Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secondary Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents 5 to 10 Years After Traumatic Brain Injury

Importance After traumatic brain injury (TBI), children often experience impairment when faced with tasks and situations of increasing complexity. Studies have failed to consider the potential for attention problems to develop many years after TBI or factors that may predict the development of secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (SADHD). Understanding these patterns will aid in timely identification of clinically significant problems and appropriate initiation of treatment with the hope of limiting additional functional impairment. Objective To examine the development of SADHD during the 5 to 10 years after TBI and individual (sex, age at injury, and injury characteristics) and environmental (socioeconomic status and family functioning) factors that may be associated with SADHD. Design, Setting, and Participants Concurrent cohort/prospective study of children aged 3 to 7 years hospitalized overnight for TBI or orthopedic injury (OI; used as control group) who were screened at 3 tertiary care children’s hospitals and 1 general hospital in Ohio from January 2003 to June 2008. Parents completed assessments at baseline (0-3 months), 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 3.4 years, and 6.8 years after injury. A total of 187 children and adolescents were included in the analyses: 81 in the TBI group and 106 in the OI group. Main Outcomes and Measures Diagnosis of SADHD was the primary outcome. Assessments were all completed by parents. Secondary ADHD was defined as an elevated T score on the DSM-Oriented Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems Scale of the parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist, report of an ADHD diagnosis, and/or current treatment with stimulant medication not present at the baseline assessment. The Family Assessment Device–Global Functioning measurement was used to assess family functioning; scores ranged from 1 to 4, with greater scores indicating poorer family functioning. Results The analyzed sample included 187 children with no preinjury ADHD. Mean (SD) age was 5.1 (1.1) years; 108 (57.8%) were male, and 50 (26.7%) were of nonwhite race/ethnicity. Of the 187 children, 48 (25.7%) met our definition of SADHD. Severe TBI (hazard ratio [HR], 3.62; 95% CI, 1.59-8.26) was associated with SADHD compared with the OI group. Higher levels of maternal education (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.62) were associated with a lower risk of SADHD. Family dysfunction was associated with increased risk of SADHD within the TBI group (HR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.91-9.43), with minimal association within the OI group (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.36-4.91). Conclusions and Relevance Early childhood TBI was associated with increased risk for SADHD. This finding supports the need for postinjury monitoring for attention problems. Consideration of factors that may interact with injury characteristics, such as family functioning, will be important in planning clinical follow-up of children with TBI.
Causes and Consequences of Occupational Fatigue: Meta-Analysis and Systems Model

Objective: The study objective was to statistically codify empirical occupational fatigue literature into a systems model depicting causal factors of fatigue; interrelationships among causal factors; outcomes of fatigue; and interrelationships among outcomes. Methods: The objective was achieved via a comprehensive and systematic review of existing literature and the first statistical meta-analysis of occupational fatigue. Results: The drivers of fatigue with the greatest effect sizes include sleep deprivation and work environment factors such as noise, vibration, and temperature. The most significant outcomes of fatigue include short-term cognitive and physical degradation and, to a lesser extent, error, injury, and illness. Conclusions: Although there is a great deal of occupational fatigue literature, there is a dearth of replication and validations studies. Researchers are also encouraged to address knowledge gaps like the relationship between worker relationships and fatigue.
Sur les courbes de traction du caoutchouc vulcanisé

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Polyommatus ripartii : The Biological Basis for the Conservation and the Morphology of the Developmental Stages of a Critically Endangered, Relict Population in Central Europe

Abstract Ripart’s Anomalous Blue Polyommatus ripartii (Freyer, 1830) is one of the most seriously endangered butterfly species in central Europe, a small, relict population of which has survived in two localities in Poland. This isolated population is undoubtedly the last and northernmost remnant of a once much wider range in central Europe. P. ripartii is associated with highly xerophilous vegetation on gypsum and calcareous soils. Only active conservation measures can ensure its survival. For these to be successful, however, precise information on the butterfly’s biology, behavior and also its morphology is crucial. The first to do so, this article describes the butterfly’s egg-laying preferences, and specifies the numbers of eggs on a single shoot and their placement on it. A unique behavioral trait of the female—the secretion of oviposition-deterring pheromones—is reported. The preferred plant associations and nectar sources have been investigated, and information on overnight roosts is given. In addition, an exhaustive description of the morphologies of the egg, final instar and pupa, as well as new details of adult behavior are provided. The main conclusion of the this study is that the existence of a stable population in the Nida Region is determined by the presence of large patches of sainfoin, which is both the larval host plant and a source of nectar for the imago. Moreover, stress is laid on the importance of Inula ensifolia L. as the secondary nectaring plant, which may facilitate dispersion among patches of suitable habitat. Finally, the study shows that searching for the easily detected eggs may be the best method for proving the existence of the species in a given locality.
Ultrasonic intensity and Doppler power measurements with uniform and nonuniform polyethylene tubes

The vessel wall may affect the spatial distribution of ultrasound (US) over the lumen of a vessel, leading to artefacts or errors in derived data. We conducted experiments to directly examine the ultrasound intensity distribution within a vessel with a thick wall of known acoustic properties. We utilised two custom made tubes of low density polyethylene, one where the vessel wall thickness is uniform and another where the vessel wall thickness varies with angular position around the lumen. Hydrophone measurements were made under half sections of the tubes, obtained by cutting lengthwise along the tube axis. The results of these measurements were compared to simulation data. Experiments were conducted using the tubes in a flow phantom. The Doppler power distribution along a scan line was analysed with a multigate instrument for the uniform tube, and for the non-uniform tube in different rotational positions. The hydrophone data reveals an uneven US intensity distribution within the tube, with additional asymmetry for the non-uniform tube, according to the simulation predictions. The Doppler power increases with depth, again in agreement with simulation data, and asymmetrical distributions are shown for the non-uniform tube.
Closing the Gap: The Challenges of Treating Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection

The efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment has increased over the last 5 years to nearly 100% for many patient groups. Patients with genotype (GT) 3 HCV infection, however, and specifically cirrhotic or treatment‐experienced patients, have lower sustained virologic response (SVR) rates than patients with other GTs. Because GT 3 presents more clinical challenges than other GTs, this review focuses on the evolution and efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment options for HCV GT 3 infection after the historical standard of care with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Our objective was to review the SVR rates with available and late‐pipeline DAAs for HCV GT 3 infection and discuss challenges with successful GT 3 treatment. Authors performed a literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database (inception to March 27, 2017) and narrowed the field to clinical trials published in English. Trials that evaluated alternative treatments, non‐DAA historical treatment, and DAAs not currently indicated for HCV were excluded. Trials only involving patients with human immunodeficiency virus/HCV coinfection were also excluded. Additional trials were identified from a review of the ClinicalTrials.gov database. Authors further identified references from a review of literature citations and reviewed annual meeting abstracts from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver for pipeline and real‐world GT 3 data. Phase III trial data were not available to support all GT 3 treatment recommendations found in the guidelines. The SVR rates were lower in treatment‐experienced and cirrhotic patients with GT 3 than other HCV populations. Treatment failure was associated with resistance to current treatment regimens. Clinical studies included patients with various levels of advanced liver disease, but few patients with decompensated cirrhosis were represented. Recent advances in pharmacologic treatment with DAAs have greatly increased SVR rates in patients with all HCV GTs, but SVR rates for treatment‐experienced cirrhotic patients with GT 3 are lower than for other GTs. Given the limited data and observed SVR rates in this patient population, the optimal therapy for patients with decompensated cirrhotic GT 3 HCV infection is not yet established. Newer agents and recommendations regarding baseline resistance are likely to evolve treatment strategies in the near future.
An Electrocardiogram-Based Risk Equation for Incident Cardiovascular Disease From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Importance Electrocardiography (ECG) may detect subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in asymptomatic individuals, but its role in assessing adverse events beyond traditional risk factors is not clear. Interval and vector data that are commonly available on modern ECGs may offer independent prognostic information that improves risk classification. Objectives To derive and validate a CVD risk equation based on ECG metrics and to determine its incremental benefit in addition to the Framingham risk score (FRS). Design, Setting, and Participants This study included 3640 randomly selected community-based adults aged 40 to 74 years without known CVD from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) cohort (1971-1975) and 6329 from the NHANES III cohort (1988-1994). Participants were sampled from across the United States. A risk score to assess incident nonfatal and fatal CVD events was derived based on computer-generated ECG data, including frontal P, R, and T axes; heart rate; and PR, QRS, and QT intervals from NHANES I. The most prognostic variables, along with age and sex, were incorporated into the NHANES ECG risk equation. The equation was evaluated in the NHANES III cohort for an independent validation. Follow-up in the NHANES III cohort was completed on December 31, 2006. Data for this study were analyzed from August 11, 2015, to May 20, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was CVD death. Secondary outcomes included 10-year ischemic heart disease and all-cause death. Results The final study sample included 9969 participants (4714 men [47.3%]; 5255 women [52.7%]; mean [SD] age, 55.3 [10.1] years) from both cohorts. Frontal T axis, heart rate, and heart rate-corrected QT interval were the most significant ECG factors in the NHANES I cohort. In the validation cohort (NHANES III), the equation provided for prognostic information for fatal CVD with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.23 (95% CI, 2.82-3.72); the C statistic was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.76-0.81). When added to the FRS in Cox proportional hazards regression models, the categorical (1%, 5%, and 10% cutoffs) net reclassification improvement was 24%. When the FRS and ECG scores were combined in a single model, the C statistic improved by 0.04 (95% CI, 0.02-0.06) to 0.80 (95% CI, 0.77-0.82). Similar improvements were noted when the ECG score was added to the pooled cohort equation. When the equation for prognostic information about ischemic heart disease and all-cause death was evaluated, the results were similar. Conclusions and Relevance An ECG risk score based on age, sex, heart rate, frontal T axis, and QT interval assesses the risk for CVD and compares favorably with the FRS alone in an independent cohort of asymptomatic individuals. Although the ECG risk equation is low cost, further research is needed to ascertain whether this additional step in risk stratification may improve prevention efforts and reduce CVD events.
Aggression and Food Resource Competition between Sympatric Hermit Crab Species

The vertical zonation patterns of intertidal organisms have been topics of interest to marine ecologists for many years, with interspecific food competition being implicated as a contributing factor to intertidal community organization. In this study, we used behavioral bioassays to examine the potential roles that interspecific aggression and food competition have on the structuring of intertidal hermit crab assemblages. We studied two ecologically similar, sympatric hermit crab species, Clibanarius digueti [1] and Paguristes perrieri [2], which occupy adjacent zones within the intertidal region of the Gulf of California. During the search phase of foraging, C. digueti showed higher frequencies of aggressive behaviors than P. perrieri. In competition assays, C. digueti gained increased access to food resources compared to P. perrieri. The results suggest that food competition may play an important role in structuring intertidal hermit crab assemblages, and that the zonation patterns of Gulf of California hermit crab species may be the result of geographical displacement by the dominant food competitor (C. digueti).
Injuries Caused by Falls From Playground Equipment in the United States

The objective of this study is to document the incidence of falls from playground equipment in the United States over time and to provide a detailed profile of the individuals injured in playground falls using several state and national databases. During the past decade, there has been a steep decline in the number of injuries treated in emergency departments caused by falls from playground equipment in the United States. Males, children between the ages of 5 to 9 years, and individuals from lower economic strata are overrepresented among those suffering an injury. Falls from monkey bars result in the greatest number of injuries (52%). Schools/day care centers and recreation areas each account for approximately 40% of injuries. The incidence of injuries occurring at home playgrounds has declined sharply in recent years. Fracture of the upper limb is the type of injury most often associated with a fall from playground equipment (43%).
Rescue of Retinal Function by BDNF in a Mouse Model of Glaucoma

Vision loss in glaucoma is caused by progressive dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve atrophy. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of BDNF treatment to preserve vision in a glaucoma experimental model. As an established experimental model, we used the DBA/2J mouse, which develops chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation that mimics primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). IOP was measured at different ages in DBA/2J mice. Visual function was monitored using the steady-state Pattern Electroretinogram (P-ERG) and visual cortical evoked potentials (VEP). RGC alterations were assessed using Brn3 immunolabeling, and confocal microscope analysis. Human recombinant BDNF was dissolved in physiological solution (0.9% NaCl); the effects of repeated intravitreal injections and topical eye BDNF applications were independently evaluated in DBA/2J mice with ocular hypertension. BDNF level was measured in retinal homogenate by ELISA and western blot. We found a progressive decline of P-ERG and VEP responses in DBA/2J mice between 4 and 7 months of age, in relationship with the development of ocular hypertension and the reduction of Brn3 immunopositive RGCs. Conversely, repeated intravitreal injections (BDNF concentration = 2 µg/µl, volume = 1 µl, for each injection; 1 injection every four days, three injections over two weeks) and topical eye application of BDNF eye-drops (12 µg/µl, 5 µl eye-drop every 48 h for two weeks) were able to rescue visual responses in 7 month DBA/2J mice. In particular, BDNF topical eye treatment recovered P-ERG and VEP impairment increasing the number of Brn3 immunopositive RGCs. We showed that BDNF effects were independent of IOP reduction. Thus, topical eye treatment with BDNF represents a promisingly safe and feasible strategy to preserve visual function and diminish RGC vulnerability to ocular hypertension.
Anthropogenic Disturbance and Biodiversity of Marine Benthic Communities in Antarctica: A Regional Comparison

The impacts of two Antarctic stations in different regions, on marine sediment macrofaunal communities were compared: McMurdo, a very large station in the Ross Sea; and Casey, a more typical small station in East Antarctica. Community structure and diversity were compared along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance from heavily contaminated to uncontaminated locations. We examined some of the inherent problems in comparing data from unrelated studies, such as different sampling methods, spatial and temporal scales of sampling and taxonomic uncertainty. These issues generated specific biases which were taken into account when interpreting patterns. Control sites in the two regions had very different communities but both were dominated by crustaceans. Community responses to anthropogenic disturbance (sediment contamination by metals, oils and sewage) were also different. At McMurdo the proportion of crustaceans decreased in disturbed areas and polychaetes became dominant, whereas at Casey, crustaceans increased in response to disturbance, largely through an increase in amphipods. Despite differing overall community responses there were some common elements. Ostracods, cumaceans and echinoderms were sensitive to disturbance in both regions. Capitellid, dorvelleid and orbiniid polychaetes were indicative of disturbed sites. Amphipods, isopods and tanaids had different responses at each station. Biodiversity and taxonomic distinctness were significantly lower at disturbed locations in both regions. The size of the impact, however, was not related to the level of contamination, with a larger reduction in biodiversity at Casey, the smaller, less polluted station. The impacts of small stations, with low to moderate levels of contamination, can thus be as great as those of large or heavily contaminated stations. Regional broad scale environmental influences may be important in determining the composition of communities and thus their response to disturbance, but there are some generalizations regarding responses which will aid future management of stations.
p53 and ki67 as biomarkers in determining response to chemoprevention for oral leukoplakia

BACKGROUND We performed a randomized controlled chemoprevention trial of oral leukoplakia by administrating a low dose of beta-carotene and vitamin C supplements. 17% of subjects in the experimental arm (4/23) demonstrated clinical remission (complete or partial response) at completion of the trial. The objective of this study was to determine whether baseline expression of p53 and ki67 demonstrated any differences between those responding or not responding to our intervention. A secondary objective was to elucidate any relationship between dietary factors and clinical responses. METHODS For this biomarker study, we included all subjects in the experimental group (n = 23) who were non-smokers. Among 16 who completed the trial for 1 year of supplementation, there were four responders and 12 non-responders at 1-year follow-up. Following immuno-staining for p53 and ki67, the percentage of positive cell nuclei were analyzed as labeling index (LI). RESULTS Expression of p53 was greater in basal layers than in para-basal layers. Mean para-basal LI of p53 was higher in non-responding (26.0) than in responding subjects (11.2) (P = 0.028). ki67 LIs were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Expression of p53 was inversely related to clinical response to the supplements. Other biomarkers that may recognize subject's responsiveness to chemoprevention require further study.
δ15N Value Does Not Reflect Fasting in Mysticetes

The finding that tissue δ15N values increase with protein catabolism has led researchers to apply this value to gauge nutritive condition in vertebrates. However, its application to marine mammals has in most occasions failed. We investigated the relationship between δ15N values and the fattening/fasting cycle in a model species, the fin whale, a migratory capital breeder that experiences severe seasonal variation in body condition. We analyzed two tissues providing complementary insights: one with isotopic turnover (muscle) and one that keeps a permanent record of variations in isotopic values (baleen plates). In both tissues δ15N values increased with intensive feeding but decreased with fasting, thus contradicting the pattern previously anticipated. The apparent inconsistency during fasting is explained by the fact that a) individuals migrate between different isotopic isoscapes, b) starvation may not trigger significant negative nitrogen balance, and c) excretion drops and elimination of 15N-depleted urine is minimized. Conversely, when intensive feeding is resumed in the northern grounds, protein anabolism and excretion start again, triggering 15N enrichment. It can be concluded that in whales and other mammals that accrue massive depots of lipids as energetic reserves and which have limited access to drinking water, the δ15N value is not affected by fasting and therefore cannot be used as an indicatior of nutritive condition.
f-Divergence constrained policy improvement

To ensure stability of learning, state-of-the-art generalized policy iteration algorithms augment the policy improvement step with a trust region constraint bounding the information loss. The size of the trust region is commonly determined by the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, which not only captures the notion of distance well but also yields closed-form solutions. In this paper, we consider a more general class of f-divergences and derive the corresponding policy update rules. The generic solution is expressed through the derivative of the convex conjugate function to f and includes the KL solution as a special case. Within the class of f-divergences, we further focus on a one-parameter family of $\alpha$-divergences to study effects of the choice of divergence on policy improvement. Previously known as well as new policy updates emerge for different values of $\alpha$. We show that every type of policy update comes with a compatible policy evaluation resulting from the chosen f-divergence. Interestingly, the mean-squared Bellman error minimization is closely related to policy evaluation with the Pearson $\chi^2$-divergence penalty, while the KL divergence results in the soft-max policy update and a log-sum-exp critic. We carry out asymptotic analysis of the solutions for different values of $\alpha$ and demonstrate the effects of using different divergence functions on a multi-armed bandit problem and on common standard reinforcement learning problems.