Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric comparison of stopping power calibration with dual-energy CT and single-energy CT in proton therapy treatment planning.

PURPOSE The accuracy of proton dose calculation is dependent on the ability to correctly characterize patient tissues with medical imaging. The most common method is to correlate computed tomography (CT) numbers obtained via single-energy CT (SECT) with proton stopping power ratio (SPR). CT numbers, however, cannot discriminate between a change in mass density and change in chemical composition of patient tissues. This limitation can have consequences on SPR calibration accuracy. Dual-energy CT (DECT) is receiving increasing interest as an alternative imaging modality for proton therapy treatment planning due to its ability to discriminate between changes in patient density and chemical composition. In the current work we use a phantom of known composition to demonstrate the dosimetric advantages of proton therapy treatment planning with DECT over SECT. METHODS A phantom of known composition was scanned with a clinical SECT radiotherapy CT-simulator. The phantom was rescanned at a lower X-ray tube potential to generate a complimentary DECT image set. A set of reference materials similar in composition to the phantom was used to perform a stoichiometric calibration of SECT CT number to proton SPRs. The same set of reference materials was used to perform a DECT stoichiometric calibration based on effective atomic number. The known composition of the phantom was used to assess the accuracy of SPR calibration with SECT and DECT. Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment plans were generated with the SECT and DECT image sets to assess the dosimetric effect of the imaging modality. Isodose difference maps and root mean square (RMS) error calculations were used to assess dose calculation accuracy. RESULTS SPR calculation accuracy was found to be superior, on average, with DECT relative to SECT. Maximum errors of 12.8% and 2.2% were found for SECT and DECT, respectively. Qualitative examination of dose difference maps clearly showed the dosimetric advantages of DECT imaging, compared to SECT imaging for IMPT dose calculation for the case investigated. Quantitatively, the maximum dose calculation error in the SECT plan was 7.8%, compared to a value of 1.4% in the DECT plan. When considering the high dose target region, the root mean square (RMS) error in dose calculation was 2.1% and 0.4% for SECT and DECT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS DECT-based proton treatment planning in a commercial treatment planning system was successfully demonstrated for the first time. DECT is an attractive imaging modality for proton therapy treatment planning owing to its ability to characterize density and chemical composition of patient tissues. SECT and DECT scans of a phantom of known composition have been used to demonstrate the dosimetric advantages obtainable in proton therapy treatment planning with DECT over the current approach based on SECT.
Requisites for successful theranostics with radionuclide-based reporter gene imaging

Abstract Radionuclide-based theranostic strategy has been widely used in diagnosis and treatment of patients with hyperthyroidism or differentiated thyroid cancer for a long time, and sodium iodide symporter gene is the radionuclide-based reporter gene used in theranostics. Theranostics, which is a promising approach, offering the ideal combination of accurate diagnosis and successful therapy in various clinical fields, is expected to become a key area of personalized medicine. Rapid advancements in biotechnologies using theranostic reporter genes and theranostic radiochemistry have led to development of the concept of theranostics using radionuclide-based imaging reporter genes; the theranostic approach is almost ready for application in a limited arena of clinics. In order to fulfill both the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, theranostics with radionuclide-based imaging reporter requires use of successful combinations of various components, such as radionuclide-based reporter genes, promoters/enhancers that regulate expression of reporter genes, delivery vectors/vehicles, imaging or therapeutic probes and prodrugs, transductional and transcriptional targeting strategies, transgene amplification systems, etc. In this review, overview and recent updates on theranostics using radionuclide-based imaging reporter genes will be discussed.
Central projection of unmyelinated (C) primary afferent fibers from gastrocnemius muscle in the guinea pig

We have demonstrated the central projections of muscle C or group IV afferent fibers in the guinea pig by tracing arborizations in the spinal cord. C afferent fibers from the gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) were electrophysiologically identified by conduction velocity (less than 1 m/second). A single neuron in the lumbar 5 dorsal root ganglion (L5 DRG) was intracellularly labeled with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L). After iontophoretic injection of PHA‐L, we processed the lumbar cord and L5 DRG for PHA‐L immunohistochemistry. Six muscle C afferent fibers from 40 animals were labeled, and whole trajectories were recovered. Labeled fibers were reconstructed by tracing of the arbor in serial parasagittal sections. The GCM C afferents projected rostrocaudally for two or three segments and ran at the surface of the dorsal funiculus, giving off collaterals into laminae I and II and sometimes into parts of lamina III. We determined, based on the branching pattern and form of the terminal plexus, that the branching of muscle C afferent fibers showed an intermediate pattern that fell morphologically between the terminal patterns of somatic and visceral afferents. The numbers and sizes of fiber swellings and terminal swellings were measured on all collateral branches. We found that the area of distribution of the terminal swellings of muscle C afferent fibers is larger than that of somatic terminals but that the density of terminal swellings in the terminal area was lower than that of the somatic terminals. J. Comp. Neurol. 461:140–150, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring the personal and social value of tagging systems through social capital theory

The purpose of this study was to explore social media usage and to investigate the personal and collective value of social media. Using a case study methodology and a social capital theoretical framework, I examined the personal and social strategies that emerged from three students using del.icio. us and CiteULike over a five-month period. I used a questionnaire, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and digital archival data logs to gather a holistic perspective of how these newcomers used tagging systems as tools that facilitate the creation and maintenance of relationships. This project represented the first time a social capital theoretical framework was used to understand tagging systems behaviour. My findings suggest that people develop personal and social strategies as tagging systems members in order to maintain and build relationships with their real world social ties. According to social capital theory, these actions represent social strategies that are designed to build bridging social capital, which brings people together through social networks that were not similar to each other (e.g. school), or bonding social capital, which reinforce close ties of people with similarities in key aspects (e.g. close friends). As social media continues to emerge as a space for building connections between other members, it is recommended that designers of social media develop future systems that support the creation and maintenance of online and offline relationships.
Suturing simulation in surgical training environment

In this video we present a physics-based haptic simulation designed to teach basic suturing techniques for simple skin or soft tissue wound closure. The pre-wound suturing target, skin or deformable tissue, is modeled as a modified mass-spring system. The suturing material is designed as a mechanics-based deformable linear object. Tools involved in the live suturing procedures are also simulated. Collisions between the soft tissue and the needle, the soft tissue and the suture are analyzed. In addition to modeling the detail steps involved in a typical suturing procedure, modeling approaches for evaluation of a stitch are also discussed.
A Proportional Fairness Algorithm with QoS Provision in Downlink OFDMA Systems

In this letter, we formulate a downlink packet scheduling problem for proportional fairness in orthogonal frequency division multiple access with frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems to derive necessary conditions for optimality, which results in efficient subcarrier and power allocation algorithms. Simulation results reveal that our proposed algorithm achieves the tradeoff between system throughput and fairness
What Counts in Research? A Survey of Early Years' Mathematical Research, 2000–2005

This study reviews 208 articles on early childhood mathematics education sourced from the ERIC database and published between 2000 and 2005 in order to determine the adequacy of the literature. The document analysis identified a heavy emphasis on (1) mathematical concepts and instruction, and (2) articles addressing the school years compared with the prior-to-school years. Overall, this study revealed (1) a lack of peer-reviewed articles that discuss, investigate, examine, or debate early childhood mathematics; (2) a limited emphasis in the prior-to-school years; and (3) a paucity of literature on technology and problem solving, which are fundamental in the twenty-first century.
Two Efficient Preprocess Algorithms of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Fingerprint Signal

This paper is devoted to achieving two efficient algorithms for preprocessing traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) fingerprint signals. One is to split the baseline of the TCHM fingerprint signal via the second-generation wavelet transform, while the other is to correct retention time shift by the local least squares fitting. Although the first generation wavelet transform has been successfully applied to the signal processing, the complexity of the calculation is troublesome. To overcome this problem, we apply the second-generation wavelet transform technology to processing the fingerprint signal and effectively remove the baseline from the original signal. The retention time shift is the other important issue of preprocessing the TCHM fingerprint signal. The ordinary least squares fitting algorithm is not robust enough to handle the problem of retention time shifting because of the complicated multi-component signals. The authors employ a practical linear fitting method, i.e. the local least squares fitting, to deal with this problem. Finally, experimental results on TIANJIHUANG, a kind of TCHMs, show that two algorithms could successfully preprocess fingerprint signals under different experimental conditions
An Examination of Factors Influencing College Students' Self-Reported Likelihood of Calling for Assistance for a Fellow Student Who Has Engaged in High-Risk Alcohol Consumption

This study examined factors that were believed to influence a college student’s decision to call for assistance on behalf of a peer who had engaged in high-risk alcohol consumption. The Health Belief Model (Becker, 1974) was the theoretical framework used in this study. This theoretical framework allowed for the consideration of factors intrinsic to the students, as well as environmental factors. (See Figure 1)
SF-Filmvillage as a Movie Tourism Destination—A Case Study of Movie Tourist Push Motivations

ABSTRACT The purpose of this case study is to identify and gain knowledge about movie-induced tourism push motivations of SF-Filmvillage visitors (SF as Suomen Filmiteollisuus Oy). Thirty motivational statements used in the study were reduced with principal component analysis into four underlying themes: Control, Novelty, Relaxation, and Nostalgia. Using hierarchical and K-means cluster analyses, the respondents were segmented by found motivational themes into five groups: Controllers, Indifferent, Nostalgia, Comfort Seekers, and Novelty Seekers. The article brings forth new empirical evidence related to Macionis' (2004) Continuum of Film-Induced Motivation model as results implicate that control, novelty, relaxation, and nostalgia could be motivational push forces for general and specific movie-induced tourists.
Static Var compensator planning using artificial immune system for loss minimisation and voltage improvement

Loss minimization in power system is an important consideration research issue. Transmission losses in a power system can be minimized by means of reactive power compensation. Installing static Var compensation (SVC) in a power system has known to be able to improve voltage level in the system and hence minimizing the system losses. This paper presents a technique to determine the location of the SVC in order to minimize loss in the system. The performance of this technique is tested using 14 buses IEEE reliability test system. A load flow programmed written in MATLAB by using artificial immune system (AIS) technique was used to compute power flow. The test result shows that the location and sizing of the SVC identified by the proposed technique has been able to improve the voltage level of the system and also minimize the losses.
Effects of PROMPT therapy on speech motor function in a person with aphasia and apraxia of speech

This research examined the effectiveness of PROMPT treatment, a tactile–kinaesthetic speech motor treatment, on the acquisition and generalisation of precision and automaticity of speech movements in an individual with Broca's aphasia and apraxia of speech. Using a single subject multiple probe design across behaviours, treatment effects and generalisation were examined for three linguistically different forms of sentences including imperatives, active declaratives, and interrogatives. Results indicated improved speech precision and sequencing of speech movements for trained and untrained sentences for imperative and active declarative forms only. There was no effect of treatment on the interrogatives. Findings are discussed in the context of motor facilitation and its relationship to the linguistic complexity of utterances. Furthermore, the relevance of the interface between motor– linguistic processes in individuals with aphasia and apraxia of speech and implications for resource allocation constructs are addressed.
A follow-up study of the occurrence and consequences of HbA1c measurements in an unselected cohort of non-pharmacologically treated patients with Type 2 diabetes

Objectives. To describe the occurrence of HbA1c measurements among non-pharmacologically treated diabetes patients, and to evaluate whether poor blood glucose regulation (HbA1c >8%) prompted intensification of treatment. Method. Data from the National Health Service Registry, the Regional Laboratory Database and the Danish National Hospital Registry were collected from 2002 to 2004 to identify and describe all Type 2 diabetic patients above 40 years of age in a background population of nearly 660 000 citizens in Aarhus County, corresponding to 12% of the total Danish population. Results. A total of 1989 had at least one HbA1c measurement, whereas 484 (20%) had no HbA1c measurement at all in 2003. Most patients had an HbA1c of less than 8%, and for 820 (41%) HbA1c was less than 6.5%, but for 316 (16%) patients, the first HbA1c measurement in 2003 was above 8%. After 6 months, patients with HbA1c above 8% had a higher probability of initiating pharmacological treatment (M; 0.64; 95% CI 0.58–0.70) (F; 0.68; 95% CI 0.58–0.77) than patients with HbA1c below 8% (M; 0.12; 95% CI 0.10–0.14) (F; 0.11; 95% CI 0.09–0.14). Conclusion. This study indicates that poor blood glucose regulation (HbA1c >8%) prompted a shift from non-pharmacological treatment to pharmacological treatment for most patients. However, a substantial group of patients are either not monitored on a regular basis or, if monitored, their elevated measurements of HbA1c do not prompt initiation of pharmacological treatment.
Barley reaction to Cochliobolus sativus based on detached first leaf

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is a common foliar disease of barley that is controlled primarily through the development of resistant cultivars. An assay involving the inoculation of a detached first leaf (DFL) maintained in vitro was used to determine the reaction of five barley genotypes to the disease. The estimation of the infected leaf area enabled discrimination among barley genotypes differing in their susceptibility to the pathogen. Significant correlations were found (P=0.001) between in vitro DFL values in both seedling (r=0.89) and adult (r=0.95) plants. The established assay using in vitro DFL enables a fast assessment of the susceptibility of barley to spot blotch and should be useful for many types of studies on this disease.
Viroporin-mediated Membrane Permeabilization

Enterovirus nonstructural 2B protein is involved in cell membrane permeabilization during late viral infection. Here we analyze the pore forming activity of poliovirus 2B and several of its variants. Solubilization of 2B protein was achieved by generating a fusion protein comprised of poliovirus 2B attached to a maltose-binding protein (MBP) as an N-terminal solubilization partner. MBP-2B was assayed using large unilamellar vesicles as target membranes. This fusion protein was able to assemble into discrete structures that disrupted the permeability barrier of vesicles composed of anionic phospholipids. The transbilayer aqueous connections generated by MBP-2B were stable over time, allowing the passage of solutes of molecular mass under 1,000 Da. Oligomerization was investigated using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Our data indicate that MBP-2B aggregation occurs at the membrane surface. Moreover, MBP-2B binding to membranes promoted the formation of SDS-resistant tetramers. We conclude that MBP-2B forms oligomers capable of generating a tetrameric aqueous pore in lipid bilayers. These findings are the first evidence of viroporin activity shown by a protein from a naked animal virus.
Kinetic Characterisation of a Single Chain Antibody against the Hormone Abscisic Acid: Comparison with Its Parental Monoclonal

A single-chain Fv fragment antibody (scFv) specific for the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) has been expressed in the bacterium Escherichia coli as a fusion protein. The kinetics of ABA binding have been measured using surface plasmon resonance spectrometry (BIAcore 2000) using surface and solution assays. Care was taken to calculate the concentration of active protein in each sample using initial rate measurements under conditions of partial mass transport limitation. The fusion product, parental monoclonal antibody and the free scFv all have low nanomolar affinity constants, but there is a lower dissociation rate constant for the parental monoclonal resulting in a three-fold greater affinity. Analogue specificity was tested and structure-activity binding preferences measured. The biologically-active (+)-ABA enantiomer is recognised with an affinity three orders of magnitude higher than the inactive (-)-ABA. Metabolites of ABA including phaseic acid, dihydrophaseic acid and deoxy-ABA have affinities over 100-fold lower than that for (+)-ABA. These properties of the scFv make it suitable as a sensor domain in bioreporters specific for the naturally occurring form of ABA.
Now, where was I? negotiating time in digitally augmented autobiographical performance

ABSTRACT This article examines the complex interplay of past, present and future in the unfolding moment of performance of digitally augmented autobiographical storytelling. Performers of autobiography, whether on stage or in everyday life, engage in a practice of identity construction in the dynamic and shifting moment of performance. This requires a negotiation with unstable memories, photographic traces and the responses of the co-present audience. The nature of temporality within digitally augmented autobiographical performance is best understood through Judith Butler's (1999) understanding of performativity, Mike Pearson and Michael Shanks' (2001) notion of interpretive archaeology, Erika Fischer-Lichte's (2008) ‘space between’ and Dierdre Heddon's (2008) framing of autobiographical performance. These theories are used to identify techniques for engaging with temporality in two case studies from theatrical performance and two from the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). By drawing on very different disciplines, we sketch out the beginnings of a framework for understanding the role of personal and autobiographical digital media in the here and now of live performance, and how such experiences should be designed. This framework points towards the emerging field of performative experience design, which aims to enable empowering storytelling experiences that extend the present moment of performance by negotiating the space between past and present, memory and imagination.
Estimation of Frequency‐Dependent Strong Motion Duration Via Wavelets and Its Influence on Nonlinear Seismic Response

Abstract: A procedure for estimation of frequency‐dependent strong motion duration (FDSMD) is developed. The proposed procedure utilizes the continuous wavelet transform and is based on the decomposition of the earthquake record into a number of component time histories (named “pseudo‐details”) with frequency content in a selected range. The “significant” strong motion duration of each pseudo‐detail is calculated based on the accumulation of the Arias intensity (AI). Finally, the FDSMD of the earthquake record in different frequency ranges is defined as the strong motion duration of the corresponding pseudo‐detail scaled by a weight factor that depends on the AI of each pseudo‐detail. The efficiency of this new strong motion definition as an intensity measure is evaluated using incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The results obtained show that the proposed FDSMD influence the peak response of short‐period structures with stiffness and strength degradation.
Multiple spatially related pharmacophores define small molecule inhibitors of OLIG2 in glioblastoma

Transcription factors (TFs) are a major class of protein signaling molecules that play key cellular roles in cancers such as the highly lethal brain cancer—glioblastoma (GBM). However, the development of specific TF inhibitors has proved difficult owing to expansive protein-protein interfaces and the absence of hydrophobic pockets. We uniquely defined the dimerization surface as an expansive parental pharmacophore comprised of several regional daughter pharmacophores. We targeted the OLIG2 TF which is essential for GBM survival and growth, we hypothesized that small molecules able to fit each subpharmacophore would inhibit OLIG2 activation. The most active compound was OLIG2 selective, it entered the brain, and it exhibited potent anti-GBM activity in cell-based assays and in pre-clinical mouse orthotopic models. These data suggest that (1) our multiple pharmacophore approach warrants further investigation, and (2) our most potent compounds merit detailed pharmacodynamic, biophysical, and mechanistic characterization for potential preclinical development as GBM therapeutics.
Representation of 3D and 4D Objects Based on an Associated Curved Space and a General Coordinate Transformation Invariant Description

This paper presents a new theoretical approach for the description of multidimensional objects for which 3D and 4D are particular cases. The approach is based on a curved space which is associated to each object. This curved space is characterised by Riemannian tensors from which invariant quantities are defined. A descriptor or index is constructed from those invariants for which statistical and abstract graph representations are associated. The obtained representations are invariant under general coordinate transformations. The statistical representation allows a compact description of the object while the abstract graph allows describing the relations in between the parts as well as the structure.