Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proton range verification through prompt gamma-ray spectroscopy

We present an experimental study of a novel method to verify the range of proton therapy beams. Differential cross sections were measured for 15 prompt gamma-ray lines from proton-nuclear interactions with 12C and 16O at proton energies up to 150 MeV. These cross sections were used to model discrete prompt gamma-ray emissions along proton pencil-beams. By fitting detected prompt gamma-ray counts to these models, we simultaneously determined the beam range and the oxygen and carbon concentration of the irradiated matter. The performance of the method was assessed in two phantoms with different elemental concentrations, using a small scale prototype detector. Based on five pencil-beams with different ranges delivering 5 × 108 protons and without prior knowledge of the elemental composition at the measurement point, the absolute range was determined with a standard deviation of 1.0–1.4 mm. Relative range shifts at the same dose level were detected with a standard deviation of 0.3–0.5 mm. The determined oxygen and carbon concentrations also agreed well with the actual values. These results show that quantitative prompt gamma-ray measurements enable knowledge of nuclear reaction cross sections to be used for precise proton range verification in the presence of tissue with an unknown composition.
A MODIFIED BAIT FOR ORAL DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS TO RACCOONS AND FERAL SWINE

A field study was conducted on Ossabaw Island (Georgia, USA) in March 1994 to evaluate four different types of bait for delivering orally effective biological agents to raccoons (Procyon lotor) and feral swine (Sus scrofa). A deep-fried corndog batter bait, which was previously shown to be ingested by both captive and free-ranging raccoons, and a polymer fishmeal bait which had been shown effective for both raccoons and feral swine were compared with a grain-based dog food meal polymer bait topically coated with corn oil and cornmeal or with fish oil and fishmeal. Tracking stations were used to determine the number of each bait type visited and removed by animals visiting stations. We found no significant differences in the numbers of different baits removed by either species. These data support the results of earlier studies which also indicated that an inexpensive grain-based matrix bait surface-coated with attractive flavors can be used to deliver oral biologics to problem species.
New trends in dentin/enamel adhesion.

The acid-etch-technique has provided an ideal surface for bonding to enamel by using 30-40% phosphoric acid. The resulting etch pattern is characterized by the profuse formation of microporosities which allow the penetration of monomers into those porosities to form resin tags that provide micromechanical retention. Successful attempts of bonding to dentin in a similar fashion have been reported more recently. Due to the specific properties of dentin, such as its tubular structure and its intrinsic wetness, bonding to dentin has not yet reached the ideal characteristics. In spite of the existing deficiencies in dentin adhesion, the increasing demand for esthetic restorations has generated intensive research on new esthetic materials with special focus on amalgam alternatives. The bonding mechanism of recent dentin bonding agents is based on the penetration of ambiphilic molecules into acid-etched dentin to form a lacework of dentin collagen and polymerized monomers. Dentin adhesive systems that contain a multitude of different bottles of different colors and shapes belong to the past. Because clinicians are increasingly eager to try new materials, the actual tendency calls for simplification of the bonding procedure e.g. one-bottle adhesive systems and all-in-one no-bottle materials. In spite of simpler materials, a separate etching step is still needed for one-bottle systems. Nevertheless, manufacturers of these simplified one-bottle materials recommend their use to bond polyacid-modified composites (compomers) without a separate etching step. The most recent addition to the group of simplified adhesives is the all-in-one no-bottle adhesives; one of these all-in-one systems, Prompt L-Pop (ESPE) has resulted in very promising laboratory results when used on enamel. In spite of the uncertainty about the capacity of all-in-one adhesives to etch enamel adequately in vivo, scanning electron microscopy studies have resulted in an enamel-etching pattern morphologically similar to that corresponding to phosphoric acid-etched enamel. While all-in-one adhesive systems have been reported to result in very satisfactory dentin bond strengths, results from other laboratories suggest that bonding to dentin with all-in-one adhesive systems will need to be somewhat improved. Clinical studies, which are the ultimate test for the acceptance of dentin adhesives, are now underway in several centers. Six-month data showed a very good clinical performance for this ultra-simplified all-in-one adhesive system.
Ukiyo-e Recommendation based on Deep Learning For Learning Japanese Art and Culture

This paper describes an Ukiyo-e recommendation based on deep learning to obtain images for Ukiyo-e novices. Although some Ukiyo-e web search services are available, owing to the recent increase in Ukiyo-e's world popularity, finding appropriate Ukiyo-e prints that are interesting to a novice is difficult. One reason for this is that recommendation support for Ukiyo-e prints is not currently available. Therefore, this paper describes a deep-learning-based Ukiyo-e recommendation that can present preferential prints to novices.
Two Eyes Are Better Than One—Binocular Summation of Dark Vision in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease

Abstract We compared monocular and binocular absolute thresholds of dark adaptation in two separate study populations. Eighteen healthy individuals (Group A) and 13 patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency (Group B) were examined three times each by computerised dark adaptometry with simultaneous but separate recordings from each eye and binocularly. The respiratory patients received oxygen supplement at visits 1 and 3. In Group A, at all three visits, binocular dark adaptation was significantly more sensitive (40.5%) than monocular dark adaptation with either eye. In Group B, at visits 1 and 3, binocular dark adaptation was also significantly more sensitive than monocular dark adaptation (40.5% higher than the right and 47% higher than the left eye). However, in Group B, at visit 2 without oxygen treatment, no significant differences were observed between monocular and binocular sensitivities. Binocular dark vision was superior to monocular dark vision in healthy individuals and in patients with respiratory insufficiency that were provided oxygen supplementation. Furthermore, deficit in oxygen seems to affect binocular summation, perhaps by impaired enhancement in the central nervous system.
Environmental and Health Impact of Solid Waste Disposal in Developing Cities: A Case Study of Granville Brook Dumpsite, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste in dumpsites located within urban areas has proved to be a problem to nearby residents in most developing cities of the world, Freetown is no exception. Open dumps have environmental safeguards; they can pose major public health threats and environmental effects in urban cities. Therefore, this paper presents the findings of a research carried out in Freetown municipal area in Sierra Leone to determine the environmental and health impacts of solid waste disposal at Granville Brook dumpsite on the surrounding human settlements. Data were collected from three hundred and ninety eight nearby dumpsite household residents (less than fifty metres) and two hundred and thirty three far away household residents (more than fifty metres) through the use of structured self-administered questionnaires. Interviews and personal observations were also used to collect some of the data. Descriptive statistics involving tables, graphs and figures were used to present and analyze the data. Results show that both nearby residents and far away residents suffered from related diseases such as malaria, chest pains, diarrhea and cholera, due to the location of the dumpsite closer to their settlements. As a result, this study highlights the need for the Freetown City Council to properly manage and relocate the dumpsite to a safe distance from all human settlements, and provide resettlement and environmental education programmes for all persons living less than fifty metres away from the dumpsite as interim measures.
Note: Generalized Notions of Concavity with an Application to Capacity Management

We introduce a generalization of K-concavity termed weak (K1, K2)-concavity and show how it can be used to analyze certain dynamic systems arising in capacity management. We show that weak (K1, K2)-concavity has two fundamental properties that are relevant for the analysis of such systems: First, it is preserved for linear interpolations; second, it is preserved for certain types of linear extensions. In capacity management problems where both buying and selling capacity involve a fixed cost plus a proportional cost/revenue term, interpolations and extensions are fundamental building blocks of the optimality analysis. In the context of the capacity management problem studied by Ye and Duenyas (2007), we show that weak (K1, K2)-concavity is sufficient to prove the general structure of the optimal policy established in that paper.
Consumer Bidding Behavior on Internet Auction Sites

On-line auction sites like eBay are very popular but have not been thoroughly researched, particularly with respect to bidding behavior and the reasons why consumers use auction sites. Drawing upon three different disciplines, this paper shows that propensity to bid in on-line auctions is influenced by acceptance of technology, involvement with auctions, and affinity for computers. In light of this, managers should make auction sites simple and accessible, develop and encourage involvement with their sites, and recognize that individuals who have a high affinity for computers and readily accept technology comprise a lucrative target market.
Compact Wideband Bandstop Filter With Four Transmission Zeros

This work presents a new type of compact wideband bandstop filter (BSF) with four transmission zeros in the stopband. The proposed filter topology consists of a coupled line directional coupler connected in parallel to an interference transmission line. The filter characteristics can be easily controlled by the coupling factor of the coupled line coupler and the characteristic admittances of both the coupler and the transmission line. Design equations and curves are provided for the filter design. To validate the proposed topology, a compact microstrip BSF centered at 2.0 GHz with a measured 20 dB rejection bandwidth of 100% and sharp rejection characteristics is designed and built.
ApoE protects cortical neurones against neurotoxicity induced by the non‐fibrillar C‐terminal domain of the amyloid‐β peptide

Although the genetic link between the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well established, the apoE isoform‐specific activity underlying this correlation remains unclear. We have recently characterized the interaction of the soluble the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) with model membrane and demonstrated that non‐fibrillar Aβ peptide, including N‐terminal truncated forms of Aβ, induced apoptotic cell death in primary rat cortical neurones in vitro. To further investigate the potential interaction between apoE and Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD, we have determined the effect of apoE isoforms on the neurotoxicity of non‐fibrillar Aβ peptides. We demonstrate here that the apoE2 and E3 isoforms protect cortical neurones against apoptotic cell death induced by a non‐fibrillar form of the Aβ1−40, Aβ12−42, Aβ29−40 and Aβ29−42 peptides, whereas apoE4 had no effect. This effect involves the formation of stable complexes between apoE and the C‐terminal domain (e.g. amino acids 29–40) of Aβ1−40. Interestingly, apoE had no effect on the toxicity induced by aggregated Aβ peptides, suggesting a lack of interaction between apoE and amyloid fibrils. Our results provide evidence that interaction with the C‐terminal domain of Aβ, apoE2 and E3, but not apoE4, inhibits the interactions of the non‐fibrillar Aβ peptide with the plasma membrane of neurones, Aβ peptide aggregation and subsequent neurotoxicity.
Organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) transporter family and drug disposition

Drug transporters are increasingly recognized as a key determinant of drug disposition. Recent studies have revealed that targeted expression of drug uptake and efflux transporters to specific cell membrane domains allows for the efficient directional movement of many drugs in clinical use. While the role of certain efflux transporters such as MDR1 (P‐glycoprotein) in drug disposition has been extensively studied, emerging evidence suggests that uptake transporters may also be important to the intestinal absorption and renal or hepatic elimination of drugs. Members of the organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) family of drug uptake transporters have been found capable of transporting a large array of structurally divergent drugs. Moreover, expression of OATP isoforms in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney, as well as at the level of the blood–brain barrier, has important implications for our understanding of the factors governing drug absorption, elimination and tissue penetration.
An Improved Approach for Measuring Similarity among Semantic Web Services

The current paper presents an improved approach for an ontology-based semantic Web service similarity assessment algorithm. The algorithm uses information from IOPE (Inputs, Outputs, Preconditions, Effects) categories, searching for information about the concepts located in these categories, analyzing how they are related in an ontology taxonomy. Experiments performed using a data set containing 1083 OWL-S semantic web services show that the improved approach increases the algorithm precision, decreasing the number of false positives in the retrieved results, and still having a good recall. Furthermore, this work presents the parameters that were used to achieve better precision, recall and f-measure.
Protein Interaction between Ameloblastin and Proteasome Subunit α Type 3 Can Facilitate Redistribution of Ameloblastin Domains within Forming Enamel*

Background: Ameloblastin domain redistribution during development serves to pattern mineral microstructure. Results: Proteasome subunit α type 3 (Psma3) interacts with the C terminus of ameloblastin, and the 20S proteasome can digest ameloblastin. Conclusion: Ameloblastin-Psma3 interaction facilitates ameloblastin domain separation and redistribution defining the enamel rod boundaries. Significance: This study investigates the mechanism of enamel microstructural formation at the level of protein-to-protein interaction. Enamel is a bioceramic tissue composed of thousands of hydroxyapatite crystallites aligned in parallel within boundaries fabricated by a single ameloblast cell. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the vertebrate body; however, it starts development as a self-organizing assembly of matrix proteins that control crystallite habit. Here, we examine ameloblastin, a protein that is initially distributed uniformly across the cell boundary but redistributes to the lateral margins of the extracellular matrix following secretion thus producing cell-defined boundaries within the matrix and the mineral phase. The yeast two-hybrid assay identified that proteasome subunit α type 3 (Psma3) interacts with ameloblastin. Confocal microscopy confirmed Psma3 co-distribution with ameloblastin at the ameloblast secretory end piece. Co-immunoprecipitation assay of mouse ameloblast cell lysates with either ameloblastin or Psma3 antibody identified each reciprocal protein partner. Protein engineering demonstrated that only the ameloblastin C terminus interacts with Psma3. We show that 20S proteasome digestion of ameloblastin in vitro generates an N-terminal cleavage fragment consistent with the in vivo pattern of ameloblastin distribution. These findings suggest a novel pathway participating in control of protein distribution within the extracellular space that serves to regulate the protein-mineral interactions essential to biomineralization.
Physiological response, time-motion characteristics, and reproducibility of various speed-endurance drills in elite youth soccer players: small-sided games versus generic running.

PURPOSE To quantify the physiological responses, time-motion characteristics, and reproducibility of various speed-endurance-production (SEP) and speed-endurance-maintenance (SEM) drills. METHODS Sixteen elite male youth soccer players completed 4 drills: SEP 1 v 1 small-sided game (SSG), SEP running drill, SEM 2 v 2 SSG, and SEM running drill. Heart-rate response, blood lactate concentration, subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and time-motion characteristics were recorded for each drill. RESULTS The SEP and SEM running drills elicited greater (P < .05) heart-rate responses, blood lactate concentrations, and RPE than the respective SSGs (ES 1.1-1.4 and 1.0-3.2). Players covered less (P < .01) total distance and high-intensity distance in the SEP and SEM SSGs than in the respective running drills (ES 6.0-22.1 and 3.0-18.4). Greater distances (P < .01) were covered in high to maximum acceleration/deceleration bands during the SEP and SEM SSGs than the respective running drills (ES 2.6-4.6 and 2.3-4.8). The SEP SSG and generic running protocols produced greater (P < .05) blood lactate concentrations than the respective SEM protocols (ES 1.2-1.7). Small to moderate test-retest variability was observed for heart-rate response (CV 0.9-1.9%), RPE (CV 2.9-5.7%), and blood lactate concentration (CV 9.9-14.4%); moderate to large test-retest variability was observed for high-intensity-running parameters (CV > 11.3%) and the majority of accelerations/deceleration distances (CV > 9.8%) for each drill. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrate the potential to tax the anaerobic energy system to different extents using speed-endurance SSGs and that SSGs elicit greater acceleration/ deceleration load than generic running drills.
Expression of PCNA-binding domain of CtIP, a motif required for CtIP localization at DNA replication foci, causes DNA damage and activation of DNA damage checkpoint

CtIP, CtBP-interacting protein, is a nuclear protein that was identified as a cofactor for the transcriptional repressor CtBP. Our genetic studies in mice revealed that haploid insufficiency of CtIP leads to tumorigenesis and is associated with shortened life span. At the molecular level, CtIP is a multivalent adaptor. It interacts directly with pRB family members, the prototype tumor suppressor proteins, and contributes to G1/S regulation. It has also been implicated in DNA damage checkpoint control through its interaction with the breast cancer susceptibility gene product BRCA1. Recently, it was found to modulate the nuclease activity of the Mre11/Rad50/NBS1 complex. Here we report that CtIP is recruited to S-phase DNA replication foci through a novel motif functioning as replication foci targeting sequence (RFTS). This motif contains a consensus PCNA-interacting protein box that binds to PCNA both in vivo and in vitro. In support of the biological significance of this interaction, we detected arrest of the cell cycle at the S/G2 phase transition, and suppression of cell proliferation in U2-OS cells upon the conditional expression of the wild type, but not a mutated RFTS using a tetracycline-inducible system. We found that cells expressing RFTS had excess DNA double strand breaks as demonstrated by formation of γ-H2AX nuclear foci. Finally, G2/M checkpoint activation in response to the expression of the CtIP RFTS is abrogated by caffeine treatment. Our work suggests an intimate relationship between CtIP and PCNA may be important for the maintenance of genomic stability in higher eukaryotic organism.
Potato Production, Usage, and Nutrition—A Review

Potato is an economically important staple crop prevailing all across the world with successful large-scale production, consumption, and affordability with easy availability in the open market. Potatoes provide basic nutrients such as—carbohydrates, dietary fiber (skin), several vitamins, and minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, iron). On occasion exposures to raw and cooked potatoes impart allergic reactions. Dietary intake of potatoes, especially colored potatoes, play an important role in the production of antioxidant defense system by providing essential nutrient antioxidants, such as vitamins, β-carotene, polyphenols, and minerals. This may help lower the incidence of wide range of chronic and acute disease processes (like hypertension, heart diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative, and other diseases). However, retention of nutrients in potatoes is affected by various cooking and processing methods. Cooking at elevated temperature also produces acrylamide—a suspected carcinogen. Independent and/or collaborative studies have been conducted and reported on the various pathways leading to the formation of acrylamide in heat processed foods. This article reviews the latest research on potato production, consumption, nature of phytochemicals and their health benefits, and allergic reactions to children. Also included is the discovery of acrylamide in processed starch-rich foods including potatoes, mechanism of formation, detection methodologies, and mitigation steps to reduce acrylamide content in food.
Prophylaxis with oral penicillin in children with sickle cell anemia. A randomized trial.

Children with sickle cell anemia have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, especially to those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. We therefore conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to test whether the regular, daily administration of oral penicillin would reduce the incidence of documented septicemia due to S.pneumoniae in children with sickle cell anemia who were under the age of three years at the time of entry. The children were randomly assigned to receive either 125 mg of penicillin V potassium (105 children) or placebo (110 children) twice daily. The trial was terminated 8 months early, after an average of 15 months of follow-up, when an 84 percent reduction in the incidence of infection was observed in the group treated with penicillin, as compared with the group given placebo (13 of 110 patients vs. 2 of 105; P = 0.0025), with no deaths from pneumococcal septicemia occurring in the penicillin group but three deaths from the infection occurring in the placebo group. On the basis of these results, we conclude that children should be screened in the neonatal period for sickle cell hemoglobinopathy and that those with sickle cell anemia should receive prophylactic therapy with oral penicillin by four months of age to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal septicemia.
kappa/lambda Shifts do not occur during maturation of murine B cells.

We have used highly specific affinity-purified antibodies against mouse kappa- and lambda chains in conjunction with both immunofluorescence analysis on the FACS and enzymatic radioiodination of murine splenocytes and bone marrow cells. Our results indicate that the kappa/lambda ratio of cell surface immunoglobulin is constant during the ontogenetic development of B cells, i.e., a shift in the kappa/lambda ratio does not occur during B cell maturation. Our results suggest that the events controlling kappa and lambda expression on murine B cells are decided very early in ontogeny, before significant antigenic selection.