cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone ameliorates the phenotype of a novel Parkinson's disease mouse model by reducing neuroinflammation.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. The cause of the motor symptoms is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra with consequent depletion of dopamine in the striatum. Although the etiology of PD is unknown, mitochondrial dysfunctions, including cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) impairment in dopaminergic neurons, have been associated with the disease’s pathophysiology. In order to analyze the role of Complex IV in PD, we knocked out Cox10 (essential for the maturation of COXI, a catalytic subunit of Complex IV) in dopaminergic neurons. We also tested whether the resulting phenotype was improved by stimulating the PPAR-γ pathway. Cox10/DAT-cre mice showed decreased numbers of TH+ and DAT+ cells in the substantia nigra, early striatal dopamine depletion, motor defects reversible with L-DOPA treatment and hypersensitivity to L-DOPA with hyperkinetic behavior. We found that chronic pioglitazone (PPAR-γ agonist) treatment ameliorated the motor phenotype in Cox10/DAT-cre mice. Although neither mitochondrial function nor the number of dopaminergic neurons was improved, neuroinflammation in the midbrain and the striatum was decreased. By triggering a mitochondrial Complex IV defect in dopaminergic neurons, we created a new mouse model resembling the late stages of PD with massive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and striatal dopamine depletion. The motor phenotypes were improved by Pioglitazone treatment, suggesting that targetable secondary pathways can influence the development of certain forms of PD.
Vitamin E Deficiency in Dogs.

SummaryA deficiency in pups produced from dogs maintained for long periods of time on mineralized evaporated milk has been described. The condition is undoubtedly identical with muscle dystrophy previously described in rats, guinea pigs and rabbits and is cured by synthetic α-tocopherol if therapy is initiated before the symptoms are too far advanced.
Behavior Therapy for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder

Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) is the psychosocial treatment of choice for tic disorders. Across five randomized controlled trials HRT has proven superior to other active comparison treatments (e.g., supportive psychotherapy, Exposure and Response Prevention), and it has been deemed a “well-established treatment” according to the criteria outlined by the American Psychological Association. Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is the most recent and well-defined variant of HRT. In this chapter we detail the theory and techniques that comprise CBIT including assessment, awareness training, competing response training, and function-based interventions. We conclude the chapter with a case example illustrating the use of these techniques in the clinic.
Eyewitness Identifications after Perry v. New Hampshire: A Call for Greater State Involvement in Ensuring Fundamental Fairness

This Note addresses the future eyewitness identifications after the 2012 Supreme Court decision Perry v. New Hampshire and calls on states to take greater action to ensure reliability of eyewitness identifications at trial.
The Ship Barracks Area Urban and Rural Primary and Middle School Students Health Literacy Level and Behavior Change Situation Analysis

2008 Health Department of frequency of cloth health literacy 66, Jilin ship barracks area as soon as possible in order to improve the students' health literacy level, from 2008 April to 2011 April, use of health education in health education. A year to students' health literacy level has been greatly improved, health behavior, health literacy rate before the commencement of city group in 2008 56.65%, after the commencement of 85.53% in 2011, before the commencement of the rural group in 2008 50.68% after the commencement, 2011 82.4%. Health behavior formation rate in 2008, before the commencement of city group was 58.8%, after the commencement of rose to 81.56% in 2011; in 2008 52.12% before the commencement of the rural group, after the commencement of 2011 to 78.68%. From this two set of changes, illustrate the necessity to carry out health education, their kids develop good hygiene, but also tell people the gap between urban and rural education, rural education should be strengthened to tilt, achieve a fair education objective.
Research and Design of Working Mode of Backstage Drug-distribution System

Objective To compare two working modes for backstage drug distribution and find the factors.Methods The factors by comparison and analysis were calculated.Results The adaptability of the two modes were found,and the triggered printing by the dispensary report was designed.Conclusion The analysis on the two working modes improves the flow of outpatient dispensary.
Simulation and Test of Potential Distribution for 750 kV Insulator String

Based on the configuration of insulators and grading rings on 750 kV transmission lines,this paper analyzes the potential distribution of insulator string with the finite-element method,and compares the influences of position depth,diameter,and tube diameter of grading ring,as well as dielectric coefficient of insulation material,on the potential distribution.Moreover,potential distribution of ‘I’ insulator string with typical configuration is measured at the UHV outdoor test field of SGEPRI,and the result is compared with the calculating one.This study demonstrates that position depth and diameter of grading ring remarkably influence the potential distribution of insulator string,the influences of tube diameter of grading ring and dielectric coefficient of insulation material are slight,and the maximal distributing voltage from test is approximately equal to that from calculation.
Spatially Weighted Principal Component Regression for high-dimensional prediction

We consider the problem of using high dimensional data residing on graphs to predict a low-dimensional outcome variable, such as disease status. Examples of data include time series and genetic data measured on linear graphs and imaging data measured on triangulated graphs (or lattices), among many others. Many of these data have two key features including spatial smoothness and intrinsically low dimensional structure. We propose a simple solution based on a general statistical framework, called spatially weighted principal component regression (SWPCR). In SWPCR, we introduce two sets of weights including importance score weights for the selection of individual features at each node and spatial weights for the incorporation of the neighboring pattern on the graph. We integrate the importance score weights with the spatial weights in order to recover the low dimensional structure of high dimensional data. We demonstrate the utility of our methods through extensive simulations and a real data analysis based on Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative data.
Tumor necrosis factor mediates zymosan-induced increase in glucose flux and insulin resistance

Intraperitoneal injection of sterile zymosan produces an inflammatory response ultimately resulting in multiple-organ failure. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the hormonal and metabolic alterations produced as a result of this nonbacterial nonendotoxic inflammatory agent and to determine whether these changes were mediated by enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with either zymosan or saline and studied 18 h later. Under basal conditions, zymosan-injected rats were euglycemic but showed a 43% increase in hepatic glucose production and peripheral glucose uptake. The enhanced glucose flux in zymosan-treated rats was associated with elevations in plasma insulin (45%), glucagon (5-fold), corticosterone (2-fold), epinephrine (34%), and norepinephrine (115%). In vivo studies using 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) demonstrated that the zymosan-induced increase in whole body glucose disposal resulted from an enhanced uptake by skeletal muscle (68%), diaphragm (3.7-fold), liver (144%), spleen (52%), and fat (133%). Under euglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions, zymosan-treated rats exhibited both hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance, with the latter resulting from a decreased insulin-mediated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, heart and diaphragm. Arterial TNF levels were increased by 1 h and remained elevated throughout the experimental protocol. Pretreatment of rats with a neutralizing anti-TNF antibody before zymosan prevented the elevation in basal glucose flux and attenuated the insulin resistance. We conclude that the inflammatory state induced by zymosan enhances basal glucose turnover and impairs insulin action and that these changes appear to be largely due to the enhanced endogenous production of TNF.
EVALUATION OF CARDIAC FUNCTION BY SUPRASTERNAL PUNCTURE.

T he value of recording the left atrial pressure and wave forms is well established in the assessment of patients with mitral valve disease.3, 6, 13,14 Most techniques for left atrial catheterization are cumbersome and complicated in contrast to the simple suprasternal puncture described by Radner.16 The lack of widespread and enthusiastic acceptance of the Radner method might suggest some inherent deficiencies in the technique; our experience in 280 instances demonstrates its safety and practicality.
Development of a cesarean delivery risk score.

OBJECTIVE To explore the potential use of a risk score based on clinical risk factors related to cesarean delivery. METHODS From a multivariate analysis of a large data set, clinical risk factors associated with nonelective cesarean delivery were used to develop a risk scoring system based on a summation of logistic coefficients corresponding to individual clinical risk factors. After development and evaluation of the system at one site with 1523 women, the model was back-tested for external validity against a total of 5994 deliveries at four unrelated sites. RESULTS The scoring system showed a clear cutoff point of maximal sensitivity and specificity that corresponded to an overall value of 3, which appeared to be consistent among the sites studied. Using this cutoff value, cesarean delivery could be predicted with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 57%. However, the positive predictive values based on this rating system were low. Negative predictive values were much higher, indicating that the scoring system was more useful in identifying women for whom cesarean delivery was unlikely. CONCLUSION A simple risk scoring system for cesarean delivery based on individual clinical risk factors does not appear to be useful in predicting women at high risk for cesarean delivery. The cesarean risk score could have some value in identifying women at low risk for cesarean and for evaluating the use of resources for large populations of patients.
Human Aspects and Population Structures in Central America and Its So-Called Free Trade Zones: Imperialism, Immigration, Remittance Payments, Leakage, Brain Drain, Global Citizenship, and Unlimited Inequalities During War and Globalization

The Central American mainland, excluding Venezuela, has a population of approximately 155 million people, and the Caribbean approximately 40 million people. Globally speaking, this is still a relatively small marketplace. The largest country in this region is Mexico, the smallest is Montserrat island, a UK protectorate of approximately 5000 citizens, located in the Caribbean. All of these Central American nations share a vast indigenous legacy, a dramatic colonial history of abuse, often a pirate legacy, much civil struggle, and ongoing problems with corruption. In addition, they share problems with narcotics, carry a large public debt, wrestle with dominance by Western nations (mostly the US and the European Union), and usually have a high reliance on international tourism (in which the majority of money remains in the North). Details are presented in Chaps. 1, 2, 4, and throughout this book. With the exception of Cuba and Nicaragua, most nations in Central America follow a capitalistic business scheme that relies on NGOs but that tends to widely disregard effective social considerations; most nations now try to follow the ascribed Costa Rican and Mexican models. While Mexico is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) free-trade scheme with the USA and Canada, Costa Rica champions more the Central American Free Trade Zone, which was established in 1993 and includes the nations of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. These two nations are often perceived as successful role models in Central America; but the reality is that Mexico suffers a civil war-like violence that has raged virtually uncontrolled for at least a decade, and that Costa Rica accumulates the fastest-growing national debt in Central America with no end in sight.
Effect of the Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Risk-Adjusted Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction, Congestive Heart Failure and Pneumonia.

Introduction Measurement of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF) and pneumonia (PN) is a high priority since these are common reasons for hospitalization. However, mortality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that are hospitalized for these common medical conditions is unknown.
Determining soil erosion rates on semi-arid watersheds using radioisotope-derived sedimentation chronology

This study investigates erosion dynamics of the past 90 years on three small semi-arid watersheds with histories of grazing and vegetation change. Activity of 137Cs and excess 210Pb from 18 cores collected from sedimentation ponds were measured using a gamma spectrometer. The sediment was dated using a constant rate of supply (CRS) model. This study represents the first time that reservoir sediment accumulation rates determined from fallout isotopes have been verified by direct volumetric measurements of aggradation based on topographic surveys. Measured sedimentation in the ponds ranged between 1.9 and 2.3 cm y-1, representing average sediment delivery rates from the watersheds of between 0.6 and 2.0 t ha-1 y-1. These sediment delivery rates were in agreement with those established by other methods for similar catchments in the region. Past variations in sedimentation rates were identified and correlated with recorded history of anthropogenic disturbance. 137Cs and 210Pb methods are suitable for use in arid environments and can complement each other to increase reliability of erosion rate estimates. The abundance of stock ponds in southwestern US presents an opportunity to quantify historic erosion and sediment transfer dynamics in areas that have not been well studied or instrumented. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Treatment of Odontoid Fractures in the Aging Population

Odontoid fractures are the most common cervical fracture type among the elderly population. Several treatment options exist for these patients, ranging from immobilization with a semirigid orthosis to surgical arthrodesis. This report reviews the key points in the management of odontoid fractures in the aged patient, including diagnosis, the various forms of conservative therapies, and the options for surgical intervention.
Estradiol regulates expression of miRNAs associated with myogenesis in rainbow trout

17β-Estradiol (E2) is a steroid hormone that negatively affects muscle growth in rainbow trout, but the mechanism associated with this response is not fully understood. To better characterize the effects of E2 on muscle, we identified differentially regulated microRNAs (miRNAs) and muscle atrophy-related transcripts in juvenile rainbow trout exposed to E2. Small RNA-Seq analysis of E2-treated vs. control muscle identified 36 differentially expressed miRNAs including those known to be involved in myogenesis, cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell death. Some important myogenic miRNAs, such as miR-133 and miR-206, are upregulated while others like miR-145 and miR-499, are downregulated. Gene Ontology analysis of the target genes regulated by the miRNAs involved in atrophy and cell cycle indicates that E2 influence leads to expansion of quiescent myogenic precursor cell population to address atrophying mature muscle in rainbow trout during sexual development.
Broadening of analyte streams due to a transverse pressure gradient in free-flow isoelectric focusing.

Pressure-driven cross-flows can arise in free-flow isoelectric focusing systems (FFIEF) due to a non-uniform electroosmotic flow velocity along the channel width induced by the pH gradient in this direction. In addition, variations in the channel cross-section as well as unwanted differences in hydrostatic heads at the buffer/sample inlet ports can also lead to such pressure-gradients which besides altering the equilibrium position of the sample zones have a tendency to substantially broaden their widths deteriorating the separations. In this situation, a thorough assessment of stream broadening due to transverse pressure-gradients in FFIEF devices is necessary in order to establish accurate design rules for the assay. The present article describes a mathematical framework to estimate the noted zone dispersion in FFIEF separations based on the method-of-moments approach under laminar flow conditions. A closed-form expression has been derived for the spatial variance of the analyte streams at their equilibrium positions as a function of the various operating parameters governing the assay performance. This expression predicts the normalized stream variance under the chosen conditions to be determined by two dimensionless Peclet numbers evaluated based on the transverse pressure-driven and electrophoretic solute velocities in the separation chamber, respectively. Moreover, the analysis shows that while the stream width can be expected to increase with an increase in the value of the first Peclet number, the opposite trend will be followed with respect to the latter. The noted results have been validated using Monte Carlo simulations that also establish a time/length scale over which the predicted equilibrium stream width is attained in the system.
Orgasmic Function after Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We examined postprostatectomy orgasmic function and assessed for potential predictors.Materials and Methods: Between 2005 and 2013, 499 men underwent radical prostatectomy and completed quality of life questionnaires prospectively before surgery and at regular postoperative intervals. We used mixed effects logistic regression models to evaluate average differences in followup measures and interactions with time.Results: At a median followup of 36 months orgasmic function was worse, stable or improved in 300 (60.1%), 152 (30.5%) and 47 men (9.4%), respectively. Orgasmic function recovery plateaued at 15 to 21 months. High postoperative orgasmic function was positively associated with younger age (50 years or younger vs 51 to 60 OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.56–7.41), nerve sparing (bilateral OR 7.11, 95% CI 2.55–19.77, modified 4.34, 95% CI 1.38–13.58 and unilateral OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.17–13.16), erectile function (OR 4.67, 95% CI 3.32–6.57) and sexual desire (OR 5.51, 95% CI 3.95–7.68) but negatively associate...
Effects of the Persian Gulf War on veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder

The authors prospectively studied 32 male veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the Persian Gulf War. The veterans were enrolled in a Veterans Affairs mental health clinic and met the DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD. The purpose of the study was to evaluate exacerbation and reactivation of PTSD symptomatology utilizing the Mississippi Scale and the Impact of Event Scale, two widely used self-report inventories for assessment of PTSD symptoms. Results did not support an increase in the PTSD symptoms of avoidance and intrusion during the actual combat period. Possible reasons for this finding are discussed. Language: en
Everyday stress response targets in the science of behavior change

Stress is an established risk factor for negative health outcomes, and responses to everyday stress can interfere with health behaviors such as exercise and sleep. In accordance with the Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) program, we apply an experimental medicine approach to identifying stress response targets, developing stress response assays, intervening upon these targets, and testing intervention effectiveness. We evaluate an ecologically valid, within-person approach to measuring the deleterious effects of everyday stress on physical activity and sleep patterns, examining multiple stress response components (i.e., stress reactivity, stress recovery, and stress pile-up) as indexed by two key response indicators (negative affect and perseverative cognition). Our everyday stress response assay thus measures multiple malleable stress response targets that putatively shape daily health behaviors (physical activity and sleep). We hypothesize that larger reactivity, incomplete recovery, and more frequent stress responses (pile-up) will negatively impact health behavior enactment in daily life. We will identify stress-related reactivity, recovery, and response in the indicators using coordinated analyses across multiple naturalistic studies. These results are the basis for developing a new stress assay and replicating the initial findings in a new sample. This approach will advance our understanding of how specific aspects of everyday stress responses influence health behaviors, and can be used to develop and test an innovative ambulatory intervention for stress reduction in daily life to enhance health behaviors.
On Thermal Hardening and Uniform Fields in Two-Phase Composite Materials

The effect of uniform thermal changes on the position of yield surfaces in the overall stress space is described for two-phase fibrous and particulate composite materials with an elastic-plastic matrix. An auxiliary uniform strain field is used to evaluate this effect in an exact manner. The thermal change is shown to cause a rigid-body translation of all local branches of the yield surface in the overall stress space, in the direction of the overall stress associated with the uniform strain field. In a similar way, the contribution of a thermal change to the overall strain is evaluated from the solution of a mechanical loading problem, in terms of an equivalent overall stress increment, and a uniform isotropic strain change. Such connections between mechanical and thermal loads in inelastic analysis of composites have been described in [1–4]; their applications in processing of composite laminates appear in [5].
Advancing systems and control research in the era of ML and AI

Abstract Fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence are undergoing transformative advances and growth. This article presents a vision for the field of systems and control that simultaneously leverages these advances to more fully engage with them and spur new expansive research directions in systems and control.
The Integration of Bioassay and Physiochemical Information for Complex Mixtures

To understand and estimate human environmental risk, investigators need to identify, quantitate, and evaluate the natural and anthropogenic pollutants in our environment. According to Eugene Sawicki, “The main barriers to estimating human environmental risks stem from a lack of knowledge of the chemical composition of our environment, the failure to use the information we have, and our indecision as to what to measure” (Sawicki, 1978). This is especially evident in the areas of genetic toxicology, analytical chemistry, and environmental engineering, where ongoing research has been somewhat isolated. Only recently, with the development of new analytical tools and sensitive short-term tests, has interdisciplinary research into environmental pollutants by engineers, chemists, and genetic toxicologists expanded. This interdisciplinary research involving complex environmental mixtures has created problems not only in the research methods used, but also in the integrating and summarizing of information that can be disseminated and intelligently evaluated. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to illustrate how physiochemical and biological information can be integrated to provide a more complete evaluation of a complex mixture. Although any or all complex mixtures could be used as illustrations, this paper will concentrate on air pollution data.
Damage Assessment through Nonlinear Structural Identification

Motivated by the problem of damage assessment of existing structures, a procedure is developed in this paper for the nonlinear systems identification problem which is based on the minimum model error approach combined with correlation tests and least squares. This procedure enables the form of the damage model to be accurately determined, thus eliminating the requirement that the form be assumed a priori. Once the form is determined, the parameters involved in the nonlinear term can be estimated using least squares or other parameter estimation procedures.
Planet-sized Detectors for Ultra-high Energy Neutrinos & Cosmic Rays

Extragalactic astronomy with photons ends at ~0.1 PeV, but we know there are astrophysical sources for seven more decades of energy beyond this. To probe the highest energy sources and particles in the universe, new messengers, such as neutrinos, and detectors with planet-sized areas are required. This note provides a glimpse of the possibilities.
The Foundation Walls of the Baptistery Di San Giovanni: A Combination of Laser Scanning and Finite-Distinct Element Modeling to Ascertain Damage Origins

ABSTRACTThe Baptistery di San Giovanni is a complex masonry structure which has grown from a Roman domus to the minor basilica it is today in Florence. Before preservation plans can be enacted, it ...
Inductive Logic Programming via Differentiable Deep Neural Logic Networks.

We propose a novel paradigm for solving Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) problems via deep recurrent neural networks. This proposed ILP solver is designed based on differentiable implementation of the deduction via forward chaining. In contrast to the majority of past methods, instead of searching through the space of possible first-order logic rules by using some restrictive rule templates, we directly learn the symbolic logical predicate rules by introducing a novel differentiable Neural Logic (dNL) network. The proposed dNL network is able to learn and represent Boolean functions efficiently and in an explicit manner. We show that the proposed dNL-ILP solver supports desirable features such as recursion and predicate invention. Further, we investigate the performance of the proposed ILP solver in classification tasks involving benchmark relational datasets. In particular, we show that our proposed method outperforms the state of the art ILP solvers in classification tasks for Mutagenesis, Cora and IMDB datasets.
Semantic Model for Creating an Instance of the IoT

We propose semantic computational models, based on SWRL enabled OWL ontologies, which specify building blocks of an instance of Internet of Things or Internet of Everything, according to specified requirements. The models are generic and can be reusable across domains which requires a dynamic and ad-hoc creation of instances of pervasive spaces. The solution is deployable in any integrated development environment if we wish to automate the generation of instances of Internet of Things/Internet of Everything. This research answers a few questions from the debate to move computations away form clouds and towards their edges. The novelty is also in an ad-hoc and changeable configurations of instance of Internet of Things or Internet of Everything solely based on manipulating the semantics found in such environments
Environmental Security and Radioactive Contaminantion

The problem of environmental security is connected to changes in the natural environment as a result of increased stress and the incidence and consequences of extreme events. One of the major problems of environmental security in The Kyrgyz Republic is radiation security connected with conditions of safe storage and destruction of uranium tailings.
Tying it all together

Abstract An overall summary of themes of other chapters is provided. Complexities highlighted include learning disorder (LD)–attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cases, change over time, continuums of risk, and heterogeneity of interindividual profiles. The importance of early assessment and treatment of LD and ADHD is stressed. Examples of deidentified cases with demographic information, test scores, and summaries, and recommendations are provided for a comorbid LD+ADHD case, complex cases (ADHD or LD+comorbid problems), and simple (e.g., ADHD-only) cases. Important future directions for research are described, including efficacy and effectiveness of response to intervention, accommodations and modifications, and executive function (EF) training and neurotherapies.
9.7 – Late Diagenesis and Mass Transfer in Sandstone–Shale Sequences

This chapter summarizes the existing framework of observations relating to small- and large-scale elemental mobility in the late diagenesis of siliciclastic rocks. It is concerned especially with chemical processes that create pervasive modifications of volumetrically significant rock components and impart chemical and textural modifications that can be detected in the bulk rock.
System of multi-layered environmental media for the removal of antibiotics from wastewater

Abstract In relation to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment, strategies to remove antibiotics from wastewater are urgently required. As such, we designed and tested a system of layered environmental media (consisting of gravel, sand, soil, and soil + biochar) through which antibiotic-laden water was pumped. The removal efficiency of the system was assessed. Overall removal efficiencies of the antibiotics amoxicillin, cefalexin, sulfadiazine, and tetracycline were 81, 91, 51, and 98 %, respectively. Amoxicillin and cefalexin removal was largely controlled by chemical degradation within the gravel layer, whereas sulfadiazine was largely removed via both chemical and microbial degradation in the soil + biochar layer and tetracycline was lost via hydrolysis reactions in the gravel layer. The results indicate the importance of using layers of different media to target different compounds. Increasing the hydraulic retention time of the system improved removal efficiency, especially for amoxicillin and cefalexin, which had half-lives that were shorter than the hydraulic retention time. The presence of dissolved organic matter in the influent water generally reduced antibiotic removal efficiency. Overall, the results indicate the potential of the system for antibiotic removal from water and highlight ways in which improvements to removal efficacy may be achieved.
Bench Evaluation of Two Bag-Squeezer Disaster Ventilators

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 created concern regarding the preparedness of the US Health Care System. One major concern was the availability of mechanical ventilators. Consequently, the US government and many state and local health care systems called upon manufacturers of existing mechanical ventilators as well as entrepreneurs, innovators, and scientists to rapidly manufacture or develop devices to provide assisted ventilation. The Partners HealthCare System developed an Innovation center with one group devoted to ventilator innovation that met regularly. We present here the results of our evaluation of 2 of two “bag squeezer” types ventilators. Methods: We evaluated the performance of near final prototypes of the RISE and a version of the MIT “bag Squeezer” type ventilators using the Michigan Instruments TTL adult patient lung simulator. A NICO respiratory monitor (Philips) was used to assess the difference between ventilator settings and actual delivered gas volume. The primary outcome was the ability of each ventilator to perform to its specification, and secondary outcomes included alarm system response. Each device was tested through the same range of specified ventilation and lung simulator conditions. A greater than 10% deviation of actual delivered from device set parameter in a given setting was considered unacceptable. Results: Neither the MIT nor RISE ventilator were able to perform to their specification. Both were unable to maintain delivery of set tidal volume as respiratory rate and inspiratory time were varied (Figure 1a and 1b). However, both performed best when the compliance was 50 mL/cm H2O and the resistance 5 cm H2O/ L/s. Specifically, the MIT ventilator was unable to provide the set tidal volume in 86% of the respiratory rate trials (1a) while the RISE ventilator was unable to provide the set tidal volume 75% of the time (1b). Similar finding occurred with inspiratory time variation vs. set tidal (79% vs, 82% respectively MIT then RISE). Alarms inappropriately sounded in 100% of trials with MIT ventilators and 66% of trials with the RISE ventilator, with numerous alarms sounding unrelated to the clinical condition tested. However, it should be remembered that these ventilators were developed over 4 to 6 weeks. Conclusions: These ventilators were unable to meet specification. This data was provided to the manufacturers. Before these type ventilators are put into use their performance should be carefully evaluated.
Optimizing data collection in dietary therapy clinics for epilepsy: A recommendation for standardized data collection forms.

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were to 1) examine medical records from one medium-sized dietary clinic as an example of data being collected clinically, 2) identify data limitations, and then 3) create standardized data collection forms with the long-term goals of improving clinical care and facilitating multicenter data analysis. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at the Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy Clinic at Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) in Washington, D.C. Patients who initiated dietary therapy between 2015 and 2018 were assessed. Categorical variables were examined via Chi Square or Fisher’s Exact tests and continuous variables were assessed via an independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on normality. Results Forty-two patients underwent dietary therapy initiation during this time period, but only 26 had follow-up visit data. Of these patients, 54% reported non-seizure symptom improvement(s), and only 16 had quantitative seizure frequency information available, with 63% being clinical responders. No significant associations were observed between patient or diet characteristics and seizure or non-seizure improvement. Some variables, such as seizure duration, seizure severity, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and dietary compliance were not typically included in the records and therefore could not be evaluated statistically. Variations in seizure type(s), etiology, and clinical diagnoses/syndromes also made it unfeasible to evaluate differences in improvement based on these variables. Standardized data collection forms were created to address these limitations and are included as appendices. Significance The results suggest limitations with the clinical data currently being collected. Medium-sized clinics may not see enough patients to study specific epilepsy populations. Standardized patient forms could target these issues, thereby improving clinical care and expanding research opportunities. Future research can test these forms for clinical use and as a collection tool for larger scale research across clinics.
Prediction of current and new development of atrial fibrillation on electrocardiogram with sinus rhythm in patients without structural heart disease.

Abstract Background Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on electrocardiogram (ECG) with sinus rhythm remains a major challenge. Obtaining a panoramic view with hundreds of automatically measured ECG parameters at sinus rhythm on the predictive capability for AF would be informative. Methods We used a single-center database of a specialist cardiovascular hospital (Shinken Database 2010–2017; n = 19,170). We analyzed 12,863 index ECGs with sinus rhythm after excluding those showing AF rhythm, other atrial tachyarrhythmia, pacing beat, or indeterminate axis, and those of patients with structural heart diseases. We used 438 automatically measured ECG parameters in the MUSE data management system. The predictive models were developed using random forest algorithm with the 10-fold cross-validation method. Results In 12,863 index ECGs with sinus rhythm, a predictive capability for current paroxysmal AF (n = 1131) by c-statistics was 0.99981 ± 0.00037 for training dataset and 0.91337 ± 0.00087 for testing dataset, respectively. Excluding AF at baseline (n = 11,732), a predictive capability for newly developed AF (n = 98) by c-statistics was 0.99973 ± 0.00086 for training dataset and 0.99160 ± 0.00038 for testing dataset, respectively. The distribution of parameter importance was mostly similar among P, QRS, and ST-T segment for both current and newly developed AF. Conclusions This study intended to provide panoramic information in relation between ECG parameters and AF. The parameter importance of ECG parameters for predicting AF was mostly similar in P, QRS, and ST-T segment in models for both current and future AF.
Evaluating Performance Maintenance and Deterioration Over Time of Machine Learning-based Malware Detection Models on the EMBER PE Dataset

Academic studies evaluating the performance of machine learning-based malware detection models have in numerous cases demonstrated high accuracy measures, based upon training and evaluation on large datasets of malware/goodware examples. However, an important consideration is how well those high performing models will maintain their performance into the future in real-world settings, after the time of training and in the face of the varying malwares and goodwares subsequently encountered over time. In this work, we consider model performance maintenance on a large time-ordered dataset of the features extracted from one million malware/goodware samples. We train and evaluate a large range of models, and see a wide variation in model performance maintenance for different base models, even where initial performance of models is similar. We investigate in further detail those classes of model and specific models that show highest performance maintenance and discuss the significance of these findings for building robust real-world machine learning-based malware detection systems. This is the first work we are aware of to evaluate the relative rate of performance deterioration of different machine learning-based malware detection models evaluated utilizing such a large real-world malware/goodware dataset.
What goes around comes around: Nightmares and daily stress are bidirectionally associated in nurses.

Nurses may experience frequent nightmares due to stressful work environments. Nightmares may also exacerbate stress among nurses, although this has yet to be tested empirically. We examined daily bidirectional associations between stress severity and nightmares, and moderation by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 392 nurses (92% female; 78% White) completed 14 days of sleep diaries to assess previous-day stress severity and nightmare occurrence and severity. PTSD symptoms were assessed at baseline. Multilevel models were used to examine bidirectional, within-person associations between daily stress and nightmares, and cross-level moderation by baseline PTSD symptoms. 47.2% of nurses reported at least one nightmare across the two weeks. Days with greater stress were associated with higher odds of experiencing a nightmare (OR = 1.22, p = 0.001), as well as greater nightmare severity (b = 0.09, p = 0.033). Nightmare occurrence (b = 0.15, p < 0.001) was associated with greater next-day stress severity. Daily stress and nightmare associations were similar for those with and without PTSD symptoms. Nightmares and stress may occur in a bidirectional fashion. Nurses face intense occupational demands and frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events. Studies should explore whether targeting nightmares and stress may improve nurses' health and well-being. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Machinery Replacement, Multiple Optima, and the 1986 Tax Reform Act

In 1988 and years following, there will be two The 1986 Tax Reform Act established a first basic rates for joint returns: (1) 15 percent up year $10,000 expensing option and, for most to $29,750, and (2) 28 percent over $29,750 farm equipment, a 7-year depreciation sched- (Durst). However, the personal exemption ule. Under a profit maximization criterion, will be phased out for the higher income these tax law features can lead to multiple op- earners, making an additional, effective tima dependent upon discount and marginal marginal tax bracket of 33 percent for incomes tax rates. For example, the economically effi- over $71,900 (Durst). It is expected that 75 to cient time to reinvest under a 2 percent after- 80 percent of the farmers in the U.S. will be in tax discount rate is at 4, 8, and 30 years for the the 15 percent bracket (Durst). grower in a 33 percent tax bracket. Thus, the The fact that farmers can expense $10,000 in profit maximization behavioral rule needs to the purchase year and that there can be rapid be supplemented with knowledge about a depreciation in the early years suggests there farmer's objectives in order to select the "cor- may be multiple optimal machinery replacerect" optimal reinvestment interval. ment times, in contrast to what is demonstrated by the standard models of farmer
Carnitine function and requirements during the life cycle.

L-Carnitine has been described as a "conditionally essential" nutrient for humans. Segments of the human population suggested as having a requirement for carnitine include infants (premature and full-term), patients on long-term parenteral nutrition, and perhaps children. The evidence to support these claims includes 1) low circulating carnitine concentrations; 2) abnormal (or at least different) circulating metabolite concentrations (free fatty acids, triglycerides, ketone bodies), and 3) very limited and inconsistent growth data. A number of subjective observations and anecdotal case reports have been offered in support of a requirement for carnitine. Exogenous carnitine is required to maintain "normal" (in the epidemiologic sense) plasma or serum carnitine concentrations in humans of all ages. But "functional carnitine deficiency," defined by abnormal clinical presentation correctable by carnitine administration, has not been demonstrated in an otherwise normal (nonpathologic) population. On the other ...
Management of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis with copolymer I (Copaxone):

Copolymer I (Copaxone) was evaluated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial at 11 US universities. Two hundred and fifty-one relapsing-remitting ambulatory MS patients were randomized to receive 20 mg of copolymer 1 or placebo by daily subcutaneous injection for approximately 30 months. At conclusion, the copolymer 1 group had 32% fewer relapses (P=0.002) and significantly more were relapse-free (P=0.035). Significantly, more patients were receiving copolymer 1 had improved during the study, while more patients on placebo showed neurological decline (P=0.001). There were few side effects and no drug related laboratory abnormalities. Copolymer 1 is being considered by North American and European regulatory agencies for approval as a commercially available agent for the control of multiple sclerosis.
Competition between soil- and seed-borne Rhizobium trifolii in nodulation of introduced Trifolium subterraneum

Native rhizobia associated withTrifolium albopurpureum, T. bifidum, T. ciliolatum, T. depauperatum, T. dichotomum, T. flavulum, T. melanthum, T. microcephalum, T. microdon, T. oliganthum andT. tridentatum were found in Northern California range soils. These rhizobia nodulate subterranean clover but are ineffective in nitrogen fixation with this host. Native rhizobia compet with those in commercial inoculants to form nodules. To ensure effective nodulation by nitrogen fixing rhizobia, commercial inoculants should be applied at rates greater than those recommended by the manufacturerse Effective nodulation was achieved by an application of 7.5×104 rhizobia per seed, four times the recommended rate.
Effect of season and location on semen quality and serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in Brahman and Hereford bulls.

Hereford bulls from Montana (MH; n = 15) and Nebraska (NH; n = 15) and Brahman bulls from Texas (BB; n = 18) were relocated to one of three locations (LOC): Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE) or Texas (TX). All bulls were pubertal at the time of relocation in late May 1984. Semen was collected by electroejaculation within 1 wk after relocation and at 90-d intervals beginning in November 1984 through early February 1986. Bulls were given a GnRH challenge (200 micrograms i.m.) during the same week of semen collections. Bulls also were bled for 8 h at 20-min intervals in the fall of 1984 and the spring and fall of 1985 to determine endogenous concentrations of LH and testosterone. Season affected sperm concentration in all breeds (P less than .05) with decreases during the winter in BB and during the summer in NH and MH bulls. Brahman bulls had lower percentage of live cells (LIVE) than NH and MH bulls did (P less than .0001). Brahman bulls decreased in LIVE during the winter (P less than .001). Area under the LH curve after GnRH was lower (P less than .005) in BB than in MH and NH. Brahman bulls in MT had greater (P less than .02) area under the LH curve and lower (P less than .06) area under the testosterone curve than did BB in TX or NE during the winter. There was no seasonal fluctuation in LH or testosterone response to GnRH in NH or MH bulls at any LOC. Area under the endogenous LH curve was lowest (P less than .04) in BB. Basal endogenous testosterone concentration was greater (P less than .03) in NH than in MH or BB. Area under the endogenous testosterone curve was lower (P less than .03) in MH than in NH or BB. These results indicate that BB exhibit seasonal fluctuations in semen quality. This was not so apparent in semen quality traits of Hereford bulls. There also was a seasonal influence in BB on both endogenous testosterone and GnRH-stimulated LH and testosterone concentrations. Compared with Hereford bulls, Brahman bulls had lower endogenous and GnRH-stimulated concentrations of LH.
Mobile Interface Theory: Location-Aware Mobile Devices in Urban Environments

James Carey famously noted how the telegraph’s separation of communication from transportation resulted in a “social nervous system in which signaling was divorced from musculature” (Carey, 2009, p. 215). Mobile devices make this statement increasingly true while pushing back on his assertion that geography has been made irrelevant. The authors of these books posit that mobile interfaces do not simply divide us from our surroundings or distance ourselves from others, but connect us to social networks and physical environments. These devices, particularly more powerful “smart phones,” help individuals to sense, communicate, and play with others. These three books explore how mobile interfaces in the urban environment offer new ways to consider public space, though they also outline the pitfalls of constantly transmitting and receiving one’s location. As multifunctional devices are adopted on a mass scale, mobile interfaces become an increasingly relevant entry point for a host of important issues having to do with mediated communication, including identity, privacy, and cooperation. This is particularly true in non-Western contexts where adoption of cellular phones has outpaced that of desktop computers.