Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MR and optical imaging of early micrometastases in lymph nodes: triple labeling with nano-sized agents yielding distinct signals.

Few imaging methods are available for depicting in vivo cancer cell migration within the lymphatic system. Detection of such early micrometastases requires extremely high target to background. In this study, we dual-labeled human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB468) with a small particle of iron oxide (SPIO) and a quantum dot (QD), and tracked these cells in the lymphatic system in mice using in vivo MRI and optical imaging. A generation-6 gadolinium-dendrimer-based MRI contrast agent (Gd-G6) was employed for visualizing regional lymphatic channels and nodes. Since Gd-G6 shortened T(1) leading to high signal, whereas SPIO-labeled cancer cells greatly lowered signal, a small number of cells were simultaneously visualized within the draining lymphatic basins. One million dual-labeled cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the paws of mice 24 h prior to imaging. Then whole body images were acquired pre- and post-intracutaneous injection of Gd-G6 with 3D-T(1) w-FFE and balanced-FFE sequences for cancer cell tracking and MR lymphangiography. In vivo MRI clearly visualized labeled cancer cells migrating from the paw to the axillary lymph nodes using draining lymphatics. In vivo optical imaging using a fluorescence surgical microscope demonstrated tiny cancer cell clusters in the axillary lymph node with high spatial resolution. Thus, using a combination of MRI and optical imaging, it is possible to depict macro- and early micrometastases within the lymphatic system. This platform offers a versatile research tool for investigating and treating lymphatic metastases in animal models.
Non‐invasive quantitation of liver iron‐overload by magnetic resonance imaging

A standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system allowing spin echo times of 10 ms was used to quantitate liver iron concentration in nine healthy normal subjects and 13 patients with various grades of iron overload. Body iron status was estimated by measuring the serum ferritin concentration. In 11 subjects (two normal healthy controls, eight patients with HLA‐related hereditary haemochromatosis and one patient with thalassaemia major) non‐haem hepatic iron concentration was determined chemically in biopsy specimens (dry weight), in parallel to serum ferritin and MRI‐T2 relaxation times. A moderate correlation (r=0.79) was obtained for the correlation of the T2‐relaxation rate (1/T2) and serum ferritin of the 22 subjects investigated. A much closer correlation (r= 0.98) was observed for the 1/T2 liver iron relationship in the 10 subjects analysed by liver biopsy. It is concluded from these preliminary observations, that MR‐imaging may provide a useful non‐invasive tool for the quantitative determination of liver iron in iron overload‐syndromes.
A new concept of RAM-Radiation Absorbent Material: Applying corrugated surfaces to improve reflectivity

Microwave absorbers or Radiation Absorbent Materials-RAM are normally made of blocks of wave-absorptive material to avoid the reflection of electromagnetic waves incidental on it. Mainly used in anechoic chambers, it comes in various designs such as pyramidal absorber, twisted pyramidal absorber, hollow pyramidal absorber, wedge absorber, multilayer dielectric absorber, and hybrid dielectric absorber, among others. This paper presents a new concept for RAMs applying corrugated surfaces to improve reflectivity. A simulation work in determining the effect of corrugated walls on the absorption performance of microwave wedge absorbers is presented. The conditions are different corrugations depth, density depth and lastly the distance between signal source and wedge microwave absorber. These microwave absorbers are also simulated in CST Microwave Studio in the frequency range of 0.1 GHz to 5 GHz. Results so far have indicated good agreement with the required average values for a good performance for a microwave absorber.
Monitoring levels of stress and overtraining in an elite brazilian female volleyball athlete: case study

Overtraining is the result of an imbalance between stress and recovery, in addition to short recovery time and psychosocial events. In this case study, a questionnaire of stress and recovery in sports was used to assess the level of overtraining of an elite female Brazilian volleyball player. The results showed that the heavy loads caused changes in the athlete’s profile, resulting in an increase in the fatigue scales. The recovery periods were fundamental to restore her physical and psychological capacities. Finally, the method used detected changes in the athlete’s profile after acute events, such as an unexpected defeat. We concluded that changes in the profile of the curve, showed by the instrument, reflected the different moments of the collection, thus reflecting the change in the stress overload. Therefore, the detection or monitoring of stressing factors might be valuable to improve the physical and psychological performance of a team.
An overview of maritime pine private non-industrial forest in the centre of Portugal: A 19-year case study

Abstract Portuguese national policies for forests were developed considering related themes such as climate change, forest health, fire and the protective functions of forests. In Portugal, maritime pine forest is mainly private non-industrial and its area is in decline. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold: first, to assess maritime pine forest characteristics over a 19-year period; second, to analyse forest cover change over that period. In the end, the implementation of state policies was explored. A study area highly forested by continuous areas of naturally regenerated maritime pine in the centre of Portugal was used. To assess maritime pine forest characteristics, two sets of inventory data collected in previous studies (1991-1996 and 2007-2010) were used. To analyse forest cover change, the official land cover maps for 1990 and 2007 were used. This study findings highlighted that study area’s trends over the past years were the following: first, the decrease of maritime pine forest areas and its management decline (stands less stable, under-stocked, with large amounts of small-diameter poles and enlarged tree size variability); second, the increase of scrubland areas; third, the increase of eucalyptus afforestation with no regard for protection areas; and fourth, the absence of native oaks or introduction of other broadleaves as recommended by the state policies. Therefore, it is argued that there is a need for effective field monitoring actions with regard to the implementation of state policies. Additionally, selective incentives are key to mobilise private non-industrial forest to achieve the goals of state forest policies.
A Novel Breast Image Preprocessing For Full Field Digital Mammographic Segmentation and Risk Classification

To obtain optimal breast image quality during the image acquisition, a compression paddle is used to even the breast thickness. Clinical observation has indicated that breast peripheral areas may not be fully compressed, and may cause unexpected intensity and texture variation within these areas. Such breast parenchymal appearance discrepancies may not be desirable for tissue modelling within computer aided mammography. This paper describes a novel mammographic image preprocessing method to improve the image quality before analysis. Mammographic segmentation and risk classification were performed to facilitate a quantitative and qualitative evaluation, using digital mammographic images. Visual assessment indicated significant improvement on segmented anatomical structures and tissue specific areas when using the processed images. The achieved risk classification accuracies are 80% and 79% for Birads and Tabár risk scheme, respectively. The developed method has demonstrated an ability to improve the quality of mammographic segmentation, leading to more accurate risk classification. This in turn can be found useful in early breast cancer detection, risk-stratified screening, and aiding radiologists in the process of decision making prior to surgery and/or treatment.
Drug sensitivity prediction for cancer cell lines based on pairwise kernels and miRNA profiles

Cancer cell lines comprise an important tool to design and evaluate new drug candidates. Prediction of in vivo drug response for cancer cell lines has become attractive due to recently issued large scale drug screen databases. The data provided by these databases can be the key to model drug sensitivity for cancer cell lines. The data provided by these databases is in the form of drug cell line pairs where a natural method for prediction of drug response, therefore is pairwise support vector machines. This paper presents results on the application of pairwise kernels for drug response prediction, where the results are promising compared to some previously well-performed methods on this task. In addition, effect of exploiting microRNA profiles of cancer cell lines together with mRNA profiles is given.
Hypertension in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease: management challenges

In contrast to adults where hypertension is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, in pediatrics, hypertension is predominantly a sequela, however, an important one that, like in adults, is likely associated with a more rapid decline in kidney function or progression of chronic kidney disease to end stage. There is a significant issue with unrecognized, or masked, hypertension in childhood chronic kidney disease. Recent evidence and, therefore, guidelines now suggest targeting a blood pressure of <50th percentile for age, sex, and height in children with proteinuria and chronic kidney disease. This often cannot be achieved by monotherapy and additional agents need to be added. Blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system represents the mainstay of therapy, although often limited by the side effect of hyperkalemia. The addition of a diuretic, at least in the earlier stages of chronic kidney disease, might help mitigate this problem.
[The interrelation between perceived discrimination, depressiveness, and health related quality of life in immigrants of Turkish and Polish origin].

OBJECTIVE Comparative study on perceived discrimination and subjective health status in two immigrants samples. METHODS In a total sample consisting of 218 immigrants of Turkish and Polish origin perceived discrimination, depressiveness (BDI) and health related quality of life (SF-36) were assessed. RESULTS Turkish immigrants have shown higher levels of perceived discrimination and depressiveness as well as a lower subjective quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Turkish immigrants have a greater mental impairment compared to persons with Polish migration background.
Effects of local unemployment rate on vocational outcomes in a randomized trial of supported employment for individuals with psychiatric disabilities

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of local unemployment rates on evidence-based supported employment (SE) programs tailored for people with psychiatric disabilities. Participants (n =1 ,273) from 7 states in the US were randomly assigned to experimental SE or services as usual/comparison conditions and followed for 24 months. Mixed- effects random regression analysis found that both local unemployment rate and study condition were significant predictors of competitive employment and working 40 or more hours per month. An interaction between study condition and unemployment rate was found, in which participants in areas with low unemployment receiving best practice SE had consistently better outcomes than all others. However, even in areas with high unemployment, those who received evidence-based SE had outcomes superior to those in the control condition. This confirms the influence of local labor market forces on individuals with psychiatric disabilities participating in vocational rehabilitation programs. It also suggests that those who are attempting to return to work in areas with weak local economies are likely to fare especially poorly if they are not receiving high quality SE interventions. Thus, use of evidence-based SE can help to ameliorate the effects of high unemployment on work outcomes.
Does it look like melanoma? A pilot study of the effect of sunless tanning on dermoscopy of pigmented skin lesions

Background Dermoscopy has led to an improvement in diagnosing malignant melanoma (MM). Sunless tanning agents containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) could lead to a decrease in ultraviolet exposure, decreasing the risk of MM. Importantly, DHA has been reported to change dermoscopic features and could thus endanger diagnostic improvement in dermoscopy.
Blockade of β1 Integrin–Laminin-5 Interaction Affects Spreading and Insulin Secretion of Rat β-Cells Attached on Extracellular Matrix

When attached on a matrix produced by a rat bladder carcinoma cell line (804G matrix), rat pancreatic β-cells spread in response to glucose and secrete more insulin compared with cells attached on poly-l-lysine. The aim of this study was to determine whether laminin-5 and its corresponding cell receptor β1 integrin are implicated in these phenomena. By using specific blocking antibodies, we demonstrated that laminin-5 is the component present in 804G matrix responsible for the effect of 804G matrix on β-cell function and spreading. When expression of two well-known laminin-5 ligands, β1 and β4 integrin, was assessed by Western blot and RT-PCR, only the β1 integrin was detected in β-cells. Anti–β1 integrin antibody reduced the spreading of β-cells on 804G matrix. Blockade of the interaction between β1 integrins and laminin-5 resulted in a reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Blocking anti–β1 integrin antibody also inhibited focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation induced by 804G matrix. In conclusion, anti–β1 integrin and –laminin-5 antibodies interfere with spreading of β-cells, resulting in decreased insulin secretion in response to glucose. Our findings indicate that outside-in signaling via engagement of β1 integrins by laminin-5 is an important component of normal β-cell function.
How men view genetic testing for prostate cancer risk: findings from focus groups

Objective: To determine the values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence a man's intention to undergo or defer genetic testing for prostate cancer risk. Design: Qualitative, using focus group interviews – 12 focus groups were conducted to identify key values and beliefs about genetic testing for prostate cancer risk in anticipation of its future availability. Setting: Medium‐sized, mid‐west, US city. Participants: Community sample of 90 lay men of diverse educational, ethnic, and age backgrounds. Analysis: Descriptive statistics and immersion/crystallization to identify themes and sub‐themes. Results: The major areas of concern were distilled into the following themes: beliefs about consequences, expectations, benefits for patients, beliefs about barriers, and susceptibility concerns. Conclusion: Identifying these men's values will help health professionals anticipate the informational and ethical needs of patients in the informed consent process. Men will need to understand how such testing may affect their planning regarding future prostate health, and how medical information is used outside of the physician–patient relationship.
The effect of voxel size on the measurement of mandibular thickness in cone-beam computed tomography

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new imaging technology that has been widely used in implantology, oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. This method provides 3-D images that are composed of voxel, which is the smallest image unit, and determines image resolution. Smaller voxel is associated with the higher resolution and also greater radiation exposure. This study was aimed to find out the effect of voxel size on the measurement of mandibular thickness. Materials and Methods: Using voxel sizes of 0.30 mm and 0.15 mm, two CBCT protocols (protocol 1: Field of view (FOV) of 15 cm, 85 kVp, 42 mAs, 0.15 mm voxel, 14 s scan time; protocol 2: FOV of 15 cm, 85 kVp, 10 mAs, 0.30 mm voxel, 14 s scan time) were carried out on 16 dry human mandibles with permanent dentition. Mandibular thickness was measured at seven different sites (midline region, bilateral canine regions, bilateral mental foramen regions and bilateral molar regions). Analysis of variance was used for analysis of data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between different protocols regarding the mandibular thickness (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the insignificant differences of the mandibular thickness measurements using different voxel sizes, it would be more reasonable to use 0.30 mm voxel size instead of 0.15 mm voxel size to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Switching loss analysis considering parasitic loop inductance with current source drivers for buck converters

In this paper, the switching loop inductance was investigated on the Current Source Drivers (CSDs). The analytical model was developed to predict the switching losses. It is noted that although the CSDs can reduce the switching transition time and switching loss greatly, the switching loop inductance still has the current holding effect on the CSDs. This results in high turn off loss for the control MOSFET in a buck converter. Thus, an improved layout was proposed to achieve minimum switching loop inductance. The experimental results verified the significant switching loss reduction owing to the proposed layout of a buck converter with 12V input, 1.3V output and 1MHz.
Fabrication and characteristics of traveling-wave electro-absorption modulator (TWEAM) modules for millimeter-wave radio-over-fiber link

TWEAM modulator modules optimized in 40 GHz and 60 GHz band, respectively, were developed. The bandwidth at the operating frequency can be controlled with the termination resistance. Impedance matching of the modules was achieved using the double stub design and the laser trimming process. The measured Electrical-to-optical (E/O) response showed the increase in the response near 40 GHz and 60 GHz, respectively. The third-order inter-modulation distortion (IMD3) was below -65 dBc at -7 dBm RF input and spurious free dynamic range (SDRF) was about 108 dB Hz/sup 2/3/.
A Low-Complexity Sparse Channel Estimation Method for OFDM Systems

In this letter, we propose a low-complexity sparse channel estimation method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The proposed method uses a discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based technique for channel estimation and a novel sorted noise space discrimination technique to estimate the channel length and tap positions. Simulation results demonstrate that the reduction in signal space improves the channel estimation performance.
Trilobites del Museo GeoMinero. I. Platypeltoidesmagrebiensis n. sp. (Asaphina, Nileidae), delOrdovícico inferior del Anti-Atlas central(Marruecos).

Se describe una nueva especie de un nileido gigante, Platypeltoides magrebiensis n.sp. , procedente de la Formacion Pizarras Inferiores de Fezouata del Anti-Atlas central marroqui, en niveles atribuidos al Tremadoc Superior. Asimismo, se discute la posible presencia de la especie en el Grupo Oumat el Ham de Zemmur (N de Mauritania).
Trophic relationships between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum and their metabolism of glucose and citrate

Glucose and citrate are two major carbon sources in fruits or fruit juices such as orange juice. Their metabolism and the microorganisms involved in their degradation were studied by inoculating with an aliquot of fermented orange juice a synthetic model medium containing glucose and citrate. At pH 3.6, their degradation led, first, to the formation of ethanol due to the activity of yeasts fermenting glucose and, eventually, to the formation of acetate resulting from the activity of lactobacilli. The yeast population always outcompeted the lactobacilli even when the fermented orange juice used as inoculum was mixed with fermented beet leaves containing a wider variety of lactic acid bacteria. The evolution of the medium remained similar between pH 3.3 and 5.0. At pH 3.0 or below, the fermentation of citrate was totally inhibited. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum were identified as the only dominant microorganisms. The evolution of the model medium with the complex microbial community was successfully reconstituted with a defined coculture of S. cerevisiae and L. plantarum. The study of the fermentation of the defined model medium with a reconstituted microbial community allows us to better understand the behavior not only of fermented orange juice but also of many other fruit fermentations utilized for the production of alcoholic beverages.
Evaluation of Unstructured Kinetic Models for the Production of Bioethanol from Banana and Pineapple Wastes

Bioethanol is a renewable energy source, and its production from agricultural wastes, such as banana and pineapple peels, is an economical approach. Enzymatic hydrolysis experiments were performed using a simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF) method. Banana and pineapple wastes inoculated with Aspergillus terreus and Kluyveromyces marxianus produced the maximum ethanol concentrations of 0.35 g/L and 0.27 g/L, respectively. Furthermore, logistic unstructured and incorporated models described well the growth of microorganism, product formation, and substrate utilization during SSCF system with high R2 and low RMSD.
Contribution of the BOHR effect to the fall in fetal Po2 caused by maternal alkalosis

A decrease in the PO2 of fetal arterial blood is observed in maternal alkalosis caused by hyperventilation in labour or exercise. The contribution of altered blood oxygen affinity to this effect was studied experimentally and by computer simulation of placental gas exchange. Thirteen guinea pigs near term of pregnancy were anesthetized and the right atrium of the fetus was catheterized to enable continuous and simultaneous measurement of PO2 and PCO2 by mass spectrometry. An infusion of base was given through a catheter in the descending aorta of the dam and the effect on fetal respiratory gas tensions observed. The mean change in maternal arterial pH measured in blood taken from a femoral artery was 0.07 +/- 0.04 (mean +/- S. D.). There was an immediate decrease in PO2 in the right atrium of the fetus, but no consistent alteration in PCO2. Two minutes after the start of the infusion, PO2 had fallen by 3.2 +/- 1.6 Torr (p less than 0.001) and PCO2 had risen by 1.7 +/- 1.8 Torr (not significant). The experiments were simulated using a mathematical model of placental gas exchange in the guinea pig. The model was able to predict the change in fetal arterial PO2, given numerical values for the pH, PO2 and PCO2 of fetal and maternal arterial blood prior to infusion of base and for maternal blood during the infusion of base. These values were obtained from the experimental data. Other input variables of the model were maternal and fetal hematocrit and DPG concentration, and the rates of blood flow on the two sides of the placenta. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bio-inspired artificial intelligence

The lecture provides a fast forward on some of the major fields of bio-inspired AI and concentrate on some recent work carried out on the realization of an Artificial Being at the Robotics Lab. of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India. Mechanisms for patrolling and servicing by mobile agents within a network using bio-inspired techniques and attempts to model emotional robots would also be dealt with. A mobile agent framework nicknamed Typhon to emulate such bio-inspired AI techniques will also be introduced followed by some live and maybe hands-on demos.