Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of bladder distension on dosimetry of organs at risk in computer tomography based planning of high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer

Purpose Distension and shape of urinary bladder may vary during intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) for cervical cancer, significantly affecting doses to bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon and small intestine and consequently late radiation toxicities. This study is to evaluate the effects of different fixed volume bladder distention on dosimetry, assessed by three dimensional image based planning, in different organs at risk during the treatment of cervical cancer with ICBT. Material and methods Forty seven cervical cancer patients (stage IB to IVA) were qualified for ICBT following external beam radiotherapy. Urinary bladder was distended with different volumes of normal saline instilled by a Foley's catheter. Planning CT scans were performed after insertion of applicators and three dimensional treatment planning was done on Brachyvision® treatment planning system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Dose volume histograms were analyzed. Bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon and small intestine doses were collected for individual plans and compared, based on the amount of bladder filling. Results Mean dose to the bladder significantly decreased with increased bladder filling. However, doses to the small volumes (0.1 cc, 1 cc, 2 cc) which are relevant for brachytherapy, did not change significantly with bladder filling for bladder, rectum or sigmoid colon. Nevertheless, all dose values of small intestine are decreased significantly with bladder filling. Conclusions Bladder distension has no significant effect on doses received during brachytherapy by relevant volumes of bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon except intestine where values are decreased with bladder distension. A larger study with clinical correlation of late toxicities is essential for proper evaluation of this strategy.
A Model-Driven Approach for Crowdsourcing Search

Even though search systems are very efficient in retrieving world-wide information, they can not capture some peculiar aspects and features of user needs, such as subjective opinions and recommendations, or information that require local or domain specific expertise. In this kind of scenario, the human opinion provided by an expert or knowledgeable user can be more useful than any factual information retrieved by a search engine. In this paper we propose a model-driven approach for the specification of crowd-search tasks, i.e. activities where real people – in real time – take part to the generalized search process that involve search engines. In particular we define two models: the“Query Task Model”, representing the metamodel of the query that is submitted to the crowd and the associated answers; and the“User Interaction Model”, which shows how the user can interact with the query model to fulfill her needs. Our solution allows for a top-down design approach, from the crowd-search task design, down to the crowd answering system design. Our approach also grants automatic code generation thus leading to quick prototyping of search applications based on human responses collected over social networking or crowdsourcing platforms.
Respiratory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia in mice with genetic ablation of Kir5.1 (Kcnj16)

Inward rectifier (Kir) potassium channels contribute to the control of electrical activity in excitable tissues and their activity is modulated by many biochemical factors, including protons. Heteromeric Kir4.1–Kir5.1 channels are highly pH sensitive within the physiological range of pH changes and are strongly expressed by the peripheral chemosensors as well as in the brainstem pH‐sensitive areas which mediate respiratory responses to changes in blood and brain levels of /[H+]. In the present study, Kir5.1 knockout mice (Kir5.1−/−) were used to determine the role of these channels in the chemosensory control of breathing. We found that Kir5.1−/− mice presented with persistent metabolic acidosis and a clear respiratory phenotype. Despite metabolic acidosis, ventilation at rest and in hyperoxic hypercapnia were similar in wild‐type and Kir5.1−/− mice. Ventilatory responses to hypoxia and normoxic hypercapnia were significantly reduced in Kir5.1−/− mice; however, carotid body chemoafferent responses to hypoxia and CO2 were not affected. In the in situ brainstem–spinal cord preparations with denervated peripheral chemoreceptors, resting phrenic nerve activity and phrenic nerve responses to respiratory acidosis or isohydric hypercapnia were also similar in Kir5.1−/− and wild‐type mice. In in situ preparations of Kir5.1−/− mice with intact peripheral chemoreceptors, application of CN− resulted in a significantly reduced phrenic nerve response, suggesting that the relay of peripheral chemosensory information to the CNS is compromised. We suggest that this compensatory modulation of the peripheral chemosensory inputs develops in Kir5.1−/− mice in order to counteract the effect of continuing metabolic acidosis on the activity of the peripheral chemoreceptors. These results therefore suggest that despite their intrinsic pH sensitivity, Kir4.1–Kir5.1 channels are dispensable for functional central and peripheral respiratory chemosensitivity.
Detecting and Quantifying Forest Change: The Potential of Existing C- and X-Band Radar Datasets

This paper evaluates the opportunity provided by global interferometric radar datasets for monitoring deforestation, degradation and forest regrowth in tropical and semi-arid environments. The paper describes an easy to implement method for detecting forest spatial changes and estimating their magnitude. The datasets were acquired within space-borne high spatial resolutions radar missions at near-global scales thus being significant for monitoring systems developed under the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The approach presented in this paper was tested in two areas located in Indonesia and Australia. Forest change estimation was based on differences between a reference dataset acquired in February 2000 by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and TanDEM-X mission (TDM) datasets acquired in 2011 and 2013. The synergy between SRTM and TDM datasets allowed not only identifying changes in forest extent but also estimating their magnitude with respect to the reference through variations in forest height.
Intrusion Detection: Techniques and Approaches

This invention has as its object a pressurization device for a cooling system of a heat engine. According to the invention, the device (10) includes two pressure relief valves (20, 30) mounted in a series, a chamber (32) between the pressure relief valves (20, 30), and a source (34) of gas under pressure connected to the chamber (32). The expansion chamber (12) is not subjected to the scavenging of the pressurization gas, and the maximum value of the pressurization is equal to the sum of the values of the calibrations of the two pressure relief valves (20, 30).
A Polymorphism Affecting MYB Binding within the Promoter of the PDCD4 Gene is Associated with Severe Asthma in Children

A previous genome‐wide association study in asthma revealed putative associations that merit further investigation. In this study, the genome‐wide significant associations of SNPs at the 5% false discovery rate were examined in independent groups of severe asthmatics. The panel consisted of 397 severe asthmatic adults, 116 severe asthmatic children, and a collection of 207 family‐trios with an asthmatic proband. Three SNPs in the PDCD4 gene (rs6585018:G>A, rs1322997:C>A, and rs34104444:G>A) were significantly associated with severe childhood asthma (P values: 0.003, 0.002, 0.004) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (P values: 0.034, 0.041, 0.052). In an independent group of 234 asthmatic children and 652 controls, PDCD4 SNPs rs1407696:T>G and rs11195360:T>C were associated with total IgE levels (P values: 0.006, 0.014). In silico analysis of PDCD4 locus showed that rs6585018:G>A had the potential to affect MYB transcription factor binding, shown to act as a PDCD4‐transcription inducer. Electromobility shift assays and reporter assays revealed that rs6585018:G>A alters MYB binding thereby influencing the expression of PDCD4. SNPs within MYB itself confer susceptibility to eosinophilia and asthma. Our association between a variant MYB binding site in PDCD4 and the severest form of childhood asthma therefore suggests that PDCD4 is a novel molecule of importance to asthmatic inflammatory responses.
Acute and chronic angiotensin-1 receptor antagonism reverses endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND The renin-angiotensin system may contribute to atherogenesis through the promotion of endothelial dysfunction. The present study was performed to determine whether angiotensin-1 (AT(1)) receptor inhibition improves endothelial dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS In the femoral circulation of 19 patients with atherosclerosis and of 9 control subjects, we studied microvascular responses to reactive hyperemia, angiotensin II, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside before and after the administration of intra-arterial losartan (10 mg). Femoral artery flow velocity was measured with a Doppler flow wire, and the femoral vascular resistance index (FVRI) was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by flow velocity. Losartan induced a minor (5.9+/-2%, P=0. 02) reduction in FVRI and inhibited angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in both patient groups (P<0.01). After the administration of losartan, acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation was augmented in patients (44+/-5% to 58+/-4% reduction in FVRI with infusion at a rate of 150 microgram/min, P<0.001) but not control subjects. Vasodilation during reactive hyperemia was also greater after AT(1) receptor inhibition (P=0.03) in patients, but the response to sodium nitroprusside remained unchanged. In a separate group of 31 patients with atherosclerosis, we investigated the effect of 8 weeks of oral losartan therapy on brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation with the use of high-resolution ultrasound. Oral losartan therapy improved flow-mediated brachial artery dilation (1.4+/-0.9% to 3.2+/-0.8%, P=0.03) but had no effect on the nitroglycerin response. Serum nitrogen oxide levels increased from 21.6+/-1.7 to 26.7+/-2.4 micromol/L (P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that inhibition of the AT(1) receptor in patients with atherosclerosis reverses endothelial dysfunction by improving NO availability and therefore may have long-term therapeutic benefits.
Propofol Causes Vasodilation In Vivo via TRPA1 Ion Channels: Role of Nitric Oxide and BKCa Channels

Background Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels of the A1 (TRPA1) and V1 (TRPV1) subtypes are key regulators of vasomotor tone. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic known to cause vasorelaxation. Our objectives were to examine the extent to which TRPA1 and/or TRPV1 ion channels mediate propofol-induced depressor responses in vivo and to delineate the signaling pathway(s) involved. Methods Mice were subjected to surgery under 1.5–2.5% sevoflurane gas with supplemental oxygen. After a stable baseline in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was achieved propofol (2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg/min) was administered to assess the hemodynamic actions of the intravenous anesthetic. The effect of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition with L-NAME and/or calcium-gated K+ channel (BKCa) inhibition with Penetrim A (Pen A), alone and in combination, on propofol-induced decreases in mean arterial pressure were assessed in control C57Bl/6J, TRPA1-/-, TRPV1-/- and double-knockout mice (TRPAV-/-). Results Propofol decreased MAP in control mice and this effect was markedly attenuated in TRPA1-/- and TRPAV-/- mice but unaffected in TRPV1-/-mice. Moreover, pretreatment with L-NAME or Pen A attenuated the decrease in MAP in control and TRPV1-/- mice, and combined inhibition abolished the depressor response. In contrast, the markedly attenuated propofol-induced depressor response observed in TRPA1-/- and TRPAV-/- mice was unaffected by pre-treatment with Pen A or L-NAME when used either alone or in combination. Conclusion These data demonstrate for the first time that propofol-induced depressor responses in vivo are predominantly mediated by TRPA1 ion channels with no involvement of TRPV1 ion channels and includes activation of both NOS and BKCa channels.
Amblyomma triste (Acari: Ixodidae): New North American Collection Records, Including the First From the United States

ABSTRACT New distribution records for the Neotropical tick, Amblyomma triste Koch, are identified from 27 specimens in 18 separate collections. These collections originated from six now recognized geographical foci in two states in the United States (Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties. Arizona, and Brewster and Jeff Davis Counties, Texas) and from import cattle, Bos taurus L. , presented for entry at the United States border and originating in three Mexican states (Coahuila, Durango, and Sonora). For at least 67 yr, A. triste has existed in some areas of the United States as a cryptic species, and specimens there have been confused with and identified as Gulf Coast ticks. Amblyomma maculatum Koch, even by noted tick specialists. Most of the records reported in this study were from reidentified, archived specimens of putative A. maculatum.
Endogenous spartin (SPG20) is recruited to endosomes and lipid droplets and interacts with the ubiquitin E3 ligases AIP4 and AIP5

The HSPs (hereditary spastic paraplegias) are genetic conditions in which there is distal degeneration of the longest axons of the corticospinal tract, resulting in spastic paralysis of the legs. The gene encoding spartin is mutated in Troyer syndrome, an HSP in which paralysis is accompanied by additional clinical features. There has been controversy over the subcellular distribution of spartin. We show here that, at steady state, endogenous spartin exists in a cytosolic pool that can be recruited to endosomes and to lipid droplets. Cytosolic endogenous spartin is mono-ubiquitinated and we demonstrate that it interacts via a PPXY motif with the ubiquitin E3 ligases AIP4 [atrophin-interacting protein 4; WWP2 (WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2] and AIP5 (WWP1). Surprisingly, the PPXY motif, AIP4 and AIP5 are not required for spartin's ubiquitination, and so we propose that spartin acts as an adaptor for these proteins. Our results suggest that spartin is involved in diverse cellular functions, which may be of relevance to the complex phenotype seen in Troyer syndrome.
Evidence that family 35 carbohydrate binding modules display conserved specificity but divergent function

Enzymes that hydrolyze complex carbohydrates play important roles in numerous biological processes that result in the maintenance of marine and terrestrial life. These enzymes often contain noncatalytic carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) that have important substrate-targeting functions. In general, there is a tight correlation between the ligands recognized by bacterial CBMs and the substrate specificity of the appended catalytic modules. Through high-resolution structural studies, we demonstrate that the architecture of the ligand binding sites of 4 distinct family 35 CBMs (CBM35s), appended to 3 plant cell wall hydrolases and the exo-β-d-glucosaminidase CsxA, which contributes to the detoxification and metabolism of an antibacterial fungal polysaccharide, is highly conserved and imparts specificity for glucuronic acid and/or Δ4,5-anhydrogalaturonic acid (Δ4,5-GalA). Δ4,5-GalA is released from pectin by the action of pectate lyases and as such acts as a signature molecule for plant cell wall degradation. Thus, the CBM35s appended to the 3 plant cell wall hydrolases, rather than targeting the substrates of the cognate catalytic modules, direct their appended enzymes to regions of the plant that are being actively degraded. Significantly, the CBM35 component of CsxA anchors the enzyme to the bacterial cell wall via its capacity to bind uronic acid sugars. This latter observation reveals an unusual mechanism for bacterial cell wall enzyme attachment. This report shows that the biological role of CBM35s is not dictated solely by their carbohydrate specificities but also by the context of their target ligands.
Simulating Active Perception and Mental Imagery with Embodied Chaotic Itinerancy

We explore the understanding of conscious states in terms of spatio-temporal dynamics through modelling a mobile agent. Con- scious states are associated with an agent's spontaneous and deter- ministic fluctuation between attachment to and detachment from the surroundings. It is because of this fluctuating nature, we argue, that an agent can perceive structure in the world. Perception requires a conscious state in physical devices. This is a central concern of this paper, and we examine it by simulating a mobile agent equipped with an interconnected Fitz-Hugh-Nagumo (FHN) neuron network with delayed signal transmissions. The agent can move around a space by sensing the environment pattern through the input neurons and com- puting the motor outputs via the FHN network. The agent shows a variety of motion styles and a spontaneous selec- tion of motion styles responding to the surroundings. Such a phenomenon is named embodied chaotic itinerancy (ECI), as an extension of chaotic itinerant dynamics, which is known to be a typi- cal dynamic with a high degree of freedom. We take this selective mode of response to be significant, particularly those interacting with spatial pattern, as an inevitable property of conscious states.
Skeletal muscle–specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α phosphorylation controls amino acid metabolism and fibroblast growth factor 21–mediated non–cell-autonomous energy metabolism

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a (eIF2α) phosphorylation‐dependent integrated stress response (ISR), a component of the unfolded protein response, has long been known to regulate intermediary metabolism, but the details are poorly worked out. We report that profiling of mRNAs of transgenic mice harboring a ligand‐activated skeletal muscle–specific derivative of the eIF2α protein kinase R‐like ER kinase revealed the expected up‐regulation of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and transport but also uncovered the induced expression and secretion of a myokine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), that stimulates energy consumption and prevents obesity. The link between the ISR and FGF21 expression was further reinforced by the identification of a small‐molecule ISR activator that promoted Fgf21 expression in cell‐based screens and by implication of the ISR‐inducible activating transcription factor 4 in the process. Our findings establish that eIF2α phosphorylation regulates not only cell‐autonomous proteostasis and amino acid metabolism, but also affects non‐cell‐autonomous metabolic regulation by induced expression of a potent myokine. —Miyake, M. , Nomura, A. , Ogura, A. , Takehana, K. , Kitahara, Y. , Takahara, K. , Tsugawa, K. , Miyamoto, C. , Miura, N. , Sato, R. , Kurahashi, K. , Harding, H. P., Oyadomari, M. , Ron, D. , Oyadomari, S. Skeletal muscle‐specific eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a phosphorylation controls amino acid metabolism and fibroblast growth factor 21‐mediated non‐cell‐autonomous energy metabolism. FASEB J. 30, 798–812 (2016). www.fasebj. org
On Impossibility of Decremental Recomputation of Recursive Queries in Relational Calculus and SQL

We study the problem of maintaining recursively-de(cid:12)ned views, such as the transitive closure of a relation, in traditional relational languages that do not have recursion mechanisms. In particular, we show that the transitive closure cannot be maintained in relational calculus under deletion of edges. We use new proof techniques to show this result. These proof techniques generalize to other languages, for example, to the language for nested relations that also contains a number of aggregate functions. Such a language is considered in this paper as a theoretical reconstruction of SQL. Our proof techniques also generalize to other recursive queries. Consequently, we show that a number of recursive queries cannot be maintained in an SQL-like language. We show that this continues to be true in the presence of certain auxiliary relations. We also relate the complexity of updating transitive closure to that of updating the same-generation query and show that the latter is strictly harder than the former. Then we extend this result to that of updating queries based on context-free sets.
Ovule identity mediated by pre-mRNA processing in Arabidopsis

Ovules are fundamental for plant reproduction and crop yield as they are the precursors of seeds. Therefore, ovule specification is a critical developmental program. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ovule identity is redundantly conferred by the homeotic D-class genes SHATTERPROOF1 (SHP1), SHP2 and SEEDSTICK (STK), phylogenetically related to the MADS-domain regulatory gene AGAMOUS (AG), essential in floral organ specification. Previous studies have shown that the HUA-PEP activity, comprised of a suite of RNA-binding protein (RBP) encoding genes, regulates AG pre-mRNA processing and thus flower patterning and organ identity. Here, we report that the HUA-PEP activity additionally governs ovule morphogenesis. Accordingly, in severe hua-pep backgrounds ovules transform into flower organ-like structures. These homeotic transformations are most likely due to the dramatic reduction in SHP1, SHP2 and STK activity. Our molecular and genome-wide profiling strategies revealed the accumulation of prematurely terminated transcripts of D-class genes in hua-pep mutants and reduced amounts of their respective functional messengers, which points to pre-mRNA processing misregulation as the origin of the ovule developmental defects in such backgrounds. RNA processing and transcription are coordinated by the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). Our results show that HUA-PEP activity members can interact with the CTD regulator C-TERMINAL DOMAIN PHOSPHATASE-LIKE1 (CPL1), supporting a co-transcriptional mode of action for the HUA-PEP activity. Our findings expand the portfolio of reproductive developmental programs in which HUA-PEP activity participates, and further substantiates the importance of RNA regulatory mechanisms (pre-mRNA co-transcriptional regulation) for correct gene expression during plant morphogenesis.
Towards an Evaluation of a Microbiology Laboratory System

The STATPack is a health information system designed to support distance consultation, integrate statewide laboratorybased disease surveillance, and to facilitate prompt response to public health threats such as bioterrorism. This paper offers a preliminary evaluation of STATPack and the rationale for developing a survey instrument to measure user acceptance of this telemedicine system. It should be recognized as research in-progress for a new technology as it is being deployed by the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory. Initial experiences with this health information system have been encouraging.