Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the development of a VIPARnd radiotherapy 3D polymer gel dosimeter

This work presents an improvement of the VIPARnd (‘nd’ stands for ‘normoxic, double’, or VIP) polymer gel dosimeter. The gel composition was altered by increasing the concentration of the monomeric components, N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), in co-solvent solutions. The optimal composition (VIPARCT, where ‘CT’ stands for computed tomography, or VIC) comprised: 17% NVP, 8% MBA, 12% t-BuOH, 7.5% gelatine, 0.007% ascorbic acid, 0.0008% CuSO4 × 5H2O and 0.02% hydroquinone. The following characteristics of VIC were achieved: (i) linear dose range of 0. 9_30 Gy, (ii) saturation for radiation doses of over 50 Gy, (iii) threshold dose of about 0.5 Gy, (iv) dose sensitivity of 0.171 Gy−1 s−1, which is roughly 2.2 times higher than that of VIP (for nuclear magnetic resonance measurements). It was also found that VIC is dose- rate-independent, and its dose response does not alter if the radiation source is changed from electrons to photons for external beam radiotherapy. The gel responded similarly to irradiation with small changes in radiation energy but was sensitive to larger energy changes. The VIC gel retained temporal stability from 20 h until at least 10 d after irradiation, whereas spatial stability was retained from 20 h until at least 6 d after irradiation. The scheme adopted for VIC manufacturing yields repeatable gels in terms of radiation dose response. The VIC was also shown to perform better than VIP using x-ray computed tomography as a readout method; the dose sensitivity of VIC (0.397 HU Gy−1) was 1.5 times higher than that of VIP. Also, the dose resolution of VIC was better than that of VIP in the whole dose range examined.
Variation in Both IL28B and KIR2DS3 Genes Influence Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Hepatitis C Treatment Outcome in HIV-1 Co-Infection

Pegylated-IFN and ribavirin remains the current treatment for chronic HCV infection in patients co-infected with HIV-1, but this regimen has low efficacy rates, particularly for HCV genotype 1/4 infection, has severe side effects and is extremely costly. Therefore, accurate prediction of treatment response is urgently required. We have recently shown that the NK cell gene, KIR2DS3 and a SNP associated with the IL28B gene synergise to increase the risk of chronic infection in primary HCV mono-infected patients. Identification of SNPs associated with the IL28B gene has also proven very powerful for predicting patient response to treatment. Patients co-infected with HIV-1 are of particular concern given they respond less well to HCV treatment, have more side effects and suffer a more rapid liver disease progression. In this study, we examined both IL28B and KIR2DS3 for their ability to predict treatment response in a cohort of HIV-1/HCV co-infected patients attending two treatment centres in Europe. We found that variation in both host genetic risk factors, IL28B and KIR2DS3, was strongly associated with sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment in our co-infected cohort (n = 149). The majority of patients who achieved a rapid virological response (RVR) achieved a SVR. However, it is currently impossible to predict treatment outcome in patients who fail to achieve an RVR. In our cohort, the presence of host genetic risk factors, IL28B-T and KIR2DS3 alleles, resulted in increased odds of treatment failure in these RVR negative patients (n = 88). Our data suggests that testing for host genetic factors will improve predicting treatment responsiveness in the clinical management of co-infected patients, and provides further evidence of the importance of the innate immune system in the immune response to HCV.
Interhemispheric inhibition of the human motor cortex.

1. Using two magnetic stimulators, we investigated the effect of a conditioning magnetic stimulus over the motor cortex of one hemisphere on the size of EMG responses evoked in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle by a magnetic test stimulus given over the opposite hemisphere. 2. A single conditioning shock to one hemisphere produced inhibition of the test response evoked from the opposite hemisphere when the conditioning‐test interval was 5‐6 ms or longer. We shall refer to this as interhemispheric inhibition. However, the minimum latency of inhibition observed using surface EMG responses may have underestimated the true interhemispheric conduction time. Single motor unit studies suggested values 4‐7 ms longer than the minimum interval observed with surface EMG. 3. Interhemispheric inhibition was seen when the test muscle was active or relaxed. Increasing the intensity of the conditioning stimulus increased the duration of inhibition: increasing the intensity of the test stimulus reduced the depth of inhibition. 4. The conditioning coil had to be placed on the appropriate area of scalp for inhibition to occur. The effect of the conditioning stimulus was maximal when it was applied over the hand area of motor cortex, and decreased when the stimulus was moved medial or lateral to that point. 5. The inhibitory effect on the test stimulus probably occurred at the level of the cerebral cortex. In contrast to the inhibition of test responses evoked by magnetic test stimuli, test responses evoked in active FDI by a small anodal electric shock were not significantly inhibited by a contralateral magnetic conditioning stimulus. Similarly, H reflexes in relaxed forearm flexor muscles were unaffected by conditioning stimuli to the ipsilateral hemisphere. However, inhibition was observed if the experiment was repeated with the muscles active.
Frame synchronization using distributed sequences

Frame synchronization is traditionally achieved by inserting a given sequence periodically into the data stream. Here, a new method of synchronization is introduced in which the synchronization sequence is not contiguous, but is interleaved with the data symbols. The properties of these distributed sequences are investigated, and requirements are specified for detectability of these sequences when inserted in random data. Methods for constructing and searching for good sequences are presented. It is demonstrated that this new method reduces the probability of false synchronization over traditional methods in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise.
Marital and family orientations among highly religious young adults: Comparing latter-day saints with traditional christians

This study compared highly religious Latter-day Saints (Mormons) with highly religious traditional Christians (Catholics and Protestants), and individuals who claim no religious affiliation, on their attitudes about and behaviors in marriage and family relationships. Participants were selected by level of religiosity, as well as denominational membership. Differences are reported by affiliation and gender. Results showed that highly religious Latter-day Saints and traditional Christians have numerous similarities in their attitudes and behaviors regarding family issues. However, some significant differences between highly religious Latter-day Saints and their traditional Christian counterparts were found. This was particularly true in comparisons of values and attitudes, and less so in current relationship characteristics and behaviors. Furthermore, the highly religious groups'attitudes and behaviors differed significantly from non-affiliated individuals.
Design and evaluation of xanthan gum-based sustained release matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium

In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to increase therapeutic efficacy, reduce frequency of administration, and improve patient compliance, by developing sustained release matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium. Sustained release matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium, were developed by using different drug: polymer ratios, such as F1 (1:0.12), F2 (1:0.16), F3 (1:0.20), F4 (1:0.24) and F5 (1:0.28). Xanthan gum was used as matrix former, and microcrystalline cellulose as diluent. All the lubricated formulations were compressed using 8 mm flat faced punches. Compressed tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight, content of active ingredient, friability, hardness, thickness, in vitro dissolution using basket method, and swelling index. All the formulations showed compliance with pharmacopoeial standards. Among different formulations, F1 showed sustained release of drug for 12 hours with 89.67% release. The effect of other parameters like addition of release modifier (PEG 6000), gum concentration, pH of dissolution medium, rotation speed and dissolution by paddle method, were also studied. Selected formulation (F1) was subjected to stability studies for three months at 0-4°, room temperature (28°), and 45° with RH 75±5%, and showed stability with respect to release pattern. The kinetic treatment showed that the release of drug follows zero order kinetic (R 2 = 0.9758). Korsmeyer and Peppas equation gave value of n = 0.9409 which was close to one, indicating that the drug was released by zero order kinetic. Thus, Xanthan gum can be used as an effective matrix former, to extend the release of diclofenac sodium.
Chronic Critical Illness and the Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome

Dysregulated host immune responses to infection often occur, leading to sepsis, multiple organ failure, and death. Some patients rapidly recover from sepsis, but many develop chronic critical illness (CCI), a debilitating condition that impacts functional outcomes and long-term survival. The “Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome” (PICS) has been postulated as the underlying pathophysiology of CCI. We propose that PICS is initiated by an early genomic and cytokine storm in response to microbial invasion during the early phase of sepsis. However, once source control, antimicrobial coverage, and supportive therapies have been initiated, we propose that the persistent inflammation in patients developing CCI is a result of ongoing endogenous alarmin release from damaged organs and loss of muscle mass. This ongoing alarmin and danger-associated molecular pattern signaling causes chronic inflammation and a shift in bone marrow stem cell production toward myeloid cells, contributing to chronic anemia and lymphopenia. We propose that therapeutic interventions must target the chronic organ injury and lean tissue wasting that contribute to the release of endogenous alarmins and the expansion and deposition of myeloid progenitors that are responsible for the propagation and persistence of CCI.
Recent Experiments with INQUERY

Abstract : Past TREC experiments by the University of Massachusetts have focused primarily on ad hoc query creation. Substantial effort was directed towards automatically translating TREC topics into queries using a set of simple heuristics and query expansion. Less emphasis was placed on the routing task although results were generally good. The Spanish experiments in TREC-3 concentrated on simple indexing sophisticated stemming and simple methods of creating queries. The TREC-4 experiments were a departure from the past. The ad hoc experiments involved "fine tuning" existing approaches and modifications to the INQUERY term weighting algorithm. However, much of the research focus in TREC-4 was on the routing, Spanish, and collection merging experiments. These tracks more closely match our broader research interests in document routing document filtering distributed IR, and multilingual retrieval. The University of Massachusetts experiments were conducted with version 3.0 of the INQUERY information retrieval system. INQUERY is based on the Bayesian inference network retrieval model. It is described elsewhere [7, 5, 12, 11], so this paper focuses on relevant differences to the previously published algorithms.
The impact of cationic substituents in phenalen-1-one photosensitizers on antimicrobial photodynamic efficacy

Light-mediated killing of pathogens by cationic photosensitizers (PS) is a promising antimicrobial approach avoiding resistance as being present upon the use of antibiotics. In this study we focused on the impact of the substituents in phenalen-1-one PS. Photodynamic efficacy depending on positively charged moieties including a primary aliphatic, quaternary aliphatic, aromatic ammonium and a guanidinium cation was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Considering the altered steric demand and lipophilicity of these functional groups we deduced a structure–activity relationship. SAGUA was the most potent PS in this series reaching a maximum efficacy of ≥6log_10 steps of bacteria killing at a concentration of 10 μM upon irradiation with blue light (20 mW cm^−2) for 60 s (1.2 J cm^−2) without exhibiting inherent dark toxicity. Its guanidinium moiety may be able to form strong bidentate and directional hydrogen bonds to carboxylate groups of bacterial surfaces in addition to ionic charge attraction. This may supplement fast and effective antimicrobial activity.
UBVI CCD Photometry of the Old Open Cluster Berkeley 17

Photometric UBVI CCD photometry is presented for NGC 188 and Berkeley 17. Color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) are constructed and reach well past the main-sequence turnoff for both clusters. Cluster ages are determined by means of isochrone fitting to the cluster CMDs. These fits are constrained to agree with spectroscopic metallicity and reddening estimates. Cluster ages are determined to be 7.0 ± 0.5 Gyr for NGC 188 and 10.0 ± 1.0 Gyr for Berkeley 17, where the errors refer to uncertainties in the relative age determinations. These ages are compared to the ages of relatively metal-rich inner halo/thick-disk globular clusters and other old open clusters. Berkeley 17 and NGC 6791 are the oldest open clusters, with ages of 10 Gyr. They are 2 Gyr younger than the thick-disk globular clusters. These results confirm the status of Berkeley 17 as one of the oldest known open clusters in the Milky Way, and its age provides a lower limit to the age of the Galactic disk.
A regularized saddle-point algorithm for networked optimization with resource allocation constraints

We propose a regularized saddle-point algorithm for convex networked optimization problems with resource allocation constraints. Standard distributed gradient methods suffer from slow convergence and require excessive communication when applied to problems of this type. Our approach offers an alternative way to address these problems, and ensures that each iterative update step satisfies the resource allocation constraints. We derive step-size conditions under which the distributed algorithm converges geometrically to the regularized optimal value, and show how these conditions are affected by the underlying network topology. We illustrate our method on a robotic network application example where a group of mobile agents strive to maintain a moving target in the barycenter of their positions.
Does olfactory memory depend on remembering odors?

The question mark in the title indicates that what follows is not a theory explaining odor memory, but a series of findings that question the traditional view of memory, in which acquisition and retrieval of ‘memory items’ dominate all questions asked. That such questions arise in an area that deals with odors is not surprising. Odors are the least palpable and most evanescent of stimuli. Odors are not ‘things’, unlike visual, auditory and tactile stimuli they do not have structured properties in space and/or time. Odors are notoriously hard to describe, classify and identify. We are surrounded by an almost infinite number of odors, although we usually do not pay attention to them. Our houses, our cities and we ourselves all smell different. We live amidst smells without noticing unless something happens that changes them. Lending your house or car to friends, a slight change in the flavor of your favorite marmalade are reminders that you have a good memory for odors that you could nevertheless not describe in any detail. Strangely enough, incidentally learned implicit odor memory has hardly been investigated. Most studies (see Herz and Engen, 1996; White, 1998) deal with remembering well-known odors presented under controlled laboratory conditions. Often subjects were instructed to inspect the odors attentively, to identify or to memorize them for later memory tests. Other studies explicitly associated odors with pictures or words to test the influence of smelling these odors on memory for the other stimuli or investigated the role of odors in evoking autobiographical memories. The few studies on spontaneous odor or flavor memory in everyday situations (Baeyens et al., 1996; Aggleton and Waskett, 1999; Haller et al., 1999; Garcia et al., 2001) showed that memory may have widespread and long-lasting effects, even if during learning no conscious effort at feature analysis or memorizing is made.
Determination of earthquake focal depths and source time functions in central Asia using teleseismic P waveforms

We developed a new method to determine earthquake source time functions and focal depths. It uses theoretical Green's function and a time‐domain deconvolution with positivity constraint to estimate the source time function from the teleseismic P waveforms. The earthquake focal depth is also determined in the process by using the time separations of the direct P and depth phases. We applied this method to 606 earthquakes between 1990 and 2005 in Central Asia. The results show that the Centroid Moment Tensor solutions, which are routinely computed for earthquake larger than M5.0 globally using very long period body and surface waves, systematically over‐estimated the source depths and durations, especially for shallow events. Away from the subduction zone, most of the 606 earthquakes occurred within the top 20 km of crust. This shallow distribution of earthquakes suggests a high geotherm and a weak ductile lower crust in the region.
Structural Analog of Sildenafil Identified as a Novel Corrector of the F508del-CFTR Trafficking Defect

The F508del mutation impairs trafficking of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to the plasma membrane and results in a partially functional chloride channel that is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and degraded. We recently used a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify small-molecule correctors of F508del CFTR trafficking and found several classes of hits in a screen of 2000 compounds (Carlile et al., 2007). In the present study, we have extended the screen to 42,000 compounds and confirmed sildenafil as a corrector using this assay. We evaluated structural analogs of sildenafil and found that one such molecule called KM11060 (7-chloro-4-{4-[(4-chlorophenyl) sulfonyl] piperazino}quinoline) was surprisingly potent. It partially restored F508del trafficking and increased maturation significantly when baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells were treated with 10 nM for 24 h or 10 μM for 2 h. Partial correction was confirmed by the appearance of mature CFTR in Western blots and by using halide flux, patch-clamp, and short-circuit current measurements in unpolarized BHK cells, monolayers of human airway epithelial cells (CFBE41o-), and intestines isolated from F508del-CFTR mice (Cftrtm1Eur) treated ex vivo. Small-molecule correctors such as KM11060 may serve as useful pharmacological tools in studies of the F508del-CFTR processing defect and in the development of cystic fibrosis therapeutics.
cPKC-dependent Sequestration of Membrane-recycling Components in a Subset of Recycling Endosomes*

In addition to the classical role of protein kinase C (PKC) as a mediator of transmembrane signals initiated at the plasma membrane, there is also significant evidence to suggest that a more sustained PKC activity is necessary for a variety of long term cellular responses. To date, the subcellular localization of PKC during sustained activation has not been extensively studied. We report here that long term activation of PKC (1 h) leads to the selective translocation of classical PKC isoenzymes, α and βII, to a juxtanuclear compartment. Jux-tanuclear translocation of PKC required an intact C1 and C2 domain, and occurred in a microtubule-dependent manner. This juxtanuclear compartment was localized close to the Golgi complex but displayed no overlap with Golgi markers, and was resistant to dispersal with Golgi disrupting agents, brefeldin A and nocodazole. Further characterization revealed that PKCα and βII translocated to a compartment that colocalized with the small GTPase, rab11, which is a marker for the subset of recycling endosomes concentrated around the microtubule-organizing center/centrosome. Analysis of the functional consequence of cPKC translocation on membrane recycling demonstrated a cPKC-dependent sequestration of transferrin, a marker of membrane recycling, in the cPKC compartment. These results identify a novel site for cPKC translocation and define a novel function for the sustained activation of PKCα and βII in regulation of recycling components.
A new approach for the morphological segmentation of high-resolution satellite imagery

A new segmentation method based on the morphological characteristic of connected components in images is proposed. Theoretical definitions of morphological leveling and morphological spectrum are used in the formal definition of a morphological characteristic. In multiscale segmentation, this characteristic is formalized through the derivative of the morphological profile. Multiscale segmentation is particularly well suited for complex image scenes such as aerial or fine resolution satellite images, where very thin, enveloped and/or nested regions must be retained. The proposed method performs well in the presence of both low radiometric contrast and relatively low spatial resolution. Those factors may produce a textural effect, a border effect, and ambiguity in the object/background distinction. Segmentation examples for satellite images are given.
Acute hypoxia limits endurance but does not affect muscle contractile properties

Acute hypoxia causes skeletal muscle dysfunction in vitro, but little is known about its effect on muscle function in vivo. In 10 healthy male subjects, isometric contractile properties and fatigue resistance of the quadriceps muscle were determined during normoxia and hypoxia using electrically evoked and voluntary contractions. The oxygen saturation (SaO2; 96.9 ± 0.7 vs. 79.9 ± 3.0%; P < 0.001) was reduced during hypoxia. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), force–frequency relation, and contraction and relaxation times were unaffected by hypoxia. The endurance time of a sustained 30% MVC was reduced in hypoxia (248 ± 104 vs. 217 ± 76 s; P < 0.05), but not that of a sustained 70% MVC. Fatigue induced by electrically evoked intermittent contractions was unaltered. Thus, acute hypoxia has no significant impact on contractile properties of skeletal muscle in vivo but causes reduced endurance during low‐level sustained voluntary contractions. This indicates that skeletal muscle dysfunction during conditions associated with prolonged hypoxemia, except for limited endurance, is not due to acute effects of hypoxemia. Muscle Nerve, 2005