Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Online machine learning for combinatorial data

With an ever increasing demand on large scale data, difficulties exist in terms of processing and utilising the information available. In particular, making decisions based upon sequentially acquired data where only limited information is initially known, is an important problem. Often the input data in such problems have a complex combinatorial structure, for example consider an internet advertising system that manages advertisement placement over a network of websites. The ways of placing m different advertisements on n websites with replacement, is an exponential number of mn possible combinations that scales badly with large n. As a combinatorial problem, the data can be manipulated within a frequently occurring computational object called graph, allowing the structure to be exploited for intelligent automatic processing. Traditionally, machine learning techniques require a separate initial training phase before predictions can occur on unseen data. However, the sequential nature of some problems necessitate real-time prediction, thereby making many existing techniques unsuitable. Online learning is a field of machine learning that has an ensemble of algorithms that learn from sequential streaming data, where the learner cannot control or in influence the data collection procedure. Although these existing online methods have theoretical guarantees on performance, in the context of combinatorial complexity of graphical structures they are not yet fully matured. In this thesis, a series of algorithms that attempt to overcome the shortcomings of existing online algorithms are presented. The discrete graphical model, called the Ising model, is explored to develop online approximation algorithms for label prediction. A deterministic approximation algorithm with sequential guarantee is developed, by capturing the persistent structures of maximum flows and minimum cuts in the network and an efficient enumeration of all label consistent minimum cuts. Novel mistake bounds are provided that improve and match previous performance bounds in the literature. Additionally, a variational approximation technique using mean field approximation is built for online prediction of multi-class labelling on the Ising model. An online sequential action selection algorithm for the limited feedback setting (bandit feedback) and side information is developed with a linear programming relaxation of the classic maximal flow problem. Finally, the multiple objective optimization problem with conflicting objectives and full feedback is studied and an online algorithm is built that outperforms the traditional approaches under similar assumptions.
Denoising Projection Data with a Robust Adaptive Bilateral Filter in Low-Count SPECT

Low-count SPECT images are well known to be smoothed strongly by a Butterworth filter for statistical noise reduction. Reconstructed images have a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spatial resolution because of the removal of high-frequency signal components. Using the developed robust adaptive bilateral filter (RABF), which was designed as a pre-stage filter of the Butterworth filter, this study was conducted to improve SNR without degrading the spatial resolution for low-count SPECT imaging. The filter can remove noise while preserving spatial resolution. To evaluate the proposed method, we extracted SNR and spatial resolution in a phantom study. We also conducted paired comparison for visual image quality evaluation in a clinical study. Results show that SNR was increased 1.4 times without degrading the spatial resolution. Visual image quality was improved significantly (p < 0.01) for clinical low-count data. Moreover, the accumulation structure became sharper. A structure embedded in noise emerged. Our method, which denoises without degrading the spatial resolution for low-count SPECT images, is expected to increase the effectiveness of diagnosis for low-dose scanning and short acquisition time scanning.
Bayesian Adaptive Design for Finding the Maximum Tolerated Sequence of Doses in Multicycle Dose-Finding Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE Statistical designs for traditional phase I dose-finding trials consider dose-limiting toxicity in the first cycle of treatment. In reality, patients often go through multiple cycles of treatment and may experience toxicity events in more than one cycle. Therefore, it is desirable to identify the maximum tolerated sequence of three doses across three cycles of treatment. METHODS Motivated by a three-cycle dose-finding clinical trial for a rare cancer with a JAK inhibitor, we proposed and implemented a simple Bayesian adaptive dose-cycle finding (BaSyc) design that allows intercycle and intrapatient dose modification. Because of the patient-specific dosing strategy over cycles, the BaSyc design is suited as a method in precision oncology. RESULTS BaSyc is simple and transparent because its algorithm can be summarized as two tabulated decision rules before the trial starts, allowing physicians to visually examine these rules. In addition, BaSyc employs a time-saving enrollment scheme that speeds up the trial. Extensive simulation studies show that BaSyc has desirable operating characteristics in identifying the maximum tolerated sequence. CONCLUSION The BaSyc design provides a first-of-kind multicycle approach for dose finding and will likely lead to better and safer patient care and drug development.
Capitalizing on Multiple Intelligences to Enhance Vocabulary Development in a Sixth Grade Classroom

This study was designed to determine if Multiple Intelligence Theory is a more effective approach to vocabulary development than direct instruction. Eighty Sixth Grade students from a suburban school district in Western New York were the subjects for this study. In order to determine the students' prior knowledge of the 60 words to be used in the study, the students were given a pretest. The study was conducted over six weeks with the students receiving a new vocabulary list consisting of ten words from the pretest each week. During three of the weeks the students were taught via direct instruction. During the remaining three weeks a multiple intelligence approach was employed. The amount of time during the school day devoted to vocabulary instruction was the same regardless of instructional approach. Specific instructional activities and lessons for each approach are outlined in the thesis. At the end of each week a posttest was given to the students. The researcher evaluated the growth made during each week and searched for a statistically significant difference between the means of the two approaches. The results forded that both methods were indeed effective in enhancing vocabulary growth in sixth grade students. However, when comparing the means of the two approaches, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of Multiple Intelligence Theory.
Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors (version 2019.4) in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology Database

Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) receptors (nomenclature as recommended by NC-IUPHAR [92]) are activated by the endogenous cyclic nonapeptides vasopressin and oxytocin. These peptides are derived from precursors which also produce neurophysins (neurophysin I for oxytocin; neurophysin II for vasopressin). Vasopressin and oxytocin differ at only 2 amino acids (positions 3 and 8). There are metabolites of these neuropeptides that may be biologically active [67].
Real world effectiveness and safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian, or primary peritoneal cancer: a Korean multicenter retrospective cohort study

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin with carboplatin (CD) compared with those of carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian, or primary peritoneal cancer in a real-world setting in Korea. Methods We enrolled relevant patients from 9 institutions. All patients received CD or CP as the second- or third-line chemotherapy in routine clinical practice during 2013–2018. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicity. The secondary endpoint included the objective response rate (ORR). Results Overall, 432 patients (224 and 208 in the CD and CP groups, respectively) were included. With a median follow-up of 18.9 months, the median PFS was not different between the groups (12.7 vs. 13.6 months; hazard ratio, 1.161; 95% confidence interval, 0.923–1.460; p=0.202). The ORR was 74.6% and 80.1% in the CD and CP group, respectively (p=0.556). Age and surgery at relapse were independent prognostic factors. More patients in the CD group significantly experienced a grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity and hand-foot syndrome (13.8% vs. 6.3%), whereas grade 2 or more alopecia (6.2% vs. 36.1%), peripheral neuropathy (4.4% vs. 11.4%), and allergic/hypersensitivity reaction (0.4% vs. 8.5%) developed more often in the CP group. Conclusions The safety and effectiveness of chemotherapy with CD in a real-world setting were consistent with the results from a randomized controlled study. The different toxicity profiles between the 2 chemotherapy (CD and CP) regimens should be considered in the clinical practice. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03562533
Artificial intelligence for colorectal polyp detection: are we ready for prime time?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Colonoscopy is protective against CRC through the detection and removal of neoplastic polyps. Unfortunately, the procedure is highly operator dependent with significant miss rates for polyps. Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-aided detection software offers a promising solution by providing real-time assistance to highlight lesions that may otherwise be overlooked. Rapid advances have occurred in the field with recent prospective clinical trials demonstrating an improved adenoma detection rate (ADR) with AI assistance. Deployment in routine clinical practice is possible in the near future although further robust clinical trials are necessary and important practical challenges relating to real-world implementation must be addressed.
Role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of chronic right upper quadrant pain due to biliary dyskinesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and feasibility of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with longstanding right upper quadrant pain secondary to biliary dyskinesia. Methods A systematic review of the literature including published randomized, controlled trials, non-randomized trials and comparative trials of any type, reporting outcomes of LC in the management of chronic right upper quadrant pain in patients with biliary dyskinesia, using the principles of meta-analysis on RevMan 5.3 statistical software, was undertaken. Results Thirteen studies including 740 patients evaluating the symptomatic improvement following LC in patients with biliary dyskinesia presenting as chronic right upper quadrant pain were included. There were 542 patients in LC group and 198 patients in Non-LC group. Successful complete resolution of symptoms was more likely to be achieved in LC group [risk ratio (RR), 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.09-0.50, P=0.00001]. In addition, the risk of failure to resolve symptoms (risk ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.39, P=0.00001) was lower in LC group. Conclusions LC may be considered as an acceptable surgical intervention in patients with biliary dyskinesia presenting with chronic right upper quadrant pain. Currently there is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of LC in every patient with biliary dyskinesia. Paucity of high power randomised, controlled trials is the major reason for this lack of evidence which should be addressed soon and until then current study may be used to provide the basis for offering LC in selected group of patients.
Influencing Relaxation by a Low Intensity Transcranial Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation Applying the Entrainment Model

Relaxation is becoming increasingly important in modern stressful times. Besides special psychological practices or consuming pharmaceuticals, one can achieve a more relaxed state also by applying an appropriate magnetic field stimulation of the head (low-intensity rTMS). Following the entrain-ment model, we did the research using carefully chosen frequencies of modest MF intensity that followed the principles of clinical trials. Besides the situations of blind verum stimulation and the sham one, we tested also the situation that included expectations of the applied stimulation. The testing was done by electrophysiological methods and VAS. The results demonstrated an objective relaxing effect of MF stimulation, where drowsiness was not stimulated. This outcome is much more evident from electrophysiological data than from the VAS ones. From the latter results, we noticed even a slightly negative reaction to expectations.
Harmful alcohol consumption and its predictors among drivers with Crash Related Trauma (CRT) in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Background: Alcohol impaired driving is a leading cause of Crash Related Trauma (CRT) in Nigeria. Information regarding pattern of alcohol consumption among drivers presenting CRT is scarce. This study explores the pattern of harmful alcohol consumption, its demographic correlates associated with risky driving behaviour among recuperating drivers in a tertiary hospital in Oshogbo, Nigeria. Methods: The study crosssectional study of recuperating patients presenting Crash Related Trauma (CRT) at the accident ward and the physiotherapy unit of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The recuperating drivers responded to the Risky driving behaviour scale, Alcohol disorder screening tool and sociodemographic questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses at p and #8804;0.05. Results: Findings revealed that less than half of the victims were daily drinkers and 28% were heavy drinkers. The prevalence of hazardous drinking was 37.3%. Age of driver, gender, religious affiliation and driving experience were associated with harmful alcohol intake. Gender (male sex); driving experience, high alcohol consumption rates and alcohol related problems predicted risky driving behaviour. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of alcohol dependency among drivers recuperating from CRT. Drug rehabilitation for Alcoholics should be inculcated in the management of CRT victims.
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF CLINICAL SCORES, PENTRAXIN3 AND C - REACTIVE PROTEIN IN TOXIN-RELATED ACUTE LUNG INJURY AND ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

Objectives: Toxin-related ALI (Acute lung injury) and/or ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome) is challenging to critical care physicians. This study aimed at evaluation of clinical scores, pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictors of severity and outcome in toxin – related ALI/ARDS in 50 acutely intoxicated patients. Material and Method: Laboratory variables were assessed on day1, day 2, day3 and endpoint. Clinical data were employed in the calculation of APACHE II score, Lung Injury score (LIS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Results: Several variables were associated with poor outcome in the poisoned ARDS patients like prolonged ICU stay, prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, low PO2/FiO2 and SO2/FiO2 ratios, high APACHE II, SOFA and lung injury scores on the 1st day, elevated plasma PTX3 levels on the 1st day, and elevated serum CRP levels after 24 hours of admission. APACHE II score surpassed other scores as an excellent predictor of outcome within the 1st 24 hours of admission. PTX3 represented an early marker of severity, and its levels correlated with parameters of lung injury, systemic organ failure and outcome. Conclusion: Early combination of plasma PTX3 and predictive scores could help in identifying patients at risk of severe fatal toxin – related ARDS
Traffic data collection and anonymous vehicle detection using wireless sensor networks : research summary.

New traffic sensing devices based on wireless sensing technologies were designed and tested. Such devices encompass a cost-effective, battery-free, and energy self-sustained architecture for real-time traffic measurement over distributed points in a transportation system. A weather-resistant enclosure was designed and manufactured to protect the sensor from traffic impacts on the highway. This scalable technology can monitor traffic parameters such as flow, occupancy, point speed, and vehicle classification on road systems in real-time. The data collector device is also equipped with a memory card reader, which makes it suitable for temporary installation and short-term data collection. In addition to traditional traffic parameters, the sensors can measure and report the temperature of their surroundings because they are surface-mounted. The sensors developed as a result of this project are also capable of capturing a digital magnetic signature of vehicles within any intervals required by clients. The digital magnetic signature was processed to calculate traffic volume, vehicle speed, and vehicle length estimation for classification. With the help from Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and Inter County Connector (ICC) staff, five sensors were permanently deployed and thoroughly tested on a section of the ICC.
Group-based intervention in a primary healthcare setting was more effective for weight loss than usual care

Background Literature and practice recommendations for lifestyle interventions to treat the increasing number of obese patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or risk factors for NCDs attending resource-constrained public healthcare facilities in South Africa are scarce. Aim To compare the impact of a facility-based therapeutic group (FBTG) intervention with usual care on weight in obese participants, with NCDs or risk factors for NCDs. Setting Public healthcare facility providing primary healthcare services in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods A quasi-experimental study design was used where participants chose to receive weight loss treatment with either the FBTG or usual care interventions. Both interventions involved a one-on-one medical and dietetic consultation, while FBTG participants had six additional group sessions. Follow-up assessments took place 6 months after baseline. Socio-demographic variables, blood pressure, smoking status, weight, height, waist circumference, dietary intake, physical activity and stage of change were measured. Results Of the 193 obese adults enrolled, 96 selected the FBTG and 97 selected usual care. There were no significant differences at baseline between the two groups. Weight loss over 6 months was greater (p < 0.001) in FBTG (median [IQR] of −2.9 [−5.1; −0.3] kg) than usual care (−0.9 [−0.9; 0.6] kg) participants. At 6 months, more FBTG completers reached the weekly target of 150 min (p = 0.009), while both groups showed improvements in dietary intake. More FBTG (74%) than usual care (49%) participants were in the action stage of change by 6 months (p = 0.010). Conclusions The group-based intervention was more effective than usual care in weight reduction as well as improvements in physical activity and stage of change.
Development of a tool for automatic segmentation of the cerebellum in MR images of children

Effective methods for the propagation of cerebellar labels from structural atlases facilitate studies of cerebellar morphometry. The cortical cerebellar structures in our atlas were manually labelled in 18 healthy pre-adolescent children (training data) and comprise 8 labels per hemisphere. Typically, labels are propagated from a single probabilistic atlas or from individual atlases of the training dataset (multi atlas approach). Here we propagate the training data labels generated from a pre-adolescent population to 35 adult test subjects after establishing spatial correspondence between them using efficient and robust linear and nonlinear registration tools. This paper compares the performance of three different label propagation methods for labelling cerebellar structures. First we use a probabilistic atlas constructed from the training dataset and propagate the atlas labels to test subjects by warping the label map directly on to the test image. We compare this direct warping approach to two different multi atlas label propagation methods: multi atlas majority voting (MAMV; Heckemann et al., 2006) and multi atlas generative model (MAGM) based label propagation (Iglesias et al., 2012). Every training image is first registered to each test image in a pairwise manner (Postelnicu-Zöllei et al., 2009), generating 18 registered training atlases for each test
Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with copd and its correlation with respiratory functions

DOI: 10.4328/ACAM.6174 Received: 22.01. 2019 Accepted: 13.02. 2019 Published Online: 19.02. 2019 Printed: 01.03. 2020 Ann Clin Anal Med 2020;11(2):125-128 Corresponding Author: Şule Taş Gülen, Department of Chest Disease, Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, 9100 Aydın, Turkey. GSM: +905056919099 E-Mail: dr_suletas@yahoo.com. tr ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-0517-2376 Abstract Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the right ventricle functions in COPD and to investigate its relationship with the stage of the disease and respiratory functions. Matrial and Method: This retrospective study was conducted in our Pulmonology and Cardiology clinics between December 2015 and 2016. Thirtyfour patients with COPD (who did not show any evidence of cardiac failure), 21 healthy subjects were included in the study. The patients with GOLD stages 1 and 2 COPD were included in Group 1, while Group 2 included the cases of GOLD stages 3 and 4. For each participant, the medical files were reviewed and the following data were recorded: the BODE index and PFT parameters, left ventricle ejection fraction, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), systolic and diastolic dimensions of the right ventricle, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle myocardial perfusion index (Tei index). Results: The mean ages in the COPD and the control groups were 66.0 ± 9.0 and 51.7 ± 6.8 (p=0.001). Group 1 and Group 2 and analyzed, the advanced disease group showed significantly lower six-minute walk test results and significantly higher Tei index values (p=0.001 and p=0.040). TAPSE was found to be negatively correlated with CAT score and SPAP. Also, the Tei index was negatively correlated with the six-minute walk test and positively correlated with the BODE index. Discussion: COPD patients may show symptoms of right ventricle dysfunction depending on the stage of the disease. TAPSE and the Tei index, seem to be closely related to the functional status and prognosis in this patient population.