Bag Composition Research Articles

#1944 How the patient characteristics and the prescription can be accounted for in patient-specific predictive HD models?

Abstract Background and Aims Compartmental models in HemoDialysis (HD) allow for understanding and predicting the patient-specific response to the treatment. These models, after training with consistent clinical data, can be adapted to each single patient through the estimation of a set of parameters. This work explores the relationship between the sets of estimated parameters and the anamneses of the enrolled patients, together with the settings of the HD sessions, and their time evolution. The finding of similar relationships will help properly set the models even avoiding the training phase. Method The data acquired during the INTERREG InterACTIVE-HD 2.0 observational longitudinal study, in partnership with 5 Italian and Switzerland hospitals (ASSTs Lariana, SetteLaghi, Valtellina e Alto Lario, Regional Hospital of Lugano, and Kantonsspital Graubünden of Chur Dialysis Units), were used (576 sessions). Clinical prescription, machine settings, and blood composition at the start, end, and every hour during the HDs were monitored over 7 months. The parametric multi-compartmental, multi-solute model optimized during the study was used. The patient-specific parameters are: Their default values (literature-based) are: Patient-specific parameters have been identified for each patient, by training the model with 3 session's data. Then the model can be used to predict the patient's response by knowing the clinical data at the beginning of the HD and setting the parameters equal to the mean of the 3 identified values. A correlation analysis between the patient-dependent parameters and the anamneses of the enrolled patients, together with the settings of the HD sessions, has been performed. The optimization orders have been also considered. Results k(K+), k(Urea), and k(Crea) are the first optimized and remain generally of the same magnitude. k(Na+), k(Cl-), k(HCO3-), k(Mg2+), and k(Glu), correlate with the UF rate, the therapy technique, or the concentrations in dialysate bags. They are later optimized and characterized by wider variability in values and optimization orders. k(Ca2+) remains at the default in 98% of the sessions, being optimized last. More convective therapies seem to induce patient-specific variations in active and passive cellular transport for specific solutes. η relevant correlations refer to the dialysate bag composition and the baseline conditions of the patients. They are in general late optimized, in HDF before than in SHD. η(Urea) and η(Crea) in 99% of the cases do not move from the default, suggesting a lower interaction of the non-ionic species with the filter membrane. They are optimized only in non-hypertensive insulin-dependent diabetic patients. No correlation between η and the filter material or the initial serum albumin was instead observed. ρ is related to the therapy; in HDF sessions it is over the range boundaries ([0,10]). For females undergoing SHD, it assumes the highest values (>9). ρ seems also to be affected by the use of beta-blockers (p < 0.01) and antihyperglycemic ((p < 0.01). Ca_buff coefficients for females (higher values) and males are statistically different. Diabetics using anti-hyperglycemia drugs are characterized by lower values. Conclusion Compartmental patient-specific models, if successfully trained become a useful support tool for therapy customization, mainly for ESRD patients with multiple comorbidities. The observed correlations represent the first step to causally relate the values of the modulating parameters with the patient characteristics implying the reduction or amplification of a specific response to the treatment. The next step will be an analysis of combined effects. The final goal is to be able to correctly set up the models even before the training phase is completed.

Simultaneous instance pooling and bag representation selection approach for multiple-instance learning (MIL) using vision transformer

In multiple-instance learning (MIL), the existing bag encoding and attention-based pooling approaches assume that the instances in the bag have no relationship among them. This assumption is unsuited, as the instances in the bags are rarely independent in diverse MIL applications. In contrast, the instance relationship assumption-based techniques incorporate the instance relationship information in the classification process. However, in MIL, the bag composition process is complicated, and it may be possible that instances in one bag are related and instances in another bag are not. In present MIL algorithms, this relationship assumption is not explicitly modeled. The learning algorithm is trained based on one of two relationship assumptions (whether instances in all bags have a relationship or not). Hence, it is essential to model the assumption of instance relationships in the bag classification process. This paper proposes a robust approach that generates vector representation for the bag for both assumptions and the representation selection process to determine whether to consider the instances related or unrelated in the bag classification process. This process helps to determine the essential bag representation vector for every individual bag. The proposed method utilizes attention pooling and vision transformer approaches to generate bag representation vectors. Later, the representation selection subnetwork determines the vector representation essential for bag classification in an end-to-end trainable manner. The generalization abilities of the proposed framework are demonstrated through extensive experiments on several benchmark datasets. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-the-art MIL approaches in bag classification.

Harvest bag composition differs among hunting methods for wild boar in Sweden

Harvest bag composition differs among hunting methods for wild boar in Sweden

The influence of experimental bioactive glasses on pulp cells behavior in vitro

ObjectivesTo assess in vitro the effect of experimental mesoporous BAG, on human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) behavior in terms of cytocompatiblity and bioactivity via mineralization potential. MethodsFine (FP) and large particles (LP) of a fixed BAG composition named 0NaMBG have been elaborated by a sol-gel process. In vitro assessment was achieved on cultured primary hDPCs using indirect contact. The effect of the concentration of 800μg/mL on cell metabolic activity and cytotoxicity were examined by performing Alamar blue and crystal violet assays. Alizarin Red staining was used to detect and quantify the formation of mineralized nodules and ALP activity was colourimetrically quantified. The expression of Odontogenic markers: DMP-1 and osteopontin (OPN) expression and cell morphology was evaluated by confocal microscopy. ResultsAccording to the Alamar blue and crystal violet assay, 0NaMBG samples were non-cytotoxic. Cells treated with 0NaMBG particles expressed higher metabolic activity than control cells, especially for LP. Both FP and LP significantly increased both extra and intra cellular ALP activity. hDPCs exhibited good cell spreading and adhesion in the presence of FP and LP extracts by confocal imaging. Further, Alizarin red S assay demonstrated more mineralization nodules and significant enhancement of the extracellular calcium deposition when cells were interfaced with both FP and LP compared to the control cells. Moreover, LP extracts enhanced the production and secretion of odontogenic markers: dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) and osteopontin. SignificanceLP have a higher surface area and pore volume, which could explain their greater bioactivity in contact with pulp cells. The clinical relevance of these findings implicate that 0NaMBG could be used as fillers in dental therapeutic materials suitable for dentin and/or pulp tissues preservation.

Screening and identification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in microwave popcorn bags.

Liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) was used for the accurate identification (<10ppm) of different polyfluoroalkylphosphates (PAPs) and their intermediate and end degradation products in popcorn bags. Up to 46 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and precursors were identified. Moreover, an accurate method based on focused ultrasonic solid-liquid extraction (FUSLE) and a clean-up step with Envi-Carb sorbent was validated and applied to the quantification of 24 PFASs in popcorn bags from over twelve European countries, three American countries and two Asian countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that identification and quantification of some intermediates of PFAS precursors (different chain length fluorotelomer saturated acids (FTCAs) and fluorotelomer unsaturated acids (FTUCAs)) have been reported. Moreover, different patterns in the microwave popcorn bag composition were observed within the countries; while in European and American countries short chain PFASs were detected, Asian countries still use long chain PFASs.

What does hunting market price reflect? The role of species, landscape and management

Context Hunting transactions can be considered a composite good that includes various attributes or characteristics. Obtaining information regarding the utility derived from the different characteristics of the hunter’s bag might help elucidate the purchasing behaviour of hunters. This behaviour is, in turn, an important aspect to be considered by land managers in adaptive hunting management. Aims The present study attempts to identify the values given by hunters to species, landscape and management in the pricing of the hunter’s bag. Our analysis is focused on the hunting bag characteristics and adds to previous research the joint consideration of the amount and quality (sex, age classes and trophy) of various species in the hunter’s bag. Methods We use a dataset of 740 forest hunting estates at Andalucía (1 162 405 ha in the south of Spain) with an important mixed-species bag composition and where 225 game-hunting marketed transactions were declared by the hunting managers, including 13 541 hunting journeys. Hedonic-price analysis and mixed-effect models are used. Key results Our results showed that the composition of the harvested species (quantity and trophy of different species, sex and age classes), the activities related to harvesting and organisation of hunting events and landscape in hunting areas are relevant attributes in big-game market transactions. In small-game market transactions, species and landscape are the primary significant variables found. The latter variable plays a more important role in small game than in big game. Conclusions These findings indicated that hunting market values include, in addition to hunters’ recreational experience, ecological and management aspects with a broader social scope. Implications A further discussion regarding the possible conflict among hunter preferences, long-term game-management decisions and ecological goals is also provided.

Effect of enteral feeding bag composition and freezing and thawing upon vitamin stability in an enteral feeding solution.

The effect of enteral feeding bag composition and freezing and thawing upon the stability of riboflavin and vitamins A and E in an enteral feeding solution was tested. Feeding bags composed of either polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene were filled with an enteral feeding solution. The samples were frozen for 3 months, thawed in warm water, and allowed to stand in room temperature for 12 hr. Samples for vitamin analysis were obtained prior to freezing, upon thawing, and at 12 hr after thawing. No significant differences in vitamin stability due to bag composition or time were seen. These results support the viability of the concept of mixing large batches of enteral feeding solution, and freezing aliquots in individual feeding bags for later use.

Hunter Performance Using Steel and Lead Loads for Hunting Ducks in Coastal Louisiana

Performance of hunters shooting 11/4 oz of No. 6 lead shot was compared to those shooting 11/8 oz of No. 4 steel shot in 23/4-in. 12-gauge size for hunting ducks at Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana, during the 1980 and 1981 waterfowl seasons. More than 1,000 participating hunters fired 16,648 shots, bagged 2,228 ducks, and crippled 802. Hunters using No. 4 steel hit 19% fewer ducks per shot and 13% fewer ducks per blind-day (P 32 m. Species bag composition was not significantly different between the loads. The 13% fewer ducks hit per blind-day with steel indicate less overall impact on waterfowl with this load under hunting conditions that were mostly opportunity limited. With 0.50 cripples per bird bagged with steel and 0.31 with lead, there would be 15% more total birds hit when bag limits could be consistently reached by all hunters. Thus, under bag-limited hunting conditions, use of this particular steel load could result in greater waterfowl loss due to hunting than use of the lead load tested. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 48(2):388-398 Controversy surrounds the use of nontoxic steel shot for hunting waterfowl even though much research has been conducted comparing lead and steel shot loads (Andrews and Longcore 1969, Kozicky and Madson 1973, Nicklaus 1976, Mikula et al. 1977, Anderson and Roetker 1978, Anderson and Sanderson 1979, Humburg et al. 1982). Results of most steel shot studies have shown little or no differences in effectiveness between the steel and lead loads tested. However, some waterfowl hunters have not accepted these results, maintaining that there is a real difference based on their experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate relative performance, in actual duck hunting situations, of the most popular lead load used by Louisiana duck hunters and the available steel load with the most similar down range pellet energy. Data were collected during the 1980 and 1981 hunting seasons. We are grateful to the 33 observers and more than 1,000 hunters who participated in the study. T. A. Roster deserves thanks for training observers and assisting in other ways. We also express appreciation to D. W. Hayne, P. H. Geissler, S. L. Sheriff, and L. D. Soileau who provided assistance with study design, reviews of statistical analyses, and interpretation of results. Study design was facilitated by shooting test data provided by the Mo. Dep. Conserv. We thank the staffs of Lacassine Natl. Wildl. Refuge, La. Coop. Wildl. Res. Unit, and the La. Dep. of Wildl. and Fish. for invaluable assistance throughout the study. The investigation was funded through the La. Coop. Wildl. Res. Unit in cooperation with the 388 J. Wildl. Manage. 48(2):1984 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.32 on Mon, 10 Oct 2016 04:17:18 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms HUNTER PERFORMANCE: STEEL VS. LEAD LOADS * Hebert et al. 389 U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., La. Dep. of Wildl. and Fish., La. State Univ. Agric. Cent., and Wildl. Manage. Inst.

A lens model analysis of a bookbag and poker chip experiment: A methodological note

A bookbag and poker chip experiment is evaluated in light of a lens model analysis. Bag composition (60-40 vs. 80-20) and s-f were considered as cues, and the probability of the favored hypothesis as the criterion. Separate analyses were performed on each individual judge, and also on a hypothetical Bayesian “judge.” The linear regression model incompletely specifies the Bayesian judge, but permits useful comparisons between the cue utilization coefficients of the actual judges and the normative model.

Conservatism as a function of bag composition

The first purpose of this bookbag and pokerchip experiment was to examine the influence of the sample size and the relative frequency of the red chips in the sample on the amount of conservatism. The second purpose was to replicate the results of D E S WART (1972), and to test his hypothesis that the slope B of the function: log Φ( T)= A+ B( r− b), is linearly related to log [ p r /(1− p r )], where p r represents the bag composition. The estimates of the Ss were transformed according to the method used by D E S WART (1972). The results were consistent with the results of D E S WART (1972) and showed (1) that neither the sample size nor the relative frequency in the sample influenced the amount of conservatism and (2) that B and log [ p r /(1− p r )] were linearly related. The data suggest, that the aggregation of the information is well predicted by Bayes' theorem, although the Ss react to [ p r /(1− p r )] in a very reduced way. The results are incompatible with the misaggregation hypothesis and the response bias hypothesis.

Effects of diagnosticity and prior odds on conservatism in a bookbag-and-pokerchip situation

This bookbag-and-pokerchip experiment examined effects of prior odds (Ω 0), bag composition ( p r ), sample size ( r+ b), and the difference between red and blue chips in the sample ( r− b), on the deviation of the actual behavior from the prediction of Bayes' theorem. The responses of the Ss were transformed in such a way that if the Ss estimated as predicted by Bayes' theorem, their responses would equal 0.50. On these transformed responses — ψ ( T) — an analysis of variance was performed and the proportion of variance caused by each source was estimated. The results show (1) that the proportion of variance due to the Ss is small; (2) that ( r+ b) did not account for any variance; (3) that approximately 80 % of the variance can be ascribed to the sources ( r− b) and p r ×( r− b); (4) that the departure from the prediction, considered as conservatism, can be fitted well by log Φ( T)= A+ B( r− b), where Φ(T)= (ψ(T)) (1−ψ(T)) ; (5) that A is a function of Ω 0 and B a function of p r . It is suggested that the frequently found influence of ( r+ b) on the amount of conservatism is in fact a result of ( r− b). The results seem to support the misperception hypothesis and are incompatible with the misaggregation hypothesis and the response bias hypothesis.