Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parallax error in long-axial field-of-view PET scanners—a simulation study

There is a growing interest in the design and construction of a PET scanner with a very long axial extent. One critical design challenge is the impact of the long axial extent on the scanner spatial resolution properties. In this work, we characterize the effect of parallax error in PET system designs having an axial field-of-view (FOV) of 198 cm (total-body PET scanner) using fully-3D Monte Carlo simulations. Two different scintillation materials were studied: LSO and LaBr3. The crystal size in both cases was 4 × 4 × 20 mm3. Several different depth-of-interaction (DOI) encoding techniques were investigated to characterize the improvement in spatial resolution when using a DOI capable detector. To measure spatial resolution we simulated point sources in a warm background in the center of the imaging FOV, where the effects of axial parallax are largest, and at several positions radially offset from the center. Using a line-of-response based ordered-subset expectation maximization reconstruction algorithm we found that the axial resolution in an LSO scanner degrades from 4.8 mm to 5.7 mm (full width at half max) at the center of the imaging FOV when extending the axial acceptance angle (α) from ±12° (corresponding to an axial FOV of 18 cm) to the maximum of ±67°—a similar result was obtained with LaBr3, in which the axial resolution degraded from 5.3 mm to 6.1 mm. For comparison we also measured the degradation due to radial parallax error in the transverse imaging FOV; the transverse resolution, averaging radial and tangential directions, of an LSO scanner was degraded from 4.9 mm to 7.7 mm, for a measurement at the center of the scanner compared to a measurement with a radial offset of 23 cm. Simulations of a DOI detector design improved the spatial resolution in all dimensions. The axial resolution in the LSO-based scanner, with α = ± 67°, was improved from 5.7 mm to 5.0 mm by incorporating a two-layer DOI detector. These results characterize the maximum axial blurring for a fully open 2 m long PET scanner and demonstrate that large sensitivity gains are possible with a modest reduction in resolution when using current clinical detector technology with no DOI capability.
T Cell Factor 1 Represses CD8+ Effector T Cell Formation and Function

The Wnt-responsive transcription factor T cell factor 1 (Tcf1) is well known for its role in thymic T cell development and the formation of memory CD8+ T cells. However, its role in the initial phases of CD8+ T effector cell formation has remained unexplored. We report that high levels of Wnt signaling and Tcf1 are operational in naive and memory CD8+ T cells, whereas Wnt signaling and Tcf1 were low in effector CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells deficient in Tcf1 produce IFN-γ more rapidly, coinciding with increased demethylation of the IFN-γ enhancer and higher expression of the transcription factors Tbet and Blimp1. Moreover, virus-specific Tcf1−/− CD8+ T cells show accelerated expansion in acute infection, which is associated with increased IFN-γ and TNF production and lower viral load. Genetic complementation experiments with various Tcf1 isoforms indicate that Tcf1 dosage and protein stability are critical in suppressing IFN-γ production. Isoforms lacking the β-catenin binding domain are equally effective in inhibiting CD8+ effector T cell formation. Thus, Tcf1 functions as a repressor of CD8+ effector T cell formation in a β-catenin/Wnt-independent manner.
Is Intraoperative Local Vancomycin Powder the Answer to Surgical Site Infections in Spine Surgery?

STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort comparative study of all patients who underwent instrumented spine surgery at a single institution. OBJECTIVE To compare the rate of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) between the treatment (vancomycin) and the control group (no vancomycin) in patients undergoing instrumented spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Surgical site infection (SSI) after spine surgery is a dreaded complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic intraoperative local vancomycin powder to the wound has been recently adopted as a strategy to reduce SSI but results have been variable. METHODS In this study, there were 117 (30%) patients in the treatment group and 272 (70%) patients in the comparison cohort. All patients received identical standard operative and post-operative care procedures based on protocolized department guidelines. This study compared the rate of SSI with and without the use of prophylactic intraoperative local vancomycin powder in patients undergoing various instrumented spine surgery, adjusted for confounders. RESULTS The overall rate of SSI was 4.7% with a decrease in infection rate found in the treatment group (0.8% vs 6.3%). This was statistically significant (p = 0.049) with an odds ratio of 0.13 (95% CI 0.02-0.99). The treatment group had a significant shorter onset of infection (5 vs 16.7 days; p < 0.001) and shorter duration of infection (8.5 vs 26.8 days; p < 0.001). The most common causative organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28%). Smoking, patient diagnosis, surgical approach and intra-operative blood loss were significant risk factors for SSI after multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION Prophylactic Intraoperative local vancomycin powder reduces the risk and morbidity of SSI in patients undergoing instrumented spine surgery. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is common in the treatment arm. Future prospective randomized controlled trials in larger populations involving other spine surgeries with a long-term follow-up duration are recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Detection of Genes Encoding Cholera Toxin (CT), Zonula Occludens Toxin (ZOT), Accessory Cholera Enterotoxin (ACE) and Heat‐Stable Enterotoxin (ST) in Vibrio mimicus Clinical Strains

A total of 51 clinical strains of Vibrio mimicus were searched for the presence of virulence‐associated genes, like ctx, zot or ace genes which locate in “cholera virulence cassette,” and the st gene by polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the pathological potential of each clinical strain was also examined by rabbit ileal loop (RIL). Three strains showed to have the ctx gene, of which only one strain was zot gene‐positive. Meanwhile, one other strain was zot+ but ctx−. All of these four strains were found to have the ace gene and to belong to serogroup O115. Nine strains showed to carry the st gene. However, none of these ST‐gene‐positive strains was indicated to contain the genes located in the “cholera virulence cassette. ” It is of interest to note that all of the RIL‐positive and/or virulence gene‐positive strains were restricted to three serogroups, O20, O41 and O115. These results suggest a significant association between O antigens and enterotoxic activities in V. mimicus clinical strains, and clearly demonstrate multifactorial virulence potentials of this human pathogen.
Population-based study of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: risk factors and survival in Metropolitan Atlanta, 1968-1999.

BACKGROUND Congenital diaphragmatic hernia affects about 1000 United States infants a year. In most cases, the etiology of this condition is unknown. Treatment strategies have changed in recent years. We sought to calculate the birth prevalence, determine risk factors, examine associated defects, and assess trends in survival. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study of all infants born during 1968-99 whose mothers resided in the five-county metropolitan Atlanta area (n = 1,029,143). Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia were identified using the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program. To document vital status, we used data from hospital records, Georgia vital records, and the National Death Index. RESULTS The birth prevalence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia was 2.4 per 10,000 births. Infants with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia were more likely to be premature, macrosomic, and male than their birth cohort. About one-third of affected infants had additional major defects. Of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 8% had known syndromes, most commonly chromosomal abnormalities. During the study period, the percentage of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia who survived to 1 year of age increased from 19% (1968-71) to about 54% (1996-99). During the last 10 years of the study, infants who were of low birth weight, had a syndrome, or were prenatally diagnosed were more likely to die than other infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSIONS Despite new treatments, the death rate from congenital diaphragmatic hernia remains substantial, highlighting the need to identify mechanisms for primary prevention.
Retinal projections in the short‐tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, as studied using the axonal transport of cholera toxin B subunit: Comparison with mouse

To provide a modern description of the Chiropteran visual system, the subcortical retinal projections were studied in the short‐tailed fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata, using the anterograde transport of eye‐injected cholera toxin B subunit, supplemented by the silver‐impregnation of anterograde degeneration following eye removal, and compared with the retinal projections of the mouse. The retinal projections were heavily labeled by the transported toxin in both species. Almost all components of the murine retinal projection are present in Carollia in varying degrees of prominence and laterality. The projections: to the superior colliculus, accessory optic nuclei, and nucleus of the optic tract are predominantly or exclusively contralateral; to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and posterior pretectal nucleus are predominantly contralateral; to the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, intergeniculate leaflet, and olivary pretectal nucleus have a substantial ipsilateral component; and to the suprachiasmatic nucleus are symmetrically bilateral. The retinal projection in Carollia is surprisingly reduced at the anterior end of the dorsal lateral geniculate and superior colliculus, suggestive of a paucity of the relevant ganglion cells in the ventrotemporal retina. In the superior colliculus, in which the superficial gray layer is very thin, the projection is patchy in places where the layer is locally absent. Except for a posteriorly located lateral terminal nucleus, the other accessory optic nuclei are diminutive in Carollia, as is the nucleus of the optic tract. In both species the cholera toxin labeled sparse groups of apparently terminating axons in numerous regions not listed above. A question of their significance is discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1756–1791, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nurse Managed Center: Access to Primary Health Care for Urban Native Americans

Abstract Urban Native Americans represent a small, diverse minority with unique health needs. The purposes of this descriptive retrospective study were to describe (a) the characteristics and primary health problems of urban Native Americans who receive primary health care at an urban nurse managed center (NMC) and (b) the nursing interventions provided at an urban NMC to urban Native Americans. A sample of 334 participant's patient data were abstracted from a computerized clinical data set and coded based on the Omaha Classification System. The majority were over 40 years of age, were female, were single, completed high school, and were poor and uninsured, and many were unemployed. The most frequent health problems were related to pain, cardiovascular symptoms, dentition problems, and respiratory illnesses. The most frequent nursing interventions were for surveillance of physical signs and symptoms. The NMC was an accessible source of primary health care for urban Native Americans in northeastern Ohio.
Nephrotoxicity of Kalach 360 SL: biochemical and histopathological findings

Abstract Kalach 360 SL (KL) is a commercial herbicide which contains 360 g/l of glyphosate used in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the world including Tunisia. We aimed to evaluate the effects of KL on rats’ renal system. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 6) received a standard diet and served as control, groups 2 and 3 (n = 12 each) received 0.07 ml (D1: 126 mg/kg), and 0.175 ml (D2: 315 mg/kg) of KL, respectively, for 60 d. The chronic exposure to KL induced a significant increase in plasma creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels. Creatinine clearance decreased in KL-treated groups, compared with controls. Several urine parameters, such as urine-specific gravity and urine osmolality, significantly decreased, while dieresis and urinary Na/K + ratio increased in KL-treated groups. These findings suggested a distal tubular damage caused by tubular necrosis. Moreover, the chronic exposure to KL induced an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a decrease in antioxidant status, enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic levels (vitamin C), which led to an oxidative stress. Histopathological studies showed a peritubular inflammatory reaction, nephrose, fragmented glomeruli, necrotic epithelial cells, and tubular dilatation. These results could have significant health implications for animal and human populations. Further data are necessary to investigate the potential consequences of chronic dose exposure during life.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Screening of Combined Mimosa pudica Linn and Tridax procumbens for In vitro Antimicrobial Activity

2 Abstract: Treatment of infections continues to be problematic in modern time because of the severe side effects of some drugs and the growing resistance to antimicrobial agents. An extract of the leaves of Mimosa pudica Linn possesses aphrodisiac, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anticancer and diuretic actions. Six crude extracts were prepared from the whole plant Mimosa pudica Linn using different solvents by cold maceration process. Tridax procumbens Linn is a tropically distributed medicinal plant. Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of two plants were investigated by agar disc well-diffusion method against bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Escherichia Coli, K. Pneumonia, M. luteus and C. Albicans and were compared to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Gatifloxcin as standard. The plant extracts showed inhibitory activity against the tested organisms. Phytochemical screening of the plant revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids. In conclusion, this study scientifically validated the use of plant in traditional and ethnoveterinary medicine.
Mutational Analysis of Differences in Thermostability between Histones from Mesophilic and Hyperthermophilic Archaea

ABSTRACT Amino acid residues responsible for the large difference in thermostability between HMfB and HFoB, archaeal histones from the hyperthermophile Methanothermus fervidus and the mesophileMethanobacterium formicicum, respectively, have been identified by site-specific mutagenesis. The thermal denaturation of ∼70 archaeal histone variants has been monitored by circular dichroism, and the data generated were fit to a two-state unfolding model (dimer→two random coil monomers) to obtain a standard-state (1M) melting temperature for each variant dimer. The results of single-, double-, and triple-residue substitutions reveal that the much higher stability of rHMfB dimers, relative to rHFoB dimers, is conferred predominantly by improved intermolecular hydrophobic interactions near the center of the histone dimer core and by additional favorable ion pairs on the dimer surface.
Embracing the Inherent Tensions in Teaching Mathematics from an Equity Stance.

essays Any efforts to deal with de+nitions like “democracy” and “equity” must begin with the question of who gets to decide what counts in these categories. As researchers and educators grapple with persistent inequities in mathematics teaching and learning, equity issues are becoming more mainstream in the mathematics education community. Even so, theoretical framings tend to re,ect equality rather than justice, static identities of teachers and students rather than multiple or contradictory ones, and schooling rather than education (Gutierrez, 2002a; 2007). 0e prevailing discourse in the United States, focusing on the “achievement gap,” is a prime example. 0at is, the excessive focus that U.S. researchers place on the gap between the mathematics achievement of White, middle-class students and that of African American, Latina/Latino, American Indian, and working class students, as well as English language learners, and the need to close the gap (termed “gap gazing”) sheds light on issues of access and achievement from a dominant perspective with little concern for issues of identity and power or broadened notions of learning from a critical perspective.
High HPV vaccine acceptance despite low awareness among Swedish upper secondary school students

Objective To investigate knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitudes to HPV vaccination and condom use among Swedish first year upper secondary school students. Methods Classroom questionnaire filled in by 608 students from a strategic sample of seven upper secondary schools in Sweden. Results Only 13.5% (n = 82) of the students had heard about HPV and 6% (n = 35) were aware of HPV vaccination. As many as 84% (n = 508) would like to be vaccinated against HPV. The high cost of vaccination was the greatest obstacle (total group 37%, n = 227); among girls the second major hindrance was the fear of needles (19%, n = 65). Before considering an HPV vaccination 73% (n = 443) wanted more information and 36% (n = 220) would like to receive such information from the school nurse. The students considered it less likely that they would use a condom when having intercourse with a new partner if they were vaccinated than if they were not (p < 0.001). Conclusion Despite intensive marketing directed at potential vaccine consumers, knowledge of HPV and of HPV vaccines was very low among first year upper secondary school students. Their attitude towards vaccination was positive but most of them wanted more information before considering vaccination.
Agent and cell-type specificity in the induction of insulin resistance by HIV protease inhibitors

Objective: To test agent and cell-type specificity in insulin resistance induced by prolonged exposure to HIV protease inhibitors (HPI), and to assess its relation to the direct, short-term inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Methods: Following prolonged (18 h) and short (5–10 min) exposure to HPI, insulin-stimulated glucose transport, protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation, and GLUT4 translocation were evaluated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, fibroblasts, L6 myotubes, and L6 cells overexpressing a myc tag on the first exofacial loop of GLUT4 or GLUT1. Results: Prolonged exposure of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to nelfinavir, but not to indinavir or saquinavir, resulted in increased basal lipolysis but decreased insulin-stimulated glucose transport and PKB phosphorylation. In addition, impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and PKB phosphorylation were also observed in the skeletal muscle cell line L6, and in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts. Interestingly, this coincided with increased basal glucose uptake as well as with elevated total-membrane glucose transporter GLUT1 protein content. In contrast to these unique effects of nelfinavir, the mere presence of any of the agents in the 5 min transport assay inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose-uptake activity. This appeared to be caused by direct and specific interaction of the drugs with GLUT4 fully assembled at the plasma membrane, since insulin-stimulated cell-surface exposure of an exofacial myc epitope on GLUT4 was normal. Conclusions: Independent mechanisms for HPI-induced insulin resistance exist: prolonged exposure to nelfinavir interferes with insulin signaling and alters cellular metabolism of adipocytes and muscle cells, whereas a direct inhibitory effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake may occurs through specific interaction of HPI with GLUT4.
DC/DC Converter with Transparent Electronics for Application on Photovoltaic Panels

Transparent electronics is a forthcoming technology, which allows for low-cost systems with devices fabricated at low temperatures. Its application may be useful in various domains, such as wearable electronics and sensors for health monitoring. Designing DC/DC converters with transparent technology could extend its application to battery operated devices or photovoltaic panels. Transparent technology, in this work, is based on thin-film transistors (TFT) with a-IGZO semiconductors, material that has emerged in recent years. Their effectiveness for designing DC/DC converters will be assessed. Such converter could eventually be deposited on the glass casing of photovoltaic panels, reducing installation and designing costs of the whole system. This dissertation has in its main objective the development, design and fabrication of a DC/DC converter topology with transparent electronics, for application in photovoltaic panels. It includes the study of some passive elements, such as inductors and capacitors, and their effectiveness for a possible use. The improvement of the DC/DC converter includes the design of a regulator to stabilize the output signal. The work is developed in collaboration with the CENIMAT group at UNL, where the developed circuits and DC/DC converter will be fabricated.
The Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is Involved in Spatial Memory Retrieval under Partial-Cue Conditions

Brain circuits involved in pattern completion, or retrieval of memory from fragmented cues, were investigated. Using different versions of the Morris water maze, we explored the roles of the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in spatial memory retrieval under various conditions. In a hidden platform task, both CA3 and mPFC lesions disrupted memory retrieval under partial-cue, but not under full-cue, conditions. For a delayed matching-to-place task, CA3 lesions produced a deficit in both forming and recalling spatial working memory regardless of extramaze cue conditions. In contrast, damage to mPFC impaired memory retrieval only when a fraction of cues was available. To corroborate the lesion study, we examined the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos in mPFC and the hippocampus. After training of spatial reference memory in full-cue conditions for 6 d, the same training procedure in the absence of all cues except one increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells in mPFC and CA3. Furthermore, mPFC inactivation with muscimol, a GABA agonist, blocked memory retrieval in the degraded-cue environment. However, mPFC-lesioned animals initially trained in a single-cue environment had no difficulty in retrieving spatial memory when the number of cues was increased, demonstrating that contextual change per se did not impair the behavioral performance of the mPFC-lesioned animals. Together, these findings strongly suggest that pattern completion requires interactions between mPFC and the hippocampus, in which mPFC plays significant roles in retrieving spatial information maintained in the hippocampus for efficient navigation.