Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlling sensitivity and stability of ferrous–xylenol orange–gelatin 3D gel dosimeters by doping with phenanthroline-type ligands and glyoxal

The ferrous–xylenol orange–gelatin (FXG) dosimeter is widely used for three-dimensional ionizing radiation field mapping through optical scanning. Upon irradiation, the ferrous iron (Fe2+) is oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+), which forms an intensely coloured complex with xylenol orange (XO). XO also acts as a diffusion-limiting additive; however, its presence may cause rapid auto-oxidation of Fe2+ during storage and low stability of the dose response. In this work, phenanthroline-type ligands were added to FXG system in a bid to bind the ferrous iron in a stable complex and minimize the rate of the auto-oxidation, whereas glyoxal was used as a chemical cross-linker, aiming to minimize the ferric iron diffusion. It was found that addition of either 1,10-phenanthroline or 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline can improve the auto-oxidation behaviour of the gels. However, the initial background absorbance was slightly increased, and the sensitivity of the dosimeters was decreased. Doping with glyoxal led to a moderate decrease of the diffusion only in those gels that also contained a phenanthroline-type ligand, and did not affect the initial dose response. Glyoxal also afforded an extended period of stable background absorbance level after an initial period of bleaching of the gel. Following re-irradiation, most glyoxal-containing dosimeters showed an excellent linearity of the dose response, albeit at a decreased sensitivity. We recommend further testing of FXG dosimeters, doped with phenanthroline-type ligands and glyoxal as a means for controlling the dose response and improving the long-term storage properties of the gels and the potential for dose fractionation.
Quantum speedup of Monte Carlo methods

Monte Carlo methods use random sampling to estimate numerical quantities which are hard to compute deterministically. One important example is the use in statistical physics of rapidly mixing Markov chains to approximately compute partition functions. In this work, we describe a quantum algorithm which can accelerate Monte Carlo methods in a very general setting. The algorithm estimates the expected output value of an arbitrary randomized or quantum subroutine with bounded variance, achieving a near-quadratic speedup over the best possible classical algorithm. Combining the algorithm with the use of quantum walks gives a quantum speedup of the fastest known classical algorithms with rigorous performance bounds for computing partition functions, which use multiple-stage Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. The quantum algorithm can also be used to estimate the total variation distance between probability distributions efficiently.
Surfaces in solid dynamics and fluid statics

In the first part of this work we formulate a nonperturbative, local description of the dynamics of surfaces under ion bombardment. Our theory has the form of a nonlinear advection equation with a fourth order diffusive term. This partial differential equation admits shock wave solutions with a selected velocity, which correspond to steep propagating steps on the surface. This selection mechanism provides a precise test of the transport and sputtering processes on the surface. Our equation also provides an efficient means of simulating sputtering effects on any surface with regions of high slope. The second part presents a method of optimization for the problem of liquid droplet reduction. We work in the adiabatic limit, wherein the droplet can be calculated by balancing pressure and surface tension. We show a bifurcation at a critical pressure and find a relationship between this pressure and the shape of the nozzle which forms the boundary of the droplet surface. Our formalism yields an algorithm for changing the nozzle shape such that the droplet volume is minimized. A numerical example demonstrates a reduction in volume of 20%.
Clinical Significance of Impaired Cerebrovascular Autoregulation After Severe Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cerebrovascular autoregulation and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods— In a prospective observational study, 80 patients after severe subarachnoid hemorrhage were continuously monitored for cerebral perfusion pressure and partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen for an average of 7.9 days (range, 1.9–14.9 days). Autoregulation was assessed using the index of brain tissue oxygen pressure reactivity (ORx), a moving correlation coefficient between cerebral perfusion pressure and partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen. High ORx indicates impaired autoregulation; low ORx signifies intact autoregulation. Outcome was determined at 6 months and dichotomized into favorable (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4–5) and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1–3). Results— Twenty-four patients had a favorable and 56 an unfavorable outcome. In a univariate analysis, there were significant differences in autoregulation (ORx 0.19±0.10 versus 0.37±0.11, P<0.001, for favorable versus unfavorable outcome, respectively), age (44.1±11.0 years versus 54.2±12.1 years, P=0.001), occurrence of delayed cerebral infarction (8% versus 46%, P<0.001), use of coiling (25% versus 54%, P=0.02), partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (24.9±6.6 mm Hg versus 21.8±6.3 mm Hg, P=0.048), and Fisher grade (P=0.03). In a multivariate analysis, ORx (P<0.001) and age (P=0.003) retained an independent predictive value for outcome. ORx correlated with Glasgow Outcome Scale (r=−0.70, P<0.001). Conclusions— The status of cerebrovascular autoregulation might be an important pathophysiological factor in the disease process after subarachnoid hemorrhage, because impaired autoregulation was independently associated with an unfavorable outcome.
General least-squares design of allpass transformed DFT filter-banks

The allpass transformation is a common approach to design a frequency warped analysis-synthesis filter-bank (AS FB) with non-uniform time-frequency resolution. Such filter-banks are beneficial, e.g., for speech and audio subband processing, but their synthesis filter-bank design is more complex as for uniform filter-banks. This problem is tackled by a new least-squares error (LS) synthesis filter-bank design. Magnitude and phase distortions are minimized with the constraints for complete aliasing cancellation and a restricted signal delay. The coefficients of the synthesis filters are determined by a linear set of equations with linear constraints which can be easily solved. The obtained FIR synthesis subband filters exhibit a frequency selectivity similar to that of the IIR analysis filters. The new concept is very general and can be applied in case of an allpass transformation of first or higher order as well as for polyphase network (PPN) filter-banks where the prototype filter length exceeds the number of channels. These properties make the proposed design of interest for various subband processing systems requiring non-uniform frequency bands.
A cytosolic complex of p62 and rab6 associates with TGN38/41 and is involved in budding of exocytic vesicles from the trans-Golgi network

TGN38/41, an integral membrane protein predominantly localized to the trans-Golgi network, has been shown to cycle to the plasma membrane and return to the TGN within 30 min. (Ladinsky, M. S., and K. E. Howell. 1992. Eur. J. Cell Biol. 59:92-105). In characterizing the proteins which associate with TGN38/41, a peripheral 62-kD protein, two forms of rab6 and two other small GTP-binding proteins were identified by coimmunoprecipitation. However, approximately 90% of the 62-kD protein is cytosolic and is associated with the same subset of small GTP- binding proteins. Both the membrane and cytoplasmic complexes were characterized by sizing column fractionation and velocity sedimentation. The membrane complex was approximately 250 kD (11.6 S) consisting of the cytosolic complex and a heterodimer of TGN38/41 (160 kD). The cytosolic complex was approximately 86 kD (6.1 S) consisting of p62 and one small GTP-binding protein. Preliminary evidence indicates that phosphorylation of the p62 molecule regulates the dissociation of the cytosolic complex from TGN38/41. Functionally the cytosolic p62 complex must bind to TGN38/41 for the budding of exocytic transport vesicles from the TGN as assayed in a cell-free system (Salamero, J., E. S. Sztul, and K. E. Howell. 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 87:7717-7721). Interference with p62, rab6 or TGN38, and TGN41 cytoplasmic domains by immunodepletion or competing peptides completely inhibited the budding of exocytic transport vesicles. These results support an essential role for interaction of the cytosolic p62/rab6 complex with TGN38/41 in budding of exocytic vesicles from the TGN.
Involvement of Up-Regulated CXC Chemokine Ligand 16/Scavenger Receptor That Binds Phosphatidylserine and Oxidized Lipoprotein in Endotoxin-Induced Lethal Liver Injury via Regulation of T-Cell Recruitment and Adhesion

ABSTRACT A murine model of endotoxin-induced lethal liver injury induced by Mycobacterium bovis BCG plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been widely accepted and used. It has been reported that T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver damage in this model. However, the precise mechanisms involved in regulation of the trafficking of effector T cells need to be elucidated. In the present study, we first reported that CXCL16/SR-PSOX (CXC chemokine ligand 16/scavenger receptor that binds phosphatidylserine and oxidized lipoprotein), a chemokine containing both membrane-anchored and soluble forms, was strongly up-regulated and predominantly distributed in the vascular endothelium in the injured liver tissue in the model. The secretory and membrane-anchored CXCL16/SR-PSOX functioned as a chemokine and an adhesive molecule, respectively, to attract T cells to a tumor necrosis factor alpha-activated endothelial cell line (SVEC) in vitro. To further identify the pathophysiological roles of CXCL16/SR-PSOX in the liver injury, the anti-CXCL16 antibody was administered to the BCG-primed mice before LPS challenge in vivo. Significant protection effects were observed with 70% of mice regarding lethality, the massive necrosis in the liver was reduced, and the intrahepatic infiltrating T cells were significantly inhibited. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that functional CXCL16/SR-PSOX, as both a chemokine and an adhesion molecule, may be involved in the pathogenesis of the endotoxin-induced lethal liver injury via recruitment and adhesion of activated T cells to the vascular endothelium.
An Electronic Tool for Visual Feedback to Monitor the Adherence to Quality Indicators in Intensive Care Medicine

Evidence-based medicine is often inadequately implemented in intensive care units (ICU); the aim of this study was to improve its implementation via a technical feedback system, using key performance indicators (KPI). The study evaluated 205 patients treated in a cardiac surgical ICU over a 6-month period (3 months before and 3 months after implementation of the feedback system). KPI adherence rates for sedation, delirium and pain monitoring, and completion of a weaning protocol before and after the implementation of the feedback system, were compared. Adherence rates for pain and delirium monitoring, and implementation of the weaning protocol, were significantly increased by the intervention. Adherence to KPIs for sedation, which were high at baseline, could not be further improved. Daily display of KPI implementation had a positive effect on adherence to standard operating procedures. Adherence to guidelines may be improved by using this feedback system as part of the clinical routine.
Risk of Vancomycin-induced Nephrotoxicity in the Population With Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract:The antibiotic vancomycin has been available since the 1950s but has been used more commonly since the early 1980s because of the widespread appearance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend achieving vancomycin trough levels of 10 to 20 &mgr;g/mL. Usage of vancomycin in high dosages especially ≥4 g/d has led to an increase in the incidence of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review focuses on the impact of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with CKD. Patients with CKD are at increased risk of developing acute kidney injury and subsequently requiring renal replacement therapy. There is substantial need for vancomycin pharmacokinetic studies to be performed in the population with CKD to develop an optimum vancomycin nomogram in these patients. At present, tight monitoring of vancomycin trough levels in the population with CKD is recommended to help prevent acute kidney injury and its associated high morbidity, mortality and health care costs.
Basolateral Entry and Release of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Polarized MDCK-1 Cells

ABSTRACT Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an etiological agent of a disease with mortality rates in patients averaging 30%. The disease is characterized by fever, myalgia, and hemorrhage. Mechanisms underlying the hemorrhage have to our knowledge not been elucidated for CCHFV. Possibly, a direct or indirect viral effect on tight junctions (TJ) could cause the hemorrhage observed in patients, as TJ play a crucial role in vascular homeostasis and can cause leakage upon deregulation. Moreover, there is no knowledge regarding the site of entry and release of CCHFV in polarized epithelial cells. Such cells represent a barrier to virus dissemination within the host, and as a site of viral entry and release, they could play a key role in further spread. For the first time, we have shown preferential basolateral entry of CCHFV in Madin-Darby canine kidney 1 (MDCK-1) epithelial cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated basolateral release of CCHFV in polarized epithelial cells. Interestingly, by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance, we found no effect of CCHFV replication on the function of TJ in this study. Neither did we observe any difference in the localization of the TJ proteins ZO-1 and occludin in CCHFV-infected cells compared to mock-infected cells.
The Intergenerational Impact of Terror: Does the 9/11 Tragedy Reverberate into the Outcomes of the Next Generation?

A medical literature that provides biological pathways from maternal stress to adverse birth outcomes, coupled with a growing consensus that birth characteristics are predictive of later life wellbeing, suggest that events that cause psychological trauma during pregnancy may have dire consequences for the next generation. Due to the unexpected nature of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 a random cohort of in utero children where exogenously insulted by increased maternal psychological distress. The goal of this study is to rigorously examine the casual effect of acute maternal stress on birth outcomes. To explore this question, it is imperative to avoid two identification pitfalls common in natural experiment studies of this topic: non-stress related negative externalities and post-event endogenous fertility selection. With these issues in mind, this analysis excludes those individuals most at risk of health and resource shocks unrelated to stress, New York City and Washington D.C. residents, and does not rely on the endogenously selected post-event birth cohorts. Results suggest that children exposed while in utero were born significantly smaller and earlier than previous cohorts. The timing of the effect provides evidence that intrauterine growth is specifically restricted by first trimester exposure to stress, while gestational age is most reduced by increased maternal psychological distress in mid pregnancy.
Application of a Neural Network Model for Prediction of Wear Properties of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composites

In the current study, the effect of applied load, sliding speed, and type and weight percentages of reinforcements on the wear properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was theoretically studied. The extensive experimental results were taken from literature and modeled with artificial neural network (ANN). The feed forward (FF) back-propagation (BP) neural network (NN) was used to predict the dry sliding wear behavior of UHMWPE composites. Eleven input vectors were used in the construction of the proposed NN. The carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon fiber (CF), graphene oxide (GO), and wollastonite additives are the main input parameters and the volume loss is the output parameter for the developed NN. It was observed that the sliding speed and applied load have a stronger effect on the volume loss of UHMWPE composites in comparison to other input parameters. The proper condition for achieving the desired wear behaviors of UHMWPE by tailoring the weight percentage and reinforcement particle size and composition was presented. The proposed NN model and the derived explicit form of mathematical formulation show good agreement with test results and can be used to predict the volume loss of UHMWPE composites.
Dissolution of Copper and Formation of IMC in Bulk Lead-Free Solders

Besides the popular reflow soldering practice, wave soldering is another established technique in the electronic packaging industry for obtaining the solder joints. In this study the dissolution behavior of copper and the growth of intermetallic compound (IMC) during wave soldering process have been investigated. The study involved two different solder compositions, viz. pure Sn and eutectic Sn–Ag solder. Dipping experiments were conducted for the temperature range of 221–300 °C and for dwell time starting form 5 s to 6 min. The average thickness of the intermetallic compound formed and the amount of copper dissolved was determined. Experimental results indicated that the amount and rate of copper dissolution were strongly affected by temperature of molten solder and dwell time. The initial rate of copper dissolution was very high but it decreased with time. Based on the experimental results, the kinetic parameters governing the dissolution of copper and growth of the IMC were determined for the two solders.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Activity Does Not Select for Cells with Enhanced Aggressive Properties in Malignant Melanoma

Background Malignant melanoma is an exceptionally aggressive, drug-resistant and heterogeneous cancer. Recently it has been shown that melanoma cells with high clonogenic and tumourigenic abilities are common, but markers distinguishing such cells from cells lacking these abilities have not been identified. There is therefore no definite evidence that an exclusive cell subpopulation, i.e. cancer stem cells (CSC), exists in malignant melanoma. Rather, it is suggested that multiple cell populations are implicated in initiation and progression of the disease, making it of importance to identify subpopulations with elevated aggressive properties. Methods and Findings In several other cancer forms, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH), which plays a role in stem cell biology and resistance, is a valuable functional marker for identification of cells that show enhanced aggressiveness and drug-resistance. Furthermore, the presence of ALDH+ cells is linked to poor clinical prognosis in these cancers. By analyzing cell cultures, xenografts and patient biopsies, we showed that aggressive melanoma harboured a large, distinguishable ALDH+ subpopulation. In vivo, ALDH+ cells gave rise to ALDH− cells, while the opposite conversion was rare, indicating a higher abilities of ALDH+ cells to reestablish tumour heterogeneity with respect to the ALDH phenotype. However, both ALDH+ and ALDH− cells demonstrated similarly high abilities for clone formation in vitro and tumour initiation in vivo. Furthermore, both subpopulations showed similar sensitivity to the anti-melanoma drugs, dacarbazine and lexatumumab. Conclusions These findings suggest that ALDH does not distinguish tumour-initiating and/or therapy-resistant cells, implying that the ALDH phenotype is not associated with more-aggressive subpopulations in malignant melanoma, and arguing against ALDH as a “universal” marker. Besides, it was shown that the ability to reestablish tumour heterogeneity is not necessarily linked to the more aggressive phenotype.
Identification of an Alternatively Spliced Variant of Ca2+-promoted Ras Inactivator as a Possible Regulator of RANKL Shedding*

The receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), a critical regulator of osteoclastogenesis, is synthesized as a membrane-anchored protein and cleaved into a soluble form by ectodomain shedding. We developed an assay system to identify molecules regulating the RANKL shedding. Using this system, we found that a splice variant of Ca2+-promoted Ras inactivator (CAPRI), ΔCAPRI, which is expressed in primary osteoblasts, promoted the RANKL shedding. The wild type CAPRI is a member of the Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) family and suppresses Ca2+-dependent Ras activation, whereas ΔCAPRI, which lacks one exon in the GAP-related domain, activated the Ras pathway. Overexpression of ΔCAPRI or a constitutive active form of Ras up-regulated the expression level of matrix-metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14), which directly cleaves the ectodomain of RANKL, whereas Erk activation by expressing the constitutive active Mek1 did not affect the MMP14 expression or RANKL shedding. These results suggest that ΔCAPRI is a possible regulator of RANKL shedding by modulating MMP14 expression through Ras signaling cascades other than the Erk pathway.
Non-linear scaling rules for brushless PM synchronous machines based on optimal design studies for a wide range of power ratings

A large-scale unitary-study for generic topologies of surface mounted permanent magnet brushless motors operated from sine-wave current regulated drives is described. A wide range of power ratings, from 1 kW to 1 MW, and a large spread of physical dimensions, with a stator inner (air-gap) diameter as low as 50mm and as high as 500mm, are considered. A parametric motor model employing eight independent variables is introduced. A sensitivity analysis based on the Response Surface (RS) method is performed and a Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is applied to find the optimal solutions for different power ratings. The study provides rules for scaling the machine main design parameters with the power rating in order to achieve minimum active material cost per point of efficiency.
Circumcision Complications Associated with the Plastibell Device and Conventional Dissection Surgery: A Trial of 586 Infants of Ages up to 12 Months

Conventional dissection surgery (CDS) or using the Plastibell device (PD) is the method most frequently employed for circumcision. The aim of this study was to evaluate two methods in terms of the incidence of complications in infants of ages up to 12 months. In a prospective study, 586 infants equal to or less than 12 months were studied from 2002 to 2008, and complications between the two groups were assessed. The overall rates of complications in CDS and PD groups were 1.95% and 7.08%, respectively. In each group, the rate of complications was not different among children who had a normal weight, compared to those of a lower or upper (10%) weight. There was a significant positive correlation between the age and weight of subjects within the time of ring separation (P < .001). The results of this study suggest the PD method for neonates and low-weight infants with thin prepuce and the CDS for other infants.