Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel depth-of-interaction block detector for positron emission tomography using a dichotomous orthogonal symmetry decoding concept

Conventionally, a dual-end depth-of-interaction (DOI) block detector readout requires two two-dimensional silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays, one on top and one on the bottom, to define the XYZ positions. However, because both the top and bottom SiPM arrays are reading the same pixels, this creates information redundancy. We propose a dichotomous orthogonal symmetric (DOS) dual-end readout block detector design, which removes this redundancy by reducing the number of SiPMs and still achieves XY and DOI (Z) decoding for positron emission tomography (PET) block detector. Reflecting films are used within the block detector to channel photons going to the top of the block to go only in the X direction, and photons going to the bottom are channeled along the Y direction. Despite the unidirectional channeling on each end, the top readout provides both X and Y information using two one-dimensional SiPM arrays instead of a two-dimensional SiPM array; similarly, the bottom readout also provides both X and Y information with just two one-dimensional SiPM arrays. Thus, a total of four one-dimensional SiPM arrays (4 × N SiPMs) are used to decode the XYZ positions of the firing pixels instead of two two-dimensional SiPM arrays (2 × N × N SiPMs), reducing the number of SiPM arrays per block from 2N2 to 4 N for PET/MR or PET/CT systems. Moreover, the SiPM arrays on one end can be replaced by two regular photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), so that a block needs only 2 N SiPMs + 2 half-PMTs; this hybrid-DOS DOI block detector can be used in PET/CT systems. Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to study the performance of our DOS DOI block detector design, including the XY-decoding quality, energy resolution, and DOI resolution. Both BGO and LSO scintillators were studied. We found that 4 mm pixels were well decoded for 5 × 5 BGO and 9 × 9 LSO arrays with 4 to 5 mm DOI resolution and 16–20% energy resolution. By adding light-channel decoding, we modified the DOS design to a high-resolution design, which resolved scintillator pixels smaller than the SiPM dimensions. Detector pixels of 2.4 mm were decoded for 8 × 8 BGO and 15 × 15 LSO arrays with 5 mm DOI resolution and 20–23% energy resolution. Time performance was also studied for the 8 × 8 BGO and 15 × 15 LSO HR-DOS arrays. The timing resolution for the corner and central crystals is 986 ± 122 ps and 1.89 ± 0.17 μs respectively with BGO, 137 ± 42 ps and 458 ± 67 ps respectively with LSO. Monte Carlo simulations with GATE/Geant4 demonstrated the feasibility of our DOS DOI block detector design. In conclusion, our novel design achieved good performance except the time performance while using fewer SiPMs and supporting electronic channels than the current non-DOI PET detectors. This novel design can significantly reduce the cost, heat, and readout complexity of DOI block detectors for PET/MR/CT systems that don’t require the time-of-flight capability.
Experimental Investigation on the Flexural and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber/Cork-reinforced Polyester Sandwich Composites

The flexural and dynamic mechanical behavior were evaluated for a new jute woven fabric/cork-reinforced polyester sandwich composite. To improve the fiber/matrix adhesion, jute fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and silane prior to composite preparation. The results indicated that the flexural strength and modulus of the composites increased after the alkali and alkali + silane treatments. Similarly, dynamic mechanical parameters, such as storage and loss modulus of the sandwiches, were enhanced as a result of alkali and silane treatments due to a better fiber/matrix adhesion compared with the untreated composites. It was also shown that the damping parameter decreased after the interfacial treatments, which indicated that the energy damping efficiency decreased as the interface quality was improved.
Deciphering the Preference and Predicting the Viability of Circular Permutations in Proteins

Circular permutation (CP) refers to situations in which the termini of a protein are relocated to other positions in the structure. CP occurs naturally and has been artificially created to study protein function, stability and folding. Recently CP is increasingly applied to engineer enzyme structure and function, and to create bifunctional fusion proteins unachievable by tandem fusion. CP is a complicated and expensive technique. An intrinsic difficulty in its application lies in the fact that not every position in a protein is amenable for creating a viable permutant. To examine the preferences of CP and develop CP viability prediction methods, we carried out comprehensive analyses of the sequence, structural, and dynamical properties of known CP sites using a variety of statistics and simulation methods, such as the bootstrap aggregating, permutation test and molecular dynamics simulations. CP particularly favors Gly, Pro, Asp and Asn. Positions preferred by CP lie within coils, loops, turns, and at residues that are exposed to solvent, weakly hydrogen-bonded, environmentally unpacked, or flexible. Disfavored positions include Cys, bulky hydrophobic residues, and residues located within helices or near the protein's core. These results fostered the development of an effective viable CP site prediction system, which combined four machine learning methods, e.g., artificial neural networks, the support vector machine, a random forest, and a hierarchical feature integration procedure developed in this work. As assessed by using the hydrofolate reductase dataset as the independent evaluation dataset, this prediction system achieved an AUC of 0.9. Large-scale predictions have been performed for nine thousand representative protein structures; several new potential applications of CP were thus identified. Many unreported preferences of CP are revealed in this study. The developed system is the best CP viability prediction method currently available. This work will facilitate the application of CP in research and biotechnology.
Changing the culture around end-of-life care in the trauma intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND Ten percent to 20% of trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) will die from their injuries. Providing appropriate end-of-life care in this setting is difficult and often late in the patients' course. Patients are young, prognosis uncertain, and conflict common around goals of care. We hypothesized that early, structured communication in the trauma ICU would improve end-of-life care practice. METHODS Prospective, observational, prepost study on consecutive trauma patients admitted to the ICU before and after a structured palliative care intervention was integrated into standard ICU care. The program included part I, early (at admission) family bereavement support, assessment of prognosis, and patient preferences, and part II (within 72 hours) interdisciplinary family meeting. Data on goals of care discussions, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and withdrawal of life support (W/D) were collected from physician rounds, family meetings, and medical records. RESULTS Eighty-three percent of patients received part I and 69% part II intervention. Discussion of goals of care by physicians on rounds increased from 4% to 36% of patient-days. During intervention, rates of mortality (14%), DNR (43%), and W/D (24%) were unchanged, but DNR orders and W/D were instituted earlier in hospital course. ICU length of stay was decreased in patients who died. CONCLUSIONS Structured communication between physician and families resulted in earlier consensus around goals of care for dying trauma patients. Integration of early palliative care alongside aggressive trauma care can be accomplished without change in mortality and has the ability to change the culture of care in the trauma ICU.
Foreign language teaching methods: some issues and new moves

In this article, I have considered the main FLT methods still in use at schools and presented the theory of language and leaming underiying them, their main features, activities and techniques, their foundation and decline, as well as a general assessment of all of them. The following methods have been analysed: the Grammar-Translation Method, the Structuralist Methods, and the Communicative Approach. After paying some attention to innovations in education, the Task-Based and Process models are offered as an alternative. Finally, a relationship is established between curriculum innovation and change and teacher development.
In situ 13CO2 pulse labelling of field-grown eucalypt trees revealed the effects of potassium nutrition and throughfall exclusion on phloem transport of photosynthetic carbon.

Potassium (K) is an important limiting factor of tree growth, but little is known of the effects of K supply on the long-distance transport of photosynthetic carbon (C) in the phloem and of the interaction between K fertilization and drought. We pulse-labelled 2-year-old Eucalyptus grandis L. trees grown in a field trial combining K fertilization (+K and -K) and throughfall exclusion (+W and -W), and we estimated the velocity of C transfer by comparing time lags between the uptake of (13)CO2 and its recovery in trunk CO2 efflux recorded at different heights. We also analysed the dynamics of the labelled photosynthates recovered in the foliage and in the phloem sap (inner bark extract). The mean residence time of labelled C in the foliage was short (21-31 h). The time series of (13)C in excess in the foliage was affected by the level of fertilization, whereas the effect of throughfall exclusion was not significant. The velocity of C transfer in the trunk (0.20-0.82 m h(-1)) was twice as high in +K trees than in -K trees, with no significant effect of throughfall exclusion except for one +K -W tree labelled in the middle of the drought season that was exposed to a more pronounced water stress (midday leaf water potential of -2.2 MPa). Our results suggest that besides reductions in photosynthetic C supply and in C demand by sink organs, the lower velocity under K deficiency is due to a lower cross-sectional area of the sieve tubes, whereas an increase in phloem sap viscosity is more likely limiting phloem transport under drought. In all treatments, 10 times less (13)C was recovered in inner bark extracts at the bottom of the trunk when compared with the base of the crown, suggesting that a large part of the labelled assimilates has been exported out of the phloem and replaced by unlabelled C. This supports the 'leakage-retrieval mechanism' that may play a role in maintaining the pressure gradient between source and sink organs required to sustain high velocity of phloem transport in tall trees.
Rapid Recruitment of BRCA1 to DNA Double-Strand Breaks Is Dependent on Its Association with Ku80

ABSTRACT BRCA1 is the first susceptibility gene to be linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Although mounting evidence has indicated that BRCA1 participates in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, its precise mechanism is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the in situ response of BRCA1 at DSBs produced by laser microirradiation. The amino (N)- and carboxyl (C)-terminal fragments of BRCA1 accumulated independently at DSBs with distinct kinetics. The N-terminal BRCA1 fragment accumulated immediately after laser irradiation at DSBs and dissociated rapidly. In contrast, the C-terminal fragment of BRCA1 accumulated more slowly at DSBs but remained at the sites. Interestingly, rapid accumulation of the BRCA1 N terminus, but not the C terminus, at DSBs depended on Ku80, which functions in the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, independently of BARD1, which binds to the N terminus of BRCA1. Two small regions in the N terminus of BRCA1 independently accumulated at DSBs and interacted with Ku80. Missense mutations found within the N terminus of BRCA1 in cancers significantly changed the kinetics of its accumulation at DSBs. A P142H mutant failed to associate with Ku80 and restore resistance to irradiation in BRCA1-deficient cells. These might provide a molecular basis of the involvement of BRCA1 in the NHEJ pathway of the DSB repair process.
Comprehensive resistive switching behavior of hybrid polyvinyl alcohol and TiO2 nanotube nanocomposites identified by combining experimental and density functional theory studies

To date, hybrid polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and TiO2 nanocomposites have been widely studied for numerous practical applications including enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities, shield coatings against UV light, electrolyte membranes for fuel cells, hybrid fibers and proton conduction layers in biological systems. However, the properties of interaction between PVA and the TiO2 surface, particularly the band offset of organic–inorganic constituents, are still unclear and under debate. In this work, we studied the resistive switching characteristics and mechanism of hybrid PVA and TiO2 nanotube (TNT) nanocomposites. By embedding TNTs into the PVA matrix, the resistive switching performance of devices is significantly enhanced, with an excellent retention of 104 seconds and large resistance ratio >104. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that strong bonds were formed between the O atoms in PVA's OH groups and the five-coordinated Ti atoms on the surface of TiO2, corresponding to the significant decrease of vibrational intensity of the OH-group in the FTIR spectra. In addition, band offsets of the TiO2/PVA interface illustrated the very low minimum conduction band energy level of TiO2 compared to that of crystalline PVA, implying that TNTs act as trap centers for electrons in the insulating layer. Consequently, the current transport and switching mechanisms of the devices were suggested using the models of trap controlled space-charge-limited conduction and the charge carrier trapping–de-trapping process at the centers of TNTs in the PVA polymer matrix, respectively.
Normal ovarian function and assessment of ovarian reserve in the survivor of childhood cancer

Increasingly young people survive cancer in childhood and as a result complications of its treatment are becoming more common and important. Premature ovarian failure is recognized as a complication of radiotherapy to a field that includes the pelvis and alkylating‐agent‐based chemotherapy. Young pre‐pubertal girls are not protected from the effects of gonadal toxic therapy. A young woman, successfully treated for cancer during childhood, may experience regular periods in the presence of a significantly reduced ovarian reserve. There is, however, no reliable measure of ovarian reserve available for the individual woman. Assessment of ovarian function relies on the use of surrogate markers such as follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin‐B, and anti‐mullerian hormone as well as ultrasound assessment of ovarian volume and antral follicle count. We discuss the physiology of normal ovarian function, the effects of cancer treatments on ovarian function and the techniques for evaluation of ovarian reserve in survivors of childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:296–302. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug knowledge of expatriate adolescents in the United Arab Emirates and their attitudes towards self-medication

Abstract Background: Adolescents have limited knowledge about medicines and their potential adverse effects. In this context, we aimed to investigate the basic knowledge of medicines, any differences in knowledge related to practice of self-medication (SM), attitudes towards SM and sources of information about medicines among expatriate adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 324 students from four schools in the UAE using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: The sample of multi-ethnic students, with ages ranging from 14 to 19 years, was almost equally distributed between the genders. A total of 289 students reported to be self-medicating. More than 60% of adolescents had responded incorrectly to eight questions related to knowledge about medicines. There were no significant differences between mean scores for drug knowledge (maximum score=22) of self-medicating adolescents (12.1±4.32; SMAs) and those not practicing SM (12±4.53; NSMAs). Self-assessment of drug knowledge was perceived as good by 33% and satisfactory by 34% of SMAs. The majority of adolescents (87%) believed that SM was acceptable and reported being aware of its advantages and disadvantages. Parents and pharmacists were common sources of information about medicines. Conclusion: The participants showed a positive inclination towards SM. The SMAs and NSMAs had similar knowledge about medicines. However, gaps in knowledge may lead to drug misuse and toxicity. Healthcare providers, pharmacists, educators and parents should be actively involved in health education strategies for rational use of medicines among adolescents in the UAE.
Lung Recruitability Is Better Estimated According to the Berlin Definition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome at Standard 5 cm H2O Rather Than Higher Positive End-Expiratory Pressure: A Retrospective Cohort Study*

Objectives:The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome has introduced three classes of severity according to PaO2/FIO2 thresholds. The level of positive end-expiratory pressure applied may greatly affect PaO2/FIO2, thereby masking acute respiratory distress syndrome severity, which should reflect the underlying lung injury (lung edema and recruitability). We hypothesized that the assessment of acute respiratory distress syndrome severity at standardized low positive end-expiratory pressure may improve the association between the underlying lung injury, as detected by CT, and PaO2/FIO2-derived severity. Design:Retrospective analysis. Setting:Four university hospitals (Italy, Germany, and Chile). Patients:One hundred forty-eight patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the American-European Consensus Conference criteria. Interventions:Patients underwent a three-step ventilator protocol (at clinical, 5 cm H2O, or 15 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure). Whole-lung CT scans were obtained at 5 and 45 cm H2O airway pressure. Measurements and Main Results:Nine patients did not fulfill acute respiratory distress syndrome criteria of the novel Berlin definition. Patients were then classified according to PaO2/FIO2 assessed at clinical, 5 cm H2O, or 15 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure. At clinical positive end-expiratory pressure (11 ± 3 cm H2O), patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome had a greater lung tissue weight and recruitability than patients with mild or moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (p < 0.001). At 5 cm H2O, 54% of patients with mild acute respiratory distress syndrome at clinical positive end-expiratory pressure were reclassified to either moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. In these patients, lung recruitability and clinical positive end-expiratory pressure were higher than in patients who remained in the mild subgroup (p < 0.05). When patients were classified at 5 cm H2O, but not at clinical or 15 cm H2O, lung recruitability linearly increases with acute respiratory distress syndrome severity (5% [2–12%] vs 12% [7–18%] vs 23% [12–30%], respectively, p < 0.001). The potentially recruitable lung was the only CT-derived variable independently associated with ICU mortality (p = 0.007). Conclusions:The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome assessed at 5 cm H2O allows a better evaluation of lung recruitability and edema than at higher positive end-expiratory pressure clinically set.
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Acetoacetate decarboxylase. Preparation of the enzyme.

Crystalline acetoacetate decarboxylase can be prepared from Clostridium acetobutylicum by the following steps: Preparation of an acetone powder from the bacteria, extraction of this powder at pH 5.9, precipitation of the enzyme at pH 3.8, a single fractionation with ammonium sulfate, and chromatography over diethylaminoethylcellulose, followed by crystallization. The yield of crystalline enzyme is about 180 mg from 120 1. of bacterial broth.
Local replacement for route recovery on a collaborative mobile ad hoc network

This paper presents an efficient route recovery approach for a collaborative mobile ad hoc network (MANET). In the collaborative MANET, the movement of a node can be controlled by other nodes. Based on the property of the controllable movement, each active node (each node on a route) can be protected by its neighboring nodes. When the movement of an active node causes a link breakage on a route, its neighboring nodes compete with each other to move to the original location of the moving active node. Using the movements of neighboring nodes, the proposed approach can achieve route recovery without pre-establishing or dynamically finding backup routes. The proposed approach also has much less recovery overhead than previous approaches because of the local recovery. Finally, we perform extensive simulations to compare the proposed approach with previous approaches. The simulation results show that the proposed approach has better recovery performance under dense and sparse MANET architectures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nature of the protein universe

The protein universe is the set of all proteins of all organisms. Here, all currently known sequences are analyzed in terms of families that have single-domain or multidomain architectures and whether they have a known three-dimensional structure. Growth of new single-domain families is very slow: Almost all growth comes from new multidomain architectures that are combinations of domains characterized by ≈15,000 sequence profiles. Single-domain families are mostly shared by the major groups of organisms, whereas multidomain architectures are specific and account for species diversity. There are known structures for a quarter of the single-domain families, and >70% of all sequences can be partially modeled thanks to their membership in these families.
Serial hemodynamic monitoring to guide treatment of maternal hypertension leads to reduction in severe hypertension

To examine whether treatment for hypertension in pregnancy that is guided by serial monitoring of maternal central hemodynamics leads to a reduction in the rate of severe hypertension, defined as blood pressure ≥ 160/110 mmHg; and to assess the distinct longitudinal hemodynamic profiles associated with beta‐blocker monotherapy, vasodilator monotherapy and dual agent therapy, and their relationships with outcomes, including fetal growth restriction.