Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dosimetry of gamma chamber blood irradiator using PAGAT gel dosimeter and Monte Carlo simulations

Currently, the use of blood irradiation for inactivating pathogenic microbes in infected blood products and preventing graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in immune suppressed patients is greater than ever before. In these systems, dose distribution and uniformity are two important concepts that should be checked. In this study, dosimetry of the gamma chamber blood irradiator model Gammacell 3000 Elan was performed by several dosimeter methods including thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD), PAGAT gel dosimetry, and Monte Carlo simulations using MCNP4C code. The gel dosimeter was put inside a glass phantom and the TL dosimeters were placed on its surface, and the phantom was then irradiated for 5 min and 27 sec. The dose values at each point inside the vials were obtained from the magnetic resonance imaging of the phantom. For Monte Carlo simulations, all components of the irradiator were simulated and the dose values in a fine cubical lattice were calculated using tally F6. This study shows that PAGAT gel dosimetry results are in close agreement with the results of TL dosimetry, Monte Carlo simulations, and the results given by the vendor, and the percentage difference between the different methods is less than 4% at different points inside the phantom. According to the results obtained in this study, PAGAT gel dosimetry is a reliable method for dosimetry of the blood irradiator. The major advantage of this kind of dosimetry is that it is capable of 3D dose calculation. PACS number: 87.53. Bn
Microsegregation in Partially Melted Regions of 70Cu-30Ni Weldments Evidence supports an hypothesis that explains the mechanism of partial melting and its effects

The partially melted regions of gas tungsten-arc welds made in a 70Cu-30Ni alloy were studied. An hypothesis explaining the mechanism of partial melting was ad­ vanced and tested by employing point-count electron beam micro­ probe analysis of the microstructure of the partially melted regions of welds made in this material. The anal­ ysis showed that segregation (prob­ ably associated with the worked cast ingot structure) was present in the base metal and therefore resulted in localities with lower effective melting temperature. The localities with lower effective melting temperatures adjacent to the fusion zone of the welds melted, while localities with higher effective melting temper­ atures did not melt and thus partial melting occurred. Metallographic ev­ idence was presented in support of the hypothesis showing that grain growth in the base metal which oc­ curred adjacent to the fusion zone during welding was inhibited by the presence of the melted localities.
Evaluating whether stories can promote social cognition: Introducing the Social Processes and Content Entrained by Narrative (SPaCEN) framework

ABSTRACT Stories have long been theorized to influence how we perceive our social world and our peers. Empirical research on this topic has begun to grow, with many studies exploring how stories and social cognition relate, across a range of different approaches. In order to structure past work and guide future investigations, this article presents a research framework that formalizes how, when, and why engagement with stories might promote social cognition. This Social Processes and Content Entrained by Narrative (SPaCEN) framework posits that stories could bolster social cognition either through (1) frequent engagement of social-cognitive processes or (2) the presentation of explicit content about social relations and the social world. These two accounts are not mutually exclusive, and both rest on different sets of necessary tenets. An example is provided to illustrate the utility of this framework, evaluating the extant work on whether exposure to stories can improve mentalizing.
HDAC1 Governs Iron Homeostasis Independent of Histone Deacetylation in Iron-Overload Murine Models.

AIMS Iron-overload disorders are common and could lead to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to limited treatment options, there is a great need to develop novel strategies to remove the excess body iron. To discover potential epigenetic modulator in hepcidin upregulation and subsequently decreasing iron burden, we performed an epigenetic screen. The in vivo effects of the identified compounds were further tested in iron-overload mouse models, including Hfe-/-, Hjv-/-, and hepatocyte-specific Smad4 knockout (Smad4fl/fl;Alb-Cre+) mice. RESULTS Entinostat (MS-275), the clinical used histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) inhibitor, was identified the most potent hepcidin agonist. Consistently, Hdac1-deficient mice also presented higher hepcidin levels than wild-type controls. Notably, the long-term treatment with entinostat in Hfe-/- mice significantly alleviated iron overload through upregulating hepcidin transcription. In contrast, entinostat showed no effect on hepcidin expression and iron levels in Smad4fl/fl;Alb-Cre+ mice. Further mechanistic studies revealed that HDAC1 suppressed expression of hepcidin through interacting with SMAD4 rather than deacetylation of SMAD4 or histone-H3 on the hepcidin promoter. INNOVATION The findings uncovered HDAC1 as a novel hepcidin suppressor through complexing with SMAD4 but not deacetylation of either histone 3 or SMAD4. In addition, our study suggested a novel implication of entinostat in treating iron-overload disorders. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, we conclude that entinostat strongly activated hepcidin in vivo and in vitro. HDAC1 could serve as a novel hepcidin suppressor by binding to SMAD4, effect of which is independent of BMP/SMAD1/5/8 signaling. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1224-1237.
Formative research to explore the acceptability and use of infant food grinders for the promotion of animal source foods and micronutrient powders in rural Peru

According to global recommendations, quality diets for complementary feeding (CF) should include a diversity of foods including vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and sources of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients, particularly animal-source foods (ASF). A key barrier to feeding ASF surrounds beliefs that the preparation of foods of a thicker consistency may cause problems of digestion, "heaviness" or stomach problems, swallowing, and choking. The objective of this study was to explore, through systematic formative research, the acceptability, use, and feasibility of a simple technology, commercial infant food grinders, in two rural Peruvian settings where there is delayed and low consumption of complementary foods of a thick consistency, including ASF. Phase I explored the barriers, constraints, and opportunities related to the provision of foods of a thicker consistency with a focus on ASF. Phase II encompassed household behavioural trials with mothers and infants to assess the acceptability and use of the grinders in the home setting, using key concepts and messages developed from the information obtained during Phase I. The technology was highly acceptable, used by the majority of mothers (87.8%), and led to changes in cultural perceptions, facilitating increased feeding of appropriate textures (thick purees), ASF, and multimicronutrient powders. Energy, protein, and micronutrient intakes were all significantly greater after the household behavioural trials. This simple technology, paired with systematic formative research to appropriately promote its use across cultures, may have a significant effect on improving CF practices globally, particularly for young infants beginning CF at 6 months.
Substrate stiffness governs the initiation of B cell activation by the concerted signaling of PKCβ and focal adhesion kinase

The mechanosensing ability of lymphocytes regulates their activation in response to antigen stimulation, but the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Here, we report that B cell mechanosensing-governed activation requires BCR signaling molecules. PMA-induced activation of PKCβ can bypass the Btk and PLC-γ2 signaling molecules that are usually required for B cells to discriminate substrate stiffness. Instead, PKCβ-dependent activation of FAK is required, leading to FAK-mediated potentiation of B cell spreading and adhesion responses. FAK inactivation or deficiency impaired B cell discrimination of substrate stiffness. Conversely, adhesion molecules greatly enhanced this capability of B cells. Lastly, B cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients exhibited an altered BCR response to substrate stiffness in comparison with healthy controls. These results provide a molecular explanation of how initiation of B cell activation discriminates substrate stiffness through a PKCβ-mediated FAK activation dependent manner. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.23060. 001
Validation of the Waterpipe Tolerance Questionnaire among Jordanian School-Going Adolescent Waterpipe Users

Introduction: Waterpipe use among adolescents has been increasing progressively. Yet no studies were reported to assess the validity and reliability of nicotine dependence scale. The current study aims to assess the validity and reliability of an Arabic version of the modified Waterpipe Tolerance Questionnaire WTQ among school-going adolescent waterpipe users. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in Jordan, information on waterpipe use among 333 school-going adolescents aged 11-18 years was obtained using the Arabic version of the WTQ. An exploratory factor analysis and correlation matrices were conducted to assess validity and reliability of the WTQ. Results: The WTQ had a 0.73 alpha of internal consistency indicating moderate level of reliability. The scale showed multidimensionality with items loading on two factors, namely waterpipe consumption and morning smoking. Conclusion: This study report nicotine dependence level among school-going adolescents who identify themselves as waterpipe users using the WTQ.
Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Distribution in the Swine Stomach

To evaluate the distribution of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms (SMB, with head insert), we examined frozen sections from the various regions of swine stomachs using isoform-specific antibodies. We previously reported variable SMB myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in stomach cells that correlates with unloaded shortening velocities. This is consistent with the generalization of tonic fundic muscle having low expression and phasic antral muscle having high expression of the SMB MHC isoform. Using im-munohistochemistry (IHC), we show a progression of the SMB MHC from very low immunoreactivity in the fundus to very intense immunoreactivity in the antrum. In the body, the average level of SMB MHC immunoreactivity lies between that of the antrum and fundus. Intercellular heterogeneity was observed in all stomach regions to a similar extent. However, the intercellular range in SMB MHC immunoreactivity decreases from fundus to antrum. All stomach regions show isolated pockets or clusters of cells with similar SMB MHC immunoreactivity. There is a non-uniform intracellular immunoreactivity in SMB MHC, with many cells showing greater-intensity staining of SMB MHC in their cell peripheries. This information may prove useful in helping to elucidate possible unique physiological roles of SMB MHC.
Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study

Poor mood and elevated anxiety are linked to increased incidence of disease. This study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Sixty-two women and men (mean age 49.7 years) participated. As compared with pre-meditation, following the sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood (all Ps <.001). Additionally, participants who were previously naïve to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation (P < .001). Feeling of spiritual well-being significantly increased across all participants (P < .001). Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.
Process Simulation and Optimization of Ammunition Filling Robot Based on DELMIA

The development of ammunition production technology directly affects the level of national defense construction, the application of industrial robot improves the automation degree of ammunition production line, but its work path is complex and the craft is numerous, so simulation verification is needed before the actual installation and debugging, domestic simulation research is still in its infancy. This paper uses Robotics module of DELMIA software to model its working process, on this basis, the work path setting, robot trajectory optimization and collision and interference detection are carried out, the production process was optimized by PERT diagram and Gantt diagram. The results show that the optimized process improves the production efficiency and saves the working time. This method has reference significance for the application of other robots in specific industries.
Technical and dosimetric considerations in IMRT treatment planning for large target volumes

The maximum width of an intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment field is usually smaller than the conventional maximum collimator opening because of design limitations inherent in some multileaf collimators (MLCs). To increase the effective field width, IMRT fluences can be split and delivered with multiple carriage positions. However, not all treatment‐planning systems and MLCs support this technique, and if they do, the maximum field width in multiple carriage position delivery is still significantly less than the maximum collimator opening. For target volumes with dimensions exceeding the field size limit for multiple carriage position delivery, such as liver tumors or other malignancies in the abdominal cavity, IMRT treatment can be accomplished with multiple isocenters or with an extended treatment distance. To study dosimetric statistics of large field IMRT planning, an elliptical volume was chosen as a target within a cubic phantom centered at a depth of 7.5 cm. Multiple three‐field plans (one AP and two oblique beams with 160° between them to avoid parallel opposed geometry) with constraints designed to give 100% dose to the elliptical target were developed. Plans were designed with a single anterior field with dual carriage positions, or with the anterior field split into two fields with separate isocenters 8 cm apart with the beams being forcibly matched at the isocenter or with a 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, and 4 cm overlap. The oblique beams were planned with a single carriage position in all cases. All beams had a nominal energy of 6 MV. In the dual isocenter plans, jaws were manually fixed and dose constraints remained unaltered. Dosimetric statistics were studied for plans developed for treatment delivery using both dynamic leaf motion (sliding window) and multiple static segments (step and shoot) with the number of segments varying from 5 to 30. All plans were analyzed based on the dose homogeneity in the isocenter plane, 2 cm anterior and 2 cm posterior to it, along with their corresponding dose‐volume histograms (DVHs). All the dual isocenter plans had slight underdosage anterior to the match point and slight overdosage posterior to it, while the dual carriage plan had a nice blending of the dose distribution without the accompanying hot or cold spots. Based on the dose statistics, it was noted that the dual isocenter plans can be clinically acceptable if they have at least a 3‐cm overlap. In the case of step and shoot IMRT, the number of segments used in a dual carriage plan was found to affect the overall plan dosimetric indices. PACS number: 87.53. Tf
The Burden of Cancer in Asian Americans: A Report of National Mortality Trends by Asian Ethnicity

Background: Asian Americans (AA) are the fastest growing U.S. population, and when properly distinguished by their ethnic origins, exhibit substantial heterogeneity in socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, yet trends and current patterns in the mortality burden of cancer among AA ethnic groups have not been documented. Methods: We report age-adjusted rates, standardized mortality ratios, and modeled trends in cancer-related mortality in the following AA ethnicities: Asian Indians, Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, from 2003 to 2011, with non-Hispanic whites (NHW) as the reference population. Results: For most cancer sites, AAs had lower cancer mortality than NHWs; however, mortality patterns were heterogeneous across AA ethnicities. Stomach and liver cancer mortality was very high, particularly among Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, for whom these two cancer types combined accounted for 15% to 25% of cancer deaths, but less than 5% of cancer deaths in NHWs. In AA women, lung cancer was a leading cause of death, but (unlike males and NHW females) rates did not decline over the study period. Conclusions: Ethnicity-specific analyses are critical to understanding the national burden of cancer among the heterogeneous AA population. Impact: Our findings highlight the need for disaggregated reporting of cancer statistics in AAs and warrant consideration of tailored screening programs for liver and gastric cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1371–82. ©2016 AACR.
Utilization of polyanhydride nanoparticle encapsulated fungicide seed treatments against seedborne and soilborne Fusarium graminearum on maize

iii CHAPTER 1 LITERATURE REVIEW. 1 Seedling Diseases of Maize. 1 Fusarium graminearum. 2 Nanoparticles. 6 CHAPTER 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 10 Rolled Towel Assay. 10 Delayed Emergence Assay. 13 CHAPTER 3 RESULTS.16 Rolled Towel Assay. 16 Delayed Emergence Assay. 17 Release Kinetics.19 CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION.29 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS.33 REFERENCES.34
EVINCED: Integrity Verification Scheme for Embedded Systems Based on Time and Clock Cycles

Integrity verification is an audit mechanism that checks if the software running on a platform was not modified unintentionally. In this work, we present a integrity verification scheme suitable for embedded devices deployed at unattended and hostile environments. The proposed scheme aims the ease of implementation and use, and it is software-based, which eliminates the need for additional hardware on the platform. Finally, we present an implementation for validation of the proposed scheme, as well as the results obtained from experiments conducted.
A software tool for stitching two PET/CT body segments into a single whole‐body image set

A whole‐body PET/CT scan extending from the vertex of the head to the toes of the patient is not feasible on a number of commercially available PET/CT scanners due to a limitation in the extent of bed travel on these systems. In such cases, the PET scan has to be divided into two parts: one covering the upper body segment, while the other covering the lower body segment. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate, using phantom and patient studies, a software tool that was developed to stitch two body segments and output a single whole‐body image set, thereby facilitating the interpretation of whole‐body PET scans. A mathematical model was first developed to stitch images from two body segments using three landmarks. The model calculates the relative positions of the landmarks on the two segments and then generates a rigid transformation that aligns these landmarks on the two segments. A software tool was written to implement this model while correcting for radioactive decay between the two body segments, and output a single DICOM whole‐body image set with all the necessary tags. One phantom, and six patient studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the software. In these studies, six radio‐opaque markers (BBs) were used as landmarks (three on each leg). All studies were acquired in two body segments with BBs placed in the overlap region of the two segments. The PET/CT images of each segment were then stitched using the software tool to create a single DICOM whole‐body PET/CT image. Evaluation of the stitching tool was based on visual inspection, consistency of radiotracer uptake in the two segments, and ability to display the resultant DICOM image set on two independent workstations. The software tool successfully stitched the two segments of the phantom image, and generated a single whole‐body DICOM PET/ CT image set that had the correct alignment and activity concentration throughout the image. The stitched images were viewed by two independent workstations from two different manufacturers, attesting the ability of the software tool to produce a DICOM compliant image set. The study demonstrated that this software tool allows the stitching of two segments of a whole‐body PET/CT scan with minimal user interaction, thereby facilitating the interpretation of whole body PET/CT scans from a number of scanners with limited extent of bed travel. PACS number: 87.57. N, 87.57. uk
Characterization, synthetic generation, and statistical equivalence of composite microstructures

Mechanical behavior and reliability of composites are driven significantly by microstructural variability. Such variability can be present in the form of both morphological and constituent property variability. To understand the effect of this variability on macroscopic mechanical behavior, many statistically equivalent microstructures must be evaluated. This requires the ability to generate such microstructures. In this work, morphological variability was quantified by image analysis of actual microstructures. To reproduce this variability, a methodology was developed in which random microstructures are generated and subsequently adjusted to simultaneously match both short- and long-range statistics of actual microstructures. Synthetic microstructures were generated at a length scale of 70 µm, corresponding to the length scale at which fiber volume fractions of adjacent microstructures are uncorrelated. The utility of this methodology was also demonstrated for larger microstructures containing defects such as alignment fibers, voids and resin seams.
MEMS Emulator: A Tool for Development and Testing of Electronics for Microelectromechanical Systems

The paper presents the first tool for the emulation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) to be used for the characterization of electronics designed for MEMS. With such a tool, electronics of different nature (integrated, discrete-component, and instrumentation) can be tested (debugged) as in operation, even in the absence of physically available MEMS transducers. The proposed MEMS emulator (MEMU) was implemented through a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) core that synthesized the MEMS transfer function, and through interfaces to the analog electronics under test (ADC to sense signals generated by the electronics, and DAC to provide the emulated MEMS output signal). The parallelism and programmability offered by the FPGA implementation allowed to synthesize several second-order effects of MEMS (noise, spurious modes, feedthrough capacitance, and so on) and to cover a wide range of selectable MEMS parameters. A first prototype of MEMU was developed and experimented. Various MEMS operating up to 25 kHz, with quality factors in the 10−1–10−6 range, were successfully emulated with associated non-idealities. Furthermore, the test of a printed circuit electronic board for piezoresistive MEMS resonators coupled to MEMU to realize a MEMU-based oscillator was shown as a paradigmatic example of the debugging of electronics for MEMS transducers. [2017-0219]