Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive segmentation of multiple 3D objects in medical images by optimum graph cuts : Segmentação interativa de múltiplos objetos 3D em imagens médicas por cortes ótimos em grafo

Segmentacao de imagens medicas e crucial para extrair medidas de objetos 3D (estruturas anatomicas) que sao uteis no diagnostico e tratamento de doencas. Nestas aplicacoes, segmentacao interativa e necessaria quando metodos automaticos falham ou nao sao factiveis. Metodos por corte em grafo sao considerados o estado da arte em segmentacao interativa, mas diversas abordagens utilizam o algoritmo min-cut/max-flow, que e limitado a segmentacao binaria, sendo que segmentacao de multiplos objetos pode economizar tempo e esforco do usuario. Este trabalho revisita a transformada imagem floresta diferencial (DIFT, em ingles) -- uma abordagem por corte em grafo adequada para segmentacao de multiplos objetos -- resolvendo problemas relacionados a ela. O algoritmo da DIFT executa em tempo proporcional ao numero de voxels nas regioes modificadas em cada execucao da segmentacao (sublinear). Tal caracteristica e altamente desejavel em segmentacao interativa de imagens 3D para responder as acoes do usuario em tempo real. O algoritmo da DIFT funciona da seguinte forma: o usuario desenha marcadores (traco com voxels de semente) rotulados dentro de cada objeto e o fundo, enquanto o computador interpreta a imagem como um grafo, cujos nos sao os voxels e os arcos sao definidos por pixels vizinhos, produzindo como resultado uma floresta de caminhos otimos (particao na imagem) enraizada nos nos sementes do grafo. Nesta floresta, cada objeto e representado pela floresta de caminhos otimos enraizado em suas sementes internas. Tais arvores sao pintadas com a mesmo cor associada ao rotulo do marcador correspondente. Ao adicionar ou remover marcadores, e possivel corrigir a segmentacao ate o mapa de rotulo de objeto representar o resultado desejado. Para garantir consistencia na segmentacao, metodos baseados em semente sempre devem manter a conectividade entre os voxels e suas sementes. Entretanto, isto nao e mantido em algumas abordagens, como Random Walkers ou quando o mapa de rotulos e filtrado para suavizar a fronteira dos objetos. Esta conectividade e primordial para realizar correcoes sem recomecar o processo depois de cada intervencao do usuario. Todavia, foi observado que a DIFT falha em manter consistencia da segmentacao em alguns casos. Consertamos este problema tanto no algoritmo da DIFT, quanto apos a suavizacao dos objetos. Estes resultados comparam diversas estruturas anatomicas 3D de imagens de ressonância magnetica e tomografia computadorizada. Abstract
DNA replication licensing in somatic and germ cells

The DNA replication (or origin) licensing system ensures precise duplication of the genome in each cell cycle and is a powerful regulator of cell proliferation in metazoa. Studies in yeast, Drosophila melanogaster and Xenopus laevis have characterised the molecular machinery that constitutes the licensing system, but it remains to be determined how this important evolutionary conserved pathway is regulated in Homo sapiens. We have investigated regulation of the origin licensing factors Cdc6, Cdt1, Mcm2 and Geminin in human somatic and germ cells. Cdc6 and Cdt1 play an essential role in DNA replication initiation by loading the Mcm2-7 complex, which is required for unwinding the DNA helix, onto chromosomal origins. Geminin is a repressor of origin licensing that blocks Mcm2-7 loading onto origins. Our studies demonstrate that Cdc6, Cdt1 and Mcm2 play a central role in coordinating growth during the proliferation-differentiation switch in somatic self-renewing systems and that Cdc6 expression is rate-limiting for acquisition of replication competence in primary oocytes. In striking contrast, we show that proliferation control during male gametogenesis is not linked to Cdc6 or Mcm2, but appears to be coordinated by the negative regulator Geminin with Cdt1 becoming rate-limiting in late prophase. Our data demonstrate a striking sexual dimorphism in the mechanisms repressing origin licensing and preventing untimely DNA synthesis during meiosis I, implicating a pivotal role for Geminin in maintaining integrity of the male germline genome.
Digital marketing in independent libraries in the United Kingdom

This article aims to investigate the approach to marketing and promotion adopted by independent libraries, with specific reference to the development of their digital presence. A three-phase mixed methodology approach was adopted which incorporated a website survey, a questionnaire, and telephone and face-to-face interviews. Data collection focused on the member libraries of the Association of Independent Libraries. Independent libraries are reluctant to engage fully with marketing and technology due to limited resources, fears over security and staff numbers, and a lack of familiarity with the concepts. In libraries where staff are already familiar with using digital technology, there is a greater uptake of digital applications on the library’s behalf. The libraries can benefit from viewing their offer more flexibly and communicating with patrons in ways appropriate to their targets including the use of websites, email and Web 2.0.
ccGolog -- A Logical Language Dealing with Continuous Change

High-level robot controllers often need to specify event-driven behavior and they operate low-level processes which change the world in a continuous fashion. While non logic-based control languages have existed for some time to address these issues, this is not the case for logic-based languages. To remedy the situation, we show how to incorporate continuous change and event-driven behavior into the action language GOLOG. Besides proposing a suitable semantics for the new language, which we call cc-Golog, we show how a robot architecture where a high-level controller communicates via messages with low-level routines can be modeled naturally in this new dialect. Finally, we demonstrate how on-line execution and off-line projection can be combined in this language.
A genotype of exceptional longevity is associated with preservation of cognitive function

Objective: To test whether cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) genotype (VV homozygosity for I405V) is associated with preservation of cognitive function in addition to its association with exceptional longevity. Methods: We studied Ashkenazi Jews with exceptional longevity (n = 158; age 99.2 ± 0.3 years) for the associations of CETP VV genotype and lipoprotein phenotype, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). To confirm the role of CETP in a younger cohort, we studied subjects from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS) for associations between CETP VV and cognitive impairment. Results: Subjects with MMSE > 25 were twice as likely to have the CETP VV genotype (29% vs 14%, p = 0.02), and those with the VV genotype were more likely (61% vs 30%, p = 0.02) to have MMSE > 25. Subjects with the VV genotype had lower levels of CETP (1.73 ± 0.11 vs 2.12 ± 0.10 μg/mL, p = 0.01), higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (p = 0.02), and larger lipoprotein particles (p = 0.03). In the EAS cohort, an approximately fivefold increase in the VV genotype (21% vs 4%, p = 0.02), higher HDL levels, and larger lipoprotein particle sizes were associated with less dementia and improved memory. Conclusions: Using two independent cohorts, we implicate the longevity CETP gene as a modulator of age-related cognitive function. A specific CETP genotype is associated with lower CETP levels and a favorable lipoprotein profile. It has not been determined whether modulation of this gene prevents age-related decline or AD.
Differential Ca 2 1 Influx , K Ca Channel Activity , and Ca 2 1 Clearance Distinguish Th 1 and Th 2 Lymphocytes 1

In Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes, activation begins with identical stimuli but results in the production of different cytokines. The expression of some cytokine genes is differentially induced according to the amplitude and pattern of Ca 21 signaling. Using fura2 Ca imaging of murine Th1 and Th2 clones, we observed that the Ca 21 rise elicited following store depletion with thapsigargin is significantly lower in Th2 cells than in Th1 cells. Maximal Ca influx rates and whole-cell Ca currents showed that both Th1 and Th2 cells express indistinguishable Ca -release-activated Ca channels. Therefore, we investigated other mechanisms controlling the concentration of intracellular Ca, including K 1 channels and Ca clearance from the cytosol. Whole-cell recording demonstrated that there is no distinction in the amplitudes of voltage-gated K currents in the two cell types. Caactivated K (KCa) currents, however, were significantly smaller in Th2 cells than in Th1 cells. Pharmacological equalization of Ca-activated K currents in the two cell types reduced but did not completely eliminate the difference between Th1 and Th2 Ca responses, suggesting divergence in an additional Ca 21 regulatory mechanism. Therefore, we analyzed Ca 21 clearance from the cytosol of both cell types and found that Th2 cells extrude Ca 21 more quickly than Th1 cells. The combination of a faster Ca clearance mechanism and smaller Ca -activated K currents in Th2 cells accounts for the lower Ca response of Th2 cells compared with Th1 cells. The Journal of Immunology,2000, 164: 1153–1160.
Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Boerhaavia Diffusa Linn against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity

Objective: To evaluate the Nephroprotective effect of Hydroalcoholic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa (HAEBD) in Cisplatin induced acute failure in rats. Materials & Methods: Adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups.G1(Normal Control), G2( Toxic control), G3(Perse control with silymarin), HAEBD (200mg/kg and400mg/kg) , were adminstred orally to G4 & G5.Cisplatin was used to induce acute renal failure. The parameters studied included Serum creatinine, BUN, Urea, alkaline phosphatase & markers of oxidative stress such as renal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxidase dismutase(SOD), glutathione(GSH), Glutathione peroxidase(GPx), catalase(CAT) in renal cortical homogenates. Histopathological examination also carried out Results: The results revealed that HAEBD treatment significantly reduced blood urea and serum creatinine levels elevated by CP administration Furthermore HAEBD significantly attenuated CP induced increase in MDA & decrease in reduced GSH, and CAT & SOD and GSH peroxidase activities in renal cortical homogenates. Additionally histopathological examination showed that HAEBD markedly ameliorated CP induced renal tubular necrosis. Conclusion: The results indicate that the aerial parts of Boerhaavia diffusa are endowed with Nephroprotective effect.
Herbivores, the Functional Diversity of Plants Species, and the Cycling of Nutrients in Ecosystems

Numerous investigators have suggested that herbivores almost always increase rates of nutrient and energy flow through terrestrial ecosystems by returning to the soil fecal material and urine with faster turnover rate than shed plant litter. These previous theories and models always treat the producer compartment as a homogenous pool. Essentially, they assume that consumers feed through a pureed cream of vegetable soup. However, many field observations and experiments have shown that consumers feed selectively (i.e., in a cafeteria) and that consumer choice is made on the same chemical basis that determines decomposition rates. Plants that are preferred food sources often have higher nutrient content, higher growth rates, and faster decomposition rates. As consumption reduces dominance of these species in favor of unpreferred species with slower decomposition, rates of nutrient cycling and energy flow should therefore decline. We analyze a model in which the consumer is given a choice among producers that vary in nutrient uptake rates, rates of nutrient return to decomposers, and consumer preference, and which is parameterized for plants and consumers characteristic of boreal regions. In this model, in an open, well-mixed system with one consumer and two such producers, the nutrient/energy flow will not exceed that of a system without the consumer. If the consumer has a choice between two such producers, it must choose one plant over the other at a greater ratio than that between the two plants in uptake and decay rates. In contrast, in a closed system the consumer must be less selective to coexist with the two plants. The system behavior is determined by the level of nutrient return through the consumer and the differences between the plants in nutrient uptake rates and consumer preference. Species richness affects properties of this model system to the extent that species are functionally distinct (i.e., have different rate constants) in a multivariate space of life history traits (i.e., nutrient uptake and palatability). We suggest that the biochemical variability of plant tissues that simultaneously determines both consumer preference and decomposition rates is an essential feature of food webs that cannot be ignored. Thus, ecosystem models should, at minimum, consider more than one producer type with consumer preference.
Exon Skipping and Myoblast Transplantation: Single or Combined Potential Options for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

T. Iannitti1,*, D. Lodi2, V. Sblendorio3, V. Rottigni4 and B. Palmieri4 1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, 2Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Modena, 3Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Surgical Clinic, Modena, Present address: Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacobiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, 4Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Medical School, Surgical Clinic, Modena, 1USA 2,3,4Italy
2,5-Bis[2-({bis[3-(dimethylazaniumyl)propyl]azaniumyl}methyl)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole hexakis(perchlorate) sesquihydrate

In the title hydrated salt, C36H66N8O6+·6ClO4 −·1.5H2O, the asymmetric unit consists of a hexaprotonated [H6 L]6+ cation, five perchlorate anions in general positions, two on twofold rotation axes (one of which is disordered), and two water molecules of crystallization in general positions, one of them disordered around a twofold crystallographic axis. In the [H6 L]6+ cation, two strong intramolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds occur, involving the N atoms of the oxadiazole ring as acceptors and the closest NH+ groups of each dipropylenetriamine unit. In the crystal, the [H6 L]6+ cations form channels along the a-axis direction, in which the perchlorate counter-ions and the water molecules are lodged. The crystal packing features a network of N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the NH+ groups of the [H6 L]6+ cation, the perchlorate anions and the water molecules.
Molecular targets of calcium and vitamin D in mouse genetic models of intestinal cancer.

We have identified intracellular targets that are affected by vitamin D in intestinal epithelial cells in two ways: analyzing profiles of gene expression in a matrix of dietary-genetic interactions in mouse models, and exploring a novel mechanism of transcriptional attenuation. Genetic models of intestinal cancer in the mouse models included inheritance of a mutation in the Apc gene (Apc1638N /‐ mice 1,2 ) and the targeted inactivation in the mouse germ line of the Muc2 gene (Muc2 ‐/‐ mice 3 ) that encodes the major gastrointestinal mucin. Each of these models is highly significant in terms of the etiology and mechanism of human intestinal cancer. Inheritance of an Apc mutation, with its subsequent reduction to homozygosity due to somatic alteration of the remaining wild-type allele, is the etiology of familial adenomatous polyposis. Moreover, targeting of Apc somatically, or of the Wnt pathway in which it has an important role, is associated with almost all colorectal cancers. 4,5 Muc2 mutations have not yet been found in human colon tumors, but in the mouse Muc2 model, goblet cell differentiation is perturbed and the protective mucus layer in the small and large intestine is compromised. In this regard, goblet cells and the mucin they produce are often depleted in aberrant crypt foci (ACF), the earliest precursors to colon tumors. 6 Thus, the mucosa of the Muc2 ‐/‐ mouse may mimic focal changes that
MnO2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coaxial nanowires by one-step coelectrodeposition for electrochemical energy storage.

We introduce a simple one-step method to synthesize MnO2/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coaxial nanowires by coelectrodeposition in a porous alumina template. Constant potential (typically 0.75 V vs Ag/AgCl) is applied on the bottom electrodes in the pores of the alumina template in aqueous solution containing manganese acetate (10 mM) and EDOT monomers (80 mM). We can easily control the structures of coaxial nanowires such as PEDOT shell thickness and nanowire length by varying the applied potential. Electrochemical properties of the coaxial nanowires were investigated for an electrochemical supercapacitor. Coaxial nanowires not only exhibit high specific capacitance values but also maintain them well at high current density. The well-maintained specific capacitance is mainly due to short paths of ion diffusion in the nanowires. Therefore, even at high current density (high power demand), the nanowire materials can be fully utilized. The porous nature of the PEDOT shell allows such fast ion dif.
Effects of norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion on systemic hemodynamics and indices of renal function in normotensive neonatal thoroughbred foals.

BACKGROUND Norepinephrine is a potent vasopressor that increases arterial blood pressure but may have adverse effects on renal blood flow. The combination of norepinephrine and dobutamine may lead to improved renal perfusion compared to an infusion of norepinephrine alone. The effects of these drugs in the normotensive neonatal foal have not been reported. HYPOTHESIS Norepinephrine increases arterial blood pressure. Adding dobutamine to a norepinephrine infusion will change the renal profile during the infusions without changing the arterial blood pressure. ANIMALS Eight conscious Thoroughbred foals were used in this study. METHODS Each foal received norepinephrine (0.1 microg/kg/min), combined norepinephrine (0.1 microg/kg/min) and dobutamine (5 microg/kg/min), and a control dose of saline in a masked, placebo-controlled study. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure (direct), and cardiac output (lithium dilution) were measured, and systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume, cardiac index, and stroke volume index were calculated. Urine output, creatinine clearance, and fractional excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride were measured. RESULTS Norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion increased arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance and decreased heart rate and cardiac index as compared to saline. The combination resulted in higher arterial pressure than norepinephrine alone. There was no significant difference in urine output, creatinine clearance, or fractional excretion of electrolytes with either infusion as compared to saline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE These data suggest that norepinephrine and a combined norepinephrine and dobutamine infusion cause unique hemodynamic effects without affecting indices of renal function, and this effect warrants further investigation.
Photonic Network Vision 2020—Toward Smart Photonic Cloud

A vision of the photonic network in 2020 is presented, which envisages a “smart photonic cloud. ” A smart photonic cloud is defined as a universal network platform without any physical or logical constraint that provides flexible connectivity for machine-to-machine communication such as networked high-performance computing or intra- and inter-data center networks. The key requirements for the network in the Big Data era include an ultralarge capacity with low power consumption, low latency, as well as flexibility on demand to the changes in the configuration and bandwidth of the optical path. To cope with the growing demand for network virtualization, novel photonic layer virtualization will be proposed, which differs from the conventional approach in terms of the number of slices and the dynamic range of the bandwidth of each slice. First, the objectives and the guiding principle of the vision will be addressed. Next, three “Ss” will be presented that represent the key enabling technologies, namely scale-free photonics, smart photonic networking, and a synthetic transport platform. A key engine with which to realize the above three enabling technologies is the photonic network processor (P-NP), which can define versatile functionality of switches and transmission systems by software. The P-NP takes advantage of the rapid progress made on digital signal processing for coherent optical transmission systems, and it consists of pools of optical frontends, digital signal processors, L1/L2 switches, which are either electrically or optically interconnected based on silicon photonic technology. Finally, a multifunctional optical cross-connect and a bit-rate-flexible optical transponder are presented as examples of P-NP applications.
Prototype of Modular Operating System for embedded applications

Future complexity and heterogeneousness of embedded systems will result into problems with compatibility and portability of an application software and also of an operating systems. There is need to change a standard architecture of operating systems to reduce these problems. This paper summarises the proposal and implementation results of a Modular Operating System which presents a novel concept of an embedded operating system with emphasis on portability and modularity. New point of view leads into reduced customisation time of the operating system and minimal changes to user applications.
The 1246 G/A polymorphism of the HCRTR2 gene is not associated with migraine

Studies in experimental animals have suggested that the hypocretin/orexin system may be involved in migraine pathophysiology. Using a case-control design study, we genotyped 246 migraine patients and 239 healthy controls for the 1246G→A polymorphism of the hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2) gene. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of the examined polymorphism were similarly distributed between cases and controls (χ2 = 2.22, P = 0.14 and χ2 = 2.45, P = 0.29, respectively). When different migraine subgroups were compared (migraine with aura vs. migraine without aura and episodic vs. chronic migraine) no significant difference was found. Comparison of the clinical features of the disease with the 1246G→A genotypes showed no significant difference. Our data suggest that the HCRTR2 gene is not a genetic risk factor in migraine.