dynamics (or jumps) are captured by difference inclusions. Trajectories to a hybrid system conveniently use two parameters: an ordinary time parameter t ∈ [0,+∞), which is incremented continuously as flows occur, an a discrete time parameter j ∈ {0, 1, 2, . . .}, which is incremented at unitary steps when jumps occur. The conditions determining whether a trajectory to a hybrid system should flow or jump are captured by subsets of the state space and input space. In simple terms, given an input (t, j) 7→ u(t, j), a trajectory (t, j) 7→ x(t, j) to a hybrid system satisfies, over intervals of flow,
Functionalization Methods of Carbon Nanotubes and Its Applications

In 1991 Iijima [Iijima, 1991] presented transmission electron microscopy observations of elongated and concentric layered microtubules made of carbon atoms, nowadays which were called carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In order to understand the structure of a carbon nanotube, it can be first imagined as a rolled up sheet of graphene with planar-hexagonal arrangement of carbon atoms distributed in a honeycomb lattice. CNTs are classified into single-walled carbon nanotube, double-walled carbon nanotube, and multi-walled carbon nanotube according to the rolling layers of graphene sheets. Several techniques for producing CNTs have been established and all of them have advantages as well as disadvantages. Usually being applied methods are high temperature techniques, namely arc discharge [Bystrzejewski et al., 2008; Sun et al., 2007] and laser ablation [Rüummeli et al., 2007], as well as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with its most common variants [Ayala et al., 2008; Nikolaev et al., 1999]. CNTs possess unique electronic, chemical, and mechanical properties that make them leading materials for a variety of potential applications. But the outer wall of pristine CNTs is, in principle, conceived as chemically inert. This is not always desirable for applications and for this reason. One of the most promising routes to overcome this difficulty is to functionalize CNT. Functionalization extends their properties and consequently their application potential. Hence understanding their functionalization is crucial for fully exploiting their potential. Researchers have developed some effective methods to functionalize CNT surfaces such as covalent modification or noncovalent approaches including polymer wrapping, biomolecule binding, and metal ion binding. Other functionalization routes which have been thought to make them chemically active in the past few years, including chemical and solid-phase or hydro-mechanochemical method will also be introuduced in details in the following contributions. The advantages and shortcomings of every functionalization method will be showed clearly. At the same time some characterization methods for CNTs will be also refered. In the last part of this chapter the applications of carbon nanotubes as functional materials in the fields of biosensing, fuel cells, medical treatment, and so on, especially in the field of thermal conductivity are summarized. It is our hope that all the content of this chapter can supply helps to the researchers in the study of carbon nanotubes.
Development of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Polishing Machine for Micro Aspheric Die and Mold

Demands are increasing for micro axis-symmetric aspherical lenses to be installed in various optical devices. The micro glass lenses are generally molded by glass press process with micro aspheric ceramic molding dies or molds made of tungsten carbide or silicon carbide. These dies and molds are mostly ground with micro diamond wheels, but require additional finishing process as the size of the dies and molds become smaller and the required accuracy becomes higher. In order to finish micro aspheric dies and molds with diameter less than 3mm, an ultrasonic vibration assisted polishing machine is developed. A small polishing tool is mounted on a 3-axis controlled table, and vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency with piezo-electric actuators. The polishing pressure can be controlled with a resolution of 2 mN. Some micro aspheric molding dies made of binder-less tungsten carbide were polished, and the form accuracy below 70 nmP-V and surface roughness of 7 nmRy were obtained with the developed machine.
Nile floods recorded in deep Mediterranean sediments

Clastic mud beds rich in continental organic matter are observed recurrently in the Nile deep-sea turbidite system. They formed during flooding periods of the river similar to those that induce sapropel formation and occurred during periods of increased density stratification of the eastern Mediterranean. The very fine-grained flood deposits are intercalated within pelagic sediments, sapropels and Bouma-type turbidites. These flood deposits form by the successive reconcentrations of surface (hypopycnal) plumes by convective sedimentation, which in turn generate a finegrained low-energy hyperpycnal flow. Sea-level high stands seem also to favor hypopycnal plume formation and increase clastic mud bed formation. Consequently, these muddy clastic beds provide a direct link between deep-marine sedimentary records and continental climatic change through flood frequency and magnitude. © 2008 University of Washington. All rights reserved.
Risk of treatment-emergent diabetes mellitus in patients receiving antipsychotics.

BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported during antipsychotic treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the potential risk of treatment-emergent diabetes mellitus among patients receiving antipsychotic medications.


METHODS
The MEDLINE and Psychinfo databases were searched using the key words antipsychotic (including individual drug names), diabetes, risk, and incidence for all English-language articles published between 1966 and 2005. Risk calculations were performed using data obtained from pharmacoepidemiologic studies that met the following criteria: (1) cohort design, (2) determination of preexisting diabetes, (3) inclusion of antipsychotic monotherapy as an exposure variable, and (4) comparison with exposure to first-generation antipsychotics. Studies meeting these criteria were used to calculate incidence, attributable risk between agents, and number needed to harm.


RESULTS
A total of 25 observational pharmacoepidemiologic studies were found comparing antipsychotics on the outcome of diabetes mellitus. Sufficient information was provided in 15 of the reports to be able to estimate attributable risk. Attributable risk for individual second-generation antipsychotics relative to first-generation antipsychotics ranged from 53 more to 46 fewer new cases of diabetes per 1000 patients. Little observable difference was noted between the individual second-generation antipsychotics versus first-generation antipsychotics on this outcome. However, few of the studies controlled for body weight, race or ethnicity, or the presence of diabetogenic medications. None adjusted for familial history of diabetes, levels of physical activity, or diet, as this information is not usually available in the databases used in pharmacoepidemiologic studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the published pharmacoepidemiologic reports reviewed, the avoidance of diabetes as an outcome cannot be predictably achieved with precision by choice of a second-versus a first-generation antipsychotic. Risk management for new-onset diabetes requires the assessment of established risk factors such as family history, advancing age, non-white ethnicity, diet, central obesity, and level of physical activity.
Observational study of head of bed elevation adherence using a continuous monitoring system in a medical intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND
Head of bed elevation ≥ 30° reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients, but adherence is variable and difficult to monitor continuously. Unlike many clinical variables, head of bed elevation is not electronically displayed or monitored with audible alarms.


HYPOTHESIS
Continuous monitoring of head of bed elevation with audible alerts and visual cues when the elevation is < 30° will improve adherence by 15%.


METHODS
Head of bed elevation was continuously monitored and recorded on a central monitoring station and displayed on the bedside monitor of 16 of 24 medical intensive care unit beds. Manual bedside checks were performed twice daily at varying times.


RESULTS
Continuous head of bed angle was available from 98 of 313 (31%) patient beds over a 7.5 month period, representing 322 of 1,373 mechanical ventilator days (24%). Continuous monitoring was performed for 7,720 hours, 5,542 hours with the data displayed on bedside monitors and 2,178 hours with the data available only from central monitors. Head of bed elevation was ≥ 30° for 76% of the hours when the data were displayed on bedside monitors, and for 61% of hours when it was not (P < .001, odds ratio = 2.3, 95% CI 2.0-2.6). Intermittent bedside checks for head of bed elevation ≥ 30° found 97 ± 2% adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Real-time monitoring of head of bed elevation is feasible, and when combined with audible alarms and visual cues, improves ≥ 30° elevation adherence. Intermittent bedside checks over-estimate actual adherence.
Heritable Genomic Fragment Deletions and Small Indels in the Putative ENGase Gene Induced by CRISPR/Cas9 in Barley

Targeted genome editing with the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used extensively for the selective mutation of plant genes. Here we used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the putative barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. "Golden Promise") endo-N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (ENGase) gene. Five single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed for different target sites in the upstream part of the ENGase coding region. Targeted fragment deletions were induced by co-bombarding selected combinations of sgRNA with wild-type cas9 using separate plasmids, or by co-infection with separate Agrobacterium tumefaciens cultures. Genotype screening was carried out in the primary transformants (T0) and their T1 progeny to confirm the presence of site-specific small insertions and deletions (indels) and genomic fragment deletions between pairs of targets. Cas9-induced mutations were observed in 78% of the plants, a higher efficiency than previously reported in barley. Notably, there were differences in performance among the five sgRNAs. The induced indels and fragment deletions were transmitted to the T1 generation, and transgene free (sgRNA:cas9 negative) genome-edited homozygous ENGase knock outs were identified among the T1 progeny. We have therefore demonstrated that mutant barley lines with a disrupted endogenous ENGase and defined fragment deletions can be produced efficiently using the CRISPR/Cas9 system even when this requires co-transformation with multiple plasmids by bombardment or Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. We confirm the specificity and heritability of the mutations and the ability to efficiently generate homozygous mutant T1 plants.