Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of MR thermometry: Method for temperature probe sensor registration accuracy in head and neck phantoms

Abstract Purpose: Magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT) is an attractive means to non-invasively monitor in vivo temperature during head and neck hyperthermia treatments because it can provide multi-dimensional temperature information with high spatial resolution over large regions of interest. However, validation of MRT measurements in a head and neck clinical set-up is crucial to ensure the temperature maps are accurate. Here we demonstrate a unique approach for temperature probe sensor localisation in head and neck hyperthermia test phantoms. Methods: We characterise the proton resonance frequency shift temperature coefficient and validate MRT measurements in an oil–gel phantom by applying a combination of MR imaging and 3D spline fitting for accurate probe localisation. We also investigate how uncertainties in both the probe localisation and the proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) thermal coefficient affect the registration of fibre-optic reference temperature probe and MRT readings. Results: The method provides a two-fold advantage of sensor localisation and PRFS thermal coefficient calibration. We provide experimental data for two distinct head and neck phantoms showing the significance of this method as it mitigates temperature probe localisation errors and thereby increases accuracy of MRT validation results. Conclusions: The techniques presented here may be used to simplify calibration experiments that use an interstitial heating device, or any heating method that provides rapid and spatially localised heat distributions. Overall, the experimental verification of the data registration and PRFS thermal coefficient calibration technique provides a useful benchmarking method to maximise MRT accuracy in any similar context.
Energy harvesting communication systems: A practical full duplex approach

Energy efficiency has been a growing requirement in the latest development of wireless communication systems, and it has led to research on off-grid relay nodes with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) capabilities. Two SWIPT protocols have been developed in the past, named power splitting and time switching. Both protocols have been theoretically proven to improve energy-constrained relay nodes' performance. In this paper we compare both protocols' energy efficiencies, for a communication system equipped with Full Duplex capable relay nodes and taking into account power consumption from the relay's circuitry.
Isotopic effects of different preservation methods on scales of olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from the Mexican Central Pacific.

RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis can be used to obtain information on olive ridley sea turtles in the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP). Tissue samples such as scale, muscle, and blood are usually not analyzed immediately and are preserved in different substances such as ethanol, formalin, sodium chloride, the ideal being liquid nitrogen. Due to logistical reasons, the latter preservation method cannot always be used. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a preservation agent for later stable isotope analysis. METHODS Forty-eight paired scale samples of olive ridley were collected in MCP waters and preserved in DMSO and liquid nitrogen. We determined their δ13 C and δ15 N values using a Carlo Erba 1108 elemental analyzer coupled to a ThermoFinnigan Delta Plus XP isotope ratio mass spectrometer (precision ±0.2‰ for each stable isotope). The mean isotopic ratios of each preservation method were compared. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the isotopic ratios of samples in the two preservatives. Samples preserved in DMSO resulted in more negative isotopic values than those in liquid nitrogen, and a correction factor was calculated. The correction factors were 2.1‰ for δ13 C values and 0.8‰ for δ15 N values. CONCLUSIONS DMSO is not equivalent to liquid nitrogen for the preservation of olive ridley scales to be used for isotopic analysis. If DMSO has to be used for logistical reasons a replicate sample should also be collected to be able to estimate a correction factor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aldehyde reductase activity in the antennae of Helicoverpa armigera

In the present study, we identified two aldehyde reductase activities in the antennae of Helicoverpa species, NADH and NADPH‐dependent activity. We expressed one of these proteins of H. armigera, aldo‐keto reductase (AKR), which bears 56% identity to bovine aldose reductase, displays a NADPH‐dependent activity and is mainly expressed in the antennae of adults. Whole‐mount immunostaining showed that the enzyme is concentrated in the cells at the base of chemosensilla and in the nerves. The enzyme activity of H. armigera AKR is markedly different from those of mammalian enzymes. The best substrates are linear aliphatic aldehydes of 8–10 carbon atoms, but not hydroxyaldehydes. Both pheromone components of H. armigera, which are unsaturated aldehydes of 16 carbons, are very poor substrates. Unlike mammalian AKRs, the H. armigera enzyme is weakly affected by common inhibitors and exhibits a different behaviour from the action of thiols. A model of the enzyme suggests that the four cysteines are in their reduced form, as are the seven cysteines of mammalian enzymes. The occurrence of orthologous proteins in other insect species, that do not use aldehydes as pheromones, excludes the possibility of classifying this enzyme among the pheromone‐degrading enzymes, as has been previously described in other insect species.
Involvement of Akt and mTOR in chemotherapeutic- and hormonal-based drug resistance and response to radiation in breast cancer cells

Elucidating the response of breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic and hormonal based drugs and radiation is clearly important as these are common treatment approaches. Signaling cascades often involved in chemo-, hormonal- and radiation resistance are the Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and p53 pathways. In the following studies we have examined the effects of activation of the Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR cascade in the response of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic- and hormonal-based drugs and radiation. Activation of Akt by introduction of conditionally-activated Akt-1 gene could result in resistance to chemotherapeutic and hormonal based drugs as well as radiation. We have determined that chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin or the hormone based drug tamoxifen, both used to treat breast cancer, resulted in the activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway which is often associated with a pro-proliferative, anti-apoptotic response. In drug sensitive MCF-7 cells which have wild-type p53; ERK, p53 and downstream p21Cip-1 were induced upon exposure to doxorubicin. In contrast, in the drug resistant cells which expressed activated Akt-1, much lower levels of p53 and p21Cip1 were induced upon exposure to doxorubicin. These results indicate the involvement of the Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and p53 pathways in the response to chemotherapeutic and hormonal based drugs. Understanding how breast cancers respond to chemo- and hormonal-based therapies and radiation may enhance the ability to treat breast cancer more effectively.
The Effect of Quality of Care on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients

Background: In this study, we evaluated the quality of care and control of cardiovascular risk factors in newly diagnosed diabetic patients, identified during diabetes screening program, 1 year after diagnosis. Methods: In this prospective study, 83 newly diagnosed diabetic patients identified at screening in Isfahan, were studied. Height, weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, lipids, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of these patients were measured 2 times, first at the time of diagnosis and then 1 year later, and the results were compared between two groups, with and without regular course of treatment. Results: Nearly 46.99% and 53.1% of the studied patients have regular and irregular course of treatment. After 1 year, significant improvement in the mean of plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein and HbA1c was seen in patients with regular course of treatment except for blood pressure (P < 0.05). Frequency of controlled cardiovascular risk factors including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and LDL was significantly improved in patients with regular course of treatment (P < 0.05). Mentioned changes were not seen in patients with irregular course of treatment. Conclusions: The findings of the current study demonstrated that though diabetes screening program result in earlier diagnosis of patients with type 2 diabetes, but it seems that regular follow-up and proper management of newly diagnosed patients is crucial for appropriate glycemic and metabolic control and preventing its related micro and macrovascular complication.
Saquinavir, nelfinavir and M8 pharmacokinetics following combined saquinavir, ritonavir and nelfinavir administration.

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetic interaction between ritonavir-boosted saquinavir and nelfinavir. METHODS Open label, multiple-dose, two parallel-groups, single crossover study conducted in 24 HIV-infected patients (12 in each group). Patients in the nelfinavir group added saquinavir/ritonavir, 1000/100 mg twice daily to their ongoing stable treatment regimen consisting of nelfinavir, 1250 mg twice daily and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Patients in the saquinavir group added nelfinavir, 1250 mg twice daily to their ongoing stable treatment regimen consisting of saquinavir/ritonavir, 1000/100 mg twice daily and two NRTIs. Pharmacokinetic assessments were performed before and 7 days after the start of combined treatment with nelfinavir/saquinavir/ritonavir. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after dosing for measurement of nelfinavir, the nelfinavir metabolite M8 and saquinavir using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS The addition of saquinavir/ritonavir to the nelfinavir-containing regimen resulted in significant increases in the M8 pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(0-12), Cmax and C12; geometric mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) of 2.25 ng.h/mL (1.47-3.44), 1.74 ng/mL (1.25-2.40) and 4.21 ng/mL (2.10-8.47), respectively. The intra-individual changes in nelfinavir and saquinavir concentrations were highly variable. Statistical analysis could not discard a relevant interaction but includes the possibility that some parameters may be halved, others more than doubled. At the same time the analysis failed to show any directed change. CONCLUSIONS The co-administration of nelfinavir and saquinavir/ritonavir leads to unpredictable changes in concentrations of both drugs. It is unclear whether the increased concentrations of M8 are associated with a clinical benefit.
Lifting DELLA Repression of Arabidopsis Seed Germination by Nonproteolytic Gibberellin Signaling1[C][W][OPEN]

GA signaling controls seed germination in the sly1 mutant background, in which DELLA repressors cannot be destroyed by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. DELLA repression of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seed germination can be lifted either through DELLA proteolysis by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or through proteolysis-independent gibberellin (GA) hormone signaling. GA binding to the GIBBERELLIN-INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1) GA receptors stimulates GID1-GA-DELLA complex formation, which in turn triggers DELLA protein ubiquitination and proteolysis via the SCFSLY1 E3 ubiquitin ligase and 26S proteasome. Although DELLA cannot be destroyed in the sleepy1-2 (sly1-2) F-box mutant, long dry after-ripening and GID1 overexpression can relieve the strong sly1-2 seed dormancy phenotype. It appears that sly1-2 seed dormancy results from abscisic acid (ABA) signaling downstream of DELLA, since dormant sly1-2 seeds accumulate high levels of ABA hormone and loss of ABA sensitivity rescues sly1-2 seed germination. DELLA positively regulates the expression of XERICO, an inducer of ABA biosynthesis. GID1b overexpression rescues sly1-2 germination through proteolysis-independent DELLA down-regulation associated with increased expression of GA-inducible genes and decreased ABA accumulation, apparently as a result of decreased XERICO messenger RNA levels. Higher levels of GID1 overexpression are associated with more efficient sly1 germination and increased GID1-GA-DELLA complex formation, suggesting that GID1 down-regulates DELLA through protein binding. After-ripening results in increased GA accumulation and GID1a-dependent GA signaling, suggesting that after-ripening triggers GA-stimulated GID1-GA-DELLA protein complex formation, which in turn blocks DELLA transcriptional activation of the XERICO inhibitor of seed germination.
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and Symptomatic Long-standing Overt Ventriculomegaly

Objectives: The aim of this study is to define the role and effectiveness for an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with seconder normal pressure hydrocephalus(SNPH), idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) and symptomatic longstanding overt ventriculomegaly (SLOVA). Materials and Methods: 3 patients with SLOVA, 3 patients with INPH and 3 patients with SNPH underwent ETV were studied retrospectively. The patients had a follow-up of 1-6 years. Preoperative CT or/and MRI of the brain was done in all cases.Tap test was done in all cases. Clinical examination finding were classified according to the by Japanese Committee for Scientific Research (JCSS) on intractable Hydrocephalus. Patients were studied to evaluate of the patency of ventriculosthomy and aqueduclus slyvius by a Cine PC MR and CSF_DRİVE T2 Sequence MRI after 1-6 years. Results: Headache, gait disturbance and pollakiuria improved in three patients with SNPH underwent ETV, but dementia didn't improve in one patient. Pollakiuria and headache improved in three patients with INPH underwent ETV but preoperative gait disturbance grade three remained unchanged in one patient. Headache improved in three patients with SLOVA underwent ETV. Preoperative gait disturbance grade 3 remained unchanged in one patient, but improved pollakiuria. We confirmed the patency of a third ventriculostomy and decreasing degrees of CSF flow into the aquaductus sylvius. Conclusions: In properly selected patients with SNPH, SLOVA and INPH who had headache ,slight gait disturbance and pollakiuria , mainly those with a short duration of symptoms, ETV may provide good results.
Protection of ganglion cells in experimental glaucoma by retinal laser photocoagulation.

OBJECTIVE To test a hypothesis of photoreceptor involvement in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in chronic glaucoma. METHODS Laser spots were applied to 6 eyes of 3 rhesus monkeys, causing focal destruction of the outer retina, including the photoreceptors. After 3 to 4 weeks, experimental glaucoma was induced in the right eyes of each monkey using argon laser trabecular destruction (ALTD). The intraocular pressures in these eyes were elevated for 3 to 7 months. As a control, 1 additional monkey underwent retinal laser photocoagulation followed by optic nerve transection instead of ALTD. Following enucleation, the retinas were embedded and sectioned for histologic evaluation. RESULTS There was extensive loss of RGCs in the eyes with ALTD except over the large retinal laser spots, where there was an increased survival of RGCs. The RGC protection was not observed in the monkey that had undergone optic nerve transection. CONCLUSION Photocoagulation of the outer retina that completely destroys the photoreceptors results in survival of the overlying RGCs in experimental glaucoma in monkey eyes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although this is an experimental model and not a therapeutic option, these results suggest that treatments other than lowering intraocular pressure may be potential therapies for preventing RGC death in glaucomatous eyes. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1242-1250
Blockade by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate of elevation of activator protein‐1 binding after stress in rat adrenal gland

Cold immobilization stress induced a marked elevation of expression of activator protein‐1 (AP1) complex in rat hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, and gastric mucosa, but not in other discrete brain structures examined, when determined immediately after stress for 3 hr. Adrenal AP1 binding linearly increased with the duration of stress up to 6 hr, whereas the increase was seen in both adrenal cortex and medulla of rats stressed for 3 hr. In adrenals, the elevation exhibited decline profiles different from those of expression of cAMP response element binding protein. Western blotting revealed that stress for 3 hr induced significant increases in expression of the components of AP1 complex, c‐Fos, c‐Jun, and Jun‐B proteins, in adrenals, without markedly affecting expression of Fos‐B, Fra‐2, and Jun‐D proteins. The prior systemic administration of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) led to significant prevention of the elevation after stress for 3 hr in adrenals, whereas the NMDA antagonist dizocilpine alone induced a marked increase in adrenal AP1 binding, without altering the elevation by stress. These results suggest that stress may modulate de novo protein synthesis at the level of gene transcription by AP1 complex through a molecular mechanism associated with NMDA receptor channels in rat adrenal glands. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VLA‐4 integrin on sarcoma cell lines recognizes endothelial VCAM‐1. Differential regulation of the VLA‐4 avidity on various sarcoma cell lines

Osteosarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas are vigorously invading tumors. Before they can extravasate to the parenchymal organs and form metastases, they have to adhere to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels and then penetrate through the endothelium. We show that several human sarcoma cell lines, osteosarcomas HOS, MG‐63, U2‐OS, and a rhabdomyosarcoma RD, express VLA‐4 molecule on their surface and bind to the VCAM‐1 ‐expressing activated endothelial cell line Ea.hy 926. The increased sarcoma‐cell adhesion could be abolished by treating the sarcoma cells with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) VLA4 (both α‐ and β‐chain, HP2/1 and 4B4 respectively) or treating endothelial cells with VCAM‐1 antibody (4B9). Furthermore, we show that sarcoma cells adhere to recombinant soluble VCAM‐1 protein. On the other hand, these sarcoma cell lines do not express marked amounts of other ligands (such as CD11/18 or sialyl‐Lex) for other endothelial adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, ICAM‐2, E‐ and P‐selectin) indicating that the VLA‐4‐VCAM‐1 dependent pathway might be of major importance in sarcoma extravasation. VLA‐4 is not always in an avid form and therefore the expression of VLA‐4 does not directly predict adherence to VCAM‐1. The avidity of VLA‐4 (measured by adherence to soluble VCAM‐1) of MG‐63 and U2‐OS cells could be increased by a 30‐min PMA treatment, whereas the avidity of VLA‐4 on HOS cells increased only after 48 hr of PMA induction. Our results show that sarcoma cell lines (HOS, MG‐63, U2‐OS and RD) adhere to stimulated endothelium via VLA‐4‐VCAM‐1 adhesion molecules and that VLA‐4 avidity on sarcoma cells can be differentially modulated by PMA. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Review of Acrylamide: An Industry Perspective on Research, Analysis, Formation, and Control

Acrylamide is a synthetic monomer with a wide scope of industrial applications, mainly as a precursor in the production of several polymers, such as polyacrylamide. The main uses of polyacrylamides are in water and wastewater treatment processes, pulp and paper processing, and mining and mineral processing. The announcement by the Swedish National Food Administration in April 2002 of the presence of acrylamide predominantly in heat-treated carbohydrate-rich foods sparked intensive investigations into acrylamide, encompassing the occurrence, chemistry, agricultural practices, and toxicology, in order to establish if there is a potential risk to human health from the presence of this contaminant in the human diet. The link of acrylamide in foods to the Maillard reaction and, in particular, to the amino acid asparagine has been a major step forward in elucidating the first feasible chemical route of formation during the preparation and processing of food. Other probably minor pathways have also been proposed, including acrolein and acrylic acid. This review addresses the analytical and mechanistic aspects of the acrylamide issue and summarizes the progress made to date by the European food industries in these key areas. Essentially, it presents experimental results generated under laboratory model conditions, as well as under actual food processing conditions covering different food categories, such as potatoes, biscuits, cereals, and coffee. Since acrylamide formation is closely linked to food composition, factors such as the presence of sugars and availability of free amino acids are also considered. Many new findings that contribute towards a better understanding of the formation and presence of acrylamide in foods are presented. Many national authorities across the world are assessing the dietary exposure of consumers to acrylamide, and scientific projects have commenced to gather new information about the toxicology of acrylamide. These are expected to provide new scientific knowledge that will help to clarify whether or not there is a risk to human health from the consumption of foods containing low amounts of acrylamide.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Early‐Stage Parkinson's Disease: An Illustrative Case

Objectives: Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective intervention in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), but its efficacy and safety in early PD are unknown. We are conducting a randomized pilot trial investigating DBS in early PD. This report describes one participant who received bilateral STN‐DBS.
Associations between marital status and alcohol consumption in a longitudinal study of female twins.

OBJECTIVE Prior studies have documented an association between marriage and lower alcohol consumption. Data from a longitudinal study of female twins were used to address whether longitudinal drinking trajectories are more closely related to current marital status or to patterns of marital status over time. METHOD Past-year alcohol consumption frequency and quantity were obtained on one to three occasions, over 8 years, from 1,986 women aged 17-61. Latent growth models were applied to study whether trajectories of alcohol consumption are altered at first marriage and differ for women with different patterns of marital status changes. RESULTS There was substantial heterogeneity in consumption trajectories, but marital status was associated with a large proportion of the decline in consumption prior to age 30. Significant group differences in consumption trajectory were associated with marital status patterns; women who later divorced drank more than women who stayed married, and divorced women who remarried drank less than divorced women who did not remarry. Among identical twins, consumption patterns were associated with co-twin divorce, suggesting the marital "effect" may be partially due to family-level factors that influence drinking. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with a decrease in drinking accompanying the transition from being single to first marriage, but the influences of divorce on drinking appear to exist prior to divorce, are not directly associated with current status and may be mediated by familial processes. These results suggest that the influences of marriage on alcohol consumption are complex and cannot be limited to the simple view that marriage causes decreased drinking.