Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3‐D Temperature Distribution in Ultrasound Hyperthermia with Interstitial Waveguide Applicator a

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of temperature distribution in thermal treatment of cancerous tissue is of primary importance for the therapy success. We discuss here finite element analysis approach to obtain 3‐D temperature distribution in heating with a four‐applicator array. A comparison of phantom and simulation temperatures indicated that inclusion of shear component in heating with ultrasound interstitial applicators improves significantly the simulation quality factor. We included this component in simulations of 3‐D temperature pattern when heating brain tissue with the array. The simulations for the tissue show that the perfusion remains a primary factor in defining the pattern.
Stable isotope-labeled tracers for the investigation of fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism in humans in vivo

Abstract Understanding lipid metabolism and its regulation requires information concerning the rates at which lipids are produced within the body, absorbed (dietary lipids) into the body, transported within the body, and utilized by various tissues. This article focuses on the use of stable isotope-labeled tracers for the quantitative evaluation of major pathways of fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism in humans in vivo. Adipose tissue lipolysis and free fatty acid appearance in plasma, fatty acid tissue uptake and oxidation, and hepatic VLDL triglyceride secretion are among the metabolic pathways that can be studied by using stable isotope-labeled tracers, and will be discussed in detail. The methodology has been in use for many years and is constantly being refined. A variety of tracers and analytical approaches are available and can be used; knowing the advantages, assumptions and limitations of each is essential for the planning of studies and the interpretation of data, which may provide unique insights into human lipid metabolism.
From speech recognition to speech understanding : A case study of Keal

We describe in this paper the comprehension part of a man-machine dialog system which performs automatic inquiry in a limited domain. The comprehension part involves a semantic interpreter and a dialog manager. The extraction of the semantic information conveyed by a sentence is based on an interpretation of the parse-tree; the semantic knowledge is represented by transformation rules associated with the production rules of a semantic context-free grammar. The pragmatic model, which has been designed with respect to its recognition environment, is able to take into account some particularities of the oral conversation (ellipsis, unexpected information), in order to make the dialog as natural as possible. It also makes predictions about possible user's replies to assist recognition and semantic interpretation.
Comparison of the effects of travoprost, latanoprost and bimatoprost on ocular circulation: a 6-month clinical trial.

PURPOSE To study the effect of three prostaglandin F(2)-alpha (PG) analogues on retrobulbar blood flow velocity in previously untreated patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT), using colour Doppler ultrasound. METHODS Sixty newly diagnosed patients with POAG or OHT were randomly assigned to travoprost 0.004% (n = 12 with POAG, n = 8 with OHT), latanoprost 0.005% (n = 11 with POAG, n = 9 with OHT) and bimatoprost 0.03% (n = 13 with POAG, n = 7 with OHT) treatment groups in a double-masked fashion. At baseline examination, blood pressure, heart rate and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded. Peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities were measured in the ophthalmic (OA), central retinal (CRA) and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). The resistive index (RI) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were determined for each treatment group. After a treatment period of 6-months, all procedures were repeated. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age (53 +/- 14 years in the travoprost group, 51 +/- 14 years in the latanoprost group, 53 +/- 11 years in the bimatoprost group), gender (11 men, nine women; 11 men, nine women; 13 men, seven women, by group, respectively), or clinical diagnosis (POAG or OHT) among treatment groups (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in IOP (baseline: 26.4 +/- 3.3 mmHg, 26.8 +/- 1.3 mmHg, 25.8 +/- 1.8 mmHg, respectively; month 6: 20.9 +/- 1.9 mmHg, 20.8 +/- 2.4 mmHg, 18.3 +/- 1.2 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.0001) and an increase in OPP (baseline: 33.7 +/- 3.8 mmHg, 33.5 +/- 3.2 mmHg, 33.9 +/- 2.6 mmHg, respectively; month 6: 40.2 +/- 3.5 mmHg, 39.9 +/- 3.1 mmHg, 41.7 +/- 2.6 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.0001) were verified in all three groups during the study period. Mean baseline RI values for the CRA in the travoprost group and the OA in the latanoprost group were both 0.7 +/- 0.1 mmHg and both values were statistically significantly lower at 6 months (0.6 +/- 0.1 mmHg in both groups; p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, respectively). In the bimatoprost group there was no statistically significant difference in haemodynamic parameters over the study period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the three PG analogues significantly reduce IOP and increase OPP in patients with POAG or OHT. Topical travoprost and latanoprost significantly reduce the RI of the CRA and OA, respectively. We were unable to determine any effect of topical bimatoprost on ocular haemodynamics.
Optimization of Analytical Conditions to Determine Steroids and Pharmaceuticals Drugs in Water Samples Using Solid Phase-Extraction and HPLC

Two reliable methods were optimized to determine two steroids (17? -Estradiol and 17? -Ethinylestradiol) and two pharmaceutical drugs (ibuprofen and naproxen) using Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) for sample preparation and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for analysis. SPE (C18) conditions were evaluated varying elution solvent volume, pH conditions and sample mass in the cartridge and reduction techniques of the extract. The efficiency of the analytical methods was evaluated by spiking ultrapure water samples with compounds at three and four levels of concentration for steroids and pharmaceutical drugs, re- spectively. The recoveries were independent (P > 0.05) of added mass of target analytes with a repeatability lower than 6.5% for steroids and 12.1% for pharmaceutical compounds. The recovery factor (coefficient of variation, CV) was higher than 83% for steroids (CV 93% for pharmaceuticals (CV < 5.2%). The optimized analytical method was applied for the evaluation of a steroid degradation test using ozone, finding that the estimated limit of detection is sufficient to determine the residual mass (μg? L–1) of 17β-Estradiol after the experiment.
Association of rs6166 polymorphism with FSH receptor transcript variants and steroid production in human granulosa cell cultures

Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genetic variation at position 2039 A > G (rs6166, p.Asn680Ser) was repetitively shown to correspond to the measures of ovarian sensitivity and the outcomes of gonadotropin stimulation. However, to date, there has been no study revealing the mechanisms behind the associations observed. The aim of the present research was to investigate the relationship between rs6166 and mRNA expression of FSHR-dependent genes such as LHCGR, CYP19A1, and FSHR itself with particular reference to the FSHR transcript variants (deletions of exon 2, 6, and 9 and insertion of a novel exon between exons 8 and 9) in the cell culture model. Steroid production and its dependency on FSHR genotype were also assessed. A total of 22 normoovulatory patients undergoing IVF treatment were recruited. Granulosa cells were obtained by ovary puncture and cultured for 7 days to regain responsiveness to FSH in a gonadotropin-free medium. Stimulation was carried out for 24 hours in a serum-depleted environment using 0.5 UI/l rhFSH. Gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR and genotype was determined by allele-specific PCR. The distribution of p.Asn680Ser genotypes was as follows: 10 homozygotes Asn/Asn, 8 heterozygotes Asn/Ser, and 4 homozygotes Ser/Ser. Expression of total FSHR in all samples studied increased by a mean factor of 1.9 (95% CI: 0.39–11.53, p < 0.001) upon stimulation. All of the analyzed FSHR transcript variants were detectable in non-stimulated and stimulated cells. The only distinct transcript that followed up-regulation was deletion of exon 2. Homozygotes Asn/Asn tended to have higher rhFSH-induced expression of FSHR as compared to the carriers of Ser/Ser genotype. Relative expression of LHCGR and CYP19A1 although up-regulated showed no significant difference with respect to the FSHR genotype. Variable modulation of FSHR expression by its own ligand is likely to explain different clinical behavior of patients with FSHR genetic variants. The putative contribution of rs6166 requires further investigation.
Sectioned digital filtering for nonlinear Bayesian signal deconvolution

Signal deconvolution is a problem commonly found in digital signal processing. If the recorded data is a nonlinear transformation of the degraded data, then linear techniques for deconvolution are not applicable. Herein we review the nonlinear Bayesian estimate for deconvolution and show that it may be implemented in a sectioned form for processing on-going data streams.
Recent Trends, Applications, and Perspectives in 3D Shape Similarity Assessment

The recent introduction of 3D shape analysis frameworks able to quantify the deformation of a shape into another in terms of the variation of real functions yields a new interpretation of the 3D shape similarity assessment and opens new perspectives. Indeed, while the classical approaches to similarity mainly quantify it as a numerical score, map‐based methods also define (dense) shape correspondences. After presenting in detail the theoretical foundations underlying these approaches, we classify them by looking at their most salient features, including the kind of structure and invariance properties they capture, as well as the distances and the output modalities according to which the similarity between shapes is assessed and returned. We also review the usage of these methods in a number of 3D shape application domains, ranging from matching and retrieval to annotation and segmentation. Finally, the most promising directions for future research developments are discussed.
Cell Migration Is Regulated by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Endocytosis

ABSTRACT Cell migration requires spatial and temporal processes that detect and transfer extracellular stimuli into intracellular signals. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor is a cell surface receptor on fibroblasts that regulates proliferation and chemotaxis in response to PDGF. How the PDGF signal is transmitted accurately through the receptor into cells is an unresolved question. Here, we report a new intracellular signaling pathway by which DOCK4, a Rac1 guanine exchange factor, and Dynamin regulate cell migration by PDGF receptor endocytosis. We showed by a series of biochemical and microscopy techniques that Grb2 serves as an adaptor protein in the formation of a ternary complex between the PDGF receptor, DOCK4, and Dynamin, which is formed at the leading edge of cells. We found that this ternary complex regulates PDGF-dependent cell migration by promoting PDGF receptor endocytosis and Rac1 activation at the cell membrane. This study revealed a new mechanism by which cell migration is regulated by PDGF receptor endocytosis.
Adaptation en ligne de mécanismes de tolérance aux fautes par une approche à composants ouverts

L'adaptation en-ligne du logiciel de tolerance aux fautes permet de renforce la surete de fonctionnement du systeme et prenant en compte son environnement. L'adaptation necessite de nouvelles techniques de conception. Ces travaux visent a comprendre et maitriser l'impact des modifications du logiciel de tolerance aux fautes en operation sur les fonctionnalites du systeme, pour en maitriser les effets de bords. L'approche proposee introduit une architecture reflexive a composants et une modelisation du logiciel. Un modele structurel du logiciel permet de calculer et appliquer les modifications du contenu du logiciel. Un modele comportemental decrit les observations attendues en fonctionnement. Il permet de determiner les etats permettant d'appliquer les modifications, d'amener et de maintenir le systeme dans ces etats. Ces travaux montrent que, grâce aux capacites de manipulation et de controle en ligne du logiciel, la modification des mecanismes de tolerance aux fautes peut etre realisee en ligne de maniere maitrisee.
Emotional‐Vulnerability and Mindfulness: A Preliminary Test of Associations among Negative Affectivity, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Mindfulness Skills

This study evaluated associations between general (negative affectivity) and specific (anxiety sensitivity) factors that may relate to the mindfulness skill domains assessed by the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills. Participants were 154 young adults (88 females; Mage = 22.4 years, SD = 7.9) recruited from the community. Partially consistent with predictions, higher levels of negative affectivity were significantly associated with lower levels of Awareness, Acceptance, and Describe mindfulness skills, and higher levels of anxiety sensitivity were significantly associated with lower levels of Awareness and Acceptance mindfulness skills. Additionally, negative affectivity and anxiety sensitivity each demonstrated unique relations to participants' ability to experience the present state without evaluating or judging its content (Accept factor), after accounting for their shared variance, but only anxiety sensitivity demonstrated a unique association to the Act with Awareness factor independent of variance explained by negative affectivity. Findings are discussed in relation to theory and research on mindfulness processes.
Acute Toxoplasmosis Leads to Lethal Overproduction of Th1 Cytokines1

Virulence in Toxoplasma gondii is strongly influenced by the genotype of the parasite. Type I strains uniformly cause rapid death in mice regardless of the host genotype or the challenge dose. In contrast, the outcome of infections with type II strains is highly dependent on the challenge dose and the genotype of the host. To understand the basis of acute virulence in toxoplasmosis, we compared low and high doses of the RH strain (type I) and the ME49/PTG strain (type II) of T. gondii in outbred mice. Differences in virulence were reflected in only modestly different growth rates in vivo, and both strains disseminated widely to different tissues. The key difference in the virulent RH strain was the ability to reach high tissue burdens rapidly following a low dose challenge. Lethal infections caused by type I (RH) or type II (PTG) strain infections were accompanied by extremely elevated levels of Th1 cytokines in the serum, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-18. Extensive liver damage and lymphoid degeneration accompanied the elevated levels of cytokines produced during lethal infection. Increased time of survival following lethal infection with the RH strain was provided by neutralization of IL-18, but not TNF-α or IFN-γ. Nonlethal infections with a low dose of type II PTG strain parasites were characterized by a modest induction of Th1 cytokines that led to control of infection and minimal damage to host tissues. Our findings establish that overstimulation of immune responses that are normally necessary for protection is an important feature of acute toxoplasmosis.
Review of Analytical Instruments for EEG Analysis

Electroencephalography (EEG), which was first used in neurology in 1926, has emerged as one of the most beneficial instruments. In addition to EEG equipment, we also require analysis tools and expertise before we can begin using $EEG$ data to analyze the findings. Both traditional analytical methods and more contemporary advances are covered in this essay. We anticipate that it will be useful for scientists who are just getting started with their work on cognitive EEG.
Escherichia coli SecB, SecA, and SecY proteins are required for expression and membrane insertion of the bacteriocin release protein, a small lipoprotein

The SecB, SecA, and SecY dependency of a small outer membrane lipoprotein in Escherichia coli, the bacteriocin release protein (BRP), was studied. The detrimental effect of BRP expression on the culture turbidity (quasi-lysis) was strongly reduced in the sec mutants. Immunoblotting and radioactive labeling experiments showed that the expression, membrane insertion, and processing of the BRP precursor are dependent on SecB, SecA, and SecY. Labeling experiments with hybrid BRP gene constructs revealed that the mature part of the BRP precursor and not its stable signal sequence is important for its SecB dependency.
Economic evaluation of home blood pressure telemonitoring: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Aims. The purpose of the present study was to compare the costs of home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring (HBPM) with the costs of conventional office BP monitoring. In a randomized controlled trial, 105 hypertensive patients performed HBPM and 118 patients received usual care with conventional office BP monitoring during 6 months. Costs were quantified from the healthcare perspective. Non-parametric simulations were performed to quantify the uncertainty around the mean estimates and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were made. Major findings. Systolic and diastolic daytime and night-time ambulatory BP (ABP) were reduced in both groups. The uncertainty around the incremental cost effectiveness ratio point estimates was considerable for both systolic and diastolic ABP. For systolic ABP, the difference in cost effectiveness ratio between the two groups was 256 Danish kroner (DKK)/mmHg [95% uncertainty interval, UI −860 to 4544]. For diastolic ABP, the difference in cost effectiveness ratio between the two groups was 655 DKK/mmHg [95% UI −674 to 69315]. Medication and consultation costs were lowest in the intervention group, but were offset by the cost of the telemonitoring equipment. Conclusions. Cost-effectiveness analysis showed that telemonitoring of home BP was more costly compared with usual monitoring of office BP. The cost-effectiveness result is surrounded with considerable uncertainty. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT282334.
The Role of Basement Membranes in Vascular Development

Endothelial cells produce and bind to multiple basement membrane components. Fibronectin and interstitial collagens seem to promote migration and proliferation, whereas basement membrane collagen and laminin stimulate attachment and differentiation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells will rapidly form capillary-like structures when plated on a reconstituted basement membrane gel. This morphological differentiation involves the alignment of the cells followed by their close association with one another and the formation of a central lumen. Using antibodies to basement membrane components, we find that the formation of these vessels is a complex process involving multiple interactions with several matrix components. Synthetic peptides to active sequences in laminin have demonstrated that at least two sites in laminin participate in tube formation. An RGD-containing site on the A chain appears to mediate cell to matrix adhesion, and synthetic RGD-containing peptides block cell to matrix adhesion during tube formation. A YIGSR-containing site on the B1 chain appears to mediate cell to cell adhesion and promote tube formation because synthetic peptides block the strong cell interactions involved in tube formation. Our data with laminin peptides show that for at least one protein, multiple sites are recognized. Such data would also suggest that several cellular receptors are involved in a concerted process in laminin-induced differentiation of endothelial cells. We conclude that vessel formation is a complex, multistep process. Identification of active sites that block this process may have potential use in blocking angiogenesis in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Evaluation of skin-fold measurements and weight chart to measure body fat.

A simple determination of percent body fat would enhance the physician's ability to advise on weight control. The estimation of percent fat from (1) radioactive potassium levels, (2) height-weight measurements, (3) skinfold measurements on the scapula, and (4) skin-fold measurements on the triceps was compared statistically for 235 males. A nearly optimum estimate of percent fat was obtained by averaging the estimates of percent fat from the scapula skin-fold measurement and the heightweight measurement. The interval defined by this average ± 6.3% will contain the true percent fat for the individual about 95 out of 100 times.
A Sequential Analysis of Parent–Child Interactions in Anxious and Nonanxious Families

Although theoretical work has suggested that reciprocal behavior patterns between parent and child may be important in the development of childhood anxiety, most empirical work has failed to consider the bidirectional nature of interactions. The current study sought to address this limitation by utilizing a sequential approach to exploring parent–child interactions. Participants included 161 children (ages 3–12 years) and their parents. Parent and child dyads were classified into four categories: anxious parent–anxious child (n = 45), anxious parent–nonanxious child (n = 45), nonanxious parent–anxious child (n = 21), and nonanxious parent–nonanxious child (n = 50). Parent and child behaviors were coded from two 10-min interactions. Results indicated that anxious parents of children with anxiety disorders were more likely to respond with negative behaviors, which their child then mirrored. Nonanxious parents of nonanxious children responded with more warmth, which was then mirrored by their child. These results provide evidence for differential patterns of behaviors between anxious and nonanxious parents and children following critical moments in their interactions.