LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Short term use of oral corticosteroids and related harms among adults in
the United States: population based cohort study

Objective To determine the frequency of prescriptions for short term use of oral corticosteroids, and adverse events (sepsis, venous thromboembolism, fractures) associated with their use.Design Retrospective cohort study and self controlled case series.Setting Nationwide dataset of private insurance claims.Participants Adults aged 18 to 64 years who were continuously enrolled from 2012 to 2014.Main outcome measures Rates of short term use of oral corticosteroids defined as less than 30 days duration. Incidence rates of adverse events in corticosteroid users and non-users. Incidence rate ratios for adverse events within 30 day and 31-90 day risk periods after drug initiation.Results Of 1 548 945 adults, 327 452 (21.1%) received at least one outpatient prescription for short term use of oral corticosteroids over the three year period. Use was more frequent among older patients, women, and white adults, with significant regional variation (all P<0.001). The most common indications for use were upper respiratory tract infections, spinal conditions, and allergies. Prescriptions were provided by a diverse range of specialties. Within 30 days of drug initiation, there was an increase in rates of sepsis (incidence rate ratio 5.30, 95% confidence interval 3.80 to 7.41), venous thromboembolism (3.33, 2.78 to 3.99), and fracture (1.87, 1.69 to 2.07), which diminished over the subsequent 31-90 days. The increased risk persisted at prednisone equivalent doses of less than 20 mg/day (incidence rate ratio 4.02 for sepsis, 3.61 for venous thromboembolism, and 1.83 for fracture; all P<0.001).Conclusion One in five American adults in a commercially insured plan were given prescriptions for short term use of oral corticosteroids during a three year period, with an associated increased risk of adverse events.
Ordered arrays of nanoporous gold nanoparticles

A combination of a "top-down" approach (substrate-conformal imprint lithography) and two "bottom-up" approaches (dewetting and dealloying) enables fabrication of perfectly ordered 2-dimensional arrays of nanoporous gold nanoparticles. The dewetting of Au/Ag bilayers on the periodically prepatterned substrates leads to the interdiffusion of Au and Ag and the formation of an array of Au-Ag alloy nanoparticles. The array of alloy nanoparticles is transformed into an array of nanoporous gold nanoparticles by a following dealloying step. Large areas of this new type of material arrangement can be realized with this technique. In addition, this technique allows for the control of particle size, particle spacing, and ligament size (or pore size) by varying the period of the structure, total metal layer thickness, and the thickness ratio of the as-deposited bilayers.
A Modified AES Based Algorithm for Image Encryption

With the fast evolution of digital data exchange, security information becomes much important in data storage and transmission. Due to the increasing use of images in industrial process, it is essential to protect the confidential image data from unauthorized access. In this paper, we analyze the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and we add a key stream generator (A5/1, W7) to AES to ensure improving the encryption performance; mainly for images characterised by reduced entropy. The implementation of both techniques has been realized for experimental purposes. Detailed results in terms of security analysis and implementation are given. Comparative study with traditional encryption algorithms is shown the superiority of the modified algorithm. Keywords—Cryptography, Encryption, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), ECB mode, statistical analysis, key stream generator.
TORCS, The Open Racing Car Simulator

The open racing car simulator (TORCS [14]), is a modern, modular, highlyportable multi-player, multi-agent car simulator. Its high degree of modularity and portability render it ideal for artificial intelligence research. Indeed, a number of research-oriented competitions and papers have already appeared that make use of the TORCS engine. The purpose of this document is to introduce the structure of TORCS to the general artificial intelligence and machine learning community and explain how it is possible to tests agents on the platform. TORCS can be used to develop artificially intelligent (AI) agents for a variety of problems. At the car level, new simulation modules can be developed, which include intelligent control systems for various car components. At the driver level, a low-level API gives detailed (but only partial) access to the simulation state. This could be used to develop anything from mid-level control systems to complex driving agents that find optimal racing lines, react successfully in unexpected situations and make good tactical race decisions. Finally, for researchers that like a challenge and are also interested in visual processing, a 3d projection interface is available.
Mixed-Mode S-Parameter Characterization of Differential Structures

Combined differential-mode and common-mode (mixedmode) scattering parameters (s-parameters) are well adapted to accurate measurements of linear networks at RF and microwave frequencies. The relationships between standard s-parameters with two-port vector network analyzer (VNA) and mixed-mode s-parameters with four-port VNA are derived in this paper. An example differential structure was measured with standard two-port VNA and mixed-mode four-port VNA. The correlation of standard s-parameters and mixed-mode s-parameters is presented as well.
Variational Inference for Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing has become a popular paradigm for labeling large datasets. However, it has given rise to the computational task of aggregating the crowdsourced labels provided by a collection of unreliable annotators. We approach this problem by transforming it into a standard inference problem in graphical models, and applying approximate variational methods, including belief propagation (BP) and mean field (MF). We show that our BP algorithm generalizes both majority voting and a recent algorithm by Karger et al. [1], while our MF method is closely related to a commonly used EM algorithm. In both cases, we find that the performance of the algorithms critically depends on the choice of a prior distribution on the workers’ reliability; by choosing the prior properly, both BP and MF (and EM) perform surprisingly well on both simulated and real-world datasets, competitive with state-of-the-art algorithms based on more complicated modeling assumptions.
Work climate, work values and professional commitment as predictors of job satisfaction in nurses.

AIM
To investigate the effect of some psychosocial variables on nurses' job satisfaction.


BACKGROUND
Nurses' job satisfaction is one of the most important factors in determining individuals' intention to stay or leave a health-care organisation. Literature shows a predictive role of work climate, professional commitment and work values on job satisfaction, but their conjoint effect has rarely been considered.


METHODS
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was adopted. Participants were hospital nurses and data were collected in 2011.


RESULTS
Professional commitment and work climate positively predicted nurses' job satisfaction. The effect of intrinsic vs. extrinsic work value orientation on job satisfaction was completely mediated by professional commitment.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses' job satisfaction is influenced by both contextual and personal variables, in particular work climate and professional commitment. According to a more recent theoretical framework, work climate, work values and professional commitment interact with each other in determining nurses' job satisfaction.


IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT
Nursing management must be careful to keep the context of work tuned to individuals' attitude and vice versa. Improving the work climate can have a positive effect on job satisfaction, but its effect may be enhanced by favouring strong professional commitment and by promoting intrinsic more than extrinsic work values.
Text processing for text-to-speech systems in Indian languages

To build a natural sounding speech synthesis system, it is essential that the text processing component produce an appropriate sequence of phonemic units corresponding to an arbitrary input text. In this paper we discuss our efforts in addressing the issues of Font-to-Akshara mapping, pronunciation rules for Aksharas, text normalization in the context of building text-to-speech systems in Indian languages.
A system failure framework for innovation policy design

This article sets out a policy framework for implementing ‘system of innovation’ (SI)-based strategies. On the basis of a literature review on system failures, the study designs an SI-policy framework that can provide policy makers with practical leads how to design, analyse and evaluate policy measures in the field of innovation. The functioning of the framework is illustrated on the basis of an evaluation of Dutch cluster policy. From this illustration, it can be concluded that the SI-framework provides helpful leads for policy design and evaluation and renders more specific policy recommendations than the generally used market failure approach. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Triangulation study: Bahraini nursing students' perceptions of nursing as a career

Background: There is a broad international literature examining the perceptions, experiences and values of nursing students with very little investigative work from the Gulf region and no published work on the perceptions of student nurses from Bahrain. The literature shows that students have a wide range of pre-existing perceptions about nursing and that those early perceptions have a profound influence on their decision to continue with their nursing studies. Historically, in a context of migration, Bahrain has been attractive to expatriate nurses and this has created an overreliance on external manpower which leads to the detriment of developing an indigenous nursing profession. This study aims to identify the perceptions and experiences of student nurses in Bahrain about nursing as a career choice and generate an understanding of the factors influencing recruitment to nursing from the Bahraini population. Methods: A triangulation research design engaging quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was used in the study. Data were obtained through student nurses’ written reflections, self-reporting questionnaires and focus groups collected during their nursing programme. The study participants were the first ever cohort of 38 Bahraini nursing students attending the first private University in Bahrain where the study took place. Qualitative data was analyzed using Colaizzi’s methodology and quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 17. Results: The participants perceived nursing as caring, helping people and a humanitarian job. Nursing was considered to be a tough job and not well accepted socially with cultural issues impacting on the values attached to nursing as a career choice. Participants prior to entering nursing used the internet as the most potent source of information and they were also motivated by their parents and friends to join nursing. Participants stated their commitment to a nursing career, and their plans to continue with participation in higher education. Conclusions: Some of the issues raised in the study are reflective of the international literature; however there are fundamental issues particular to the Gulf region, which will require attention in a context of an overall national nursing recruitment strategy.
Association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and the development of acute coronary syndromes: the CARDIO2000 case-control study.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (at least 30 minutes a day) and the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes (ACS).


DESIGN AND SETTING
The CARDIO2000 is a case-control study which was conducted in Greece from 2000 to 2001. Cases included 847 individuals with a first event of ACS and 1078 cardiovascular disease-free controls. Cases and controls were frequency matched on age (within three years of age), sex, and region.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
ACS was defined as a diagnosis of first acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Main independent variable: Exposure to ETS was measured by self report as follows: after the second day of hospitalisation for the cases, and at the entry for the controls, participants were asked whether they were currently exposed to tobacco smoke from other people (home and/or work) for more than 30 minutes a day. The responses were categorised into three levels: no exposure, occasional exposure (< 3 times per week), and regular exposure. In addition participants were asked how many years they had been exposed. Because these were self reported assessments and prone to bias, the results were compared to reports obtained from subjects' relatives or friends, using the Kendal's tau coefficient that showed high agreement.


RESULTS
731 (86%) of the patients and 605 (56%) of the controls reported current exposure of 30 minutes per day or more to ETS. Among current non-smokers, cases were 47% more likely to report regular exposure to ETS (odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 1.80) compared to controls. Exposure to ETS at work was associated with a greater risk of ACS compared to home exposure (+97% v +33%). The risk of ACS was also raised in active smokers (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.07 to 3.31) regularly exposed to ETS.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the hypothesis that exposure to ETS increases the risk of developing ACS. The consistency of these findings with the existing totality of evidence presented in the literature supports the role of ETS in the aetiology of ACS.
ENGINEERED CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES (ECC) – TAILORED COMPOSITES THROUGH MICROMECHANICAL MODELING

This article provides a brief overview of several classes of fiber reinforced cement based composites and suggests future directions in FRC development. Special focus is placed on micromechanics based design methodology of strain-hardening cement based composites. As example, a particular engineered cementitious composite newly developed at the ACE-MRL at the University of Michigan is described in detail with regard to its design, material composition, processing, and mechanical properties. Three potential applications which utilize the unique properties of such composites are cited in this paper, and future research needs are identified. * To appear in Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Present and the Future, Eds: N. Banthia, A. Bentur, and A. Mufti, Canadian Society of Civil Engineers, 1997.
The International Prevalence Study on Physical Activity: results from 20 countries

BACKGROUND
Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important factors for improving population health, but no standardised systems exist for international surveillance. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed for international surveillance. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population physical activity prevalence across 20 countries.


METHODS
Between 2002-2004, a standardised protocol using IPAQ was used to assess PA participation in 20 countries [total N = 52,746, aged 18-65 years]. The median survey response rate was 61%. Physical activity levels were categorised as "low", "moderate" and "high". Age-adjusted prevalence estimates are presented by sex.


RESULTS
The prevalence of "high PA" varied from 21-63%; in eight countries high PA was reported for over half of the adult population. The prevalence of "low PA" varied from 9% to 43%. Males more frequently reported high PA than females in 17 of 20 countries. The prevalence of low PA ranged from 7-41% among males, and 6-49% among females. Gender differences were noted, especially for younger adults, with males more active than females in most countries. Markedly lower physical activity prevalence (10% difference) with increasing age was noted in 11 of 19 countries for males, but only in three countries for women. The ways populations accumulated PA differed, with some reporting mostly vigorous intensity activities and others mostly walking.


CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the feasibility of international PA surveillance, and showed that IPAQ is an acceptable surveillance instrument, at least within countries. If assessment methods are used consistently over time, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote physical activity.
Training Structured Efficient Convolutional Layers

Typical recent neural network designs are primarily convolutional layers, but 1 the tricks enabling structured efficient linear layers (SELLs) have not yet been 2 adapted to the convolutional setting. We present a method to express the weight 3 tensor in a convolutional layer using diagonal matrices, discrete cosine transforms 4 (DCTs) and permutations that can be optimised using standard stochastic gradient 5 methods. A network composed of such structured efficient convolutional layers 6 (SECL) outperforms existing low-rank networks and demonstrates competitive 7 computational efficiency. 8
Quasicontraction Mappings in Modular Spaces without Δ2-Condition

As a generalization to Banach contraction principle, Ćirić introduced the concept of quasi-contraction mappings. In this paper, we investigate these kinds of mappings in modular function spaces without the 2-condition. In particular, we prove the existence of fixed points and discuss their uniqueness.
Procedural Level Design for Platform Games

Although other genres have used procedural level generation to extend gameplay and replayability, platformer games have not yet seen successful level generation. This paper proposes a new four-layer hierarchy to represent platform game levels, with a focus on representing repetition, rhythm, and connectivity. It also proposes a way to use this model to procedurally generate new levels.
Learning Mixtures of Product Distributions Using Correlations and Independence

We study the problem of learning mixtures of distributions, a natural formalization of clustering. A mixture of distributions is a collection of distributionsD = {D1, . . .DT }, andmixing weights , {w1, . . . , wT } such that
The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market

The slow growth of high-paying jobs in the U.S. since 2000 and rapid advances in computer technology have sparked fears that human labor will eventually be rendered obsolete. Yet while computers perform cognitive tasks of rapidly increasing complexity, simple human interaction has proven difficult to automate. In this paper, I show that the labor market increasingly rewards social skills. Since 1980, jobs with high social skill requirements have experienced greater relative growth throughout the wage distribution. Moreover, employment and wage growth has been strongest in jobs that require high levels of both cognitive skill and social skill. To understand these patterns, I develop a model of team production where workers “trade tasks” to exploit their comparative advantage. In the model, social skills reduce coordination costs, allowing workers to specialize and trade more efficiently. The model generates predictions about sorting and the relative returns to skill across occupations, which I test and confirm using data from the NLSY79. The female advantage in social skills may have played some role in the narrowing of gender gaps in labor market outcomes since 1980. ∗david_deming@gse.harvard.edu. Thanks to Pol Antras, David Autor, Avi Feller, Lawrence Katz, Sandy Jencks, Richard Murnane, Doug Staiger and Lowell Taylor for reading early drafts of this paper and for providing insightful feedback. Thanks to Felipe Barrera-Osorio, Amitabh Chandra, Asim Khwaja, Alan Manning, Guy Michaels, Luke Miratrix, Todd Rogers, Marty West and seminar participants at LSE and PSE for helpful comments. Olivia Chi, Madeleine Gelblum, Lauren Reisig and Stephen Yen provided superb research assistance. Special thanks to David Autor and Brendan Price for sharing their data and programs. Extra special thanks to Lisa Kahn and Chris Walters for “trading tasks” with me. All errors are my own.
Ticagrelor versus prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome patients with high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity following percutaneous coronary intervention: a pharmacodynamic study.

OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to compare the antiplatelet action of ticagrelor with prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) while on clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).


BACKGROUND
Newer P2Y12 inhibitors like prasugrel and ticagrelor provide stronger platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel. Both agents are efficacious in patients with HTPR while on clopidogrel, but direct comparison between them has not yet been reported.


METHODS
In a prospective, single-center, single-blind study, 44 (of 139 screened, 31.7%) ACS patients with HTPR while on clopidogrel 24 h post-PCI were randomized to either ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily or prasugrel 10 mg once daily for 15 days with a crossover directly to the alternate treatment for another 15 days. HTPR was defined as platelet reactivity units (PRU) ≥ 235 as assessed by the VerifyNow P2Y12 function assay.


RESULTS
The primary endpoint of platelet reactivity at the end of the 2 treatment periods was lower for ticagrelor (32.9 PRU, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.7 to 47.2) compared with prasugrel (101.3 PRU, 95% CI: 86.8 to 115.7) with a least squares mean difference of -68.3 PRU (95% CI: -88.6 to -48.1; p < 0.001). The secondary endpoint of HTPR rate was 0% for ticagrelor and 2.4% for prasugrel (1 of 42, p = 0.5). No patient exhibited a major bleeding event at either treatment group.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with ACS exhibiting HTPR while on clopidogrel 24 h post-PCI, ticagrelor produces a significantly higher platelet inhibition compared with prasugrel. (Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Acute Coronary Syndromes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; NCT01360437).