Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations and similarities in clinical management of neonatal abstinence syndrome: Findings of a Canadian survey.

Background There are no evidence-based national guidelines for managing neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and surveys from other countries have demonstrated considerable variations in practice. Objective To describe NAS management practices in Canada. Method The directors of all Level 2 and Level 3 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) were contacted to request their participation in a structured telephone survey. Frequency distributions were generated and associations between practice variations and unit type (Level 2 or 3) and size were examined. Results Personnel at 65 of 103 sites (63.1%) participated. Most (92.3%) stated their hospital has a written NAS practice guideline. The majority (89.5%) use a version of Finnegan's scoring system to monitor signs. If pharmacological treatment is required, 89.2% admit infants to the NICU and 93.8% routinely use cardiorespiratory monitors when treatment is initiated. Morphine is the first-line medication at most sites (96.9%). There was greater variability in terms of other practices: 44.6% observe at-risk infants in the NICU, while 52.3% allow them to room-in with their mothers; 65.1% use adjunct medications; 36.9% and 38.9% will discharge infants on the first-line and adjunct medications respectively, and 53.8% reported that breastfeeding is always encouraged, while 44.6% discourage breastfeeding if the mother continues to use illicit drugs and 1.5% make recommendations on an individual basis. Few practice variations were associated with unit type or size. Conclusion While most NICUs surveyed have an NAS practice guideline, there are some notable differences in how NAS is managed. This underscores the need for research that can be translated into best practices.
HFSS TM Modelling Anomalies with THz Metal-Pipe Rectangular Waveguide Structures at Room Temperature

Air-fllled metal-pipe rectangular waveguides (MPRWGs) represent one of the most important forms of guided-wave structure for terahertz applications. Well-known commercial electromagnetic modelling software packages currently employ over-simplifled intrinsic frequency dispersion models for the bulk conductivity of normal metals used in terahertz structures at room temperature. This paper has compared various conductivity modelling strategies for normal metals at room temperature and characterized rectangular waveguides and associated cavity resonators between 0.9 and 12THz. An expression for the geometrical factor of a rectangular cavity resonator has been derived for the general case of a metal characterized with "r 6 1 and ! > 0. In addition, a method for determining the corresponding lossless frequency of oscillation has been given for the flrst time for such models. Using these techniques, a quantitative analysis for the application of difierent models used to describe the intrinsic frequency dispersion nature of bulk conductivity at room temperature has been undertaken. When compared to the use of the accurate relaxation-efiect model, it has been found that HFSS TM (Versions 10 and 11) gives a default error in the attenuation constant for MPRWGs of 108% at 12THz and 41% errors in both Q-factor and overall frequency detuning with a 7.3THz cavity resonator. With the former, measured transmission losses will be signiflcantly lower than those predicted using the current version of HFSS TM , which may lead to an underestimate of THz losses attributed to extrinsic efiects. With the latter error, in overall frequency detuning, the measured positions of return loss zeros, within a multi-pole fllter, will not be accurately predicted by the current version of HFSS TM . This paper has highlighted a signiflcant source of errors with the electromagnetic modeling of terahertz structures, operating at room temperatures, which can be rectifled by adopting the classical relaxation-efiect model to describe the frequency dispersive behavior of normal metals.
Ranking Sentences for Extractive Summarization with Reinforcement Learning

Single document summarization is the task of producing a shorter version of a document while preserving its principal information content. In this paper we conceptualize extractive summarization as a sentence ranking task and propose a novel training algorithm which globally optimizes the ROUGE evaluation metric through a reinforcement learning objective. We use our algorithm to train a neural summarization model on the CNN and DailyMail datasets and demonstrate experimentally that it outperforms state-of-the-art extractive and abstractive systems when evaluated automatically and by humans.
Adrenal sensitivity to stress is maintained despite variation in baseline glucocorticoids in moulting seals

Select hormones, like glucocorticoids, could be informative markers of stress in animals. To be useful, however, baseline and stressed state hormone concentrations must be described. We therefore evaluated the timing and magnitude of stress hormone release by simulating an acute stressor in a marine mammal, the northern elephant seal.
Coarse-Graining Approaches in Univariate Multiscale Sample and Dispersion Entropy

The evaluation of complexity in univariate signals has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This is often done using the framework of Multiscale Entropy, which entails two basic steps: coarse-graining to consider multiple temporal scales, and evaluation of irregularity for each of those scales with entropy estimators. Recent developments in the field have proposed modifications to this approach to facilitate the analysis of short-time series. However, the role of the downsampling in the classical coarse-graining process and its relationships with alternative filtering techniques has not been systematically explored yet. Here, we assess the impact of coarse-graining in multiscale entropy estimations based on both Sample Entropy and Dispersion Entropy. We compare the classical moving average approach with low-pass Butterworth filtering, both with and without downsampling, and empirical mode decomposition in Intrinsic Multiscale Entropy, in selected synthetic data and two real physiological datasets. The results show that when the sampling frequency is low or high, downsampling respectively decreases or increases the entropy values. Our results suggest that, when dealing with long signals and relatively low levels of noise, the refine composite method makes little difference in the quality of the entropy estimation at the expense of considerable additional computational cost. It is also found that downsampling within the coarse-graining procedure may not be required to quantify the complexity of signals, especially for short ones. Overall, we expect these results to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the development of stable, fast and robust-to-noise multiscale entropy techniques suited for either short or long recordings.
Topographic and ecologic controls on root reinforcement

Shallow landslides are a significant hazard in steep, soil-mantled landscapes. During intense rainfall events, the distribution of shallow landslides is controlled by variations in landscape gradient, the frictional and cohesive properties of soil and roots, and the subsurface hydrologic response. While gradients can be estimated from digital elevation models, information on soil and root properties remains sparse. We investigated whether geomorphically controlled variations in ecology affect the spatial distribution of root cohesion by measuring the distribution and tensile strength of roots from soil pits dug downslope of 15 native trees in the southern Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina, United States. Root tensile strengths from different hardwood tree species were similar and consistently higher than the only native shrub species measured (Rhododendron maximum). Roots were stronger in trees found on noses (areas of divergent topography) relative to those in hollows (unchanneled, convergent topography) coincident with the variability in cellulose content. This cellulose variability is likely related to topographic differences in soil water potential. For all species, roots were concentrated close to the soil surface, with roots in hollows being more evenly distributed in the soil column than those on noses. Trees located on noses had higher mean root cohesion than those in hollows because of a higher root tensile force. R. maximum had the shallowest, weakest roots suggesting that recent expansion of this species due to fire suppression has likely lowered the root cohesion of some hollows. Quantification of this feedback between physiologic controls on root growth and slope hydrology has allowed us to create a curvature-based model of root cohesion that is a significant improvement on current models that assume a spatially averaged value.
Study design for non‐recurring, time‐to‐event outcomes in the presence of error‐prone diagnostic tests or self‐reports

Sequentially administered, laboratory‐based diagnostic tests or self‐reported questionnaires are often used to determine the occurrence of a silent event. In this paper, we consider issues relevant in design of studies aimed at estimating the association of one or more covariates with a non‐recurring, time‐to‐event outcome that is observed using a repeatedly administered, error‐prone diagnostic procedure. The problem is motivated by the Women's Health Initiative, in which diabetes incidence among the approximately 160,000 women is obtained from annually collected self‐reported data. For settings of imperfect diagnostic tests or self‐reports with known sensitivity and specificity, we evaluate the effects of various factors on resulting power and sample size calculations and compare the relative efficiency of different study designs. The methods illustrated in this paper are readily implemented using our freely available R software package icensmis, which is available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network website. An important special case is that when diagnostic procedures are perfect, they result in interval‐censored, time‐to‐event outcomes. The proposed methods are applicable for the design of studies in which a time‐to‐event outcome is interval censored. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene-specific mechanisms direct glucocorticoid-receptor-driven repression of inflammatory response genes in macrophages

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) potently represses macrophage-elicited inflammation, however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Our genome-wide analysis in mouse macrophages reveals that pro-inflammatory paused genes, activated via global negative elongation factor (NELF) dissociation and RNA Polymerase (Pol)2 release from early elongation arrest, and non-paused genes, induced by de novo Pol2 recruitment, are equally susceptible to acute glucocorticoid repression. Moreover, in both cases the dominant mechanism involves rapid GR tethering to p65 at NF-kB-binding sites. Yet, specifically at paused genes, GR activation triggers widespread promoter accumulation of NELF, with myeloid cell-specific NELF deletion conferring glucocorticoid resistance. Conversely, at non-paused genes, GR attenuates the recruitment of p300 and histone acetylation, leading to a failure to assemble BRD4 and Mediator at promoters and enhancers, ultimately blocking Pol2 initiation. Thus, GR displays no preference for a specific pro-inflammatory gene class; however, it effects repression by targeting distinct temporal events and components of transcriptional machinery.
In Absolute or Relative Terms? How Framing Prices Affects the Consumer Price Sensitivity of Health Plan Choice

Health Plan Choice Abstract: This paper provides field evidence on (a) how price framing affects consumers’ decision to switch health insurance plans and (b) how the price elasticity of demand for health insurance can be influenced by policymakers through simple regulatory efforts. In 2009, in order to foster competition among health insurance companies, German federal regulation required health insurance companies to express price differences between health plans in absolute Euro values rather than percentage point payroll tax differences. Using individual-level panel data, as well as aggregated health plan-level panel data, we find that the reform led to a sixfold increase in an individual’s switching probability and a threefold demand elasticity increase.
Blockchain distributed ledger technologies for biomedical and health care applications

Abstract Objectives To introduce blockchain technologies, including their benefits, pitfalls, and the latest applications, to the biomedical and health care domains. Target Audience Biomedical and health care informatics researchers who would like to learn about blockchain technologies and their applications in the biomedical/health care domains. Scope The covered topics include: (1) introduction to the famous Bitcoin crypto-currency and the underlying blockchain technology; (2) features of blockchain; (3) review of alternative blockchain technologies; (4) emerging nonfinancial distributed ledger technologies and applications; (5) benefits of blockchain for biomedical/health care applications when compared to traditional distributed databases; (6) overview of the latest biomedical/health care applications of blockchain technologies; and (7) discussion of the potential challenges and proposed solutions of adopting blockchain technologies in biomedical/health care domains.
Shorter Versus Longer Shift Durations to Mitigate Fatigue and Fatigue-Related Risks in Emergency Medical Services Personnel and Related Shift Workers: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Background: This study comprehensively reviewed the literature on the impact of shorter versus longer shifts on critical and important outcomes for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and related shift worker groups. Methods: Six databases (e.g., PubMed/MEDLINE) were searched, including one website. This search was guided by a research question developed by an expert panel a priori and registered with the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (2016:CRD42016040099). The critical outcomes of interest were patient safety and personnel safety. The important outcomes of interest were personnel performance, acute fatigue, sleep and sleep quality, retention/turnover, long-term health, burnout/stress, and cost to system. Screeners worked independently and full-text articles were assessed for relevance. Data abstracted from the retained literature were categorized as favorable, unfavorable, mixed/inconclusive, or no impact toward the shorter shift duration. This research characterized the evidence as very low, low, moderate, or high quality according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: The searched yielded n = 21,674 records. Of the 480 full-text articles reviewed, 100 reported comparisons of outcomes of interest by shift duration. We identified 24 different shift duration comparisons, most commonly 8 hours versus 12 hours. No one study reported findings for all 9 outcomes. Two studies reported findings linked to both critical outcomes of patient and personnel safety, 34 reported findings for one of two critical outcomes, and 64 did not report findings for critical outcomes. Fifteen studies were grouped to compare shifts <24 hours versus shifts ≥24 hours. None of the findings for the critical outcomes of patient and personnel safety were categorized as unfavorable toward shorter duration shifts (<24 hours). Nine studies were favorable toward shifts <24 hours for at least one of the 7 important outcomes, while findings from one study were categorized as unfavorable. Evidence quality was low or very low. Conclusions: The quality of existing evidence on the impact of shift duration on fatigue and fatigue-related risks is low or very low. Despite these limitations, this systematic review suggests that for outcomes considered critical or important to EMS personnel, shifts <24 hours in duration are more favorable than shifts ≥24 hours.
Where have all the children gone? High HIV prevalence in infants attending nutrition and inpatient entry points

Despite notable progress towards PMTCT, only 50% of HIV‐exposed infants in sub‐Saharan Africa were tested within the first 2 months of life and only 30% of HIV‐infected infants are on antiretroviral treatment. This study assessed HIV prevalence in infants and children receiving care at various service entry points in primary healthcare facilities in Uganda.
Motor Physical Therapy Affects Muscle Collagen Type I and Decreases Gait Speed in Dystrophin-Deficient Dogs

Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD) is a dystrophin-deficient canine model genetically homologous to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in humans. Muscular fibrosis secondary to cycles of degeneration/regeneration of dystrophic muscle tissue and muscular weakness leads to biomechanical adaptation that impairs the quality of gait. Physical therapy (PT) is one of the supportive therapies available for DMD, however, motor PT approaches have controversial recommendations and there is no consensus regarding the type and intensity of physical therapy. In this study we investigated the effect of physical therapy on gait biomechanics and muscular collagen deposition types I and III in dystrophin-deficient dogs. Two dystrophic dogs (treated dogs-TD) underwent a PT protocol of active walking exercise, 3×/week, 40 minutes/day, 12 weeks. Two dystrophic control dogs (CD) maintained their routine of activities of daily living. At t0 (pre) and t1 (post-physical therapy), collagen type I and III were assessed by immunohistochemistry and gait biomechanics were analyzed. Angular displacement of shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle and tarsal joint and vertical (Fy), mediolateral (Fz) and craniocaudal (Fx) ground reaction forces (GRF) were assessed. Wilcoxon test was used to verify the difference of biomechanical variables between t0 and t1, considering p<. 05. Type I collagen of endomysium suffered the influence of PT, as well as gait speed that had decreased from t0 to t1 (p<.000). The PT protocol employed accelerates morphological alterations on dystrophic muscle and promotes a slower velocity of gait. Control dogs which maintained their routine of activities of daily living seem to have found a better balance between movement and preservation of motor function.
Thermal decomposition of talc

A nearly pure talc was investigated both unheated and after heating at numerous temperatures ranging up to 1,435° C. The studies included the measurement of heat effects, weight losses, and changes in true specific gravity occurring on heating talc. X-ray and microscopical examinations were made of the heat ed. samples. There was no change in the crystal structure of the talc up to 800° C. At 800 to 8400 C the t alc decomposed to enstatite, amorphous silica, and wat er' vapor. The enstatite gradually changed to clinoenstatite around 1,200° C, and the amorphous silica changed to cristobalite around 1,300° C, giving clinoenstatite and cristobalite as final products. CONTENTS Page 1. Introduct ion ____________________________ ____________________ ___ 551 II. 11at erials ___________ __ _____ _____________ ______________ _________ 551 III. 11ethods and results _____________________________________________ 552 1. Heat effectL ________ ___ ____________________ _____________ 552 2. Weight losses ________ _______ _______ _____________ _________ 552 3. Volume changes ______ ____ ___________ ______________ _____ __ 554 IV. 4. :X-ray and microscopical examinations_______ ______________ 554 DIScusslon ________ _____________________ ___ _____________ ________ 555 V. Summary _________________ . _________________ _____ ______________ 55t)
How Do Evaluators Differentiate Successful From Less-Than-Successful Experiences With Collaborative Approaches to Evaluation?

Objectives: In this exploratory study, we wanted to know how evaluators differentiate collaborative approaches to evaluation (CAE) perceived to be successful from those perceived to be less-than-successful. Method: In an online questionnaire survey, we obtained 320 responses from evaluators who practice CAE (i.e., evaluations on which program stakeholders coproduce evaluation knowledge). Respondents identified two specific CAE projects from their own experience—one they believed to be “highly successful” and another they considered “far less successful than [they] had hoped. ”—and offered their comments and reflections about them. They rated the respective evaluations on 5-point opinion and frequency scales about (i) antecedent stakeholder perspectives, (ii) the purposes and justifications for collaborative inquiry, and (iii) the form such inquiry takes. Findings: The results showed that successful evaluations, relative to their less-than-successful counterparts, tended to reflect higher levels of agreement among stakeholders about the focal program; higher intentionality estimates of evaluation justification and espoused purposes; and wider ranges and deeper levels of stakeholder participation. No differences were found for control of technical decision-making, and evaluators tended to lead evaluation decision making, regardless of success condition. Discussion: The results are discussed in terms of implications for ongoing research on CAE.
Longitudinal Speaker Clustering and Verification Corpus with Code-Switching Frisian-Dutch Speech

In this paper, we present a new longitudinal and bilingual broadcast database designed for speaker clustering and text- independent verification research. The broadcast data is ex- tracted from the archives of Omrop Fryslaˆn which is the re- gional broadcaster in the province of Fryslaˆn, located in the north of the Netherlands. Two speaker verification tasks are provided in a standard enrollment-test setting with language consistent trials. The first task contains target trials from all speakers available appearing in at least two different programs, while the second task contains target trials from a subgroup of speakers appearing in programs recorded in multiple years. The second task is designed to investigate the effects of ageing on the accuracy of speaker verification systems. This database also contains unlabeled spoken segments from different radio pro- grams for speaker clustering research. We provide the output of an existing speaker diarization system for baseline verification experiments. Finally, we present the baseline speaker verifi- cation results using the Kaldi GMM- and DNN-UBM speaker verification system. This database will be an extension to the recently presented open source Frisian data collection and it is publicly available for research purposes.