Hybrid Neural Differential Equations to Model Unknown Mechanisms and States in Biology.

Efforts to model complex biological systems increasingly face challenges from ambiguous relationships within the model, such as through partially unknown mechanisms or unmodelled intermediate states. Hybrid neural differential equations are a recent modeling framework which has been previously shown to enable identification and prediction of complex phenomena, especially in the context of partially unknown mechanisms. We extend the application of hybrid neural differential equations to enable incorporation of theorized but unmodelled states within differential equation models.

Modeling the CD8＋ T cell immune response to influenza infection in adult and aged mice.

The CD8＋ T cell response is the main determinant of viral clearance during influenza infection. However, influenza viral dynamics and the respective immune responses are affected by the host's age. To investigate age-related differences in the CD8＋ T cell immune response dynamics, we propose 16 ordinary differential equation models of existing experimental data.

The acidified drinking water-induced changes in the behavior and gut microbiota of wild-type mice depend on the acidification mode.

Acidification of drinking water to a pH between 2.5 and 3.0 is widely used to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases in animal colonies.

Effect of Low-Intensity vs Standard-Intensity Warfarin Prophylaxis on Venous Thromboembolism or Death Among Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The optimal international normalized ratio (INR) to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in warfarin-treated patients with recent arthroplasty is unknown.

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of a target INR of 1.8 vs 2.

Effect of Genotype-Guided Warfarin Dosing on Clinical Events and Anticoagulation Control Among Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: The GIFT Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Warfarin use accounts for more medication-related emergency department visits among older patients than any other drug. Whether genotype-guided warfarin dosing can prevent these adverse events is unknown.

Objective: To determine whether genotype-guided dosing improves the safety of warfarin initiation.

Naming Speed of Adolescents and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Differences in Alphanumeric Versus Color/Object Naming.

This study investigated the performance of adolescents and young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Reading Disorder (RD), and ADHD/RD on measures of alphanumeric and nonalphanumeric naming speed and the relationship between naming speed and academic achievement. The sample (N = 203) included students aged 17-28 years diagnosed with ADHD (n = 83), RD (n = 71), or ADHD/RD (n = 49). Individuals with ADHD performed significantly faster on measures of alphanumeric naming compared with RD and comorbid groups and, within group, demonstrated significantly quicker naming of letters/digits compared with colors/objects.

The Role of Bioacoustic Signals in Koala Sexual Selection: Insights from Seasonal Patterns of Associations Revealed with GPS-Proximity Units.

Despite being a charismatic and well-known species, the social system of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus--the only extant member of the family Phascolarctidae) is poorly known and much of the koala's sociality and mating behaviors remain un-quantified. We evaluated these using proximity logging-GPS enabled tracking collars on wild koalas and discuss their implications for the mating system of this species. The frequency and duration of male-female encounters increased during the breeding season, with male-male encounters quite uncommon, suggesting little direct mating competition.

How Is ADHD Assessed and Documented? Examination of Psychological Reports Submitted to Determine Eligibility for Postsecondary Disability.

To examine how ADHD evaluations are documented for postsecondary students requesting disability eligibility. A total of 100 psychological reports submitted for eligibility determination were coded for documentation of () criteria, methods and instruments used in the evaluations, and recommended academic accommodations. Results showed that a minimal number of reports (≤1%) documented that students met all criteria for ADHD.

Hysterectomy improves sexual response? Addressing a crucial omission in the literature.

The prevailing view in the literature is that hysterectomy improves the quality of life. This is based on claims that hysterectomy alleviates pain (dyspareunia and abnormal bleeding) and improves sexual response. Because hysterectomy requires cutting the sensory nerves that supply the cervix and uterus, it is surprising that the reports of deleterious effects on sexual response are so limited.

Who's afraid of the G-spot?

Introduction: No controversy can be more controversial than that regarding the existence of the G-spot, an anatomical and physiological entity for women and many scientists, yet a gynecological UFO for others.

Methods: The pros and cons data have been carefully reviewed by six scientists with different opinions on the G-spot. This controversy roughly follows the Journal of Sexual Medicine Debate held during the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Congress in Florence in the February of 2009.

The enhancement of female sexual function with ArginMax, a nutritional supplement, among women differing in menopausal status.

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the role of dietary supplementation on sexual function in women of differing menopausal status. One hundred eight (108) women, age 22-73 years, who reported a lack of sexual desire, enrolled as participants. Of these, 55 received ArginMax for women and 53 received placebo.

Functional localization of brainstem and cervical spinal cord nuclei in humans with fMRI.

Background And Purpose: To our knowledge, no published functional map of the human lower brainstem exists. Our purpose was to use 1.5-T functional MR imaging (fMRI) to visualize the location of cranial nerve (CN) nuclei and other pontine, bulbar, and cervical spinal cord nuclei by using specific sensory stimulation or motor performance.

Reproductive decision making in mothers with HIV-1.

Eighty percent of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are of childbearing age and the incidence of HIV in women is rapidly increasing. Despite the risk of perinatal transmission and The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) recommendation that HIV-positive women delay pregnancy, HIV-infected women continue to become pregnant and have children. To gain insight into reproductive decision-making of women with HIV, 25 mothers who participated in a natural history study of perinatal HIV transmission were interviewed using open-ended questions based on Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action.

Women with complete spinal cord injury: a phenomenological study of sexual experiences.

This study examines psychosocial, emotional, and relationship aspects of sexuality in the lives of 15 women who sustained complete spinal cord injury (SCI) between the levels of T6 and L2. Phenomenological interviews were organized to chronologically sequence events with the intention of describing the trajectory of sexuality in women with complete SCI. A set of themes emerged from postinjury data that were labeled cognitive-genital dissociation, sexual disenfranchisement, and sexual rediscovery.

The consensus-based classification of female sexual dysfunction: barriers to universal acceptance.

Although the CCFSD attempts to clarify and modify the existing definitions of female sexual dysfunctions, the current authors (a sex therapist and a sex researcher) believe that the classification system has significant flaws that will prevent its widespread acceptance and application. The major concern is that the CCFSD is based on the triphasic model of sexual response. The triphasic model is based on male sexual response and does not take into account the documented variety of ways that women respond sexually.

Report of the international consensus development conference on female sexual dysfunction: definitions and classifications.

Purpose: Female sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent but not well defined or understood. We evaluated and revised existing definitions and classifications of female sexual dysfunction.

Materials And Methods: An interdisciplinary consensus conference panel consisting of 19 experts in female sexual dysfunction selected from 5 countries was convened by the Sexual Function Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease.