cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer models of hippocampal circuit changes of the kindling model of epilepsy

Abnormalities in the organization of brain circuits may underlie many types of epilepsy. This hypothesis can best be evaluated in the case of temporal lobe epilepsy, where evidence of rewiring (synaptic reorganization) can be found in the dentate gyrus. Computer modeling of normal and reorganized dentate gyrus was used to understand the functional consequences of these structural changes. Hyperexcitability appeared to be largely limited by the powerful intrinsic adaptation characteristic of granule cells, the principal cells in this area. Combining disinhibition with new recurrent excitatory circuitry was necessary to produce repeated firing of these cells. Paradoxically, continuing regenerative activity was only seen with a large reduction in the strength of the inciting stimulus. Validation of these findings will require further physiological correlation.
Screening, diagnosis, and management of type II diabetes: A review of the 2014 American Diabetes Association guidelines

Individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders are at higher risk than the general population for the development of chronic medical conditions, such as type II diabetes. This review article will focus on the 2014 recommendations from the American Diabetes Association for diagnosis, management, and assessment of glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes
A POTENTIAL LINK BETWEEN INSULIN RESISTANCE AND IRON OVERLOAD DISORDER IN BROWSING RHINOCEROSES INVESTIGATED THROUGH THE USE OF AN EQUINE MODEL

Iron overload disorder afflicts captive rhinoceros but has not been documented in the wild. The specific cause for the disorder has not been identified but is likely associated with diet and management. Compared with wild counterparts, captive rhinoceros eat diets containing more iron, have greater fat stores, and exercise less. It has been suggested that the problem may be linked to development of insulin resistance in the captive population. Given that controlled experiments with sufficient numbers of rhinoceros are logistically not possible, an equine model was used to look for a relationship between iron status and insulin resistance; the nutritional requirements of horses are used as a guide for rhinoceros, because they have similar gastrointestinal tracts. Sixteen horses were tested to determine blood insulin responses to an oral drench of dextrose (0.25 g/kg bodyweight) and a meal of pelleted corn (1.5 g/kg bodyweight). Fasting blood samples were taken 30 and 0 min before administration. Further blood samples were taken every 30 min for 4 hr after administration to determine peak insulin and total area under the insulin curve (AUC). Fasting samples were tested for serum ferritin concentrations. Correlations were determined between ferritin and peak insulin concentrations and insulin AUC after administration of oral dextrose and pelleted corn. The strongest correlation was between ferritin and insulin AUC after dextrose administration (r¼0.61; P¼0.01) followed by AUC after feeding a meal of pelleted corn (r ¼ 0.60; P ¼0.01), with the correlation for peak insulin being 0.53 (P ¼0.03) after dextrose administration and 0.56 (P ¼0.02) after pelleted corn. When evaluating responses by gender, a significant correlation existed only for females, influenced by one insulin resistant individual. These data suggest a potential link between insulin resistance and body stores of iron and also suggest that approaches to reduce the susceptibility to insulin resistance should be incorporated into management of captive browsing rhinoceros.
Biases in Thorpe-Scale Estimates of Turbulence Dissipation. Part I: Assessments from Large-Scale Overturns in Oceanographic Data

AbstractOceanic density overturns are commonly used to parameterize the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. This method assumes a linear scaling between the Thorpe length scale LT and the Ozmidov length scale LO. Historic evidence supporting LT ~ LO has been shown for relatively weak shear-driven turbulence of the thermocline; however, little support for the method exists in regions of turbulence driven by the convective collapse of topographically influenced overturns that are large by open-ocean standards. This study presents a direct comparison of LT and LO, using vertical profiles of temperature and microstructure shear collected in the Luzon Strait—a site characterized by topographically influenced overturns up to O(100) m in scale. The comparison is also done for open-ocean sites in the Brazil basin and North Atlantic where overturns are generally smaller and due to different processes. A key result is that LT/LO increases with overturn size in a fashion similar to that observed in numeric...
Site characterization for CO 2 geologic storage and vice versa: the Frio brine pilot, Texas, USA as a case study

Careful site characterization is critical for successful geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) because of the many physical and chemical processes impacting CO2 movement and containment under field conditions. Traditional site characterization techniques such as geological mapping, geophysical imaging, well logging, core analyses, and hydraulic well testing provide the basis for judging whether or not a site is suitable for CO2 storage. However, only through the injection and monitoring of CO2 itself can the coupling between buoyancy flow, geologic heterogeneity, and history-dependent multi-phase flow effects be observed and quantified. CO2 injection and monitoring can therefore provide a valuable addition to the site-characterization process. Additionally, careful monitoring and verification of CO2 plume development during the early stages of commercial operation should be performed to assess storage potential and demonstrate permanence. The Frio brine pilot, a research project located in Dayton, Texas (USA) is used as a case study to illustrate the concept of an iterative sequence in which traditional site characterization is used to prepare for CO2 injection and then CO2 injection itself is used to further site-characterization efforts, constrain geologic storage potential, and validate understanding of geochemical and hydrological processes. At the Frio brine pilot, in addition to traditional site-characterization techniques, CO2 movement in the subsurface is monitored by sampling fluid at an observation well, running CO2-saturation-sensitive well logs periodically in both injection and observation wells, imaging with crosswell seismic in the plane between the injection and observation wells, and obtaining vertical seismic profiles to monitor the CO2 plume as it migrates beyond the immediate vicinity of the wells. Numerical modeling plays a central role in integrating geological, geophysical, and hydrological field observations.
Dolphin Delivery: The Constitutional Values Standard and its Implications for Private Law in Quebec

It is now established that in Canada the individual rights guarantees in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms do not apply to common law litigation between private persons unless there is some specific governmental action on which one of the private parties has relied. The Dolphin Delivery ([1986] 2 S.C.R. 573) decision interpreted the concept of governmental action as limited to executive and legislative activity, so that the judicial enforcement of common law rules alone is not deemed to bring Charter "rights" into play. In private litigation where no executive or legislative action is relied on to support the action, the application of the common law rules have only to be consistent with Charter "values". The Dolphin decision thereby created a dichotomy between the Charter treatment of common law and enacted law that has special consequences to the province of Quebec where the regulation of private relations is governed by a civilian legal culture. In this paper these two different standards of judicial review are applied to demonstrate that both the legal analysis and the results change when applied to Quebec's law of defamation. The dissimilarity in the results underscores the importance of taking into account the differences between the legal cultures that coexist in Canada, and the necessity of designing mechanisms that give more space for the recognition and appreciation of diversity.
Reines Jewelers: Peter Reines

Jeweler Peter Reines was intrigued by the diamond ring that had been dropped off by Ashley Gibson for his inspection. The center diamond was certainly more than two carats, the cut was old European, and the setting was exquisite. A friend with an impressive collection of antique jewelry, who happened to be in the store, offered $30,000 for the ring. That offer translated into a maximum price to Gibson of $27,500 if she were interested in selling it.
Chemistry and deposition driven by monoenergetic synchrotron radiation: Initial studies of condensed silanes and water on noble metals

The authors extend previous work in broadband synchrotron radiation (SR) excitation of condensed multilayers to the study of reactions driven by monoenergetic SR. The long term goal of this work is to understand the importance of core-level excitation on the reactions that lead to materials growth. Results are presented for two systems of interest: formation of silica from Si(CH{sub 3}){sub 4} and H{sub 2}O mixtures with 90 eV irradiation (below the core levels) and the energy dependence of the reaction of SiH{sub 4} and H{sub 2}O.
The Late Starters Orchestra, by Ari L. Goldman

The Late Starters Orchestra is a book about the author’s mid-life ambitions to master the art of playing the cello. Goldman shares his experiences as an amateur musician as he pursues his lifelong ...
4 SUCCESS OF METFORMIN-PIOGLITAZONE IN RESOLVING ENDOCRINOPATHY AND INSULIN RESISTANCE-HYPERINSULINEMIA IN 40 WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME NOT OPTIMALLY RESPONSIVE TO METFORMIN ALONE.

In 40 women (36 white, 1 black, 3 other) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) not optimally responsive to metformin (MET 2.55 g/day) for 1 year, endocrine and menstrual response to MET (2.55 g) with added pioglitazone (PIO 45 mg/day) for 1 year were compared to outcomes on MET alone. Before MET, 35% of women were obese with BMI 30.0 to .1), and rose to 27 on MET-PIO (p 0.1), but then fell to 13.1 μU/mL on MET-PIO (p .1), but then fell to 2.74 on MET-PIO (p .1), but then fell to 159 on MET-PIO (p .1), rose to 44 mg/dL on MET-PIO (p
Acquired organ system derangements and hospital mortality: are all organ systems created equally?

BACKGROUND Acquired organ system derangements are common among patients who require intensive care, but the relative importance of different derangements as determinants of patients' outcomes is unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine organ system derangements that occur in patients who require intensive care and the relative importance of different derangements to hospital mortality. METHODS A prospective cohort study design was used to evaluate the occurrence of organ system derangements and hospital mortality in 617 adults admitted to the medical and surgical intensive care units of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. RESULTS Eighty-three patients (13.5%) died while hospitalized. Patients who died had significantly more derangements than did patients who survived (3.3 +/- 1.2 vs 0.9 +/- 0.9; P < .001). The crude hospital mortality rate varied with the specific organ system involved (pulmonary, 23.6%; gastrointestinal, 25.0%; hepatic, 42.4%; hematological, 47.9%; cardiac, 54.0%; renal, 54.8%; neurological, 65.9%). Derangements of neurological function (adjusted odds ratio, 3.20; 95% CI, 2.0-5.3; P = .019) and cardiac function (adjusted odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.63-5.99; P < .001) were independently associated with hospital mortality. Additionally, derangements occurred later during the stay in the intensive care unit in patients who died in the hospital than in patients who survived, especially for derangements of pulmonary, neurological, and renal function. CONCLUSION Among critically ill patients, neurological and cardiac dysfunction are the acquired organ system derangements most closely associated with hospital mortality. These data suggest that hospital mortality depends on both the specific types of derangements that occur and the total number of such derangements. Interventions to prevent cardiac and neurological dysfunction have the greatest potential for improving outcomes for patients in the intensive care unit.
Fast Determination and Analysis on Synthetic Colours in Fresh Juice Extracted from Fruits and Vegetables in Jiangsu in 2010

【Objective】To establish a simple,sensitive and accurate method for the determination of synthetical colours in fresh juice extracted from fruits and vegetables.To investigate the sanitary status of them in catering industry in Jiangsu.【Method】The synthetical colours in fresh juice were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography.The samples were centrifugated and filtered,then separated using mobile phase of carbinol and acetic ammonium solution(0.02mol/L,pH=4) mixture under gradient elution,and quantified by DAD.【Result】Among the 260 samples,Ponceau 4R,Sunset Yellow,Tartrazine,and Allura Red were detected.One or more kinds of synthetical colour were detected in 23 samples,and the amount were from 0.4mg/kg to 2.2mg/kg.The detected rate was 8.85%.【Conclusion】The method was sensitive,simple,accurate and could be used to quantify the 7 kinds of synthetical colour in fresh juice.The method could meet the require for fast and accurate detection of synthetical colour in fresh juice from fruits and vegetables.
Ethics among Christian Counselors: A Survey of Beliefs and Behaviors:

Previous researchers have reported survey results of the beliefs and behaviors of psychologists (Pope, Tabachnick, & Keith-Spiegel, 1987) and counselors (Gibson & Pope, 1993) with regard to profess...
General concepts and mechanisms of ventricular tachycardia.

The purpose of this article is threefold: first, to discuss not only the mechanisms by which arrhythmias arise, but alsothe evidence obtained from electrophysiologic studies that supports the theory that most arrhythmias arise as a result of reentrant mechanisms; second, to present the response of the heart to ventricular stimulation, concentrating on the specificity and sensitivity of that response; and third, to present the stimulation parametersused during an electrophysiologic study and their relative importance to the study.
Pharmacologic treatment of brain failure and delirium.

The critical care unit is a place where multiple organ system failure can be effectively reversed by highly technologic treatment innovations. That same technology can confer a great deal of stress on the patient, leading to the unique syndrome of integrative brain failure. Exacerbating factors, such as pain, anxiety, and discomfort, can ultimately result in severe agitation syndromes. This article outlines uniquely specialized treatments for theses syndromes and the outlook for future therapies.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: GOALS AND SUPPORT GROUPS

More grandparents are raising grandchildren than ever before. Success in overcoming their unique problems requires that grandparents be optimistic and adjust to their new role; learn about child and adolescent development in today's society; cooperate with the parent who shares responsibility for providing care; monitor social and academic development; become aware of available services, obligations, and rights; and obtain periodic relief from the demands of the role. Full‐time grandparents often rely on support groups for advice and comfort. The merits of this approach are identified, along with ways to improve group interaction by encouraging hopeful attitudes and constructive behavior, setting guidelines for discussion, emphasizing communication with family members, and making education the basis for grandparent development.
P51 – 2927: Intermittent encephalopathy and evolving movement disorder in a child with SCN8A mutation

Objective Epileptic encephalopathy associated with SCN8A mutations have been increasingly recognised. Seizures in almost all cases are progressive with only a handful with an extended seizure-free period. They can be associated with various movement disorders. We report the first case of SCN8A with intermittent epileptic encephalopathy and describe his evolving movement disorder. Methods A 4.5 year old boy developed jitteriness on day 2 for which no cause was found. At 2 months old he developed epilepsy and at 5 months he had epileptic encephalopathy. Despite being seizure-free with a normal EEG after, he did not regain his skills fully and had feeding difficulties requiring gastrostomy. He had 3 further episodes of epileptic encephalopathy, of which he would progress developmentally in between although not to expected level for age. Seizures appeared to respond to Phenytoin initially but latterly response to various interventions were temporary if not ineffective. He developed intermittent ataxia and choreoathetoid movements and acquired microcephaly. Previously normal brain MRI now shows significant cerebellar atrophy. Results Following extensive investigations he was found to be heterozygous for the c.3967G>T; p(Ala1323Ser) mutation in the SCN8A gene on next-generation sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Conclusion Our knowledge of SCN8A mutation phenotype is currently expanding with more cases being identified through next-generation sequencing. A patient may have more than one type of movement disorder and the progression of seizures may be waxing and waning. It is hoped that further understanding of the gene function and genotype-phenotype correlation we would be able to offer a clearer prognosis and treatment for these patients and families.
Microbial short chain fatty acid metabolites lower blood pressure via endothelial G protein-coupled receptor 41

Short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites are byproducts of gut microbial metabolism that are known to affect host physiology via host G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs). We previously showed that an acute SCFA bolus decreases blood pressure (BP) in anesthetized mice, an effect mediated primarily via Gpr41. In this study, our aims were to identify the cellular localization of Gpr41 and to determine its role in BP regulation. We localized Gpr41 to the vascular endothelium using RT-PCR: Gpr41 is detected in intact vessels (with endothelium) but is absent from denuded vessels (without endothelium). Furthermore, using pressure myography we confirmed that SCFAs dilate resistance vessels in an endothelium-dependent manner. Since we previously found that Gpr41 mediates a hypotensive response to acute SCFA administration, we hypothesized that Gpr41 knockout (KO) mice would be hypertensive. Here, we report that Gpr41 KO mice have isolated systolic hypertension compared with wild-type (WT) mice; diastolic BP was not different between WT and KO. Older Gpr41 KO mice also exhibited elevated pulse wave velocity, consistent with a phenotype of systolic hypertension; however, there was no increase in ex vivo aorta stiffness (measured by mechanical tensile testing). Plasma renin concentrations were also similar in KO and WT mice. The systolic hypertension in Gpr41 KO is not salt sensitive, as it is not significantly altered on either a high- or low-salt diet. In sum, these studies suggest that endothelial Gpr41 lowers baseline BP, likely by decreasing active vascular tone without altering passive characteristics of the blood vessels, and that Gpr41 KO mice have hypertension of a vascular origin.
Effects of Reinforcement Context on Initial Link Responding in Concurrent Chain Reinforcement Schedules

Previous research shows that relative initial- and terminal-link temporal duration influences concurrent chain choice proportions. However, little research has examined whether reinforcement outside of either links influences concurrent chain choice proportions and/or response rates. We examined this by conducting an experiment in which 11 pigeons responded on concurrent chain schedules that alternated with either fixed interval (FI) or fixed time (FT) reinforcement schedules. FI and FT schedules provided reinforcement every 20, 60 or 180 s. Concurrent chain schedules provided reinforcement on average every 60 s. Concurrent chain schedules were never available at the same time as the FI or FT schedule. Most pigeons decreased choice proportions as the temporal duration of the FI or FT schedules increased, similar to the initial-link effect. Consistent with behavior contrast research, initial link response rates significantly increased as reinforcement rate decreased during the FI and FT schedules. This is the first study to show that reinforcement outside of a concurrent chain schedule can significantly change choice proportions. The initial link response rate result suggests a novel way to look at initial link response rates, outside of changing reinforcement rates and temporal duration.
The Significance of a Duty's Direction

Agents do not merely have duties – they often have directed duties to others. This paper first reveals problems with traditional attempts to equate these directed duties with claims and claim rights. It then defends a novel account of directionality that locates the unifying element of directed duties in a counterparty’s prioritization of the duties owed to her. If one agent has a directed duty to another, then the degree to which fulfilling the duty matters to the agent to whom it is owed itself matters – in a distinctive, special and inherent sense. This subject-determined normative significance of directed duties can be used to articulate a priority account of directionality, an account that can demonstrate why many have taken control powers, interests or the authority to demand compliance to be so important in analyzing the directed duties we owe to others.
Validation of single-plane fluoroscopy and 2D/3D shape-matching for quantifying shoulder complex kinematics.

Abstract Fluoroscopy and 2D/3D shape-matching has emerged as the standard for non-invasively quantifying kinematics. However, its accuracy has not been well established for the shoulder complex when using single-plane fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of single-plane fluoroscopy and 2D/3D shape-matching for quantifying full shoulder complex kinematics. Tantalum markers were implanted into the clavicle, humerus, and scapula of four cadaveric shoulders. Biplane radiographs were obtained with the shoulder in five humerothoracic elevation positions (arm at the side, 30°, 60°, 90°, maximum). Images from both systems were used to perform marker tracking, while only those images acquired with the primary fluoroscopy system were used to perform 2D/3D shape-matching. Kinematics errors due to shape-matching were calculated as the difference between marker tracking and 2D/3D shape-matching and expressed as root mean square (RMS) error, bias, and precision. Overall RMS errors for the glenohumeral joint ranged from 0.7 to 3.3° and 1.2 to 4.2 mm, while errors for the acromioclavicular joint ranged from 1.7 to 3.4°. Errors associated with shape-matching individual bones ranged from 1.2 to 3.2° for the humerus, 0.5 to 1.6° for the scapula, and 0.4 to 3.7° for the clavicle. The results of the study demonstrate that single-plane fluoroscopy and 2D/3D shape-matching can accurately quantify full shoulder complex kinematics in static positions.
A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the canine cytochrome b5 reductase (CYB5R3) gene is associated with sulfonamide hypersensitivity and is overrepresented in Doberman Pinschers.

Canine sulfonamide hypersensitivity (HS) has been associated with a variant in the cytochrome b5 reductase gene (CYB5R3 729A>G), which encodes a drug-detoxifying enzyme. Study objectives were to determine variant allele frequency in Doberman Pinschers (DOBE), a breed which may be predisposed to sulfonamide HS, and to characterize the effects of CYB5R3 729G on gene expression and function. CYB5R3 729A>G allele frequencies were compared between DOBE (n = 24) vs. non-Doberman (non-DOBE; n = 60) dogs. CYB5R3mRNA expression, protein expression, and reduction of sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine were compared between banked canine liver samples of 729AA vs. GG genotype. The 729G allele was overrepresented in DOBE (1.00) vs. non-DOBE dogs (0.567, p < .0001). mRNA and protein expressions as well as cyt b5 reductase activity were similar between livers of AA and GG genotype. All Doberman Pinschers in this study were homozygous for CYB5R3 729G, which could contribute to this breed's apparent predisposition to sulfonamide HS. However, CYB5R3 729G does not alter sulfamethoxazole detoxification capacity, so a direct role could not be demonstrated. It is possible that this marker is linked to another contributing variant.
EBook Interlibrary Loan in American Public Libraries

In recent years, eBook collections have been increasing at a slow but steady rate in both public and academic libraries. With the increasing eBook collections in libraries and the advancements made in information discovering services, users can now discover materials existing outside of their local library more easily. EBooks also offer the potential for quick interlibrary loan delivery. Ironically, eBook interlibrary loan has not become prevalent in libraries. Many studies have been done to explore eBook licensing and interlibrary loan in academic libraries and to offer practical solutions for eBook interlibrary lending. Few studies have been done in public libraries. This study explores the current practice of eBook interlibrary loan activities in American public libraries. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 118 randomly selected public libraries. Questions focused on current eBook interlibrary loan best practices, issues, and obstacles in American public libraries. Findings from this stu...
Conduct Problems in Youth: Sociological Perspectives

Within the field of sociology, conduct problems are often described in terms of juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency is a legal term with social implications. Often, delinquent behavior represents an effort of a youth to handle a difficult situation in his or her life, but with behavior which has been proscribed by legislative action. Most legal definitions of delinquency include at least two concepts: (a) the commission of criminal behavior by youth; and (b) the commission of behavior which is unlawful for youth but not for adults. These latter offenses are termed status offenses (Shoemaker, 2009). Thus, juveniles can commit actions which would be a crime for anyone to commit, as well as behaviors which are prohibited solely because of underage status. Typically, the age of majority for establishing delinquency is age 18. The age of majority means when one becomes an adult in terms of legal responsibilities; that is, when one is legally an adult. One important benefit as a legal adult is the right to vote. Within this ­chapter, general patterns of crime and delinquency will sometimes be referred to as criminality. Studies of delinquency from sociological perspectives may include both formal assessments of delinquency, as represented by police, court, and institutional data, as well as informal accounts of delinquency, which include observational and self-report data.
Woman’s Place in Chinese History

There is a general impression that the Chinese woman has always occupied a very low place in Chinese society. The object of this paper, however, is to try to tell a different story, to show that, in spite of the traditional oppression, the Chinese woman has been able to establish herself a position which we must regard as a fairly exalted one. If there is a moral to this story, it is that it is simply impossible to suppress women,—even in China.
The veneer of altruism.

The United States government’s insistence that organs can only be procured through altruism, rather than being exchanged or purchased, contributes to the very exploitation of people of color in developing countries it sought to prevent.
Globalization and Labor Force Participation

This study finds evidence that globalization depresses labor force participation via social spending and tax policy. We estimate a panel Vector Auto Regression model on data over the period of 1980~2012 from the 26 OECD countries. Social spending has increased, consistent with the compensation hypothesis, while labor income taxes have risen relative to capital income taxes, consistent with tax competition hypothesis. As a result, one can see the reduction of labor force participation. Social safety nets and tax policies need to be streamlined upon globalization.
History Assessments of Thinking: A Validity Study

AbstractThis article reports a validity study of History Assessments of Thinking (HATs), which are short, constructed-response assessments of historical thinking. In particular, this study focuses ...
Automatic inference of BI-RADS final assessment categories from narrative mammography report findings.

Abstract We propose an efficient natural language processing approach for inferring the BI-RADS final assessment categories by analyzing only the mammogram findings reported by the mammographer in narrative form. The proposed hybrid method integrates semantic term embedding with distributional semantics, producing a context-aware vector representation of unstructured mammography reports. A large corpus of unannotated mammography reports (300,000) was used to learn the context of the key-terms using a distributional semantics approach, and the trained model was applied to generate context-aware vector representations of the reports annotated with BI-RADS category (22,091). The vectorized reports were utilized to train a supervised classifier to derive the BI-RADS assessment class. Even though the majority of the proposed embedding pipeline is unsupervised, the classifier was able to recognize substantial semantic information for deriving the BI-RADS categorization not only on a holdout internal testset and also on an external validation set (1900 reports). Our proposed method outperforms a recently published domain-specific rule-based system and could be relevant for evaluating concordance between radiologists. With minimal requirement for task specific customization, the proposed method can be easily transferable to a different domain to support large scale text mining or derivation of patient phenotype.
Nieves Baranda Leturio y Anne J. Cruz, (eds.), Las escritoras españolas de la Edad Moderna. Historia y guía para la investigación. Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, 2018; 576 pp.

Quizas la parte mas intrigante de esta seccion del libro sea la dedicada a la tradicion sefardi: una comunidad de mujeres letradas en Amsterdam que participo en la publicacion de unas 400 ediciones en portugues y espanol durante los anos en que los Paises Bajos estaban bajo el dominio espanol. Estas mujeres, que sin duda formaban parte de la diaspora provocada por el edicto de expulsion de los judios, promulgado por los Reyes Catolicos en 1492, por herencia cultural solian tener un mas alto nivel de alfabetizacion que sus coetaneas dentro de Espana.
A multivariate freezing-thawing depth prediction model for spring load restriction

Abstract Road damages induced by heavily loaded truck traffic during the spring thaw are a major road distress in cold regions. To minimize these damages, Spring Load Restriction (SLR) is widely applied in the U.S., Canada, and other countries during the early thawing season by controlling the movement of freight-carrying trucks and heavy equipment travel until the thawing ends. Most SLR policies rely on the Freezing Depth (FD) and Thawing Depth (TD), especially the latter one. Therefore, accurate predictions of FD and TD are important to prevent both the extensive damage to the pavement due to the late placement or early removal of SLR and the economic loss of road users due to an unnecessarily long SLR period. Here, we propose a new multivariate model for predicting FD and TD in support of SLR decision-making. The model gives a curving surface of FD and TD in a 3-dimensional space, instead of 2-dimensional in traditional methods, by considering both the freezing and thawing indices in the entire freeze-thaw cycle. For model evaluations, yearly field data measured at five typical sites from 104 sites in Michigan were adopted. The evaluation results showed that the proposed model is accurate in predicting FD and TD for most sites. Compared to the previous TD predictions in the existing study, the TD predictions with the proposed model have been significantly improved. In addition, this study provides field data that have not been reported earlier in the literature and that can be used for validating other prediction models. The reported work is ready for practice for roadways in cold regions to support SLR decision-making.
Evaluation of Recombinant Factor VIIa Utilization and Development of a Cost-Effective Dose Minimization Protocol in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background: Although recombinant factor VIIa is often utilized to mitigate critical bleeding following cardiac surgery, the optimal dosing strategy in this population is not well-established. At our institution, hospital guidelines recommend administration of recombinant factor VIIa 60 mcg/kg for all off-label indications. However, available data suggest doses as low as 17 mcg/kg have been efficacious in cardiac surgery patients with critical bleeding. Additionally, although low-dose recombinant factor VIIa ( Methods: All adult cardiac surgery patients who received one or more doses of recombinant factor VIIa during a 1-year period (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017) were included. Thromboembolic event rates documented within 14 days following recombinant factor VIIa administration were evaluated in patients alive at discharge. An average wholesale price of 2.59 USD per mcg was utilized for recombinant factor VIIa cost calculations. Results: A total of 16 patients received 24 doses of recombinant factor VIIa during the study period. The median weight-based dose administered was 55 mcg/kg (utilizing actual body weight), and the median dose was 5 mg. The median cost per recombinant factor VIIa dose was 12,950 USD, resulting in a total expenditure of 277,174 USD. Nine of sixteen patients (56%) survived to hospital discharge. Five of nine (56%) patients alive at discharge experienced thromboembolic complications following recombinant factor VIIa administration, three (60%) of which were central nervous system (CNS) thromboembolic events. Based on data supporting low-dose strategies, a proposed weight-based recombinant factor VIIa dose-minimization protocol was developed by leadership in the departments of pharmacy, hematology, cardiac surgery, and cardiac anesthesia (Table 1). Implementation of this protocol would result in an estimated annual cost-avoidance of 168,376 USD. Conclusions: Recombinant factor VIIa administration at a dose of 55 mcg/kg in adult cardiac surgery patients with critical bleeding is associated with a high rate of thromboembolic events, including CNS thromboembolism. Additionally, this recombinant factor VIIa dosing strategy is associated with significant cost, which can be substantially reduced with implementation of a low-dose recombinant factor VIIa protocol in the cardiac surgery population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Venetoclax for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a globally poor outcome, especially in patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Until recently, therapeutic option...
Technical Note: A dose calculation framework for dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) using VirtuaLinac Monte Carlo simulation tool

PURPOSE Dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) is a novel dynamic technique that achieves highly conformal dose through simultaneous couch and gantry motion during delivery. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework integrating a Monte Carlo dose engine (VirtuaLinac) to a treatment planning system (TPS, Eclipse) for DEAR. A quality assurance (QA) procedure is also developed. METHODS AND MATERIALS The interfaces include the following: computed tomography image export and conversion for VirtuaLinac; VirtuaLinac computation tasks management through application programming interface (API); and dose matrix processing and evaluation. The framework was validated with both static beam and DEAR plan with a 3 × 3 cm2 cutout for both 6 and 9 MeV electrons. Verification plans for DEAR were created on flat phantom and a hybrid dose calculation technique was developed which convolves precalculated small field kernel with the beam trajectory, and the resulting dose was compared with the full VirtuaLinac calculation and film measurement. RESULTS Excellent agreement between VirtuaLinac and eMC was observed with three-dimensional γ pass rate of 98% at 1%/1 mm criteria for both 6 and 9 MeV electrons. Film measurement shows two-dimensional (2D) γ passing rate of 99.8 % (6 MeV) and 97.1% (9 MeV) at 2%/2 mm criteria. For DEAR plans the comparison of VirtuaLinac and measurement shows the 2D γ passing rates of 94% at 2%/2 mm for 6 MeV. The dose distributions from hybrid method in phantom are identical to the full VirtuaLinac simulations, but can be done instantly. CONCLUSIONS A framework has been developed for DEAR dose calculation using VirtuaLinac Monte Carlo dose engine. The VirtuaLinac calculated dose was validated against measurement. A feasible and practical DEAR QA method has been developed for dose measurement in phantom. The hybrid dose calculation technique is efficient and suitable for DEAR QA purpose.
National Report: Japan

(1) Sources of Law A fundamental feature of Japanese law is that it is based on statutory law. Customary laws, which are not contrary to public order and morality, may supplement the statutory laws provided there is no relevant regulation. With regard to the application of case law as a source of law, the courts are not constrained by precedents, and the lower courts are not constrained by the upper court’s decisions in principle, provided it is virtually within the bounds of possibility. Since the codified laws remain general to a certain extent, gaps between the clause and the reality have to be bridged by court judgment. “The court has also been instrumental in mitigating the effect of provisions of a law,” and judges may interpret the meaning of a clause for cases which may cause unfairness if they were literally and strictly read.
COVID-19 Clinical Research

INTRODUCTION: While the global COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the entire humanity and health systems, it also triggered researchers to urgently perform clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of many agents and modalities to combat COVID-19 As of April 22, over 650 clinical studies have been registered both in USA and internationally Results from these studies are also coming at a brisk pace in this unprecedented emergency AREAS COVERED: We searched the NCI website and Medline and summarize various national and international clinical trials and summarize few of the pivotal ones in this paper, including those specific to oncology population Two hundred and eighty four studies are actively recruiting adults and children with confirmed COVID-19, including 25 are early-phase I/phase I, 72 phase II, 58 phase III, 12 phase IV, and 31 other trials They can be categorized into four groups: drugs that combat SARS-CoV-2, immunomodulatory agents to counteract cytokine storm, convalescence plasma therapies and vaccines trials EXPERT OPINION: It is hoped that these efforts will results in a successful treatment to COVID-19, especially in a timely fashion before the second pandemic expected in fall It is essential to acknowledge the devotion and hard work of the clinical research team and clinical research volunteers
Responding to Intimate Violence against Women: The Role of Informal Networks

Family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors are often the first to know that a woman has been abused by an intimate male partner. What is the proper course of action for those with knowledge of abuse? Using a wide range of empirical data from international sources, Renate Klein documents informal third parties as the first port of call, sources of support and interference, and gatekeepers to formal services. Family and social network members disrupt ongoing assaults, respond to disclosures of abuse and provide solace and practical help. These networks do not always side with victims, however, and may either sympathize with or actively support perpetrators. Klein illuminates the complexities of these contingent situations. Her analysis highlights the potential of informal third parties for effective intervention, demonstrating their significant role in promoting societies free from rape and domestic violence.
Support vector regression for polyhedral and missing data

We introduce “Polyhedral Support Vector Regression” (PSVR), a regression model for data represented by arbitrary convex polyhedral sets. PSVR is derived as a generalization of support vector regression, in which the data is represented by individual points along input variables $$X_1$$ , $$X_2$$ , $$\ldots $$ , $$X_p$$ and output variable Y, and extends a support vector classification model previously introduced for polyhedral data. PSVR is in essence a robust-optimization model, which defines prediction error as the largest deviation, calculated along Y, between an interpolating hyperplane and all points within a convex polyhedron; the model relies on the affine Farkas’ lemma to make this definition computationally tractable within the formulation. As an application, we consider the problem of regression with missing data, where we use convex polyhedra to model the multivariate uncertainty involving the unobserved values in a data set. For this purpose, we discuss a novel technique that builds on multiple imputation and principal component analysis to estimate convex polyhedra from missing data, and on a geometric characterization of such polyhedra to define observation-specific hyper-parameters in the PSVR model. We show that an appropriate calibration of such hyper-parameters can have a significantly beneficial impact on the model’s performance. Experiments on both synthetic and real-world data illustrate how PSVR performs competitively or better than other benchmark methods, especially on data sets with high degree of missingness.
ATLAS Event Store and I/O developments in support for Production and Analysis in Run 3

During the long LHC shutdown, ATLAS experiment is preparing several fundamental changes to its offline event processing framework and analysis model. These include moving to multi-threaded reconstruction and simulation and reducing data duplication during derivation analysis by producing a combined mini-xAOD stream. These changes will allow ATLAS to take advantage of the higher luminosity at Run 3 without overstraining processing and storage capabilities. They also require significant improvements to the underlying event store and the I/O framework to support them. These improvements include: 1) an overhaul of the Run 2 I/O framework to be thread-safe and minimize serial bottlenecks, 2) introduction of new immutable references for object navigation, which don’t rely on storage container entry number so data can be merged in-memory, 3) using filter decisions to annotate combined output stream to allow for fast event selection on input and 4) selecting optimized compression algorithms and settings to allow efficient reading of event selections.
The influence of sex, training intensity, and frequency on muscular adaptations to 40 weeks of resistance exercise in older adults.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to identify the influence that sex, training intensity, and frequency have on long-term resistance exercise (RE) outcomes in older adults. Methods One-hundred eleven older adults (men: 41, women: 70) completed either: high-intensity RE 2d/week (HI-2D; n = 29), low-intensity RE 2d/week (LI-2D; n = 32), high-intensity RE 3d/week (HI-3D, n = 20), or low-intensity RE 3d/week (LI-3D, n = 30). HI protocols completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 80% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) while LI completed 3 sets of 16 repetitions with 40% 1-RM. Total and regional bone free lean body mass (BFLBM) were assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the rectus femoris. Results mCSA was the only muscle quantity parameter to increase (p = 0.043). Significant trial effects for upper body, lower body, and specific strength were observed (all p Conclusions These observations indicate that older men and women display similar long-term RE outcomes. Additionally, regardless of frequency or intensity, the current prescriptions were effective for increasing strength, however these data suggest HI-2D > LI-2D and LI-3D > LI-2D but similar outcomes among HI-2D, HI-3D, and LI-3D. The variety of effective RE approaches provides flexibility among older adults for selecting a lifestyle intervention that would be most sustainable.
Automatic Scar Segmentation from DE-MRI Using 2D Dilated UNet with Rotation-Based Augmentation

Delayed enhancement (DE) MRI is an important tool in diagnosis of cardiovascular disease as it can reveal different characteristics of the myocardium scars including infarction and no-reflow. Automatic segmentation of different regions has the advantage of improved accuracy and reduced inter-observer variability in quantifying key imaging biomarkers such as percentage of scars. In recent years deep learning has led to drastic performance improvement in automatic segmentation tasks using the UNet architecture. Cardiac MRI segmentation is a challenging task due to the high variability in imaging contrast, orientation and signal-to-noise ratio; specifically, for short-axis views, as they are double-oblique slices, due to the different orientations of the heart and operator choice, the overall appearance of the image can vary significantly, which poses a challenge to the neural networks as they cannot learn a consistent global anatomy. In this paper we developed a rotation-based augmentation to address this issue in both training and testing steps by eliminating the variance in orientations and demonstrated its effectiveness. 2D dilated UNet was used as the backbone network structure. On the test dataset, Dice scores of 0.933 for LV blood pool, 0.824 for myocardium, 0.578 for infarction and 0.697 for no re-flow regions were archived using the proposed framework.
Double Trouble: Pelvic Pain Associated with a Dual Presentation of Endometriosis and Granulomatous Peritonitis

Study Objective Identify abnormal appearing lesions suspicious for endometriosis and describe the appropriate surgical techniques for complete excision. Design Patient case-report with surgical video footage. Setting A university tertiary care hospital. Patient was placed in steep Trendelenburg positioning. Patients or Participants Patient is a 34-year-old female with a history of chronic pelvic pain and one prior laparoscopic surgery for suspected endometriosis. Interventions Robotically-assisted diagnostic laparoscopy with complete peritonectomy, bilateral ureterolysis, and excision of endometriotic-appearing lesions. Measurements and Main Results Excisional biopsies confirmed the presence of endometriotic glands and stroma, as well as granulomatous peritonitis. Granulomas were identified by rims of palisading histiocytes and giant cells surrounding central necrotic cores. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining revealed rod-like structures that may be artifactual of a prior tuberculosis (TB) infection. Exposure to mycobacteria must be excluded to determine the presence and history of TB in this patient. Conclusion The biopsy results indicate that the patient's chronic pelvic pain may be due to endometriosis and an additional factor: granulomatous peritonitis. Consequently, excising any abnormally appearing lesions in patients with pelvic pain is critical to identifying the involved pathology and reaching a more accurate diagnosis.