Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Comics to Communicate About Health: An Introduction to the Symposium on Visual Narratives and Graphic Medicine

Health communication practitioners and researchers benefit from investigating novel methods for conveying information to a variety of relevant audiences (i.e., the public, health care professionals). Research has demonstrated the utility of using narratives to communicate about health (see, e.g., Green, 2006; Hinyard & Kreuter, 2007) and that using visual messaging elements (i.e., photos, illustrations, graphical displays) can be beneficial in communicating complex information (see, e.g., Houts, Doak, Doak, & Loscalzo, 2006). Allied fields, like medical education and public health, have started to pursue more systematic investigation of the intersection of narratives and visualization to communicate about health. The term “graphic medicine” (see Czerwiec et al., 2015; Green, 2010; Williams, 2012) has been coined by a collective of interested researchers, clinicians, and artists to capture this new subfield of research and practice. The visual narratives most relevant to the study of graphic medicine are comics in their many forms. While explaining how people process comics or differentiating exactly what constitutes a visual narrative, comic, or graphic novel is beyond the scope of this symposium introduction, graphic medicine examines the use of sequential (but not always narratively linear) visual storytelling to share health-related experiences and information. Czerwiec and colleagues (2015) define graphic medicine as “the intersection of the medium of comics and the discourse of health . [combining] the principles of narrative medicine with an exploration of the visual systems of comic art, interrogating the representation of physical and emotional signs and symptoms within the medium” (p. 1). While the practice and study of graphic medicine has been occurring forwell over a decade—considerably longer if one retroactively categorizes comics and illustrations about health, wellness, and medicine as “graphic medicine”—research supporting its utility and effectiveness as a communicative tool or as a creative intervention itself is still developing. This symposium aims to add to that growing scholarly literature surrounding graphic medicine by providing a starting point for health communication researchers and scholars to consider the utility of such visual narratives within existing frameworks and paradigms. The symposium features four articles that offer an overview and a starting point for sorting out ways for health communication to contribute to the broad area of work called graphic medicine. Research on Graphic Medicine and Health-Related Comics and Visual Narratives
High‐throughput amplicon scanning of the TP53 gene in breast cancer using high‐resolution fluorescent melting curve analyses and automatic mutation calling

Identifying mutations in the TP53 gene is important for cancer prognosis, predicting response to therapy, and determining genetic risk. We have developed a high‐throughput scanning assay with automatic calling to detect TP53 mutations in DNA from fresh frozen (FF) and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues. The coding region of the TP53 gene (exons 2–11) was PCR‐amplified from breast cancer samples and scanned by high‐resolution fluorescent melting curve analyses using a 384‐well format in the LightCycler 480 instrument. Mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing. Sensitivity and specificity of scanning and automatic mutation calling was determined for FF tissue (whole genome amplified [WGA] and non‐WGA) and FFPE tissue. Thresholds for automatic mutation calling were established for each preparation type. Overall, we confirmed 27 TP53 mutations in 68 primary breast cancers analyzed by high‐resolution melting curve scanning and direct sequencing. Using scanning and automatic calling, there was high specificity (>95%) across all DNA preparation methods. Sensitivities ranged from 100% in non‐WGA DNA from fresh tissue to 86% in WGA DNA and DNA from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Scanning could detect mutated DNA at a dilution of 1:200 in a background of wild‐type DNA. Mutation scanning by high‐resolution fluorescent melting curve analyses can be done in a high‐throughput and automated fashion. The TP53 scanning assay can be performed from a variety of specimen types with high sensitivity/specificity and could be used for clinical and research purposes. Hum Mutat 29(5), 757–764, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Framework for city leadership in multilevel governance settings: the comparative contexts of Italy and the UK

This paper discusses the role of city leadership in the current multilevel governance settings and provides a conceptual framework for understanding the main elements of city leadership. Forms of political, managerial and civic leadership have been distinguished within city leadership and the main actors, structures, processes and followership patterns are examined using Italy and the UK as starting points of comparison. This comparative framework sheds a light on some common and different features in the city leadership patterns in Italy and the UK, such as the cross-cutting and multilayered administrative context for public service delivery; the common trend towards strengthening the executive side of political leadership rather than the representative one; the growing relevance of forms of civic leadership as a trigger for creating public and social value and for enhancing the resilience of the territories. Main differences deal instead with the role of central government in defining the role of city leaders, where Italy seems to experience a return towards greater centralization and controls, and the UK is experiencing an opposite trend towards the empowerment of local communities. Finally, the paper sets out some future directions for the research agenda on city leadership we are seeking to pursue.
Design and Synthesis of Some New 1,3,4-Thiadiazines with Coumarin Moieties and Their Antioxidative and Antifungal Activity

A series of newly disubstituted (compounds 4a,b) and trisubstituted 1,3,4-thiadiazines 5a–l with various substituents was prepared utilizing different thiosemicarbazides and 3-α-bromoacetylcoumarins as starting compounds. The structures of the synthesized 1,3,4-thiadiazines are elucidated and confirmed utilizing the corresponding analytical and spectroscopic data. All of the new thiadiazine derivatives were tested for their antioxidant activity, employing different antioxidant assays (DPPH scavenging activity, iron chelating activity, power reducing activity). Compounds 5b, 5f, 5j and 4b were proven to be the best DPPH radical scavengers, while compounds 5h and 5j have shown the best iron chelating activity. Thiadiazine derivatives were also tested on their antifungal activity against four mycotoxicogenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus, A. ochraceus, Fusarium graminearum and F. verticillioides. The best antifungal against A. flavus was proven to be compound 5e, while compounds 4a and 5c were the best antifungals on A. ochraceus, and compound 5g showed the best antifungal activity on F. verticillioides.
Revealing the Potential of DNA-Based Vaccination: Lessons Learned from the Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen

Abstract DNAbased vaccination is a novel technique to efficiently stimulate humoral (antibody) and cellular (T cell) immune responses to protein antigens. In DNAbased vaccination, immunogenic proteins are expressed in in vivo transfected cells of the vaccine recipients in their native conformation with correct posttranslational modifications from antigenencoding expression plasmid DNA. This ensures the integrity of antibodydefined epitopes and supports the generation of protective (neutralizing) antibody titers. Plasmid DNA vaccination is furthermore an exceptionally potent strategy to stimulate CD8[+] cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses because antigenic peptides are efficiently generated by endogenous processing of intracellular protein antigens. These key features make DNAbased immunization an attractive strategy for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against extra and intracellular pathogens. In this brief review, we summarize the current state of expression vector design, DNA delivery strategies, priming immune responses to intracellular or secreted antigens by DNA vaccines and unique advantages of DNA versus recombinant proteinbased vaccines using the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as a model antigen.
A two‐dimensional model of runaway electron beams driven by quasi‐electrostatic thundercloud fields

Intense, transient quasi‐electrostatic (QE) fields, which exist above thunderclouds following a positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning discharge, can produce an upward travelling runaway electron (REL) beam. A new two‐dimensional (2D) REL‐QE model is developed, expanding the previously reported 1D model [Bell et al., 1995] and incorporating the QE [Pasko et al., 1997a] and the recently developed electrostatic heating (ESH) [Pasko et al., 1997b] models. The new model gives the lateral electron distribution in the beam and allows us to determine the ionospheric effects and the optical luminosities resulting from the simultaneous action of the QE fields on the ambient electrons and the runaway electrons. The model is self‐consistent and includes the changes in space charge and conductivity due to the REL. Optical emissions and γ‐ray emissions [Lehtinen et al., 1996a] are calculated and compared to experimental observations of Sprites and terrestrial γ‐ray flashes (TGF). It is shown that the structure of the electric field and the optical emissions can be significantly affected by the REL.
Sildenafil improves survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH) is a serious disorder of unknown etiology with limited therapeutic options. Sildenafil has been shown to decrease symptoms, improve hemodynamics and quality of life. Its impact on survival is uncertain. We studied the efficacy of sildenafil in improving survival in patients with IPAH. METHODS AND RESULTS Data on survival of patients with IPAH was collected from prospectively maintained registry at our hospital from January 1999 to December 2005. Thirty nine patients who were treated with conventional therapy including digoxin, diuretics, anticoagulants and calcium channel blockers prior to January 2001 served as historical controls (control group). One hundred and thirty nine patients received sildenafil additionally from January 2001 (sildenafil group). All patients in sildenafil group showed improvement in symptoms. Survival of patients in sildenafil group was significantly better compared to historical controls receiving only conventional therapy. It was 89%, 43% and 19% in the control group Vs 93%, 75% and 54% in the sildenafil group at the end of 1, 3 and 5 years respectively (P Value=0.0002). Sildenafil was well tolerated and none of the patients had to discontinue the treatment. CONCLUSION Sildenafil when added to conventional therapy improves symptoms as well as survival significantly compared to conventional therapy alone. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate its impact on survival when used either alone or in combination with other drugs.
The Impact of Spatial Planning on Crime Incidence : Evidence from Korea

The present study investigated the determinants of crime incidence in Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) in Korea, focusing particularly on spatial planning effects on crime incidence. Since crime incidence is in general closely related to the spatial characteristics of a city, we adopted diverse econometrics models (SAR, SEM, SAC, GWR, Mixed GWR) to incorporate the regional characteristics to the statistical models. Also, we adopted spatial discrete choice models such as Spatial Autoregressive Probit model (SAPM) and Spatial Error Probit Model (SEPM), in order to explore the relationship between spatial planning factors and crime hot spots. The spatial planning variables adopted in this study are residential concentration, mixed land use, concentration of crime prevention facilities and spatial accessibility. According to results, residential concentration seems to work in reducing or detering crimes. Mixed land use works positively on crimes. Concentration of crime prevention facilities have positive effects in reducing crimes. As for spatial accessibility, estimation results differ between analysis models, which means a limit as to suggestions regarding the variable. The present study concludes with some policy suggestions that can alleviate crime incidence focusing particularly on urban planning perspectives.
Carcinogenic viruses and solid cancers without sufficient evidence of causal association

Viral infections are important risk factors for tumor development in humans. Selected types of cancers, either lymphomas or carcinomas, for which there is sufficient evidence in humans of a causal association with specific viruses, have been identified. Experimental and clinical data on the possible association of other tumor types and carcinogenic viruses are presently controversial. In this article, we review the current evidence on the relationship between breast, colorectal and lung cancers and carcinogenic viruses. The majority of the publications reviewed do not provide definitive evidence that the viruses studied are associated with breast, colon and lung cancers. However, since this association may be clinically relevant for some tumor subtypes (i.e., lung cancer and papillomaviruses), there is an urgent need for further investigation on this topic. Using innovative laboratory techniques for viral detection on well‐defined tumor types, National and International networks against cancer should encourage and organize concerted research programs on viruses and solid cancer association.
Weed recognition framework for robotic precision farming

In this paper, we introduce a novel framework which applies known image features combined with advanced linear image representations for weed recognition. Our proposed weed recognition framework, is based on state-of-the-the art object/image categorization methods exploiting enhanced performance using advanced encoding and machine learning algorithms. The resulting system can be applied in a variety of environments, plantation or weed types. This results in a novel and generic weed control approach, that in our knowledge is unique among weed recognition methods and systems. For the experimental evaluation of our system, we introduce a challenging image dataset for weed recognition. We experimentally show that the proposed system achieves significant performance improvements in weed recognition in comparison with other known methods.
Estimating risks of common complex diseases: familial and population risks

In a recent article, Lewis et al established a risk estimation model for individuals whose siblings were diagnosed with Crohn disease by incorporating data on CARD15 (NOD2) genotypes, smoking and family history.1 They used Crohn disease as a well selected model for a complex disease,2 which is a timely example in an era when new genetic data on human diseases is filling all media and when discussions abound about individualised genomic medicine.3 4 We would like to consider three separate issues emanating from risk estimation for complex diseases at an individual and population level: reliability of familial risk estimates, use of the low genotype relative risks (GRR) and implications of genomic data at the population level (relating to population attributable fraction, PAF, and familial risk). An overwhelming proportion of the global literature on familial risks is based on anecdotal information on disease in relatives. There is ample literature illustrating the problem of false reporting of cancers in family members; for some reported cancers less than a half can be confirmed by medical records.5 6 The problem is even worse because the direction of false reporting is often opposite for the cases and the …
Validation of minimally invasive measurement of myocardial perfusion using electron beam computed tomography and application in human volunteers

OBJECTIVES To measure myocardial perfusion using an estimate of intramyocardial vascular volume obtained by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) in an animal model; to assess the feasibility and validity of measuring regional myocardial perfusion in human volunteers using the techniques developed and validated in the animal studies. METHODS Measurements of myocardial perfusion with EBCT employing intravenous contrast injections were compared with radioactive microsphere measurements (flow 57 to 346 ml/100 g/min) in seven closed chest dogs. Fourteen human volunteers then underwent EBCT scans using intravenous contrast injections. RESULTS Mean (SEM) global intramyocardial vascular volume by EBCT was 7.6 (1.1)%. The correlation between global EBCT (y) and microsphere (x) perfusion was y = 0.59x + 15.56 (r = 0.86) before, and y = 0.72x + 6.06 (r = 0.88) after correcting for intramyocardial vascular volume. Regional perfusion correlation was y = 0.75x + 23.84 (r = 0.82). Corresponding improvements in agreement between the two techniques were also seen using Bland–Altman plots. In the human subjects, mean resting global myocardial flow was 98 (6) ml/100 g/min, with homogeneous flow across all regions. In 10 of these subjects, perfusion was studied during coronary vasodilatation using intravenous adenosine. Global flow increased from 93 (5) ml/100 g/min at rest to 250 (19) ml/100 g/min during adenosine (p < 0.001), with an average perfusion reserve ratio of 2.8 (0.2). Similar changes in regional perfusion were observed and were uniform throughout all regions, with a mean regional perfusion reserve ratio of 2.8 (0.3). CONCLUSIONS Accounting for intramyocardial vascular volume improves the accuracy of EBCT measurements of myocardial perfusion when using intravenous contrast injections. The feasibility of providing accurate measurements of global and regional myocardial perfusion and perfusion reserve in people using this minimally invasive technique has also been demonstrated.
Long-term Cultivation of the Deep-Sea Clam Calyptogena okutanii: Changes in the Abundance of Chemoautotrophic Symbiont, Elemental Sulfur, and Mucus

Survival of deep-sea Calyptogena clams depends on organic carbon produced by symbiotic, sulfur-oxidizing, autotrophic bacteria present in the epithelial cells of the gill. To understand the mechanism underlying this symbiosis, the development of a long-term cultivation system is essential. We cultivated specimens of Calyptogena okutanii in an artificial chemosynthetic aquarium with a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) supply system provided by the sulfate reduction of dog food buried in the sediment. We studied morphological and histochemical changes in the clams’ gills by immunohistochemical and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. The freshly collected clams contained a high amount of elemental sulfur in the gill epithelial cells, as well as densely packed symbiotic bacteria. Neither elemental sulfur nor symbiotic bacteria was detected in any other organs except the ovaries, where symbiotic bacteria, but not sulfur, was detected. The longest survival of an individual clam in this aquarium was 151 days. In the 3 clams dissected on Days 57 and 91 of the experiment, no elemental sulfur was detected in the gills. The symbiotic bacteria content had significantly decreased by Day 57, and was absent by Day 91. For comparison, we also studied the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus septemdierum, which harbors a phylogenetically close, sulfur-oxidizing, symbiotic bacterium with similar sulfur oxidation pathways. Sulfur particles were not detected, even in the gills of the freshly collected mussels. We discuss the importance of the proportion of available H2S and oxygen to the bivalves for elemental sulfur accumulation. Storage of nontoxic elemental sulfur, an energy source, seems to be an adaptive strategy of C. okutanii.
Field Sampling Investigations Within the Road Paving Industry

This article reinforces data on exposure levels that workers experience within the European road paving industry (mineral and organic aerosols, organic vapors). By means of paired field surveys, this article focuses on comparative experiments dedicated to a personal sampler commonly used in this industry—the 37-mm cassette. This filter holder is compared with a sampler specifically designed by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) for the inhalable fraction of airborne matter. The results reinforce previously published comparative data demonstrating that the total 37-mm cassette and the inhalable IOM sampler give similar results, with no statistical difference, for the collection of field organic aerosols emitted from hot bitumen fumes. Exposure levels are compared with some previous studies, and an estimate of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content in particulates is given for common paving operations.
A joint spatial texture analysis/watermarking system for digital image authentication

A watermarking system ensures the reliability of images transmitted over public networks by asserting their authenticity. The texture property of host image is one of the most interesting characteristics that can be exploited to design image authentication systems. The importance of texture property emerged from the principles of Human Visual System (HVS), where modifying the spatial pixels of highly textured regions within host image increases the imperceptibility and the robustness against different image processing attacks. Many efficient features known in the literature are used to define the texture property of host image, but all of them are intangible. The model proposed in this paper suggests to solve this intangibility by applying one of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods, in order to define highly textured blocks within host image to hold the secret data. The proposed model has been tested on grayscale image and the experiments result shows high level of imperceptibility and robustness against different singular and hybrid attacks.
Cancer and communication: information-giving in an oncology clinic.

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