Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of computed radiography quality control parameters

Quality controls for testing the performance of computed radiography (CR) systems have been recommended by manufacturers and medical physicists' organizations. The purpose of this work was to develop a set of image processing tools for quantitative assessment of computed radiography quality control parameters. Automatic image analysis consisted in detecting phantom details, defining regions of interest and acquiring measurements. The tested performance characteristics included dark noise, uniformity, exposure calibration, linearity, low-contrast and spatial resolution, spatial accuracy, laser beam function and erasure thoroughness. CR devices from two major manufacturers were evaluated. We investigated several approaches to quantify the detector response uniformity. We developed methods to characterize the spatial accuracy and resolution properties across the entire image area, based on the Fourier analysis of the image of a fine wire mesh. The implemented methods were sensitive to local blurring and allowed us to detect a local distortion of 4% or greater in any part of an imaging plate. The obtained results showed that the developed image processing tools allow us to implement a quality control program for CR with short processing time and with absence of subjectivity in the evaluation of the parameters.
How does this make you feel? A comparison of four affect induction procedures

Affect is a fundamental aspect of the human mind. An increasing number of experiments attempt to examine the influence of affect on other psychological phenomena. To accomplish this research, it is necessary to experimentally modify participants' affective states. In the present experiment, we compared the efficacy of four commonly used affect induction procedures. Participants (38 healthy undergraduate students: 18 males) were randomly assigned to either a pleasant or an unpleasant affect induction group, and then underwent four different affect induction procedures: (1) recall of an affectively salient event accompanied by affectively congruent music, (2) script-driven guided imagery, (3) viewing images while listening to affectively congruent music, and (4) posing affective facial actions, body postures, and vocal expressions. All four affect induction methods were successful in inducing both pleasant and unpleasant affective states. The viewing image with music and recall with music procedures were most effective in enhancing positive affect, whereas the viewing image with music procedure was most effective in enhancing negative affect. Implications for the scientific study of affect are discussed.
Flow cytometric assessment of LDL ligand function for detection of heterozygous familial defective apolipoprotein B-100.

BACKGROUND Familial defective apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 (FDB) is caused by a mutation in the apoB gene and characterized by decreased binding of LDL to LDL receptors because of reduced function of the apoB-100 ligand. FDB may be associated with severe hypercholesterolemia and cannot always be distinguished from familial hypercholesterolemia phenotypically. METHODS We used a fluorescence flow cytometry assay with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes to detect reduced LDL ligand function by competitive binding with fluorescently conjugated LDL (DiI-LDL). The assay was tested and validated using LDL from patients heterozygous for the Arg(3500)-Gln mutation and their first-degree relatives. Knowing the actual apoB genotype of patients and relatives allowed us to assess the ability of the assay to predict the results of DNA analysis. The results were compared to measurements of LDL ligand function in unrelated healthy control subjects to characterize functionally the Arg(3500)-Gln mutation. RESULTS Fluorescence was significantly increased in cells incubated with DiI-LDL in competition with unlabeled LDL from FDB(R3500Q) heterozygotes compared with cells incubated with DiI-LDL in competition with unlabeled LDL from relatives or unrelated healthy control subjects. Thus, patients heterozygous for the Arg(3500)-Gln mutation had significantly reduced LDL ligand function. The binding affinity of LDL from FDB(R3500Q) heterozygotes was 32% of that in non-FDB relatives and healthy controls. The assay had a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.95 and diagnostic specificity of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic accuracy of the assay was too low to allow reliable diagnosis of individual cases of heterozygous FDB(R3500Q). However, fluorescence flow cytometry may supplement genetic identification of FDB and functionally characterize gene mutations associated with major reductions in LDL ligand function.
Periodontal status of adult patients treated with fixed buccal appliances and removable aligners over one year of active orthodontic therapy.

OBJECTIVE To compare the periodontal status of adults treated with fixed buccal orthodontic appliances vs removable orthodontic aligners over 1 year of active therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study population consisted of 42 subjects; 22 treated with fixed buccal orthodontic appliances and 20 treated with removable aligners. Clinical indices recorded included: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing pocket depth (PPD). Plaque samples were assessed for hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA test). Indices and BANA scores were recorded before treatment and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after initiation of orthodontic therapy. RESULTS After 6 weeks, only mean PPD was greater in the fixed buccal orthodontic appliance group. However, after 6 months, the fixed buccal orthodontic appliance group had significantly greater mean PI, PPD, and GI scores and was 5.739 times more likely to have a higher BANA score. After 12 months, the fixed buccal orthodontic appliance group continued to have greater mean PI, GI, and PPD, while a trend was noted for higher BANA scores and BOP. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest treatment with fixed buccal orthodontic appliances is associated with decreased periodontal status and increased levels of periodontopathic bacteria when compared to treatment with removable aligners over the 12-month study duration.
Metal Foams with Graded Pore Size for Heat Transfer Applications

Open cell metal foams show great potential as a heat exchangers, due to their permeability to fluids and the high conductivity of the metallic network. In this study, aluminum foams were produced using the replication technique with NaCl, flour, and water used to create the preform. The samples included both uniform pore sizes and examples where different pore sizes were created in different parts of the sample. A bespoke rig was used to measure the thermal and fluid flow performance of the foams, and results for heat transfer coefficient are presented. It is also found that asymmetric behavior can be obtained when non‐uniform pore sizes are present; a factor that could be exploited in heat exchanger design.
Effects of income and wealth on GHQ depression and poor self rated health in white collar women and men in the Whitehall II study

Study objective: To determine whether measures of income and wealth are associated with poor self rated health and GHQ depression. Design: Whitehall II study of London based civil servants re-interviewed between 1997–1999; 7162 participants. Main results: A twofold age adjusted difference in morbidity was observed between the top and bottom of the personal income hierarchy for both sexes. For household income and particularly for wealth these associations are stronger. After adjusting for health at baseline the associations between personal income and both health outcomes are reduced by about 40%–60%. For household income the attenuation is somewhat smaller and for wealth is about 30%. Adjusting for other sociodemographic factors leads to further attenuation of the effects. Conclusions: The associations between income, particularly personal income, and morbidity can be largely accounted for by pre-existing health and other measures of social position. The strong independent association between household wealth—a measure of income earned over decades and across generations—and morbidity are likely to be related to a set of early and current material and psychosocial benefits.
Functional Analysis of a Novel Genome-Wide Association Study Signal in SMAD3 That Confers Protection From Coronary Artery Disease

Objective—A recent genome-wide association study meta-analysis identified an intronic single nucleotide polymorphism in SMAD3, rs56062135C>T, the minor allele (T) which associates with protection from coronary artery disease. Relevant to atherosclerosis, SMAD3 is a key contributor to transforming growth factor-&bgr; pathway signaling. Here, we seek to identify ≥1 causal coronary artery disease–associated single nucleotide polymorphisms at the SMAD3 locus and characterize mechanisms whereby the risk allele(s) contribute to coronary artery disease risk. Approach and Results—By genetic and epigenetic fine mapping, we identified a candidate causal single nucleotide polymorphism rs17293632C>T (D′, 0.97; r2, 0.94 with rs56062135) in intron 1 of SMAD3 with predicted functional effects. We show that the sequence encompassing rs17293632 acts as a strong enhancer in human arterial smooth muscle cells. The common allele (C) preserves an activator protein (AP)-1 site and enhancer function, whereas the protective (T) allele disrupts the AP-1 site and significantly reduces enhancer activity (P<0.001). Pharmacological inhibition of AP-1 activity upstream demonstrates that this allele-specific enhancer effect is AP-1 dependent (P<0.001). Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments reveal binding of several AP-1 component proteins with preferential binding to the (C) allele. We show that rs17293632 is an expression quantitative trait locus for SMAD3 in blood and atherosclerotic plaque with reduced expression of SMAD3 in carriers of the protective allele. Finally, siRNA knockdown of SMAD3 in human arterial smooth muscle cells increases cell viability, consistent with an antiproliferative role. Conclusions—The coronary artery disease–associated rs17293632C>T single nucleotide polymorphism represents a novel functional cis-acting element at the SMAD3 locus. The protective (T) allele of rs17293632 disrupts a consensus AP-1 binding site in a SMAD3 intron 1 enhancer, reduces enhancer activity and SMAD3 expression, altering human arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Periodontal effect of nonfunction in monkeys.

A L T H O U G H T H E PERIODONTAL EFFECTS of nonfunction have been studied extensively, the histologic and clinical significance of nonfunction remains unclear. Studies of humans and animals 5 2 0 indicate that nonfunction leads to narrowing of the periodontal membrane and loss of functional orientation of the principle fibers. In humans , 9, 12, 2 1 and monkeys' 2 2 an increase in thickness of cementum has been reported associated with nonfunction. The supporting bone of nonfunctional teeth in humans' ' 5 , 1 1 , 2 3 and rats 1 7 , 2 4 exhibits increased size of marrow spaces and thin trabeculae. There is evidence of crestal apposition of bone adjacent to supra-erupted nonfunctional teeth both in humans and monkeys. Both crestal apposition' and resorption' 1 7 ' 2 4 have been reported with nonfunction in rodents. Increased calculus retention on nonfunctional teeth has been observed in humans. The periodontal status in animals varied from minimal inflammation,' pocket depth,' 2 0 and recession,' 2 6 to varying degrees of ulceration and inflammation, increased pocket depth, and recession. No difference in the degree of inflammation between functional and nonfunctional teeth was observed in monkeys.
Risk Stratification in Assessing Risk in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

We present the need for risk stratification in the monitoring of cardiac surgical practice and review the frequentist and Bayesian approaches to the problem. Developments in the available databases are described. Enhancements to the Parsonnet and EuroSCORE systems are reviewed. We argue that in the UK, although the use of the Parsonnet system is inappropriate and that the EuroSCORE system is a clear improvement, there are advantages in adopting a system based on a Bayesian model for risk assessment
Twists of X(7) and primitive solutions to x^2+y^3=z^7

We find the primitive integer solutions to x^2+y^3=z^7. A nonabelian descent argument involving the simple group of order 168 reduces the problem to the determination of the set of rational points on a finite set of twists of the Klein quartic curve X. To restrict the set of relevant twists, we exploit the isomorphism between X and the modular curve X(7), and use modularity of elliptic curves and level lowering. This leaves 10 genus-3 curves, whose rational points are found by a combination of methods.
Proteins of the accessory sex glands associated with the oocyte‐penetrating capacity of cauda epididymal sperm from holstein bulls of documented fertility

We previously reported that accessory sex gland fluid (AGF) from high fertility (HF) bulls influenced the oocyte‐penetrating capacity of cauda epididymal sperm from low fertility (LF) bulls, based on in vitro fertilization (IVF) assays. The present study determined if AGF proteins were associated with these effects. Nineteen IVF assays with 12 bulls were grouped as follows. Group I (n = 8): assays where sperm from LF bulls exposed to AGF from HF bulls had greater oocyte penetration than exposed to homologous AGF. Group II (n = 7): sperm from LF bulls to AGF from HF bulls versus homologous AGF showed no significant differences. Group III (n = 4): sperm from LF bulls treated with homologous AGF had greater fertility than sperm treated with AGF from HF bulls. Sire fertility was based on nonreturn rates (NNR) and AGF collected by artificial vagina from bulls with cannulated vasa deferentia. Two‐dimensional SDS–PAGE maps of AGF were analyzed by PDQuest and proteins identified by tandem mass spectrometry and Western blots. Differences in spot intensity between AGF of HF and LF bulls were compared across groups of IVF assays (P < 0.05). The expression of BSP A1/A2 and A3, BSP 30 kDa, clusterin, albumin, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and osteopontin was greater in the AGF of HF bulls in Group I as compared to Groups II and III. Conversely, there was less nucleobindin in the AGF of HF bulls in Group I than in Groups II and III. This is the first report of nucleobindin (58 kDa/pI 5.6) in male reproductive fluids, using both immunoblots and mass spectrometry. Thus, the effect of AGF from HF bulls on epididymal sperm is likely the result of specific proteins expressed in the AGF. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newborn screening in Canada - Are we out of step?

OBJECTIVES To review the status of universal newborn screening programs in Canada. METHODS A brief questionnaire (seven questions) was circulated to one key individual in each province (n=10) and territory (n=3). These individuals were usually physicians or clinical biochemists closely involved in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic metabolic diseases. RESULTS Universal newborn screening is under provincial jurisdiction. The number of diseases screened for varies and ranges from three to 28. Nine provinces/territories have a central computerized system for tracking initially positive cases. Only five provinces/territories have adequate personnel and resources for follow-up and treatment. Treatment costs are only partially covered in most jurisdictions. Only five provinces/territories have formal advisory committees with official mandates. Expensive, restricted access treatment products for adults with inherited metabolic diseases are only fully available in six provinces/territories. There is very limited access to these products in an additional four provinces/territories. To date, specific informed consent for newborn screening is not required in any province or territory. CONCLUSIONS Canada is far behind the rest of the developed (and some 'emerging') countries of the world in the field of universal newborn screening. New strategies for advocating expanded screening, follow-up and (long-term) payment of treatment costs on behalf of the potentially affected infants and their families must be devised, and such initiatives should include participation from the new Public Health Agency of Canada.
Static Routing and Wavelength Assignment Inspired by Particle Swarm Optimization

population is proposed. To help the particles to converge towards optimal solution quickly, a novel scheme is devised for route selection, during particle's search. In order to diversify the search in problem space, a special operation is proposed for global best particle. The proposed scheme achieves optimal solution in significantly lower number of iterations.
Ethanol Promotes Clathrin Adaptor-Mediated Endocytosis via the Intracellular Domain of δ-Containing GABAA Receptors

Pharmacological and genetic evidence reveals that GABAA receptor (GABAA-R) expression and localization are modulated in response to acute and chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure. To determine molecular mechanisms of GABAA-R plasticity in response to in vivo acute EtOH, we measured early time changes in GABAA-R subunit localization. Single doses of EtOH (3 g/kg via i.p. injection in rats) produced decreases in surface levels of GABAA-R α4 and δ subunits at 5–15 min post-EtOH in hippocampus CA1 and dentate gyrus, verifying our earlier report (Liang et al., 2007). Here we also examined the β3 subunit and its phosphorylation state during internalization. β3 also was internalized during 5–15 min after EtOH exposure, while phosphorylation of β3 was increased, then decreased at later times, ruling out β3 dephosphorylation-dependent endocytosis. As early as 5 min post-EtOH, there is an initial increase in association between the δ subunits with clathrin adaptor proteins AP2-μ2 revealed by coimmunoprecipitation, followed by a decrease in association 15 min post-EtOH. In vitro studies using glutathione S-transferase fused to the δ subunit intracellular domain (ICD) show that two regions, one containing a classical YxxΦ motif and the other an atypical R/K-rich motif, directly and differentially bind to AP2-μ2, with the former YRSV exhibiting higher affinity. Mutating both regions in the δ-ICD abolishes μ2 binding, providing a possible mechanism that can explain the rapid downregulation of extrasynaptic α4βδ-GABAA-R following in vivo EtOH administration, in which the δ-ICD increases in affinity for clathrin AP2-μ2 leading to endocytosis.
Quantitative three‐dimensional imaging of live avian embryonic morphogenesis via micro‐computed tomography

Many clinically relevant congenital malformations arise during mid to late embryonic stages. This period is challenging to image quantitatively in live embryos, necessitating the use of multiple specimens with increased experimental variability. Here we establish X‐ray and blood‐pool computed tomography (CT) contrast agent toxicity and teratogenesis thresholds for 3D Micro‐CT imaging of live avian embryos. Day 4 chick embryos micro‐injected with Visipaque™ (VP) developed for an additional 6 days without defect. X‐ray radiation up to 798 mGy was nontoxic. Peak average contrast of 1,060 HU occurred within 1 hr of imaging at 50 μm resolution. VP‐enhanced contrast persisted past 24 hr with delayed accumulation in the allantois. Regional volumes of VP‐injected embryos were statistically identical to those of fixed embryos perfused with osmium tetroxide. We further quantified longitudinal volumetric morphogenesis of the allantois over 30 hr. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of contrast enhanced quantitative micro‐CT imaging for live embryos. Developmental Dynamics 240:1949–1957, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring Distance with Mobile Phones Using Single-Camera Stereo Vision

Computer stereo vision is an important technique for robotic navigation and other mobile scenarios where depth perception is needed, but it usually requires two cameras with a known horizontal displacement. In this paper, we present a solution for mobile devices with just one camera, which is a first step towards making computer stereo vision available to a wide range of devices that are not equipped with stereo cameras. We have built a prototype using a state-of-the-art mobile phone, which has to be manually displaced in order to record images from different lines of sight. Since the displacement between the two images is not known in advance, it is measured using the phone's inertial sensors. We evaluated the accuracy of our single-camera approach by performing distance calculations to everyday objects in different indoor and outdoor scenarios, and compared the results with that of a stereo camera phone. As a main advantage of a single moving camera is the possibility to vary its relative position between taking the two pictures, we investigated the effect of different camera displacements on the accuracy of distance measurements.
Estimate of Ocean Wind Vectors Inside Tropical Cyclones From Polarimetric Radiometer

Microwave polarimetry provides a distinctive opportunity to retrieve wind speed (WS) and wind direction (WD) inside tropical cyclones (TCs) due to the high atmospheric transmissivity through clouds and under rain conditions. A WS retrieval algorithm for WS above 20 m/s in TCs using brightness temperature at 6.8- and 10.7-GHz has been developed and a new set of parameters has been optimized from WindSat TB and the HWind analysis matches. This algorithm is estimated to have an encouraging degree of accuracy for retrieving WS in TCs. For WS above 20 m/s, the mean (std) of the differences between retrieved WS and HWind analysis for 17 TCs from 2003 to 2009 is 0.2 m/s (3.1 m/s). WD signals in the third (<italic>T</italic><sub>3</sub>) and fourth Stokes (<italic>T</italic><sub>4</sub>) parameters at 10.7-, 18.7- and 37-GHz for ocean surfaces in TCs under rain are presented. <italic>T</italic><sub>3 </sub> observations from the WindSat 10.7-, 18.7-, and 37-GHz channels are collocated with the ocean-surface winds from the HWind analysis. The collocated data are binned as a function of WS and WD. The 10.7 GHz <italic>T</italic><sub>3 </sub> data show clear 4-K peak-to-peak directional signals at 30–40 m/s WS after correction for the atmospheric attenuation. The data are fitted by harmonics of the relative azimuth angles between the HWind analysis and radiometer look directions. The new coefficients of WD harmonics are used to retrieve WD in TCs under rain using WindSat <italic> T</italic><sub>3</sub> and <italic>T</italic><sub>4</sub> channels. The rms difference between retrieved WD and HWind WD is 24.2.
Development of power system protection laboratory through senior design projects

This paper describes a novel power system laboratory at Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya (B.V.M.) Engineering College, Gujarat, India, where every experiment was designed, wired and commissioned through senior design projects. The experiments on power system protection are especially unique in terms of their design and implementation and will be highlighted in this paper. They provide a real substation-like operating environment. Through these projects, the students, in addition to getting familiar with the fundamentals of protection, learned how different protection schemes are wired and how they operate in a real power system. For the institute, a quality laboratory was established at a low cost, which is a crucial issue for most colleges in many parts of the world.
PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Using a standard epidemiological survey instrument for psychoactive drug use, 215 medical students in three classes were studied. One third of all students reported non-medical drug use. The substances ever used were: betel nut 13%, smokeless tobacco 3%, cigarettes 12%, alcohol 12.5%, cannabis 0.9% and benzodiazepines 3.7%. Last month use was reported for four substances and daily use was reported for cigarettes only (3.2%). Cigarette and benzodiazepine use mostly began after entry to medical college. Men and final year students had a higher prevalence of drug use.