bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient training of energy-based models via spin-glass control
Authors: Pozas-Kerstjens Alejandro , Muñoz-Gil Gorka , Piñol Eloy , García-March Miguel Ángel , Acín Antonio , Lewenstein Maciej , Grzybowski Przemysław R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We introduce a new family of energy-based probabilistic graphical models for efficient unsupervised learning. Its definition is motivated by the control of the spin-glass properties of the Ising model described by the weights of Boltzmann machines. We use it to learn the Bars and Stripes dataset of various sizes and the MNIST dataset, and show how they quickly achieve the performance offered by standard methods for unsupervised learning. Our results indicate that the standard initialization of Boltzmann machines with random weights equivalent to spin-glass models is an unnecessary bottleneck in the process of training. Furthermore, this new family allows for very easy access to low-energy configurations, which points to new, efficient training algorithms. The simplest variant of such algorithms approximates the negative phase of the log-likelihood gradient with no Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling costs at all, and with an accuracy sufficient to achieve good learning and generalization.
Study of mechanical, electrical and EMI shielding properties of polymer-based nanocomposites incorporating polyaniline coated graphene nanoparticles
Authors: Zubair Khadija , Ashraf Ahmad , Gulzar Haseeb , Shakir M Fayzan , Nawab Yasir , Rehan Z A , Rashid Iqra Abdul 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding characteristics of PVC based nanocomposites were studied when reinforced with newly developed Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide (TRGO) coated with Polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles. Various techniques were utilized to characterize prepared nanocomposite films like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), direct current (DC) conductivity measurement, impedance analyses, and EMI shielding. EMI shielding was measured in three different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum like the Microwave region (0.1 GHz to 20 GHz), Near InfraRed (NIR), and Ultraviolet region (UV). The coating of PANI over TRGO provides compatibility of nanoparticles with a polymer matrix that leads to enhanced dispersion. EMI shielding was found to be 104 dB for 40 wt% filler content, because of the formation of a mature and dense interconnected network structure of filler. UV and NIR transmittance was also studied and less than 0.5% transmission in the whole UV (200 nm 400 nm) and NIR (700 nm 2500 nm) region was observed.
Transporting Subgroup Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials for Planning Implementation of New Interventions
Authors: Mehrotra Megha L , Westreich Daniel , Glymour M Maria , Geng Elvin , Glidden David V 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Subgroup analyses of randomized controlled trials guide resource allocation and implementation of new interventions by identifying groups of individuals who are likely to benefit most from the intervention. Unfortunately, trial populations are rarely representative of the target populations of public health or clinical interest. Unless the relevant differences between trial and target populations are accounted for, subgroup results from trials might not reflect which groups in the target population will benefit most from the intervention. Transportability provides a rigorous framework for applying results derived in potentially highly selected study populations to external target populations. The method requires that researchers measure and adjust for all variables that 1) modify the effect of interest and 2) differ between the target and trial populations. To date, applications of transportability have focused on the external validity of overall study results and understanding within-trial heterogeneity; however, this approach has not yet been used for subgroup analyses of trials. Through an example from the Iniciativa Profilaxis Pre-Exposición (iPrEx) study (multiple countries, 2007–2010) of preexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus, we illustrate how transporting subgroup analyses can produce target-specific subgroup effect estimates and numbers needed to treat. This approach could lead to more tailored and accurate guidance for resource allocation and cost-effectiveness analyses.
Does the Fast Alcohol Screening Test Accurately Distinguish Between Harmful and Severely Dependent Tiers of Alcohol Misuse?
Authors: John Bev , Newstead Simon , Heirene Robert , Hodgson Ray , Roderique-Davies Gareth 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aims
Primary aim: to determine the efficacy of FAST (the Fast Alcohol Screening Test) for detecting harmful and dependent levels of alcohol use. Secondary aim: to compare the performance of the FAST to two short forms of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT): the AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3.

Methods
Data from 3336 individuals in South Wales, compiled from full AUDIT datasets, were examined. AUROC analysis, alongside measures of sensitivity and specificity of the FAST, AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3 were utilized for the identification of harmful and dependent alcohol use.

Results
The FAST demonstrated efficacy in the identification of harmful and dependent levels of alcohol use, with superior performance to both the AUDIT-C and AUDIT-3.

Conclusion
The present paper demonstrates the potential of the FAST as a cost- and time-effective method for appropriate screening and signposting in the stepped care model utilized by many health care and treatment services. Further studies are needed to ensure validity, both within the general population and for specific services and populations.
Comparative phylogeography of two Northern Rocky Mountain endemics: the widespread Anguispira kochi occidentalis and the narrow-range Anguispira nimapuna (Gastropoda: Discidae)
Authors: Rankin Andrew M , Anderson Frank E , Clutts Stephanie A , Espíndola Anahí , Carstens Bryan C , Lucid Michael , Sullivan Jack 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Northern Rocky Mountain ecosystem supports rich biological diversity with many endemic and rare species. Extant endemics display two biogeographic patterns: widespread species with fragmented populations, and narrow-range endemics. These distributions are shown by the congeneric snails Anguispira kochi occidentalis and Anguispira nimapuna. These two taxa are disjunct from the remaining species of the genus, which achieves its greatest diversity in eastern North America. Given the disjunct nature of A. k. occidentalis and A. nimapuna, we here present a mtDNA phylogeny of the genus that includes both eastern and western species to assess the phylogenetic position of A. k. occidentalis and A. nimapuna. We then reconstruct the demographic history of A. k. occidentalis and A. nimapuna by analysing current patterns of genetic variation and interpreting the results considering the historical biogeography of the region. Both A. k. occidentalis and A. nimapuna represent unique taxa that are genetically and geographically distinct from their congeners. The current distribution and genetic structure of A. k. occidentalis has been shaped by both historical isolation in refugia and more recent northward shifts, whereas A. nimapuna is represented by two populations with shallow divergence in an area of long-term habitat stability.
Long-term survival after self-expanding metallic stent or stoma decompression as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction
Authors: Axmarker T , Leffler M , Lepsenyi M , Thorlacius H , Syk I 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aim
Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as bridge to surgery have been questioned due to the fear of perforation and tumour spread. This study aimed to compare SEMS and stoma as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction in the Swedish population.

Method
Medical records of patients identified via the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Register 2007–2009 were collected and scrutinized. The inclusion criterion was decompression intended as bridge to surgery due to acute malignant large bowel obstruction. Patients who underwent decompression for other causes or had bowel perforation were excluded. Primary endpoints were 5-year overall survival and 3-year disease-free survival. Secondary endpoints were 30-day morbidity and mortality rates.

Results
A total of 196 patients fulfilled the inclusion criterion (SEMS, 71, and stoma, 125 patients). There was no significant difference in sex, age, ASA score, TNM stage and adjuvant chemotherapy between the SEMS and stoma groups. No patient was treated with biological agents. Five-year overall survival was comparable in SEMS, 56 per cent (40 patients), and stoma groups, 48 per cent (60 patients), P = 0.260. Likewise, 3-year disease-free survival did not differ statistically significant, SEMS 73 per cent (43 of 59 patients), stoma 65 per cent (62 of 95 patients), P = 0.32. In the SEMS group, 1.4 per cent (one patient) did not fulfil resection surgery compared to 8.8 per cent (11 patients) in the stoma group (P = 0.040). Postoperative complication and 30-day postoperative mortality rates did not differ, whereas the duration of hospital stay and proportion of permanent stoma were lower in the SEMS group.

Conclusion
This nationwide registry-based study showed that long-term survival in patients with either SEMS or stoma as bridge to surgery in acute malignant large bowel obstruction were comparable. SEMS were associated with a lower rate of permanent stoma, higher rate of resection surgery and shorter duration of hospital stay.
RLIP depletion induces apoptosis associated with inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in melanoma cells
Authors: Singhal Sharad S , Mohanty Atish , Kulkarni Prakash , Horne David , Awasthi Sanjay , Salgia Ravi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma, a neoplasm of melanocytic cells, is increasing rapidly. The lymph nodes are often the first site of metastasis and can herald systemic dissemination, which is almost uniformly fatal. RLIP, a multi-specific ATP-dependent transporter that is over-expressed in several types of cancers, plays a central role in cancer cell resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. RLIP appears to be necessary for cancer cell survival because both in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal tumor studies show that the depletion or inhibition of RLIP causes selective toxicity to malignant cells. RLIP depletion/inhibition triggers apoptosis in cancer cells by inducing the accumulation of endogenously formed glutathione-conjugates. In our in vivo studies, we administered RLIP antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides to mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of SKMEL2 and SKMEL5 melanoma cells and demonstrated that both treatments caused significant xenograft regression with no apparent toxic effects. Anti-RLIP antibodies and antisense, which respectively inhibit RLIP-mediated transport and deplete RLIP expression, showed similar tumor regressing activities, indicating that the inhibition of RLIP transport activity at the cell surface is sufficient to achieve anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, RLIP antisense treatment reduced levels of RLIP, pSTAT3, pJAK2, pSrc, Mcl-1 and Bcl2, as well as CDK4 and cyclin B1, and increased levels of Bax and phospho 5’ AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK). These studies indicate that RLIP serves as a key effector in the survival of melanoma cells and is a valid target for cancer therapy. Overall, compounds that inhibit, deplete or downregulate RLIP will function as wide-spectrum agents to treat melanoma, independent of common signaling pathway mutations.
Antibiotic Use and Presumptive Pathogens in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
Authors: Tedijanto Christine , Nevers McKenna , Samore Matthew H , Lipsitch Marc 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Empirical antibiotic use is common in the hospital. Here, we characterize patterns of antibiotic use, infectious diagnoses, and microbiological laboratory results among hospitalized patients and aim to quantify the proportion of antibiotic use that is potentially attributable to specific bacterial pathogens.

Methods
We conducted an observational study using electronic health records from acute care facilities in the US Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. From October 2017 to September 2018, 482 381 hospitalizations for 332 657 unique patients that met all criteria were included. At least 1 antibiotic was administered at 202 037 (41.9%) of included hospital stays. We measured frequency of antibiotic use, microbiological specimen collection, and bacterial isolation by diagnosis category and antibiotic group. A tiered system based on specimen collection sites and diagnoses was used to attribute antibiotic use to presumptive causative organisms.

Results
Specimens were collected at 130 012 (64.4%) hospitalizations with any antibiotic use, and at least 1 bacterial organism was isolated at 35.1% of these stays. Frequency of bacterial isolation varied widely by diagnosis category and antibiotic group. Under increasingly lenient criteria, 10.2%–31.4% of 974 733 antibiotic days of therapy could be linked to a potential bacterial pathogen.

Conclusions
Overall, the vast majority of antibiotic use could be linked to either an infectious diagnosis or microbiological specimen. Nearly one-half of antibiotic use occurred when there was a specimen collected but no bacterial organism identified, underscoring the need for rapid and improved diagnostics to optimize antibiotic use.
The Effects of Using a Clinical Prediction Rule to Prioritize Diagnostic Testing on Transmission and Hospital Burden: A Modeling Example of Early Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Reimer Jody R , Ahmed Sharia M , Brintz Ben J , Shah Rashmee U , Keegan Lindsay T , Ferrari Matthew J , Leung Daniel T 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Prompt identification of infections is critical for slowing the spread of infectious diseases. However, diagnostic testing shortages are common in emerging diseases, low resource settings, and during outbreaks. This forces difficult decisions regarding who receives a test, often without knowing the implications of those decisions on population-level transmission dynamics. Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) are commonly used tools to guide clinical decisions.

Methods
Using early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as an example, we used data from electronic health records to develop a parsimonious 5-variable CPR to identify those who are most likely to test positive. To consider the implications of gains in daily case detection at the population level, we incorporated testing using the CPR into a compartmentalized model of SARS-CoV-2.

Results
We found that applying this CPR (area under the curve, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, .68–.70) to prioritize testing increased the proportion of those testing positive in settings of limited testing capacity. We found that prioritized testing led to a delayed and lowered infection peak (ie, “flattens the curve”), with the greatest impact at lower values of the effective reproductive number (such as with concurrent community mitigation efforts), and when higher proportions of infectious persons seek testing. In addition, prioritized testing resulted in reductions in overall infections as well as hospital and intensive care unit burden.

Conclusion
We highlight the population-level benefits of evidence-based allocation of limited diagnostic capacity.
Summary
When the demand for diagnostic tests exceeds capacity, the use of a clinical prediction rule to prioritize diagnostic testing can have meaningful impact on population-level outcomes, including delaying and lowering the infection peak, and reducing healthcare burden.
Full, Partial, and Modified Permutations of the Mayo Score: Characterizing Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Naegeli April N , Hunter Theresa , Dong Yan , Hoskin Ben , Middleton-Dalby Chloe , Hetherington James , Stefani-Hunyady Diana , Canavan James B 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding ulcerative colitis disease activity assessed via the full, modified, or partial Mayo Score may help clinicians apply results from clinical trials to practice and facilitate interpretation of recent and older studies.MethodsMayo Score variables were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 2608 ulcerative colitis patients.ResultsPermutations of Mayo Scores were highly correlated, and models predicting the omitted variable from each permutation demonstrated significant agreement between predicted and observed values.ConclusionsPartial/modified Mayo Scores may be used to predict endoscopic and Physician’s Global Assessment scores, and serve as proxies for the full Mayo Score in clinical practice/trials.
Going from bad to worse: from Internet voting to blockchain voting
Authors: Park Sunoo , Specter Michael , Narula Neha , Rivest Ronald L 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Voters are understandably concerned about election security. News reports of possible election interference by foreign powers, of unauthorized voting, of voter disenfranchisement, and of technological failures call into question the integrity of elections worldwide. This article examines the suggestions that “voting over the Internet” or “voting on the blockchain” would increase election security, and finds such claims to be wanting and misleading. While current election systems are far from perfect, Internet- and blockchain-based voting would greatly increase the risk of undetectable, nation-scale election failures. Online voting may seem appealing: voting from a computer or smartphone may seem convenient and accessible. However, studies have been inconclusive, showing that online voting may have little to no effect on turnout in practice, and it may even increase disenfranchisement. More importantly, given the current state of computer security, any turnout increase derived from Internet- or blockchain-based voting would come at the cost of losing meaningful assurance that votes have been counted as they were cast, and not undetectably altered or discarded. This state of affairs will continue as long as standard tactics such as malware, zero day, and denial-of-service attacks continue to be effective. This article analyzes and systematizes prior research on the security risks of online and electronic voting, and shows that not only do these risks persist in blockchain-based voting systems, but blockchains may introduce ‘additional’ problems for voting systems. Finally, we suggest questions for critically assessing security risks of new voting system proposals.
Manipulating uncertainty: cybersecurity politics in Egypt
Authors: Hassib Bassant , Shires James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCybersecurity, defined as the prevention and mitigation of malicious interference with digital devices and networks, is a key area of contest for digitalized politics, especially in uncertain and turbulent situations. Nowhere is this more starkly illustrated than in states such as Egypt, where the period since the January 2011 revolution has seen several changes of government and the subsequent consolidation of executive power, increasingly strict limits on free speech, and extensive violence by Islamist groups against the state and civilian targets and by the state against protesters and dissidents. How, then, are cybersecurity policies, practices, and technologies deployed and contested in uncertain political environments? The article argues that cybersecurity provides a way for the Egyptian government and opposition activists to “manipulate uncertainty” to their advantage. Each side uses cybersecurity policies, practices, and technologies to restrict their adversary’s scope for action, seeking to make the other more predictable while retaining or increasing their own freedom of action. In addition to providing extensive empirical data on cybersecurity developments in Egypt, the article makes two theoretical contributions. First, it shows how political struggles between state and opposition movements assimilate the influential language and content of cybersecurity, generating distinct cybersecurity politics. Second, it highlights the role of uncertainty as a driver—among others—of cycles of innovation and response in contentious politics, including those that center on cybersecurity.
The role of computed tomography coronary angiography in multi-vessel coronary vasospasm: a case report
Authors: Tomlinson James S , Patel Amit , Levy Terry 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Coronary vasospasm can present like an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with an intense vasoconstriction resulting in total or near-total occlusion of one or more of the coronary vessels. Definitive diagnosis can be made by intracoronary provocation testing.

Case summary
A 37-year-old Caucasian male and smoker was admitted with chest pain. Highly sensitive troponin-I was positive at 63 ng/L (99th percentile upper reference limit, &lt;15 ng/L) with a repeat value of 45 ng/L three and a half hours later which was of clinical significance. Serial electrocardiography (ECG) showed no ischaemic changes. Coronary angiography revealed several distal and side branch stenoses; however, angiographic appearances were atypical of coronary plaque. A differential diagnosis of spontaneous coronary artery dissection was suspected although the patient was pain free during the procedure. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) demonstrated normal coronary arteries, confirmed on repeat invasive coronary angiography. Cold pressor testing was unsuccessful in reproducing vasospasm. Acute coronary syndrome treatment was discontinued, he received smoking cessation advice and Amlodipine 5 mg daily was started. He has experienced no further episodes of cardiac chest pain on follow-up consultation 7 months later.

Discussion
This is an unusual case of persistent, extensive coronary vasospasm in a patient without ongoing chest pain or ischaemic ECG changes. Intracoronary nitrates are usually effective at relieving coronary spasm. Cold pressor testing has poor sensitivity for diagnosing vasospasm when compared to intracoronary provocation testing using either acetylcholine or ergonovine. Multi-slice CTCA may help to discriminate coronary plaque from coronary vasospasm when there is diagnostic uncertainty.
Myocarditis in COVID-19 presenting with cardiogenic shock: a case series
Authors: Purdy Adam , Ido Firas , Sterner Stacie , Tesoriero Eric , Matthews Tokunbo , Singh Abhishek 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
SARS-CoV2, also known as COVID-19, is a specific strain of coronavirus that is responsible for an ongoing global pandemic. COVID-19 primarily targets the respiratory system via droplet transmission, causing symptoms similar to influenza, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It is now known to impact other organ systems, causing significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal illness, among others.

Case summary
We describe two cases of COVID-19 induced myocarditis presenting with cardiogenic shock. These cases highlight the importance of understanding the lethal cardiac complications of COVID-19 infection, as well as its presentation, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and potential treatment options. These two cases involve patients without underlying cardiovascular disease risk factors who experienced prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Both patients presented with cardiogenic shock more than one week after symptom onset and diagnosis. These cases demonstrate the late presentation of myocarditis and cardiogenic shock, treated with corticosteroids and inotropes, with subsequent recovery of cardiac function.

Discussion
The cases highlight the importance of recognizing late presentation viral myocarditis secondary to COVID-19 infection, even in patients without underlying cardiac disease.