Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respiration correlated cone-beam computed tomography and 4DCT for evaluating target motion in Stereotactic Lung Radiation Therapy

An image-guidance process for using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) of peripheral lung lesions is presented. Respiration correlated CBCT on the treatment unit and four dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) from planning are evaluated for assessing respiration-induced target motion during planning and treatment fractions. Image-guided SBRT was performed for 12 patients (13 lesions) with inoperable early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma. Kilovoltage (kV) projections were acquired over a 360 degree gantry rotation and sorted based on the pixel value of an image-based aperture located at the air-tissue interface of the diaphragm. The sorted projections were reconstructed to provide volumetric respiration correlated CBCT image datasets at different phases of the respiratory cycle. The 4D volumetric datasets were directly compared with 4DCT datasets acquired at the time of planning. For ten of 12 patients treated, the lung tumour motion, as measured by respiration correlated CBCT on the treatment unit, was consistent with the tumour motion measured by 4DCT at the time of planning. However, in two patients, maximum discrepancies observed were 6 and 10 mm in the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior directions, respectively. Respiration correlated CBCT acquired on the treatment unit allows target motion to be assessed for each treatment fraction, allows target localization based on different phases on the breathing cycle, and provides the facility for adaptive margin design in radiation therapy of lung malignancies. The current study has shown that the relative motion and position of the tumour at the time of treatment may not match that of the planning 4DCT scan. Therefore, application of breathing motion data acquired at simulation for tracking or gating radiation therapy may not be suitable for all patients — even those receiving short course treatment techniques such as SBRT.
Is renal failure caused by primary hypertension? Why does the controversy continue?

frequent pregnancy loss. Comprehensive national registries, including detailed reports of pregnancy management and outcome, would be the best way to address this type of problem. How age at conception, previous pregnancies, the existence of residual renal function, the time on dialysis prior to conception, the nutritional status, the aetiology of the renal disease, the presence of endocrine or electrolyte disorders might influence pregnancy outcome also need to be specifically evaluated by the registry data analysis. Finally, the identified unsuccessful pregnancies should be studied with as much attention as the successful ones. Guidelines to optimize pregnancy outcome in dialysis patients are proposed in Table 1. As the management of pregnant dialysis patients continues to evolve, we are certain that more reports will be published to further refine our recommendations.
Folding of HLA-B27 subtypes is determined by the global effect of polymorphic residues and shows incomplete correspondence to ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the maturation and folding of HLA-B27 subtypes and the relationship of these features to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS Stable transfectants expressing B27 subtypes and site-directed mutants were used. Maturation/export rates were measured by acquisition of endoglycosidase H resistance. Folding efficiency was estimated from the ratio of unfolded heavy chain to folded heavy chain, which was immunoprecipitated with specific antibodies, in pulse-chase experiments. Association with calnexin was analyzed in coprecipitation experiments. Cytosolic dislocation was estimated by immunoprecipitation of deglycosylated heavy chain after proteasome inhibition. The level of heavy chain expression on unstimulated or interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-stimulated cells was quantified by Western blotting. RESULTS There was no correlation between the export rate and the association of HLA-B27 subtypes with AS. Three of the 4 AS-associated B27 subtypes showed inefficient folding, but B*2707 folded with the same high efficiency as the non-disease-associated subtypes. Some individual mutations that mimicked subtype polymorphism profoundly influenced folding, but in a context-dependent way. The differences in export and folding rates among B27 variants were unrelated to levels of heavy chain expression in the corresponding transfectants, as indicated by the lack of correlation between the two parameters and by heavy chain up-regulation with IFNgamma. Misfolded heavy chain was inefficiently cleared from the endoplasmic reticulum, based on the marginal increase in levels of deglycosylated heavy chain, which resulted from loss of the glycan moiety after cytosolic dislocation, following proteasome inhibition. CONCLUSION HLA-B27 subtype folding is determined by the overall heavy-chain structure, since the effect of a given polymorphism depends on its structural context. Heavy chain misfolding does not explain the association of B*2707 with AS.
Regionally reduced brain volume, altered serotonin neurochemistry, and abnormal behavior in mice null for the circadian rhythm output gene Magel2

Magel2 belongs to the MAGE/necdin family of proteins, which have roles in cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. The Magel2 gene is expressed in various brain regions, most notably the hypothalamus. Mice with a targeted deletion of Magel2 display hypoactivity, blunted circadian rhythm, decreased fertility, and increased adiposity. The human ortholog, MAGEL2, is one of a set of paternally expressed, imprinted genes inactivated in most cases of Prader–Willi syndrome, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. To explore the role of Magel2, brain morphology, brain neurochemistry, and behavior were measured in Magel2‐null mice. Brain volume was reduced in specific regions, particularly in the parieto‐temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex, the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the nucleus accumbens, as measured by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Abnormal neurochemistry was detected in brain samples from adult mice, consisting of decreased serotonin and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the cortex and the hypothalamus, and decreased dopamine in the hypothalamus. Magel2‐null mice displayed relatively normal motor and learning abilities, but exhibited abnormal behavior in novel environments. This study lends support to the important role of the circadian rhythm output gene Magel2 in brain structure and behavior. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Influence of CSR on Brand Relevant Aspects

Companies employ various methods to fulfill their corporate social responsibility (CSR) in order to make a better impression on consumers and play the part of an upstanding world citizen. An important issue is how companies can bring their efforts to the attention of consumers, placing themselves in a more positive light and thereby attracting business. Using a well-known global corporation, McDonalds, as an example, we explored consumer awareness of CSR through literature review and empirical research by consumer survey. We aimed to study how meeting various facets of CSR affects the brand satisfaction, brand trust and brand commitment of consumers. We also categorized respondents by brand attachment and discussed its effect as a moderator variable. The study recovered 507 valid questionnaires. These results show that brand attachment has a partially moderating effect. These results can serve as reference for companies formulating CSR strategies.
Burst-Based Orthogonal ST Block Coding for CPM

In this paper, we propose a simple orthogonal space-time block coding (OSTBC) technique for continuous-phase modulation (CPM). Although the straightforward combination of orthogonal designs (ODs) and CPM was deemed impossible in X. Zhang and M.P. Fitz (2003) G. Wang and X-G Xia (2004) we show that this is easily accomplished with a burst-based approach. In fact, using the proposed technique ODs can be combined with any CPM scheme. After an appropriate ST combining at the receiver, the same detection techniques as in case of single-antenna transmission can be applied. This is a significant advantage over previously proposed ST coding schemes for CPM. We also derive accurate approximations for the bit error rate and the frame error rate of CPM with OSTBC. Both analysis and simulations show in good agreement the excellent performance of the proposed scheme
Increased Tolerance to Artemisinin in Plasmodium falciparum Is Mediated by a Quiescence Mechanism

ABSTRACT Artemisinin (ART)-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the first-line drugs—and often the last treatments—that can effectively cure Plasmodium falciparum infections. Unfortunately, the decreased clinical efficacy of artesunate, one of the major ART derivatives, was recently reported along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Through long-term artemisinin pressure in vitro, we have obtained an ART-tolerant strain that can survive extremely high doses of ART. We showed that drug pressure could induce a subpopulation of ring stages into developmental arrest, which can explain the ART tolerance in P. falciparum. We also observed interesting transcriptomic modifications possibly associated with the acquisition of ART tolerance. These modifications include the overexpression of heat shock and erythrocyte surface proteins and the downexpression of a cell cycle regulator and a DNA biosynthesis protein. This study highlights a new phenomenon in the Plasmodium response to ART that may explain the delayed clearance of parasites after artesunate treatment observed on the Thailand-Cambodia border and that provides important information for achieving a better understanding of the mechanisms of antimalarial resistance.
Adapting Postdoctoral Training to Interdisciplinary Science in the 21st Century: The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program at the National Cancer Institute

Preparing junior scientists for careers in the health sciences has become an immense challenge for many reasons, including the emerging demand for multidisciplinary approaches to solving problems in the health sciences. For those choosing careers in hybrid and interdisciplinary fields, the “traditional” postdoctoral training model may not perform well, particularly in light of other problems that plague postdoctoral success. New approaches are required. Using the interdisciplinary field of cancer prevention as an example, the authors describe the Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) of the National Cancer Institute, a three-year postdoctoral program of which the goal is to provide its fellows with a strong foundation in cancer prevention through education, mentored research, and structured professional development training activities that emphasize multidisciplinary approaches and leadership skills. Over time, the CPFP has incorporated the best aspects of the traditional postdoctoral training model with newer training approaches in an effort to overcome existing problems in postdoctoral training and to address the additional complexities inherent in training those who seek careers in interdisciplinary science. Many aspects of the CPFP, including an efficient infrastructure, a dedicated staff, a capacity to provide educational activities, and the provision of rich research opportunities, may translate well to other postdoctoral programs that face similar issues.
PULSATILE SECRETION OF LH IN RELATION TO THE RESUMPTION OF OVARIAN ACTIVITY POST PARTUM

Changes in the pulsatile pattern of LH secretion in relation to the resumption of ovarian activity post partum have been studied in breast feeding mothers. Basal concentrations of LH were significantly lower than normal both when ovarian activity was completely suppressed and when there was evidence of some follicular development prior to the resumption of menstruation. Once menstruation resumed basal concentrations of LH were unchanged whether ovulation occurred or not. No difference in the frequency or amplitude of pulses in LH secretion could be found at any stage post partum in either breast or bottle feeding women. FSH levels remained constant throughout the post partum period while mean concentrations of prolactin fell as ovarian activity returned to normal. However, during the period of complete suppression of ovarian activity in breast feeding women, two patterns of pulsatile secretion of LH were observed. In 76% of observation periods, basal levels of LH were lower than normal and were characterized by low frequency and low amplitude pulses of LH. In contrast, in the remaining 24% of observation periods, basal levels and pulse amplitude and frequency of LH were similar to those in the follicular phase of normal menstrual cycles in these women. Individual women showed either or both of these patterns of secretion during the period of ovarian suppression post partum. The data suggests that the failure to maintain ovarian follicular development post partum in breast feeding women may be due to: (1) a direct block of LH action at ovarian level, perhaps by the high levels of prolactin associated with lactation and/or (2) an inability of the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis—as a result of the suckling stimulus and/or prolactin—to maintain pulsatile secretion of LH in the face of the negative feedback effects of the increased oestrogen secretion resulting from the initiation of follicular development.
An Evaluation of 13 Commercial Kits for the Measurement of Testosterone in Serum and Plasma

An evaluation has been carried out of 13 commercial testosterone kits. The within- and between-assay imprecision was found to be unsatisfactory for some kits. Sensitivity and linearity were acceptable for all the kits but several showed concentration-dependent biases to the ALTM or GCMS values. The occurrence of anomalous results and changing performance characteristics of some of the direct kits is also presented.
Layout decomposition for hybrid E-beam and DSA double patterning lithography

The printability problem of chip making becomes challenging in advanced process nodes. At present, various lithography technologies such as multiple patterning (MP), directed self-assembly (DSA), electron beam (e-beam), and their combinations are being considered. In this paper, the corresponding layout decomposition problems for contact/via generation are studied. In particular, we investigate the simultaneous DSA template and e-beam throughput optimization. First, we present an exact method based on an ILP formulation. Then, a graph-based algorithm is developed. The co-optimization problem for DSA double patterning with e-beam is formulated as a minimum hitting set problem. A primal-dual based algorithm is then derived for solving the problem effectively. Experimental results show that compared with a two-stage method, our method can achieve around 20.6% throughput improvement and 18.7% template cost reduction.
Toxic hazard and chemical analysis of leachates from furfurylated wood

The furfurylation process is an extensively investigated wood modification process. Furfuryl alcohol molecules penetrate into the wood cell wall and polymerize in situ. This results in a permanent swelling of the wood cell walls. It is unclear whether or not chemical bonds exist between the furfuryl alcohol polymer and the wood. In the present study, five different wood species were used, both hardwoods and softwoods. They were treated with three different furfurylation procedures and leached according to three different leaching methods. The present study shows that, in general, the leachates from furfurylated wood have low toxicity. It also shows that the choice of leaching method is decisive for the outcome of the toxicity results. Earlier studies have shown that leachates from wood treated with furfuryl alcohol prepolymers have higher toxicity to Vibrio fischeri than leachates from wood treated with furfuryl alcohol monomers. This is probably attributable to differences in leaching of chemical compounds. The present study shows that this difference in the toxicity most likely cannot be attributed to maleic acid, furan, furfural, furfuryl alcohol, or 2‐furoic acid. However, the difference might be caused by the two substances 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and 2,5‐furandimethanol. The present study found no difference in the amount of leached furfuryl alcohol between leachates from furfurylated softwood and furfurylated hardwood species. Earlier studies have indicated differences in grafting of furfuryl alcohol to lignin. However, nothing was found in the present study that could support this. The leachates of furfurylated wood still need to be investigated further to identify the chemical differences between wood furfurylated with furfuryl alcohol monomers and furfuryl alcohol prepolymers. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1918–1924. © 2010 SETAC
Perceptions of caregiver distress, health behaviors, and provider health-promoting communication and their relationship to stress management in MS caregivers

Abstract This study applied the Stress/Health Model to examine a novel approach for promoting stress management among 67 caregivers of persons with multiple sclerosis, who often face unique caregiving challenges. Hierarchical regressions indicated that caregiver distress (i.e., emotional burden) and engagement in other health-promoting activities (i.e., controlling alcohol use) were the best predictors of caregiver stress management. Communication with the MS care recipient’s health provider about caregiver engagement in health-promoting activities was associated with caregiver stress management, but not significantly more so than explained by the other factors (i.e., caregiver distress and engagement in health-promoting behaviors). A more controlled study would be indicated to further explain how to encourage, within the medical setting, caregiver engagement in self-care activities.
Endotoxin-associated protein: a potent stimulus for human granulocytopoietic activity which may be accessory cell independent

Proteins coextracted with endotoxin, termed endotoxin-associated protein (EAP), have been shown to exert interleukin 1-like activities. The present studies demonstrate that EAP also exerts potent granulopoietic colony-stimulating activity (CSA) on human peripheral blood and bone marrow progenitor cells, comparable to that seen with various types of conditioned media. The CSA observed with EAP appeared to be heat (100 degrees C, 30 min) and trypsin resistant and partially pronase resistant. Similar resistance was observed with the porin proteins of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, and similar CSA activity was observed with a purified porin preparation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The CSA of EAP could be demonstrated in human peripheral blood and bone marrow leukocytes rigorously depleted of monocytes, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes by treatment with specific monoclonal antibodies and complement.
Probing microbubble adhesion using secondary acoustic radiation force

In this study we investigated the translational dynamics of mutually attracting targeted microbubbles during and after ultrasound (US) insonification in more detail and show this mutual attraction can be used to determine the binding force. In general, similar sized microbubbles are known to attract each other during US application as a result of an acoustic radiation force leading to clustering and coalescence. Targeted microbubbles, however, move back to their initial position after US is turned off, implying the presence of an elastic restoring force, which in turn opposes the net pulling force. From the recoiling curves, a value for the effective spring constant k could be obtained, which was of the order of 2.4 mN/m. For higher acoustic pressures the pulling force exceeded the binding force and the bubbles detached. A threshold force for detachment was calculated with the obtained value of the spring constant. For biotinylated microbubbles (R=2-2.5 μm) targeted to a NeutrAvidin coated surface, the threshold force was between 0.9 nN and 2.0 nN. We also show that the translational dynamics of targeted microbubbles during US application can be modelled accurately using a hydrodynamic model [1], including a value for the spring constant k of the very same order as derived experimentally.
Gaming Habits and Opinions of Brazilian Medical School Faculty and Students : What ’ s Next ?

Objective: This study assessed habits and opinions of medical educators and students from a Brazilian medical school about electronic games for learning or for fun. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was sent to Universidade Estadual de Londrina medical school faculty members and undergraduate students. Results: From the 50 faculty members, 20 percent reported regular use of electronic games (at least once a week), spending 1 hour/week with games (median). Among 302 medical students, 37 percent reported regular gaming. Students spent 3 hours/week playing games (median). Male students played games 4.4 times more often than female students. About 90 percent of faculty members and students believed that games are useful for medical education, and > 80 percent would like to play games for education of health professionals, but only one-third of students and one-fifth of faculty had already played one of such games. More than 80 percent of faculty would like to use a game for their educational activities. The main obstacles to incorporation of games into medical education, reported by faculty members, were associated with lack of knowledge on available options, lack of time to develop new activities, and lack of resources or institutional support. Conclusions: Playing electronic games is common among medical faculty and students, who both present very positive opinions about games for learning, but the scarcity of available options and the lack of institutional support prevent a more widespread adoption of medical education games.
Understanding Regularisation Methods for Continual Learning

The problem of Catastrophic Forgetting has received a lot of attention in the past years. An important class of proposed solutions are so-called regularisation approaches, which protect weights from large changes according to their importances. Various ways to measure this importance have been put forward, all stemming from different theoretical or intuitive motivations. We present mathematical and empirical evidence that two of these methods -- Synaptic Intelligence and Memory Aware Synapses -- approximate a rescaled version of the Fisher Information, a theoretically justified importance measure also used in the literature. As part of our methods, we show that the importance approximation of Synaptic Intelligence is biased and that, in fact, this bias explains its performance best. Altogether, our results offer a theoretical account for the effectiveness of different regularisation approaches and uncover similarities between the methods proposed so far.