Biologically Plausible Connectionist Prediction of Natural Language Thematic Relations

In Natural Language Processing (NLP) symbolic systems, several linguistic phenomena, for instance, the thematic role relationships between sentence constituents, such as AGENT, PATIENT, and LOCATION, can be accounted for by the employment of a rule-based grammar. Another approach to NLP concerns the use of the connectionist model, which has the benefits of learning, generalization and fault tolerance, among others. A third option merges the two previous approaches into a hybrid one: a symbolic thematic theory is used to supply the connectionist network with initial knowledge. Inspired on neuroscience, it is proposed a symbolic-connectionist hybrid system called BIO theta PRED (BIOlogically plausible thematic (theta) symbolic-connectionist PREDictor), designed to reveal the thematic grid assigned to a sentence. Its connectionist architecture comprises, as input, a featural representation of the words (based on the verb/noun WordNet classification and on the classical semantic microfeature representation), and, as output, the thematic grid assigned to the sentence. BIO theta PRED is designed to ""predict"" thematic (semantic) roles assigned to words in a sentence context, employing biologically inspired training algorithm and architecture, and adopting a psycholinguistic view of thematic theory.Fapesp - Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brazil[2008/08245-4

Overexpression of S100A4 in human cancer cell lines resistant to methotrexate

Background: Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic drug that is used in therapy of a wide variety of cancers. The efficiency of treatment with this drug is compromised by the appearance of resistance. Combination treatments of MTX with other drugs that could modulate the expression of genes involved in MTX resistance would be an adequate strategy to prevent the development of this resistance. Methods: The differential expression pattern between sensitive and MTX-resistant cells was determined by whole human genome microarrays and analyzed with the GeneSpring GX software package. A global comparison of all the studied cell lines was performed in order to find out differentially expressed genes in the majority of the MTX-resistant cells. S100A4 mRNA and protein levels were determined by RT-Real-Time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Functional validations of S100A4 were performed either by transfection of an expression vector for S100A4 or a siRNA against S100A4. Transfection of an expression vector encoding for beta-catenin was used to inquire for the possible transcriptional regulation of S100A4 through the Wnt pathway. Results S100A4 is overexpressed in five out of the seven MTX-resistant cell lines studied. Ectopic overexpression of this gene in HT29 sensitive cells augmented both the intracellular and extracellular S100A4 protein levels and caused desensitization toward MTX. siRNA against S100A4 decreased the levels of this protein and caused a chemosensitization in combined treatments with MTX. beta-catenin overexpression experiments support a possible involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway in S100A4 transcriptional regulation in HT29 cells. Conclusions: S100A4 is overexpressed in many MTX-resistant cells. S100A4 overexpression decreases the sensitivity of HT29 colon cancer human cells to MTX, whereas its knockdown causes chemosensitization toward MTX. Both approaches highlight a role for S100A4 in MTX resistance

Lethal and sublethal toxicity of Fipronil and Imidacloprid on Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Psyttalia concolor (Szèpligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont endoparasitoid of several species of tephritid (Diptera) larvae, such as Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Here, we report on the effects of imidacloprid and fipronil on P. concolor females, when different routes of exposure were evaluated: residual contact (cover and bait sprays) and via treatment of host species. Moreover, the persistence of the bait formulated compound also was studied. For each experiment, lethal (mortality) and sublethal effects (parasitization rate or longevity) were studied. Fipronil produced 100% mortality irrespective of exposure route, and it was very persistent, because 34-d-old residues still produced this high mortality rate, being as toxic or even more toxic than the reference product dimethoate. Toxicity of imidacloprid depends on the mode of exposure, although always remained less toxic than dimethoate. Imidacloprid caused high mortality or sublethal effect to the progeny in cover sprays and when applied via treated host, being harmless in bait sprays application. In conclusion, our results suggest that fipronil should not be used in the field when the parasitoid is present. On the contrary, although imidacloprid is physiologically active against females of P. concolor, ecological selectivity may result through the use of bait treatmen

To catch a wave : The Beach Boys and rock historiography

From the release of their first single “Surfin’” in 1961 to the release of the album Pet Sounds in 1966, rock history traces the arc of the American rock group the Beach Boys in broad terms of the early-sixties Southern California surf music trend and the revolutionary effects of the Beatles’ stateside arrival in 1964. Typical claims for progress, autonomy, the significance of the album, and myths of authenticity in the study of the emergence of the rock concept, however, tend to promote an essentialist understanding of what rock music is about and what it is for. This study proposes an alternative narrative in which the regulating dichotomies of rock—art versus commerce, seriousness versus schlock, the authentic versus the inauthentic— are historicized, in the case of the Beach Boys’ transition from surf band to a complex studio recording project, as matters of creative practice and conflicting sensibilities. Questioning the conventional wisdom of rock history, this project suggests a counter-story about the significance of creative achievement, failure, and advancemen

Therapeutic targeting of tumor growth and angiogenesis with a novel anti-S100A4 monoclonal antibody

S100A4, a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family secreted by tumor and stromal cells, supports tumorigenesis by stimulating angiogenesis. We demonstrated that S100A4 synergizes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), via the RAGE receptor, in promoting endothelial cell migration by increasing KDR expression and MMP-9 activity. In vivo overexpression of S100A4 led to a significant increase in tumor growth and vascularization in a human melanoma xenograft M21 model. Conversely, when silencing S100A4 by shRNA technology, a dramatic decrease in tumor development of the pancreatic MiaPACA-2 cell line was observed. Based on these results we developed 5C3, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against S100A4. This antibody abolished endothelial cell migration, tumor growth and angiogenesis in immunodeficient mouse xenograft models of MiaPACA-2 and M21-S100A4 cells. It is concluded that extracellular S100A4 inhibition is an attractive approach for the treatment of human cancer

Guidance on Noncorticosteroid Systemic Immunomodulatory Therapy in Noninfectious Uveitis : Fundamentals Of Care for UveitiS (FOCUS) Initiative

Supplemental material available at www.aaojournal.org. Supported by AbbVie, Inc., and the Fundamentals of Care for Uveitis Initiative National Faculty. This manuscript was developed subsequent to an AbbVie-sponsored literature review of noninfectious, nonanterior uveitis. The meeting was conducted to understand the available literature regarding the management of patients with noninfectious, nonanterior uveitis. The program involved a total of 139 experts from 28 countries, who were selected for participation by AbbVie. However, AbbVie was not involved in the development of the manuscript. The authors maintained complete control over the content and this manuscript reflects the opinions of the authors. AbbVie selected the discussion participants and reviewed the final manuscript draft for scientific accuracy, but the authors determined the final content. All authors made substantial contributions to the article or critically revised it for important intellectual content and approved the final manuscript. AbbVie provided funding to invited participants, including honoraria for their attendance at the meetings. Travel to and from the meetings was reimbursed. No payments were made to the authors for the development of this manuscript. Dhinakaran Sambandan, PhD, and Shula Sarner, PhD, of Lucid Partners, Burleighfield House, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, provided medical writing and editorial support to the authors in the development of this manuscript; financial support for these services was provided by AbbVie. AbbVie reviewed the manuscript, but was not involved in the methodology, data collection and analysis, or completion of this manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

BIOSENSOR ÓPTICO NO INVASIVO PARA EL MONITOREO DE LA CONCENTRACIÓN DE GLUCOSA EN SANGRE HUMANA, IN-VIVO E IN-SITU

This research shows the design and performance of a Non-Invasive blood Glucose prototype sensor, which allows detection of Glucose Concentration in blood. This device is based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy technology. Blood does not need to be extracted from the patient to make the measurement. Spectral analysis can be realized using Dynamic Programming and Neural Networks. First we get the information as spectral firm (light transmittance). Then we associated the Concentration of Glucose by processing and analizing this spectral firm. La investigación y experimentación expuesta en esta tesis muestra la propuesta de un Biosensor Óptico No Invasivo de α-D-Glucosa que permita monitorear este analito, por medio del estimado de su Concentración. Este sensor basa su funcionamiento en técnicas Espectroscópicas de Transmisión en Infrarrojo Cercano. El instrumento diseñado no requiere en absoluto de muestras de tejido sanguíneo del paciente, interactuando con el tejido por medio de luz se obtiene una respuesta espectral que se relaciona con los Analitos que lo forman.El análisis espectral se realiza por medio de Programación Dinámica y Redes Neuronales Artificiales, primeramente para abstraer la información y luego asociarla a una concentración y presentar este resultado como la Glucemia.

Comunicación médico-paciente en la ansiedad de los acompañantes en urgencias pediátricas de un hospital de Trujillo, 2024

La investigación cuyo objetivo fue determinar la influencia de la comunicación médico-paciente en la ansiedad de los acompañantes en el área de urgencias pediátricas de un hospital de Trujillo respondió a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible 3 y 10. El estudio fue de tipo aplicado, nivel correlacional y enfoque cuantitativo, utilizando un diseño no experimental de corte transversal. La población estuvo constituida por acompañantes de pacientes en urgencias pediátricas, y la muestra comprendió 245 personas, seleccionadas mediante muestreo no probabilístico accidental. Los datos se obtuvieron aplicando el Communication Assessment Tool y la subescala Ansiedad-Estado del State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Los resultados indicaron que el 52,7% de los acompañantes evaluó la comunicación médico-paciente como de calidad regular, el 42,9% como inadecuada y solo el 4,5% como adecuada. Más del 54,7% percibió el manejo de la relación médico-paciente como inadecuado. Respecto a la integración de información, el 72,7% la consideró regular, y el 41,2% opinó que la toma de decisiones compartidas fue adecuada. La investigación concluyó que la comunicación médico-paciente incide un 17% en la ansiedad de los acompañantes en urgencias pediátricas. En conclusión, se establece que la comunicación médicopaciente influye en la ansiedad de los acompañantes en el área de urgencias pediátricas

Evaluación del nivel de servicio de las intersecciones con mayor incremento de flujo vehicular en las Av. Los Incas y Av. La Cultura en el Distrito de Yanacancha - Pasco, 2021

Se realizó la presente investigación en el distrito de Yanacancha la cual pertenece a la provincia de Pasco, región Pasco donde se identificó el problema ¿De qué manera el nivel de servicio de las intersecciones es determinada por el incremento de flujo vehicular en las Av. Los Incas y Av. La Cultura en el Distrito de Yanacancha - Pasco, 2021? A partir de la cual se planteó el objetivo de Evaluar del nivel de servicio de las intersecciones con mayor incremento de flujo vehicular en las Av. Los Incas y Av. La Cultura en el distrito de Yanacancha - Pasco, 2021. Para la cual se realizó el trabajo de campo con la finalidad de la recolección de datos de las intersecciones: Av. La Cultura – Av. El Minero – Carretera Central, Av. La Cultura – Av. La Unión, Av. La Cultura – Av. Daniel Alcides Carrión, Av. Los Incas – Av. Daniel Alcides Carrión y Av. Los Incas – Av. Daniel Alcides Carrión en el horario de 08:00 am hasta las 08:00 pm las cuales fueron tabuladas, procesadas e interpretadas con el apoyo del software de ingeniería de tránsito “Synchro 11”. De las cuales se obtuvo el resultado de que el incremento del flujo vehicular influye significativamente en el nivel de servicio de las intersecciones en las Av. Los Incas y Av. La Cultura en el distrito de Yanacancha – Pasco, 2021.Tesi

Proposing 3D Thermal Technology for Heritage Building Energy Monitoring

[EN] The energy monitoring of heritage buildings has, to date, been governed by methodologies and standards that have been defined in terms of sensors that record scalar magnitudes and that are placed in specific positions in the scene, thus recording only some of the values sampled in that space. In this paper, however, we present an alternative to the aforementioned technologies in the form of new sensors based on 3D computer vision that are able to record dense thermal information in a three-dimensional space. These thermal computer vision-based technologies (3D-TCV) entail a revision and updating of the current building energy monitoring methodologies. This paper provides a detailed definition of the most significant aspects of this new extended methodology and presents a case study showing the potential of 3D-TCV techniques and how they may complement current techniques. The results obtained lead us to believe that 3D computer vision can provide the field of building monitoring with a decisive boost, particularly in the case of heritage buildingsThis research was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (SBPLY/19/180501/000094 project) and the Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-108271RB-C31 and PID2019108271RB-C33).Adan, A.; Pérez, V.; Vivancos, J.; Aparicio Fernandez, CS.; Prieto, SA. (2021). Proposing 3D Thermal Technology for Heritage Building Energy Monitoring. Remote Sensing. 13(8):1-25. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13081537S12513