Interaction and observation: categorical semantics of reactive systems trough dialgebras

We use dialgebras, generalising both algebras and coalgebras, as a complement of the standard coalgebraic framework, aimed at describing the semantics of an interactive system by the means of reaction rules. In this model, interaction is built-in, and semantic equivalence arises from it, instead of being determined by a (possibly difficult) understanding of the side effects of a component in isolation. Behavioural equivalence in dialgebras is determined by how a given process interacts with the others, and the obtained observations. We develop a technique to inter-define categories of dialgebras of different functors, that in particular permits us to compare a standard coalgebraic semantics and its dialgebraic counterpart. We exemplify the framework using the CCS and the pi-calculus. Remarkably, the dialgebra giving semantics to the pi-calculus does not require the use of presheaf categories

Clinical implementations of 4D pencil beam scanned particle therapy: Report on the 4D treatment planning workshop 2016 and 2017

In 2016 and 2017, the 8th and 9th 4D treatment planning workshop took place in Groningen (the Netherlands) and Vienna (Austria), respectively. This annual workshop brings together international experts to discuss research, advances in clinical implementation as well as problems and challenges in 4D treatment planning, mainly in spot scanned proton therapy. In the last two years several aspects like treatment planning, beam delivery, Monte Carlo simulations, motion modeling and monitoring, QA phantoms as well as 4D imaging were thoroughly discussed. This report provides an overview of discussed topics, recent findings and literature review from the last two years. Its main focus is to highlight translation of 4D research into clinical practice and to discuss remaining challenges and pitfalls that still need to be addressed and to be overcome

Multi-site binding of epigallocatechin gallate to human serum albumin measured by NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry

The affinity of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for human serum albumin (HSA) was measured in physiological conditions using NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). NMR estimated the Ka (self-dissociation constant) of EGCG as 50 mM. NMR showed two binding events: strong (n1=1.8 ± 0.2; Kd1 =19 ± 12 μM) and weak (n2∼20; Kd2 =40 ± 20 mM). ITC also showed two binding events: strong (n1=2.5 ± 0.03; Kd1 =21.6 ± 4.0 μM) and weak (n2=9 ± 1; Kd2 =22 ± 4 mM). The two techniques are consistent, with an unexpectedly high number of bound EGCG. The strong binding is consistent with binding in the two Sudlow pockets. These results imply that almost all EGCG is transported in the blood bound to albumin and explains the wide tissue distribution and chemical stability of EGCG in vivo

Three-dimensional MRI-based treatment planning approach for non-invasive ocular proton therapy

Purpose: To develop a high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based treatment planning approach for uveal melanomas (UM) in proton therapy. Materials/methods: For eight patients with UM, a segmentation of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and organs-at-risk (OARs) was performed on T1- and T2-weighted 7 Tesla MRI image data to reconstruct the patient MR-eye. An extended contour was defined with a 2.5-mm isotropic margin derived from the GTV. A broad beam algorithm, which we have called πDose, was implemented to calculate relative proton absorbed doses to the ipsilateral OARs. Clinically favorable gazing angles of the treated eye were assessed by calculating a global weighted-sum objective function, which set penalties for OARs and extreme gazing angles. An optimizer, which we have named OPT’im-Eye-Tool, was developed to tune the parameters of the functions for sparing critical-OARs. Results: In total, 441 gazing angles were simulated for every patient. Target coverage including margins was achieved in all the cases (V95% > 95%). Over the whole gazing angles solutions space, maximum dose (Dmax) to the optic nerve and the macula, and mean doses (Dmean) to the lens, the ciliary body and the sclera were calculated. A forward optimization was applied by OPT’im-Eye-Tool in three different prioritizations: iso-weighted, optic nerve prioritized, and macula prioritized. In each, the function values were depicted in

Coalgebra learning via duality

Automata learning is a popular technique for inferring minimal automata through membership and equivalence queries. In this paper, we generalise learning to the theory of coalgebras. The approach relies on the use of logical formulas as tests, based on a dual adjunction between states and logical theories. This allows us to learn, e.g., labelled transition systems, using Hennessy-Milner logic. Our main contribution is an abstract learning algorithm, together with a proof of correctness and termination

Antyoksydanty a stres środowiskowy, badania spektralne stabilności substancji naturalnych i ich oddziaływanie z molekułą białka

The stability of eight hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) during long-term incubation under physiological conditions was studied by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and their possibility of binding to a model protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) under physiological conditions was investigated by tryptophan fluorescence quenching method. The obtained results suggest that the stability of hydroxycinnamic acids is dependent upon its individual structure and duration of incubation. The monosubstituted derivatives (coumaric acids) were stable within the course of long-term incubation, while di- and trisubstituted derivatives decomposed easily. It was found out that all studied compounds changed fluorescence emission spectrum of BSA. The Stern-Volmer analysis was employed in order to explore binding of HCAs to BSA in details. The binding constants (Kb), number of binding sites (n) and the free energy changes (∆G0) were determined. The binding affinity was strongest for rosmarinic acid and ranked in the following order rosmarinic acid > chlorogenic acid > sinapic acid > caffeic acid > ferulic acid > o-coumaric acid > p-coumaric acid > m-coumaric acid. All free energy changes (∆G0) possessed negative sign indicating the spontaneity of HCAs binding to BSA.Badano trwałość ośmiu kwasów hydrooksycynamonowych, HCAs, podczas inkubacji długoterminowej w warunkach fizjologicznych i możliwość ich wiązania się z modelowym białkiem (albuminą, BSA). Uzyskane wyniki pokazały, że trwałość tych kwasów zależy od ich indywidualnej budowy oraz czasu inkubacji. Wyznaczono stałe trwałości (Kb), liczbę miejsc wiązania (n) oraz zmianę wartości energii Gibbsa (∆G0) wiązania HCAs do BSA, który to proces przebiegał samorzutnie

A detailed dosimetric comparison between manual and inverse plans in HDR intracavitary/interstitial cervical cancer brachytherapy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare two inverse planning algorithms for cervical cancer brachytherapy and a conventional manual treatment planning according to the MUW (Medical University of Vienna) protocol. Material and methods: For 20 patients, manually optimized, and, inversely optimized treatment plans with Hybrid Inverse treatment Planning and Optimization (HIPO) and with Inverse Planning Simulated Annealing (IPSA) were created. Dosimetric parameters, absolute volumes of normal tissue receiving reference doses, absolute loading times of tandem, ring and interstitial needles, Paddick and COIN conformity indices were evaluated. Results: HIPO was able to achieve a similar dose distribution to manual planning with the restriction of high dose regions. It reduced the loading time of needles and the overall treatment time. The values of both conformity indices were the lowest. IPSA was able to achieve acceptable dosimetric results. However, it overloaded the needles. This resulted in high dose regions located in the normal tissue. The Paddick index for the volume of two times prescribed dose was outstandingly low. Conclusions: HIPO can produce clinically acceptable treatment plans with the elimination of high dose regions in normal tissue. Compared to IPSA, it is an inverse optimization method which takes into account current clinical experience gained from manual treatment planning