663 research outputs found
Documentation of the Fourth Order Band Model
A general circulation model is presented which uses quadratically conservative, fourth order horizontal space differences on an unstaggered grid and second order vertical space differences with a forward-backward or a smooth leap frog time scheme to solve the primitive equations of motion. The dynamic equations for motion, finite difference equations, a discussion of the structure and flow chart of the program code, a program listing, and three relevent papers are given
Reproductive ecology and relative utilization of Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow) in southcentral Idaho and southwestern Montana
Measuring Implicit Bias Using SHAP Feature Importance and Fuzzy Cognitive Maps
In this paper, we integrate the concepts of feature importance with implicit bias in the context of pattern classification. This is done by means of a three-step methodology that involves (i) building a classifier and tuning its hyperparameters, (ii) building a Fuzzy Cognitive Map model able to quantify implicit bias, and (iii) using the SHAP feature importance to active the neural concepts when performing simulations. The results using a real case study concerning fairness research support our two-fold hypothesis. On the one hand, it is illustrated the risks of using a feature importance method as an absolute tool to measure implicit bias. On the other hand, it is concluded that the amount of bias towards protected features might differ depending on whether the features are numerically or categorically encoded
Pain and autonomic dysfunction in patients with sarcoidosis and small fibre neuropathy
Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) has been demonstrated in sarcoidosis. However, a systematic analysis of neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms, key features of SFN, has not been performed. Clinimetric evaluation of pain and autonomic symptoms using the neuropathic pain scale (NPS) and the modified Composite Autonomic Symptoms Scale (mCOMPASS) was used in sarcoidosis patients for this study. A total of 91 sarcoidosis patients (nĀ =Ā 23 without SFN symptoms, nĀ =Ā 43 with SFN symptoms but normal intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD), nĀ =Ā 25 with SFN symptoms and reduced IENFD) were examined. NPS and mCOMPASS were assessed twice (reliability studies). Severity of pain was compared between the subgroups. Correlation between NPS and a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) was assessed (validity studies). Healthy controls (nĀ =Ā 105) completed the mCOMPASS for comparison with patientsā scores. Patients with sarcoidosis, SFN complaints, and reduced IENFD demonstrated more severe pain scores on the NPS. The mCOMPASS differentiated between subjects with and without SFN symptoms. A significant correlation was obtained between the NPS and VAS, indicating good construct validity. Good reliability values were obtained for all scales. The use of the NPS to evaluate SFN symptoms is suggested, as it shows differences between patients with SFN symptoms with normal or reduced IENFD values. The mCOMPASS might be used to select patients for further testing
Authors' Response to Odugoudar et al: Poor Kidney Transplant Outcomes and Higher Organ Discard Rate Secondary to Macroscopic Arteriosclerosis of Renal Artery:More Evidence Needed to Prove Correlation
Facility-smart:A serious game for questions relating to facilities and services in the living environment
'Facility-smart' is an analogue serious game for various issues relating to facility decline in rural and urban areas. It can be tailored to fit different cases, relating to different topics and geographical scales. It is designed as method for collaboration using a game board with various discussion elements around a topographical map of the specific case. Six to ten participants - real stakeholders with different interests - explore different future scenarios for merging, moving, maintaining, spreading or combining different facilities and services. It could be used for topics relating to health care, education, sports or even private facilities such as supermarkets
Withdrawal of cyclosporine or prednisone six months after kidney transplantation in patients on triple drug therapy: a randomized, prospective, multicenter study
Uncertainty exists regarding the necessity of continuing triple therapy
consisting of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclosporine (CsA), and
prednisone (Pred) after kidney transplantation (RTx). At 6 mo after RTx,
212 patients were randomized to stop CsA (n = 63), stop Pred (n = 76), or
continue triple drug therapy (n = 73). The MMF dose was 1000 mg twice
daily, target CsA trough levels were 150 ng/ml, and Pred dose was 0.10
mg/kg per d. Follow-up was until 24 mo after RTx. Biopsy-proven acute
rejection occurred in 14 (22%) of 63 patients after CsA withdrawal
compared with 3 (4%) of 76 in the Pred withdrawal group (P = 0.001) and 1
(1.4%) of 73 in the control group (P = 0.0001). Biopsy-proven chronic
rejection was present in one patient in the control group, in nine
patients after CsA withdrawal (P = 0.006 versus control group); and in
four patients after discontinuation of Pred (NS). Graft loss occurred in
two versus one patient after CsA or Pred withdrawal, respectively, and in
two patients in the control group (NS). Patients who successfully withdrew
CsA had a significantly lower serum creatinine during follow-up. Pred
withdrawal resulted in a reduction in mean arterial pressure, and the
total cholesterol/HDL ratio increased. In conclusion, rapid CsA withdrawal
at 6 mo after RTx results in a significantly increased incidence of
biopsy-proven acute and chronic rejection. Pred withdrawal was safe and
resulted in a reduction in mean arterial pressure. However, patient and
graft survival and renal function 2 yr after RTx were not different among
groups
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