Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simplified Quantification Method for In Vivo SPECT Imaging of the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter with 123I-Iodobenzovesamicol

123I-iodobenzovesamicol is a SPECT radioligand selective for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and used to assess the integrity of cholinergic pathways in various neurologic disorders. The current noninvasive method for quantitative analysis of 123I-iodobenzovesamicol, based on multilinear reference tissue model 2 (MRTM2), requires repeated scans for several hours, limiting its application in clinical trials. Our objective was to validate a simplified acquisition method based on a single 123I-iodobenzovesamicol static scan preserving the quantification accuracy. Three acquisition times were tested comparatively to a kinetic analysis using MRTM2. Methods: Six healthy volunteers underwent a dynamic SPECT acquisition comprising 14 frames over 28 h and an MR imaging scan. MR images were automatically segmented, providing the volumes of 19 regions of interest (ROIs). SPECT datasets were coregistered with MR images, and regional time–activity curves were derived. For each ROI, a complete MRTM2 pharmacokinetic analysis, using the cerebellar hemispheres as the reference region, led to the calculation of a 123I-iodobenzovesamicol-to-VAChT binding parameter, the nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND-MRTM2). A simplified analysis was also performed at 5, 8, and 28 h after injection, providing a simplified BPND, given as BPND-t = CROI − Ccerebellar hemispheres/Ccerebellar hemispheres, with C being the averaged radioactive concentration. Results: No significant difference was found among BPND-5 h, BPND-8 h, and BPND-MRTM2 in any of the extrastriatal regions explored. BPND-28 h was significantly higher than BPND-5 h, BPND-8 h, and BPND-MRTM2 in 9 of the 17 regions explored (P < 0.05). BPND-5 h, BPND-8 h, and BPND-28 h correlated significantly with BPND-MRTM2 (P < 0.05; ρ = 0.99, 0.98, and 0.92, respectively). In the striatum, BPND-28 h was significantly higher than BPND-5 h and BPND-8 h. BPND-5 h differed significantly from BPND-MRTM2 (P < 0.05), with BPND-5 h being 43.6% lower. Conclusion: In the extrastriatal regions, a single acquisition at 5 or 8 h after injection provides quantitative results similar to a pharmacokinetic analysis. However, with the highest correlation and accuracy, 5 h is the most suitable time to perform an accurate 123I-iodobenzovesamicol quantification. In the striatum, none of the 3 times has led to an accurate quantification.
Direct Comparison of 18F-FDG PET and PET/CT in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to compare (18)F-FDG PET and PET/CT in a population of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: PET and PET/CT images from 45 patients (17 women, 28 men; mean age +/- SD, 60.8 +/- 11.1 y) with known colorectal cancer referred for PET from June to November 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Images were acquired with a PET/CT scanner, and (68)Ge attenuation correction was applied. PET images and fused (68)Ge attenuation-corrected PET and CT images were independently and separately interpreted by a moderately experienced reader unaware of the clinical information. Certainty of lesion characterization was scored on a 5-point scale (0 = definitely benign, 1 = probably benign, 2 = equivocal, 3 = probably malignant, 4 = definitely malignant). Lesion location was scored on a 3-point scale (0 = uncertain, 1 = probable, 2 = definite). The presence or absence of tumor was subsequently assessed using all available clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. Analysis was provided for lesions detected by both PET and PET/CT. RESULTS: The frequency of equivocal and probable lesion characterization was reduced by 50% (50 to 25) with PET/CT, in comparison with PET. The frequency of definite lesion characterization was increased by 30% (84 to 109) with PET/CT. The number of definite locations was increased by 25% (92 to 115) with PET/CT. Overall correct staging increased from 78% to 89% with PET/CT on a patient-by-patient analysis. CONCLUSION: PET/CT imaging increases the accuracy and certainty of locating lesions in colorectal cancer. More definitely normal and definitely abnormal lesions (and fewer probable and equivocal lesions) were identified with PET/CT than with PET alone. Staging and restaging accuracy improved from 78% to 89%.
Simultaneous Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate MRI and 18F-FDG PET (HyperPET) in 10 Dogs with Cancer

With the introduction of combined PET/MR spectroscopic (MRS) imaging, it is now possible to directly and indirectly image the Warburg effect with hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate and 18F-FDG PET imaging, respectively, via a technique we have named hyperPET. The main purpose of this present study was to establish a practical workflow for performing 18F-FDG PET and hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRS imaging simultaneously for tumor tissue characterization and on a larger scale test its feasibility. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between 18F-FDG uptake and 13C-lactate production. Methods: Ten dogs with biopsy-verified spontaneous malignant tumors were included for imaging. All dogs underwent a protocol of simultaneous 18F-FDG PET, anatomic MR, and hyperpolarized dynamic nuclear polarization with 13C-pyruvate imaging. The data were acquired using a combined clinical PET/MR imaging scanner. Results: We found that combined 18F-FDG PET and 13C-pyruvate MRS imaging was possible in a single session of approximately 2 h. A continuous workflow was obtained with the injection of 18F-FDG when the dogs was placed in the PET/MR scanner. 13C-MRS dynamic acquisition demonstrated in an axial slab increased 13C-lactate production in 9 of 10 dogs. For the 9 dogs, the 13C-lactate was detected after a mean of 25 s (range, 17–33 s), with a mean to peak of 13C-lactate at 49 s (range, 40–62 s). 13C-pyruvate could be detected on average after 13 s (range, 5–26 s) and peaked on average after 25 s (range, 13–42 s). We noticed concordance of 18F-FDG uptake and production of 13C-lactate in most, but not all, axial slices. Conclusion: In this study, we have shown in a series of dogs with cancer that hyperPET can easily be performed within 2 h. We showed mostly correspondence between 13C-lactate production and 18F-FDG uptake and expect the combined modalities to reveal additional metabolic information to improve prognostic value and improve response monitoring.
18F-Fluoromisonidazole Quantification of Hypoxia in Human Cancer Patients Using Image-Derived Blood Surrogate Tissue Reference Regions

18F-fluoromisonidazole (18F-FMISO) is the most widely used PET agent for imaging hypoxia, a condition associated with resistance to tumor therapy. 18F-FMISO equilibrates in normoxic tissues but is retained under hypoxic conditions because of reduction and binding to macromolecules. A simple tissue-to-blood (TB) ratio is suitable for quantifying hypoxia. A TB ratio threshold of 1.2 or greater is useful in discriminating the hypoxic volume (HV) of tissue; TBmax is the maximum intensity of the hypoxic region and does not invoke a threshold. Because elimination of blood sampling would simplify clinical use, we tested the validity of using imaging regions as a surrogate for blood sampling. Methods: Patients underwent 20-min 18F-FMISO scanning during the 90- to 140-min interval after injection with venous blood sampling. Two hundred twenty-three 18F-FMISO patient studies had detectable surrogate blood regions in the field of view. Quantitative parameters of hypoxia (TBmax, HV) derived from blood samples were compared with values using surrogate blood regions derived from the heart, aorta, or cerebellum. In a subset of brain cancer patients, parameters from blood samples and from the cerebellum were compared for their ability to independently predict outcome. Results: Vascular regions of heart showed the highest correlation to measured blood activity (R2 = 0.84). For brain studies, cerebellar activity was similarly correlated to blood samples. In brain cancer patients, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that image-derived reference regions had predictive power nearly identical to parameters derived from blood, thus obviating the need for venous sampling in these patients. Conclusion: Simple static analysis of 18F-FMISO PET captures both the intensity (TBmax) and the spatial extent (HV) of tumor hypoxia. An image-derived region to assess blood activity can be used as a surrogate for blood sampling in quantification of hypoxia.
Caching algorithm for fast handoff using AP graph with multiple vehicles for VANETs

The vehicular ad-hoc networks VANETs encountered frequent handoff due to high mobility of vehicles. The existing schemes are based on the context transfer for fast handoff, but needs to reduce the latency of handoff for VANETs. Fast handoffs in vehicle scans at any instance of time depends upon the association pattern of the AP. In this paper, we have proposed proactive approach for fast handoff using access point AP in VANETs. The fast handoff algorithm using AP graph with multiple vehicles for VANETs improves the re-association latency and context transfer procedure must be singled out from re-association process. From the simulation studies, we find that the use of AP graphs reduces the handoff latency due to re-association process and that the effectiveness of the approach improves dramatically as user mobility increases. The protocol for context transfer is defined in inter-access point protocol IAPP, which infuses proactive transfer technique for frequent handoffs.
Comparison of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen–Based 18F-DCFBC PET/CT to Conventional Imaging Modalities for Detection of Hormone-Naïve and Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Conventional imaging modalities (CIMs) have limited sensitivity and specificity for detection of metastatic prostate cancer. We examined the potential of a first-in-class radiofluorinated small-molecule inhibitor of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), N-[N-[(S)-1,3-dicarboxypropyl]carbamoyl]-4-18F-fluorobenzyl-l-cysteine (18F-DCFBC), to detect metastatic hormone-naïve (HNPC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods: Seventeen patients were prospectively enrolled (9 HNPC and 8 CRPC); 16 had CIM evidence of new or progressive metastatic prostate cancer and 1 had high clinical suspicion of metastatic disease. 18F-DCFBC PET/CT imaging was obtained with 2 successive PET scans starting at 2 h after injection. Patients were imaged with CIM at approximately the time of PET. A lesion-by-lesion analysis of PET to CIM was performed in the context of either HNPC or CRPC. The patients were followed with available clinical imaging as a reference standard to determine the true nature of identified lesions on PET and CIM. Results: On the lesion-by-lesion analysis, 18F-DCFBC PET was able to detect a larger number of lesions (592 positive with 63 equivocal) than CIM (520 positive with 61 equivocal) overall, in both HNPC and CRPC patients. 18F-DCFBC PET detection of lymph nodes, bone lesions, and visceral lesions was superior to CIM. When intrapatient clustering effects were considered, 18F-DCFBC PET was estimated to be positive in a large proportion of lesions that would be negative or equivocal on CIM (0.45). On follow-up, the sensitivity of 18F-DCFBC PET (0.92) was superior to CIM (0.71). 18F-DCFBC tumor uptake was increased at the later PET time point (∼2.5 h after injection), with background uptake showing a decreasing trend on later PET. Conclusion: PET imaging with 18F-DCFBC, a small-molecule PSMA-targeted radiotracer, detected more lesions than CIM and promises to diagnose and stage patients with metastatic prostate cancer more accurately than current imaging methods.
Social Work in Health Care

Summary: Social work in health care has been established for more than 100 years and has developed into a major sector of the profession in countries around the world. This article reports on a Delphi exercise aimed at exploring the achievements of social work in health care in a variety of countries, as judged by a team of expert practitioners and academics. Findings: Twenty key accomplishments were identified. Two of them received particularly high ratings: achieving recognition and legitimacy, and effecting a change in the models of illness and health. Three others - knowledge development, direct interventions with patients and development of culturally appropriate interventions - also received high marks. Applications: The findings are quite consistent with the social work literature, indicating the benefits to be gained from international cooperation and collaboration.
Relationship Between 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings and HER2 Expression in Gastric Cancer

18F-FDG PET has been widely used in the management of malignant tumors. In gastric cancer, the status of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) predicts the response to anti-HER2 antibody therapy, and testing of HER2 expression is now routine in the management of gastric cancer patients. However, to date, the relationship between 18F-FDG uptake and HER2 expression has not, to our knowledge, been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HER2 expression is associated with 18F-FDG uptake and whether 18F-FDG PET/CT can be used to predict the HER2 status of gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 64 gastric cancer patients who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/CT before surgical resection. Tumor SUVmax was calculated from the level of 18F-FDG uptake. Results: No significant correlation was found between SUVmax and HER2 expression in gastric cancer. However, when signet-ring cell carcinoma was excluded, SUVmax was significantly higher in the HER2-negative group than in the HER2-positive group (8.619 ± 5.878 vs. 3.789 ± 2.613, respectively; P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis indicated that SUVmax and tumor differentiation remained significantly associated with HER2 expression (P = 0.048 and P = 0.028, respectively). HER2 expression was predicted with an accuracy of 64.4% when an SUVmax cutoff of 6.2 was used. Conclusion: 18F-FDG uptake by gastric cancer is associated with HER2 expression. 18F-FDG PET/CT may be useful for predicting the HER2 status of gastric cancer and for determining the therapeutic strategy.
A growth model for marketing evolution of multi-generation NAND flash memory

Marketing growth of information-technology products is continuously sustained by semiconductor non-volatile memories. Flash memory plays a crucial role for mass storage of portable electronic systems. In this work, we study the marketing dynamics of flash memory using a growth model. The model considering non-uniform influence, asymmetric diffusion, and heterogeneity of the population of potential adaptors is solved and optimised numerically. Comparison between simulated and realistic data for NAND flash memory from 128 Mb to 1 Gbit verifies the theoretical findings. The results of this study could be advanced for forecasting new technologies of flash memory.
Software porting support with component-based and language neutral source code analysis

During their lifetimes, programs are subject to modifications, not only to implement new features or to correct bugs, but also to adapt them to new hardware architectures. Parallel environments as multi/many-cores CPUs or GPUs require source code transformations to extract parallelisable regions of code and to allocate workloads on devices. This process requires not only skilled developers, but mainly a deep comprehension of the semantics of the code. In this work is presented a technique and its prototype implementation for component based and language neutral static program analysis that can assist developers in the analysis, comprehension and transformation of code. Source code is statically analysed and modelled with a language neutral representation conceived to permit interoperability between tool components and plugins. This model is designed as a class hierarchy, and implemented in a library to be used by user-developed add-ons. Parsers for two languages, control flow, data flow, data dependence analysis modules have been implemented or integrated. An algorithmic recogniser has also been integrated: basic algorithmic concepts are extracted in order to feed a knowledge base, upon which an external reasoner can do queries to find instances of known algorithms.
In Vivo Comparison of Tau Radioligands 18F-THK-5351 and 18F-THK-5317

This study compared the in vivo imaging characteristics of tau PET ligands 18F-THK-5351 and 18F-THK-5317 in the context of Alzheimer disease (AD). Additionally, reference tissue distribution volume ratio (DVR) estimation methods and SUV ratio (SUVR) timing windows were evaluated to determine the optimal strategy for specific binding quantification. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects (mean age ± SD, 71 ± 7 y) underwent either dynamic 90-min 18F-THK-5317 or 18F-THK-5351 PET scans. Bland–Altman plots were used to compare the simplified reference tissue method, multilinear reference tissue method (MRTM2), and Logan reference tissue DVR estimates and to assess temporal stability of SUVR windows using cerebellar gray matter as a reference region. In vivo kinetics and DVR estimates were directly compared for 10 subjects who underwent both 18F-THK-5317 and 18F-THK-5351 PET scans. Results: THK-5351 exhibited faster cerebellar gray matter clearance, faster cortical white matter clearance, and higher DVR estimates in AD tau-associated regions of interest than THK-5317. The MRTM2 method produced the most reliable DVR estimates for both tracers, particularly when scan duration was shortened to 60 min. SUVR stability was observed 50–70 min after injection for both tracers. Parametric images revealed differences between MRTM2, Logan, and SUVR binding in white matter regions for THK-5317. Conclusion: THK-5317 and THK-5351 show promise for in vivo detection of AD tau. THK-5351 has more favorable pharmacokinetics and imaging characteristics than THK-5317.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Interobserver Agreement for Prostate Cancer Assessments: An International Multicenter Prospective Study

The interobserver agreement for 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT study interpretations in patients with prostate cancer is unknown. Methods: 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was performed in 50 patients with prostate cancer for biochemical recurrence (n = 25), primary diagnosis (n = 10), biochemical persistence after primary therapy (n = 5), or staging of known metastatic disease (n = 10). Images were reviewed by 16 observers who used a standardized approach for interpretation of local (T), nodal (N), bone (Mb), or visceral (Mc) involvement. Observers were classified as having a low (<30 prior 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT studies; n = 5), intermediate (30–300 studies; n = 5), or high level of experience (>300 studies; n = 6). Histopathology (n = 25, 50%), post–external-beam radiation therapy prostate-specific antigen response (n = 15, 30%), or follow-up PET/CT (n = 10, 20%) served as a standard of reference. Observer groups were compared by overall agreement (% patients matching the standard of reference) and Fleiss' κ with mean and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Agreement among all observers was substantial for T (κ = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.59–0.64) and N (κ = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.71–0.76) staging and almost perfect for Mb (κ = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.86–0.91) staging. Level of experience positively correlated with agreement for T (κ = 0.73/0.66/0.50 for high/intermediate/low experience, respectively), N (κ = 0.80/0.76/0.64, respectively), and Mc staging (κ = 0.61/0.46/0.36, respectively). Interobserver agreement for Mb was almost perfect irrespective of prior experience (κ = 0.87/0.91/0.88, respectively). Observers with low experience, when compared with intermediate and high experience, demonstrated significantly lower median overall agreement (54% vs. 66% and 76%, P = 0.041) and specificity for T staging (73% vs. 88% and 93%, P = 0.032). Conclusion: The interpretation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for prostate cancer staging is highly consistent among observers with high levels of experience, especially for nodal and bone assessments. Initial training on at least 30 patient cases is recommended to ensure acceptable performance.
Multi-pad Acupuncture Systems based on Internet Communication System

In oriental medicine, patient's pulse wave signal has been used to estimate patients' health condition with it's speed, strength, and depth etc. However, even though the same doctor diagnose the patient, result could be different according to one's age, sex and body condition. In this paper, we developed a portable intelligent punctuate device for market release, which has a function of calculating punctuate time by setting proper information on the data. We expect this device could be used to remote location in everytime and everywhere.
The Evolving Role of Succinate in Tumor Metabolism: An 18F-FDG–Based Study

In recent years, inherited and acquired mutations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes have been reported in diverse cancers. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas often exhibit dysregulation of glucose metabolism, which is also driven by mutations in genes encoding the TCA cycle enzymes or by activation of hypoxia signaling. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas associated with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiency are characterized by high 18F-FDG avidity. This association is currently only partially explained. Therefore, we hypothesized that accumulation of succinate due to the TCA cycle defect could be the major connecting hub between SDH-mutated tumors and the 18F-FDG uptake profile. Methods: To test whether succinate modifies the 18F-FDG metabolic profile of tumors, we performed in vitro and in vivo (small-animal PET/CT imaging and autoradiography) experiments in the presence of succinate, fumarate, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in different cell models. As a control, we also evaluated the impact of succinate on 18F-fluorocholine uptake and retention. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) immunohistochemistry was performed to assess whether 18F-FDG uptake correlates with GLUT1 staining. Results: Intratumoral injection of succinate significantly increased 18F-FDG uptake at 24 h on small-animal PET/CT imaging and autoradiography. No effect of succinate was observed on cancer cells in vitro, but interestingly, we found that succinate caused increased 18F-FDG uptake by human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. No significant effect was observed after intratumoral injection of fumarate or PBS. Succinate, fumarate, and PBS have no effect on cell viability, regardless of cell lineage. Intramuscular injection of succinate also significantly increases 18F-FDG uptake by muscle when compared with either PBS or fumarate, highlighting the effect of succinate on connective tissues. No difference was observed between PBS and succinate on 18F-fluorocholine uptake in the tumor and muscle and on hind limb blood flow. GLUT1 expression quantification did not significantly differ between the study groups. Conclusion: The present study shows that succinate stimulates 18F-FDG uptake by endothelial cells, a finding that partially explains the 18F-FDG metabotype observed in tumors with SDH deficiency. Although this study is an 18F-FDG–based approach, it provides an impetus to better characterize the determinants of 18F-FDG uptake in various tumors and their surrounding microenvironment, with a special emphasis on the role of tumor-specific oncometabolites.