Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation of tissue activity curves of 64Cu-ATSM for sub-target volume delineation in radiotherapy

There is much interest in positron emission tomography (PET) for measurements of regional tracer concentration in hypoxic tumour-bearing tissue, focusing on the need for accurate radiotherapy treatment planning. Generally, relevant data are taken over multiple time frames in the form of tissue activity curves (TACs), thus providing an indication of vasculature structure and geometry. This is a potential key in providing information on cellular perfusion and limited diffusion. A number of theoretical studies have attempted to describe tracer uptake in tissue cells in an effort to understand such complicated behaviour of cellular uptake and the mechanism of washout. More recently, a novel computerized reaction diffusion equation method was developed by Kelly and Brady (2006 A model to simulate tumour oxygenation and dynamic [18F]-FMISO PET data Phys. Med. Biol. 51 5859–73), where they managed to simulate the realistic dynamic TACs of 18F-FMISO. The model was developed over a multi-step process. Here we present a refinement to the work of Kelly and Brady, such that the model allows simulation of a realistic tissue activity curve (TAC) of any hypoxia selective PET tracer, in a single step process. In this work we show particular interest in simulating the TAC of perhaps the most promising hypoxia selective tracer, 64Cu-ATSM. In addition, we demonstrate its potential role in tumour sub-volume delineation for radiotherapy treatment planning. Simulation results have demonstrated the significant high contrast of imaging using ATSM, with a tumour to blood ratio ranging from 2.24 to 4.1.
Redefining C and D in the Petunia ABC[W]

The petunia AGAMOUS subfamily of MADS box transcription factors contains two C- and two D-lineage genes. This work shows that the two C-genes redundantly specify stamen and carpel identity, whereas all four genes participate in ovule identity specification and floral meristem termination. These results illustrate that subfunctionalization among homeotic genes can vary considerably between species. According to the ABC(DE) model for flower development, C-genes are required for stamen and carpel development and floral determinacy, and D-genes were proposed to play a unique role in ovule development. Both C- and D-genes belong to the AGAMOUS (AG) subfamily of MADS box transcription factors. We show that the petunia (Petunia hybrida) C-clade genes PETUNIA MADS BOX GENE3 and FLORAL BINDING PROTEIN6 (FBP6) largely overlap in function, both in floral organ identity specification and floral determinacy, unlike the pronounced subfunctionalization observed in Arabidopsis thaliana and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus). Some specialization has also evolved, since FBP6 plays a unique role in the development of the style and stigma. Furthermore, we show that the D-genes FBP7 and FBP11 are not essential to confer ovule identity. Instead, this function is redundantly shared among all AG members. In turn, the D-genes also participate in floral determinacy. Gain-of-function analyses suggest the presence of a posttranscriptional C-repression mechanism in petunia, most likely not existing in Arabidopsis. Finally, we show that expression maintenance of the paleoAPETALA3-type B-gene TOMATO MADS BOX GENE6 depends on the activity of C-genes. Taken together, this demonstrates considerable variation in the molecular control of floral development between eudicot species.
Directors’ pay regulation: “one goal two approaches”

Purpose This paper aims to examine the two different approaches adopted in the UK to regulate directors’ remuneration. The paper also aims to explore the two approaches to understand which one better regulates directors’ pay and why. It provides an account of the two approaches’ evolution, effectiveness and challenges towards the regulation of directors’ remuneration. The paper will also make some recommendations on both approaches and the way forward to better regulate directors’ remuneration. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews various corporate governance codes, its recommendations on directors’ remuneration, its effectiveness and the challenges it face in regulating directors’ remuneration. The paper also reviews provisions of the Companies Act 2006 on directors’ remuneration, its effectiveness and challenges faced. Findings The paper finds that corporate governance adopts a better approach to regulating directors’ pay than the Companies Act 2006 because it targets the pay setting process. However, the existence of grey areas and lack of enforcement procedure poses a challenge on its effectiveness. The Companies Act 2006 is unable to regulate directors’ pay adequately because it adopts a corrective approach and it considers directors’ remuneration as a management responsibility. Originality/value The paper offers an up-to-date assessment of the two approaches to regulating directors’ pay in the UK. It highlights the challenges faced by both approaches and which approach could regulate directors pay better and its challenges. The paper further makes recommendations on how the regulation of directors’ remuneration can be effective in the UK.
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Cognitive and Functional Outcome of Stroke Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in stroke patients is associated with worse functional and cognitive status during inpatient rehabilitation. We hypothesized that a four-week period of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment would improve cognitive and functional outcomes. METHODS We performed a randomized controlled trial in stroke patients admitted to a neurorehabilitation unit. Patients were assigned to rehabilitation treatment as usual (control group) or to CPAP treatment (CPAP group). Primary outcomes were cognitive status measured by neuropsychological examination, and functional status measured by two neurological scales and a measure of activities of daily living (ADL). Secondary measures included sleepiness, sleep quality, fatigue, and mood. Tests were performed at baseline and after the four-week intervention period. RESULTS We randomly assigned 20 patients to the CPAP group and 16 patients to the control group. The average CPAP compliance was 2.5 hours per night. Patients in the CPAP group showed significantly greater improvement in the cognitive domains of attention and executive functioning than the control group. CPAP compliance was associated with greater improvement in cognitive functioning. CPAP did not result in measurable improvement on measures of neurological status or ADL, or on any of the secondary measures. CONCLUSIONS CPAP treatment improves cognitive functioning of stroke patients with OSA. COMMENTARY A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 467.
Multispectral tissue characterization in a RIF‐1 tumor model: Monitoring the ADC and T2 responses to single‐dose radiotherapy. Part II

A multispectral (MS) approach that combines apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 parameter maps with k‐means (KM) clustering was employed to distinguish multiple compartments within viable tumor tissue (V1 and V2) and necrosis (N1 and N2) following single‐dose (1000 cGy) radiotherapy in a radiation‐induced fibrosarcoma (RIF‐1) tumor model. The contributions of cell kill and tumor growth kinetics to the radiotherapy‐induced response were investigated. A larger pretreatment V1 volume was correlated with decreased tumor growth delay (TGD) (r = 0.68) and cell kill (r = 0.71). There was no correlation for the pretreatment V2 volume. These results suggest that V1 tissue is well oxygenated and radiosensitive, whereas V2 tissue is hypoxic and therefore radioresistant. The relationship between an early ADC response and vasogenic edema and formation of necrosis was investigated. A trend for increased ADC was observed prior to an increase in the necrotic fraction (NF). Because there were no changes in T2, these observations suggest that the early increase in ADC is more likely based on a slight reduction in cell density, rather than radiation‐induced vasogenic edema. Quantitative assessments of individual tissue regions, tumor growth kinetics, and cell kill should provide a more accurate means of monitoring therapy in preclinical animal models because such assessments can minimize the issue of intertumor variability. Magn Reson Med 57:513–519, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced Risk of Poststroke Pneumonia in Thrombolyzed Stroke Patients with Continued Statin Treatment

Background Pneumonia is a frequent complication after stroke with strong impact on clinical outcome. Statins have pleiotropic immunmodulatory properties and were recently shown to exert beneficial effects on the development and clinical course of pneumonia. Aims We aimed to investigate whether statin use is associated with a reduced risk of poststroke pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator within 4·5hours. Methods Data was extracted from a local register including all consecutive stroke patients who received thrombolysis at our institution. Prior statin use was identified retrospectively from clinical records and had to be continued after hospital admission. Poststroke pneumonia was diagnosed according to standardized criteria of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortality and functional outcome at three-months were further assessed. Results Overall, 481 ischemic stroke patients were analyzed. Continued statin use was documented in 17% of the patients. Frequency of pneumonia was 11%. Patients with statin use were less likely to develop poststroke pneumonia (5% vs. 13%, P = 0·04). After multivariable adjustment for known risk factors for poststroke pneumonia (age, stroke severity, dysphagia, male sex and diabetes), statin treatment was negatively associated with pneumonia (OR 0·31; 95% CI 0·10–0·94). Occurrence of pneumonia independently predicted three-month mortality and functional outcome. Conclusions Use of statins in acute ischemic stroke patients who receive thrombolysis might reduce the risk of post-stroke pneumonia. Further studies are warranted to validate this finding.
Dynamic Modeling and Controller Design for a Single-Stage Single-Switch Parallel Boost-Flyback–Flyback Converter

In general, partial power of the parallel ac/dc converter is processed only once and transferred directly. In order to keep the output voltage constant, the switching duty ratio in the parallel converter must vary with the line phase. It means that the operating point of the parallel ac/dc converter changes with the variation of input voltage, which would be a challenge for controller design. In this paper, the dynamic modeling of a single-stage single-switch parallel boost-flyback-flyback converter is developed by the linearization of its large-signal equations. To overcome the modeling uncertainty due to the variation of operating point, the feedback controller is designed based on the boundary of the mode to obtain zero steady-state error, fast rise time, and heavily damping within input voltage range. Both the derived dynamic modeling and the designed voltage controller are demonstrated by the provided simulation and experiment results.
What informatics is and isn't

The term informatics is currently enveloped in chaos. One way to clarify the meaning of informatics is to identify the competencies associated with training in the field, but this approach can conceal the whole that the competencies atomistically describe. This work takes a different approach by offering three higher-level visions of what characterizes the field, viewing informatics as: (1) cross-training between basic informational sciences and an application domain, (2) the relentless pursuit of making people better at what they do, and (3) a field encompassing four related types of activities. Applying these perspectives to describe what informatics is, one can also conclude that informatics is not: tinkering with computers, analysis of large datasets per se, employment in circumscribed health IT workforce roles, the practice of health information management, or anything done using a computer.
Leukoplakia revisited. A clinicopathologic study 3256 oral leukoplakias

During a 13‐year period, 3256 specimens clinically diagnosed as leukoplakia “keratosis,” “white patch”) were submitted to the oral pathology laboratories of Indiana University School of Dentistry and Emory University School of Dentistry. These comprised 6.2% of the tissue specimens processed by these laboratories. The cases were analyzed as to age of occurrence, site of involvement, and pathologic findings. It was found that: leukoplakia occurs chiefly in the 5th, 6th, and 7th decades; about half of the lesions involved the mandibular mucosa, mandibular sulcus, and buccal mucosa; leukoplakia was slightly more common in men (54.2%). Microscopic study showed that 80.1% of the leukoplakias were varying combinations of hyperorthokeratosis, hyperparakeratosis, and acanthosis without evidence of epithelial dysplasia. Mild to moderate epithelial dysplasia was noted in 12.2% of specimens, and severe epithelial dysplasia or carcinoma in situ was found in 4.5%. Infiltrating squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 3.1% of specimens submitted with a clinical diagnosis of leukoplakia. The risk of epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or carcinoma varied between the anatomical locations of leukoplakia. The incidence of epithelial alteration, ranging from dysplasia to carcinoma, was 42.9% for lesions of the floor of the mouth, 24.2% for tongue lesions, and 24.0% for lip leukoplakias. The incidence of similar epithelial alterations in other sites varied from 18.8% for palatal lesions to 11.7% for leukoplakias of the retromolar area. The data suggest that there are regional differences in the incidence and character of leukoplakia in the United States. The Emory material, obtained almost exclusively from patients residing in the Southeastern United States, showed a proportionately higher total incidence, a lower male/female ratio, and a greater frequency of epithelial dysplasia, particularly in females, than the Indiana material, which came almost entirely from residents in the Northcentral United States.
Olig1 is downregulated in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation

Olig1 is a transcription factor that is essential for oligodendrogenesis. It is important to understand the upstream regulation of Olig1 expression because of its critical role in remyelination repair. A mouse oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation model was established to explore Olig1 transcriptional activity during OPC differentiation. Using an Olig1 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmid, we found that Olig1 transcription is dramatically decreased during OPC differentiation in response to 0.5% fetal bovine serum. Olig1 protein expression is also remarkably decreased as revealed by immunostaining and western blotting. Thus, Olig1 is downregulated during OPC differentiation, suggesting that Olig1 is not actively required in differentiated oligodendrocytes.
Suppression of Calpain-dependent Cleavage of the CDK5 Activator p35 to p25 by Site-specific Phosphorylation*

Cdk5 is a proline-directed Ser/Thr protein kinase predominantly expressed in postmitotic neurons together with its activator, p35. N-terminal truncation of p35 to p25 by calpain results in deregulation of Cdk5 and contributes to neuronal cell death associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Previously we reported that p35 occurred as a phosphoprotein, phospho-p35 levels changed with neuronal maturation, and that phosphorylation of p35 affected its vulnerability to calpain cleavage. Here, we identify the p35 residues Ser8 and Thr138 as the major sites of phosphorylation by Cdk5. Mutagenesis of these sites to unphosphorylatable Ala increased susceptibility to calpain in cultured cells and neurons while changing them to phosphomimetic glutamate-attenuated cleavage. Furthermore, phosphorylation state-specific antibodies to these sites revealed that Thr138 was dephosphorylated in adult rat, although both Ser8 and Thr138 were phosphorylated in prenatal brains. In cultured neurons, inhibition of protein phosphatases converted phosho-Ser8 p35 to dual phospho-Ser8/Thr138 p35 and conferred resistance to calpain cleavage. These results suggest phosphorylation of Thr138 predominantly defines the susceptibility of p35 to calpain-dependent cleavage and that dephosphorylation of this site is a critical determinant of Cdk5-p25-induced cell death associated with neurodegeneration.
Formalisation d'une session collaborative sécurisée

Les applications collaboratives sont des applications distribuées à travers lesquelles plusieurs utilisateurs peuvent interagir et partager les mêmes objets pour atteindre un objectif commun. Ainsi la sécurité des interactions entre les membres d'un groupe collaboratif constitue un défi majeur auquel il faut faire face. Ceci afin d'assurer des interactions sécurisées et offrir un bon degré de confiance dans l'utilisation d'une application collaborative. Ce travail présente un mécanisme de sécurité lors d'une session collaborative, appelé « sécurité à base de session ». L'approche proposée est basée sur le modèle de contrôle d'accès OrBAC, en l'augmentant d'un niveau intermédiaire appelé « Niveau Session » entre le niveau organisationnel et le niveau concret du modèle OrBAC. Ensuite, une démarche formelle à base de règles et d'arbres de permissions est proposée pour être intégrée à ce modèle, afin de contrôler l'accès au niveau des sessions collaboratives. Enfin, nous présentons une spécification formelle de notre approche pour une application collaborative distribuée pour le télédiagnostic dans le domaine de la neuroscience. Cette spécification est implémentée et vérifiée à l'aide du langage Prolog (Programmation Logique).
Evidence that GAD65 mediates increased GABA synthesis during intense neuronal activity in vivo

In this study we tested the hypothesis that the 65‐kDa isoform of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) mediates activity‐dependent GABA synthesis as invoked by seizures in anesthetized rats. GABA synthesis was measured following acute GABA‐transaminase inhibition by gabaculine using spatially localized 1H NMR spectroscopy before and after bicuculline‐induced seizures. Experiments were conducted with animals pre‐treated with vigabatrin 24 h earlier in order to reduce GAD67 protein and also with non‐treated controls. GAD isoform content was quantified by immunoblotting. GABA was higher in vigabatrin‐treated rats compared to non‐treated controls. In vigabatrin‐treated animals, GABA synthesis was 28% lower compared to controls [p < 0.05; vigabatrin‐treated, 0.043 ± 0.011 µmol/(g min); non‐treated, 0.060 ± 0.014 µmol/(g min)] and GAD67 was 60% lower. No difference between groups was observed for GAD65. Seizures increased GABA synthesis in both control [174%; control, 0.060 ± 0.014 µmol/(g min) vs. seizures, 0.105 ± 0.043 µmol/(g min)] and vigabatrin‐treated rats [214%; control, 0.043 ± 0.011 µmol/(g min); seizures, 0.092 ± 0.018 µmol/(g min)]. GAD67 could account for at least half of basal GABA synthesis but only 20% of the two‐fold increase observed in vigabatrin‐treated rats during seizures. The seizure‐induced activation of GAD65 in control cortex occurs concomitantly with a 2.3‐fold increase in inorganic phosphate, known to be a potent activator of apoGAD65in vitro. Our results are consistent with a major role for GAD65 in activity‐dependent GABA synthesis.
Disinfection of feline calicivirus (a surrogate for Norovirus) in wastewaters

Aims: To compare the inactivation of feline calicivirus (FCV) (a surrogate for Norovirus, NV) with the reduction of a bacterial water quality indicator (Escherichia coli), a human enteric virus (poliovirus) and a viral indicator (MS2, FRNA bacteriophage), following the disinfection of wastewaters.
Anomalous Freezing of Nano-Confined Water in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Nitrate.

Non-crystal formation of ice is investigated by simultaneous X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements upon cooling to -100 °C. At room temperature, size-tunable water confinement (≈20 Å size) in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, [C4 mim][NO3 ]) exists in a water-rich region (70-90 mol % D2 O). The confined water (water pocket) is characterized by almost monodispersive size distribution. In [C4 mim][NO3 ]-x mol % D2 O (70<x<94), the absence of sharp Bragg reflections and a distinct exothermal peak indicate that crystallization/cold crystallization both of [C4 mim][NO3 ] and D2 O is suppressed, even upon slow cooling and heating.
The Global Sustainability Index: An Instrument For Assessing The Progress Towards The Sustainable Organization

Abstract There is rarely an optimal solution in sustainable development but most frequently a need to build compromises between conflicting aspects such as economic, social and environmental ones and different expectations of stakeholders. Moreover, information is rarely available and precise. This paper will focus on how to use indicators to monitor sustainable development, integrating the information provided by many of them into a complex general sustainability index. Having this general indicator is essential for decision makers as it is very complicated to evaluate the performance of the organization based on multiple indicators. The objective of this paper is to find mathematical algorithms for simplifying the decision-making process by offering an instrument for the evaluation of the sustainability progress.
Current application of thoracoscopy in children.

BACKGROUND The safety and efficacy of thoracoscopy for thoracic lesions and conditions in children is evolving. Our experience with thoracoscopy has expanded in recent years. Therefore, we reviewed our most recent 7-year experience to examine the current applications for thoracoscopy in children. METHODS A retrospective review of all patients undergoing a thoracoscopic operation at Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO) between January 1, 2000, and June 18, 2007, was performed. Data points reviewed included patient demographics, type of operation, final diagnosis, complications, and recovery. RESULTS During the study period, 230 children underwent 231 thoracoscopic procedures. The mean age was 9.6 +/- 6.1 years with a mean weight of 36.6 +/- 24.1 kg. Fifty percent of the patients were male. The thoracoscopic approach was used for decortication and debridement for empyema in 79 patients, wedge resection for lung lesions in 37, exposure for correction of scoliosis in 26, excision or biopsy of an extrapulmonary mass in 26, operation for spontaneous pneumothorax in 25, lung biopsy for a diffuse parenchymal process in 15, lobectomy in 9, repair of esophageal atresia with a tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) in 8, clearance of the pleural space for hemothorax or effusion in 3, diagnosis for trauma in 1, and repair of bronchopleural fistula in 1. Conversion was required in 3 patients, all of whom were undergoing a lobectomy. Two of these were right upper lobectomies and the other was a left lower lobectomy with severe infection and inflammation. The mean time of chest tube drainage (excluding scoliosis and EA-TEF patients) was 2.9 +/- 2.0 days. There were no major intraoperative thoracoscopic complications. A correct diagnosis was rendered in all patients undergoing a biopsy. One patient required a second thoracoscopic biopsy to better define a mediastinal mass. Two patients developed postoperative atelectasis after scoliosis procedures. One patient had a small persistent pneumothorax after a bleb resection for a spontaneous pneumothorax. This subsequently resolved. CONCLUSIONS In pediatric patients with thoracic pathology, thoracoscopy is highly effective for attaining the goal of the operation, with a low rate of conversion and complications.