Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and production of graphic symbols by individuals with aphasia: efficacy of a software application

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the ability of individuals with severe or global aphasia to identify and produce graphic symbols using a software program that turns a microcomputer into an electronic communication device. During the first phase of the treatment program, subjects were trained to identify single symbols and two-symbol combinations from different grammatical categories. The second phase involved training on production of simple subject-verb and subject-verb-object constructions using symbols correctly identified by subjects in the first phase. A single-subject, multiple-baseline design across behaviors replicated across five subjects was used to assess the effects of treatment on symbol identification. Results indicated that all subjects identified noun symbols with a greater degree of accuracy than symbols representing verb referents. Performance on symbol production task varied across subjects. The most frequently observed errors on the symbol production task were omission.
MicroRNA-371-3 cluster as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers

Purpose: To date, increasing evidences have demonstrated that the aberrant expression of miR-371–3 cluster has been verified in various cancers and could be potentially used as a biomarker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. To explore the role of miR-371–3 cluster in tumor diagnosis and prognosis, we conducted this study based on the published data. Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases) (Jan 1, 2007 to Jun 1, 2018). The pooled sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve were used for diagnostic values, meanwhile the pooled hazard ration (HR) and 95% CI were used to explore the prognosis capacity of miR-372 and miR-373. In addition, the publication bias of the enrolled studies was tested and a sensitivity analysis of each study was performed to evaluate the stability of the pooled result. Results: A total of eleven eligible studies containing six eligible studies containing 870 participants for diagnosis and 1218 cancer cases for prognosis were selected for this study. For diagnosis, the pooled results revealed that the miR-371 (sensitivity: 0.85, specificity: 0.92, AUC: 0.92) and miR-373 (sensitivity: 0.81, specificity: 0.93, AUC: 0.93) could be used as diagnostic biomarkers. For prognosis, we observed that elevated miR-372 indicated poor prognosis (HR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.04–5.14), especially in the cutoff value subgroup of median (HR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.54–4.46). In addition, pooled results showed that expression of miR-373 was not related to prognosis because of the significant heterogeneity, and the high miR-373 expression presented favorable prognosis in Asians (HR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.23–0.50) after omitting the study of heterogeneity origin. Conclusion: The current studies demonstrated that miR-371 and miR-373 could be predictive tumor diagnostic biomarkers and the expression of miR-372 and miR-373 may indicate prognosis of cancer patients.
Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging employing a time-domain synthetic aperture focusing technique

An ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) imaging system is presented. The algorithm uses a synthetic aperture focusing technique to generate three-dimensional (3-D) images of hidden flaws in aluminum samples. The graphics software, developed in the C programming language, is capable of displaying 3-D images on the screen of a personal computer. Image zooming allows the inspection of localized areas. A 80386-based host computer is used to speed up the algorithmic computations and to improve the overall system speed. The generated images are of high definition, thus demonstrating the success of such a PC-based system. >
First steps of robotic perception: the turning point of the 1990s

In this paper we analyze the early evolution of robot perception toward robot autonomy: respective impacts of the bare technology and of advanced control are put in perspective. At first, the UniBuM's vehicle, operational in the 1990s, is taken as a study example. The strong points of such systems suggest a discussion of the software technology in image processing and of the hardware technological concept of silicon retina regarding their respective contribution to real machine vision. This second part elicits limitations, which lead again to concepts and realizations in control, through the need for sensor fusion and active vision. The ultimate step to robot autonomy would be learning, and this is considered in the conclusion.
Helping analysts reason about social network structure: Evidence from training and interactive visualization

Communications through phone, email and social networking create increasingly vast webs of data that can be analyzed for research in areas such as marketing, forecasting, and criminal network analyses. Trained analysts can manipulate algorithmically processed data to find conclusions for further investigation, and visualization of this data can enable analysts to draw conclusions more quickly and accurately than from text alone. To examine various methods for manipulating visualized, networked data an experiment was conducted in which participants used an interactive program to determine if hierarchical sub-graph hypotheses conformed to network data. To determine what types of training best prepare analysts to interact with such networked data sets, participants were divided into four groups, each completing one of four training exercises prior to the interactive visualization portion of the experiment. Training sessions required participants to examine or actively create visual, verbal, or visual and verbal hierarchical structures. Groups that were trained with multiple representations of hierarchical structures correctly completed more hypothesis testing tasks and were able to do so more quickly. All groups showed an overall reduction in time needed to correctly complete the hypothesis testing tasks as they proceeded through trials, resulting in learning curves for each group. Various solution methods were identified that were used by high-performing subjects, but differences in method suggest that analysts create individualized mental-models, and there may be no single " best " solution method. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Pharmacological evaluation of antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of Chenopodium album root extract in male Wistar albino rat models

Aim: The roots of Chenopodium album Linn (C. album) are traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes. In the present communication, we investigated the antidiabetic effect of methanolic extract of C. album roots in male Wistar albino rat models. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of a freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ) solution (60 mg/kg body weight). Blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were measured at the end of the study. Glucometer and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method were used for the determination of blood glucose and plasma insulin levels, respectively. At the end of treatments, various biochemical parameters such as triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) were examined. The liver and pancreas were isolated for histopathology examinations. Body weight measurements were done on a weekly basis to determine the effect of treatments. Results and Discussions: The phytochemical screening of C. album methanolic extract indicated the presence of proteins, alkaloids, saponin glycosides, amino acids and flavonoids. C. album extract showed a significant decline in fasting blood glucose level. Further, a high dose (HD) of C. album extract significantly normalized insulin level. The results revealed that the methanolic extract of C. album roots was effective in normalizing plasma lipid status and decreased cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels. The results revealed that HD of C. album extract had a positive effect on body weight of treated rats. A nonsignificant increase in SGPT and SGOT enzyme activity was observed in STZ treated animals when compared to the control animals. Treatment with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) and all the doses of C. album extract showed a decreased pattern of these liver enzymatic activities as compared to the diabetes group. Conclusion: The results suggest that the methanolic extract of C. album roots is effective in the prevention of experimentally induced diabetes substantiate its traditional claim.
Hub-and-spoke logistics network design for third party logistics service providers

Third Party Logistics service providers (3PLs) are playing an increasing role in the management of supply chains. 3PLs offer a wide range of logistics services, e.g. warehousing and transportation services. We consider a 3PL company that is responsible for managing the inbound logistics of raw materials and components from multiple suppliers to several manufacturing plants. In this paper, we consider the hub-and-spoke logistics network design problem for 3PL companies. Our purpose is to decide on the number, location and operation of hub facilities so as to minimize the total logistics costs for the network. We formulate the problem as a mixed integer nonlinear programming model and linearize it using a step-by-step approach. Linearization of the model makes it possible to solve it to optimality using a standard optimization package. Numerical results reveal substantial cost saving as a consequence of using the hub-and-spoke network configuration compared to a direct shipment strategy.
Carradale Manor Web Development Project

This poster presents a summary of a 3 year Information Systems internship that was completed by a student for a bed and breakfast business. The project completed included the design and development of a website and a mobile application where the client did not have a high level of IT literacy. The poster presents the aims, processes and outcomes of the project. The skills developed and enhanced by the student included increased knowledge of HTML and CSS as well as the application of JavaScript and PHP and the creation of MySQL databases
Genetic Programming Based Network Traffic-Profiling System

A new approach is proposed for unattended grouping of traffic sources. This is GA based search technique, which use finite state machine as a genetic representation of solution domain. Models approximate multi host communication in relation to host under research. They describe traffic source behavior handling event sequence with internal loops and provide similar traffic source grouping. The proof of concept implementation shows potential capability to detect network anomalies and sources of unwanted traffic. Ill. 7, bibl. 8 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
Diagnostic value of biomarkers for sepsis in adult patients in the emergency department: Don't forget the neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio

Objective: To determine and compare the diagnostic efficiency of various biomarkers [C-reactive protein, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLCR), lactate, procalcitonin, blood culture] in the identification of septic patients in emergency department (ED), and to assess the predictive value of combination of markers. Methods: This was a prospective, single centre study conducted in the ED of an urban, tertiary care hospital. We included patients who were admitted to the ED with symptoms of a possible infection. Blood cultures and serum measurement of the biomarkers were collected from 131 patients. Patients were determined to be septic or non-septic, based on the systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and the diagnosis was made at the ED. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under curves (AUC) were calculated. Results: A total of 126 patients, 61 with sepsis and 65 without sepsis were eventually included in the study. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio displayed the highest accuracy in diagnosing sepsis (AUC 0.735, 95% CI=0648-0.822, P<0.001). The best combination of markers in predicting sepsis was NLCR and white blood cell (AUC: 0.801, 95% CI=0.724-0.878, P<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this small study showed that NLCR outperforms other markers in diagnosing sepsis in ED. It is readily available, cost efficient, non invasive and independent. It may be insufficient to rely on this single marker to diagnose sepsis, so some other diagnostic utilities should be taken into account as one part of the overall assessment. Our study also showed that combination of NLCR and white blood cell provides the highest diagnostic accuracy. More large scale studies across different population groups will be needed to confirm this finding.
Peribulbar Block Using Dexmedetomdine versus Magnesium Sulphate as Additives to Local Anesthetics for Cataract Surgery

Background: peribulbar block is commonly used for cataract surgery in adults, most commonly local anesthetics were injected into peribulbar space, but using only local anesthetics for peribulbar anesthesia is associated with delayed onset of globe akinesia and, short duration of analgesia and frequent need of block supplementation Objective: to assess the efficacy and safety of addition of dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulphate to local anesthetic mixture for peribulbar block in cataract surgery. Patients and Methods: the patients were divided randomly into two equal groups: Dexmedetomidine group (D Group) included 30 patients who received 50 µg dexmedetomidine adjuvant to local anesthetics mixture (lidocaine and bupivacaine). Magnesium sulphate group (M Group) included 30 patients who received 50mg of Magnesium sulphate adjuvant to local anesthetics mixture (lidocaine and bupivacaine). Results: The addition of Dexmedetomidine or Magnesium sulphate to local anesthetic in cataract surgery accelerates the onset of corneal anesthesia and globe akinesia . The decrease in the IOP is more in D Group . No significant changes in the hemodynamic measurements in both groups Conclusion: Use of 50ug dexmedatomedine or 50mg magnesium sulphate 10% with mixture of lidocaine 2% plus bupivacine 0.5% for peribulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery enhances the onset of globe anesthesia and akinesia . Dexmedetomidine causes more decrease in intraocular pressure magnesium sulphate.
Towards the production of a corpus for content analysis of references in scientific literature

Since, at the moment, there is not a gold-standard annotated corpus to allow generation and testing of automatic systems for classifying the purpose or function of a citation referenced in an article; it is necessary to build one, for this objective. The development of this kind of corpus is subject to two conditions: the first one is to present a clear and unambiguous classification scheme. The second one is to secure an initial manual process of labeling to reach a sufficient inter-coder agreement among annotators to validate the annotation scheme and to be able to reproduce it even with coders who do not know in depth the topic of the analyzed articles. This paper proposes and validates a methodology for corpus annotation for citation classification in scientific literature that facilitate annotation and produces substantial inter-annotator agreement.
Public Counseling: An Educational Model to Improve Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a major chronic illness worldwide, including in Indonesia. Also, the adherence to antidiabetic medicines remains unsatisfactory. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of public counseling to increase medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This prospective study used a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design. It was conducted at Pondok Kelapa primary health care center in East Jakarta. The intervention was public counseling that was delivered once per month for three months (12 weeks) of the study period. The A1C (glycated haemoglobin) was assessed twice, i.e., before and after the intervention. Results: Among the 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 83.3% of them had the A1C level >6.5%. After 12 weeks of intervention, the percentage of A1C significantly declined to 23.3% (p=0.00). Conclusion: Public counseling is effective to increase medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Genetics of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

ABSTRACT Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that often develop on a background of predisposing genetic mutations. With the continuous expansion of genetic landscape of PPGL, new tools of genetic screening have been developed for simultaneous parallel sequencing of multiple genes, at faster rates and lower costs. Yet, next-generation sequencing techniques are not available worldwide and demand expertise to circumvent technical limitations and interpret results of uncertain significance, and thus a sequential genetic analysis driven by the clinical phenotype remains advisable for a successful diagnosis, and to save costs. In this chapter, we focus on the clinical features of patients with PPGLs as a framework for an optimized sequential genetic screening. We also describe new syndromes and genes that are expanding the genetic etiology of PPGLs.
RRU_A_191555 179..188

You (Maria) Wu Blayne Welk 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; 2Department of Surgery and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada Abstract: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affect many women in their lifetime. In this review, we describe and evaluate the latest treatment options for SUI and POP, including the controversy around transvaginal mesh (TVM) use. Growing evidence supports the utilization of pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for both SUI and POP. Vaginal pessaries continue to be an effective and reversible option to manage SUI and POP symptoms. The midurethral sling remains the gold standard for surgical treatment of SUI, although patients and clinicians should acknowledge the potentially serious complications of TVM. Burch urethropexy and pubovaginal sling offer good SUI cure and may be preferred in women wishing to avoid mesh implants; however, their operative morbidities and more challenging surgical approach may limit their use. Sitespecific cystocele or rectocele repairs may be indicated for isolated anterior or posterior vaginal compartment prolapse; however, in women with more severe POP, evidence supports using a vaginal native-tissue repair involving apical suspension as the primary surgical technique. Although abdominal and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies are both effective in treating POP, their failure and mesh complication rates increase with time. There is insufficient evidence to support the widespread use of uterine-preserving surgical POP repairs at present due to the lack of long-term data. Routine TVM use is not recommended in POP surgeries and should only be considered on a case-by-case basis by trained surgeons, primarily in women with multiple risk factors for POP recurrence. In general, clinicians should individualize SUI and POP treatment options for women based on their symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors for mesh-related complications.
Frequency of accessory mental foramen and mandibular canal variations in dental implant patients: a retrospective CBCT study

accessory and retromolar Objectives: The aim of this study is to reveal the frequency and characteristics of the accessory mental foramen and retromolar canal. Material and methods: A total of 480 CBCT images obtained from dental implant patients were assessed. Demographic data and accessory mental foramen and mandibular canal variations were noted. All obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 480 CBCT images were assessed. 208 (43.33%) of the patients were female and 272 (56.66%) were male. A total of 41 (8.5%) accessory mental foramen and 46 (9.6%) mandibular canal variations were discov­ ered on 480 CBCT images. The age range of patients was from 18 to 84 years. Conclusions: Identification of anatomical structures and their variations can play an important role in im­ plant dentistry. Clinicians commonly prefer conventional radiologic methods to evaluate the dentomaxillofa­ cial region. Although most of the variations are asymptomatic and require no treatment, correct identification of these findings will reduce unnecessary further diagnostic assessments and will provide more appropriate treatment plans.
ENHANCEMENT OF IMMUNE RESPONSE TO VACCINES AGAINST HIV BY SELF-BOOSTING

A major challenge for immunologists has been the development of vaccines able to augment both of humoral and cellular immune responses. One particularly promising approach is the prime–boost strategy, which has been shown to generate high levels of T-cell memory in animal models. In the present study, HIV-1 gp41 (662-683) loaded liposomes were used to determine how does prime–boost strategy would be beneficial for generation of humoral and cellular responses. BALB/c mice were immunized with HIV-1 gp41 (662-683) liposomes and 30 days later they received the booster doseof the same immunogen. HIV-1 gp41 (662-683) specific humoralresponse was evaluated pre-prime, 30days post-prime and 30 days post-boost by ELISA. HIV-1 gp41 (662-683) specific antibodies sharply jumped after boosting by ~40 foldcompared to that generated by priming. Similarly, self-boosting generated considerably HIV-1 gp41 (662-683) specific antigen secreting plasma cells in bone marrow. Overall, the results suggest that self-boosting is very important for generation of specific humoral response for HIV-1 gp41 (662-683). This prime-boost strategy shows a promise to induce both of specific-antibodies and specific antibody secreting cells in bone marrowfor weak immunogens like HIV-1 gp41 (662-683).
High tumor mutation burden predicts better efficacy of immunotherapy: a pooled analysis of 103078 cancer patients

ABSTRACT The relation between tumor mutation burden (TMB) and outcome of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy has been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of TMB in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Databases including Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane library were systematically searched to identify potentially eligible studies until Sep 2018 without language limitation. Studies assessing high versus low TMB in predicting survival of various cancer patients were selected. The pooled analyses were conducted using hazard ratio (HR) of high versus low TMB for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the odds ratio (OR) for overall response rate (ORR). The primary endpoint was OS. Secondary outcomes were PFS and ORR. A total of 45 studies consisting of 103078 cancer patients were included. The combined results showed that high TMB was associated with better OS (HR = 0.40; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.30–0.53; p< . 00001), PFS (HR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.26–0.53; p< .00001) and ORR (OR = 4.62; 95%CI: 2.90–7.34; p< .0001) when treated with immunotherapy. In studying patients with high TMB, these patients had improved OS (HR = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.47–1.03; p= .07) when comparing immunotherapy to chemotherapy. Subgroup analyses suggested that the prognostic role of TMB was independent of cancer types and TMB detection methods (all p< .05). Our findings suggest that high TMB is associated with better survival in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. For cancer patients with high TMB, immunotherapy could be considered.