gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical image caching for accelerated walkthroughs of complex environments (1996)

We present a new method that utilizes path coherence to accelerate walkthroughs of geometrically complex static scenes. As a preprocessing step, our method constructs a BSP-tree that hierarchically partitions the geometric primitives in the scene. In the course of a walkthrough, images of nodes at various levels of the hierarchy are cached for reuse in subsequent frames. A cached image is reused by texture-mapping it onto a single quadrilateral that is drawn instead of the geometry contained in the corresponding node. Visual artifacts are kept under control by using an error metric that quantifies the discrepancy between the appearance of the geometry contained in a node and the cached image. The new method is shown to achieve speedups of an order of magnitude for walkthroughs of a complex outdoor scene, with little or no loss in rendering quality. CR
A Clustering-based Group Key Agreement Protocol for Ad-Hoc Networks (2008)

Efficient authenticated group key establishment is the pre-requirement for having group-wide encrypted communications in wireless ad hoc networks. Clustering has brought scalability to ad hoc networks in many ways, now we look at its benefits to group key agreement. In this paper, several solutions for authenticated key establishment in clustered ad hoc networks are surveyed and a new efficient solution for clustered group key establishment is presented. It is based on the AT-GDH and the Burmester-Desmedt broadcast group key protocols.
Generation and function of astroglial lipoproteins from Niemann–Pick type C1-deficient mice (2005)

NPC (Niemann-Pick type C) disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by defects in intracellular cholesterol trafficking, accumulation of cholesterol in the endosomal system and impaired cholesterol homoeostasis. Although these alterations appear to occur in all NPC1-deficient cell types, the consequences are most profound in the nervous system. Since glial cells are important mediators of brain cholesterol homoeostasis, we proposed that defective generation and/or function of lipoproteins released by glia might contribute to the neurological abnormalities associated with NPC disease. We found that, as in other cell types, Npc1-/- glia accumulate cholesterol intracellularly. We hypothesized that this sequestration of cholesterol in glia might restrict the availability of cholesterol for lipoprotein production. Cerebellar astroglia were cultured from a murine model of NPC disease to compare the lipoproteins generated by these cells and wild-type glia. The experiments demonstrate that the amount of cholesterol in glia-conditioned medium is not reduced by NPC1 deficiency. Similarly, cholesterol efflux to apo (apolipoprotein) A1 or glial expression of the transporter ATP-binding-cassette transporter A1 was not decreased by NPC1 deficiency. In addition, the ratio of apo E:cholesterol and the density distribution of lipoproteins in Npc1-/- and Npc1+/+ glia-conditioned medium are indistinguishable. Importantly, in a functional assay, apo E-containing lipoproteins generated by Npc1-/- and Npc1+/+ glia each stimulate axonal elongation of neurons by approx. 35%. On the basis of these observations, we speculate that the neuropathology characteristic of NPC disease can quite probably be ascribed to impaired processes within neurons in the brain rather than defective lipoprotein production by astroglia.
A co-operative interaction between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and complement receptor 3 mediates infection of primary cervical epithelial cells (2002)

Little is known about the pathogenesis of gonococcal infection within the lower female genital tract. We recently described the distribution of complement receptor 3 (CR3) on epithelia of the female genital tract. Our studies further indicate that CR3-mediated endocytosis serves as a primary mechanism by which N. gonorrhoeae elicits membrane ruffling and cellular invasion of primary, human, cervical epithelial cells. We have extended these studies to describe the nature of the gonococcus-CR3 interaction. Western Blot analysis demonstrated production of alternative pathway complement components by ecto- and endocervical cells which allows C3b deposition on gonococci and its rapid conversion to iC3b. Anti-iC3b and -factor I antibodies significantly inhibited adherence and invasion of primary cervical cells, suggesting that iC3b covalently bound to the gonococcus serves as a primary ligand for CR3 adherence. However, gonococcal porin and pili also bound to the I-domain of CR3 in a non-opsonic manner. Binding of porin and pili to CR3 were required for adherence to and invasion of cervical epithelia. Collectively, these data suggest that gonococcal adherence to CR3 occurs in a co-operative manner, which requires gonococcal iC3b-opsonization, porin and pilus. In conjunction, these molecules facilitate targeting to and successful infection of the cervical epithelium.
Functional recovery in rabbit heart after preservation with a blood cardioplegic solution and perfusion. (1993)

Thirty-five isolated rabbit hearts were subjected to 60 minutes of storage after cardiac arrest with high K+ crystalloid cardioplegic solution at 5 degrees C. They were divided into five groups (n = 7 per group) according to the preservative protocol: group I (simple immersion in 0 degrees C normal saline solution), group II (simple immersion in 30 degrees C blood cardioplegic solution), group III (immersion and perfusion in 30 degrees C blood cardioplegic solution), group IV (simple immersion in 10 degrees C blood cardioplegic solution), and group V (immersion and perfusion in 10 degrees C blood cardioplegic solution). After storage for 1 hour, cardiac function, tissue water content, and the number of hearts capable of ejecting against a 100 cm H2O column afterload were recorded and compared among the five groups. Cardiac function in group II was not different from group I. Aortic pulse pressure and left ventricular developed pressure were lower in group II than in group III, IV, or V. Aortic developed pressure was higher in groups III and V (p < 0.05). Tissue water content in group I was significantly higher than in groups II, III, and V (p < 0.05). All hearts in groups III and V could eject against a 100 cm H2O afterload after preservation (p < 0.05 versus groups I, II, and IV). Factorial analysis among the groups using blood cardioplegic solution showed that either hypothermia or perfusion alone or the combination was a protective factor in providing functional recovery of stored hearts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Induction of Apoptosis by Vitamin D<sub>2</sub>, Ergocalciferol, via Reactive Oxygen Species Generation, Glutathione Depletion, and Caspase Activation in Human Leukemia Cells (2008)

This study demonstrated that ergocalciferol was able to inhibit leukemia cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Exploration of the acting mechanisms involved this event revealed that ergocalciferol induced DNA fragmentation and increased sub-G1 DNA contents in HL-60 cells, both of which are hallmarks of apoptosis. Analysis of the integrity of mitochondria demonstrated that ergocalciferol caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with release cytochrome c to cytosol, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and depletion of glutathione (GSH), suggesting that ergocalciferol may induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells through a ROS-dependent pathway. Further results show that caspases-2, -3, -6, and -9 were all activated by ergocalciferol, together with cleavage of the downstream caspase-3 targets, DNA fragmentation factor (DFF-45), and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, ergocalciferol led to the increase in pro-apoptotic factor Bax accompanied with the decrease in anti-apoptotic member Mcl-1, and the reduced Mcl-1 to Bax ratio may be a critical event concerning mitochondrial decay by ergocalciferol. Furthermore, ergocalciferol also led to induction of Fas death receptor closely linked to caspase-2 activation, suggesting the involvement of a Fas-mediated pathway in ergocalciferol-induced apoptosis. Totally, these findings suggest that ergocalciferol causes HL-60 apoptosis via a modulation of mitochondria involving ROS production, GSH depletion, caspase activation, and Fas induction. On the basis of anticancer activity of ergocalciferol, it may be feasible to develop chemopreventive agents from edible mushrooms or hop.
Recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist protects against TNF-induced lethality in mice. (1994)

The possible role of induced IL-1 in a number of in vivo actions of TNF was investigated. We were particularly interested to know whether a species-specific induction of IL-1 might explain the important differences observed between murine TNF and human TNF in systems such as lethal shock and the induction of long lasting, high levels of circulating IL-6 in mice. We also studied the possible involvement of IL-1 in the sensitization to TNF observed in tumor-bearing mice or in combination with D(+)-galactosamine or RU38486, particularly because such sensitization results in the loss of species-specific differences between both TNF. Using a specific rIL-1R antagonist (IL-1ra), which inhibits the binding of IL-1 to the IL-1R type I, we were able to protect mice against a lethal murine TNF injection. However, the induction of high levels of circulating IL-6 by murine TNF was not affected, although IL-1ra almost completely blocked the induction of IL-6 by exogenously administered IL-1. Furthermore, the increased susceptibility of tumor-bearing mice to human TNF, relative to control mice, or the sensitization by co-administration of RU38486 or D(+)-galactosamine do not seem to be mediated by IL-1.
Laser Lipolysis Using a Novel 1,064 nm Nd (2006)

BACKGROUND We studied the safety and efficacy of a 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a 300 μm fiber for the reduction of small unwanted fat areas. METHODS Thirty subjects with focal areas of fat less than 100 cm3 were enrolled. Ten subjects were treated with laser lipolysis and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Ten subjects had laser lipolysis followed by biweekly treatments with the Tri-active system. The last group of 10 subjects served as control. Patients were seen at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 month follow-up visits. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients completed the study. Self-assessment evaluations reported an improvement of 37% at the 3-month follow-up visit. MRI demonstrated an average 17% reduction in fat volume. Smaller baseline volume areas, such as the submentum, showed better results, suggesting a dose-response relationship. The most common side effects were mild bruising and swelling resolving within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION Laser lipolysis using the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser with 300 μm fiber appears to be a very promising procedure that delivers good, reproducible results safely and effectively. The advantages include excellent patient tolerance, quick recovery time, as well as the benefit of dermal tightening.
Therapeutic Potential of Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) Inhibitors (2004)

Here we discuss the therapeutic potential of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) inhibitors as a new class of immunomodulatory agents with immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-thrombotic and anti-leukemic properties. JAKs are abundantly expressed in primary leukemic cells from children with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and are crucial for signals regulating apoptosis. Additional roles for JAK3 in mast cell-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune disorders and platelet function have recently been described. The preclinical studies on JAK3 inhibitors revealed their clinical potential as anti-leukemic agents with anti-thrombotic, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive properties. Results from multiple preclinical experimental model systems of autoimmune diabetes, pancreatic islet transplantation, solid organ transplantation, allergy, thrombosis and bone marrow transplantation are discussed in the context of the clinical need for new immunomodulatory agents with such properties.
The effect of diet components on the level of cortisol (2016)

The way and the quality of nutrition are important factors that can have influence on behavior of both the health and well-being. Proper diet helps to maintain homeostasis in the body. Changes in lifestyle lead to increase the degree of food processing and hence reduce the nutritional value of available products. This forces the use of technological amendments in nourishment, i.e., fortification and formation of diet supplements. Modified food can complement diet in necessary nutrients. Environmental factors like activity can cause adaptation changes in endocrine system of every human. Cortisol is a corticosteroid, in which influence is varied depending on its concentration. Through its multipronged action, it mobilizes organism to fight stress, by ensuring a stable level of glucose, stimulating tissue’s regeneration and inhibiting inflammation processes. Factors like stressful work, personal problems, intensive trainings can lead to long-term sustained, excessive concentration of this hormone, affecting formation of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, increased blood pressure, abnormal bone regeneration and collagen synthesis or calcium deficiency in the organism. Diet supplementation is currently extensively used by both healthy and unwell people, in different age, but most commonly refers to physically active people. Lots of widely available dietary supplements contain nutrients which regulate steroid hormones homeostasis. Elaboration of optimal diet is one of the agents determining well-being, health and success. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the effect of dietary components on level of cortisol.
Identification and Analysis of the Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Specific β-Ketothiolase and Acetoacetyl Coenzyme A Reductase Genes in the Cyanobacterium <i>Synechocystis</i> sp. Strain PCC6803 (2000)

Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803 possesses a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-specific beta-ketothiolase encoded by phaA(Syn) and an acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) reductase encoded by phaB(Syn). A similarity search of the entire Synechocystis genome sequence identified a cluster of two putative open reading frames (ORFs) for these genes, slr1993 and slr1994. Sequence analysis showed that the ORFs encode proteins having 409 and 240 amino acids, respectively. The two ORFs are colinear and most probably coexpressed, as revealed by sequence analysis of the promoter regions. Heterologous transformation of Escherichia coli with the two genes and the PHA synthase of Synechocystis resulted in accumulation of PHAs that accounted for up to 12.3% of the cell dry weight under high-glucose growth conditions. Targeted disruption of the above gene cluster in Synechocystis eliminated the accumulation of PHAs. ORFs slr1993 and slr1994 thus encode the PHA-specific beta-ketothiolase and acetoacetyl-CoA reductase of Synechocystis and, together with the recently characterized PHA synthase genes in this organism (S. Hein, H. Tran, and A. Steinbüchel, Arch. Microbiol. 170:162-170, 1998), form the first complete PHA biosynthesis pathway known in cyanobacteria. Sequence alignment of all known short-chain-length PHA-specific acetoacetyl-CoA reductases also suggests an extended signature sequence, VTGXXXGIG, for this group of proteins. Phylogenetic analysis further places the origin of phaA(Syn) and phaB(Syn) in the gamma subdivision of the division Proteobacteria.
Genetics and biotechnology (2009)

In essence, all properties of organisms depend on the sum of their genes. There are two broad categories of genes – structural and regulatory. Structural genes encode for amino acid sequences of proteins, which, as enzymes, determine the biochemical capabilities of the organism by catalysing particular synthetic or catabolic reactions or, alternatively, play more static roles as components of cellular structures. In contrast, the regulatory genes control the expression of the structural genes by determining the rate of production of their protein products in response to intra- or extracellular signals. The derivation of these principles has been achieved using well known genetic techniques, which will not be considered further here.
Riding in pickup truck beds (1995)

Adolescent and adult pickup truck drivers, younger than age 45, are most likely to carry passengers in the back of their trucks, according to a recent study in Accident Analysis and Prevention. Adolescents also are frequent truck-bed passengers. A computerized telephone survey of 364 pickup-truck drivers in Riverside County, Calif., showed that Hispanics, students, adolescents and those from large families were more likely to carry passengers in the back of pickup trucks. Only 9 percent said the truck was the family9s only vehicle. These drivers reported several high-risk driving behaviors and they used the truck for multiple purposes. Most drivers carried adolescents and adults in the back, but a large proportion had carried infants and children up to age 12 in truck beds.
Substrates for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cultures in Conditioned Medium of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (2011)

We aimed to establish a culture system of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), free from xenogeneic proteins, Matrigel(™) and conditioned medium of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The conditioned culture medium consisted of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow. We examined surface properties suitable for hPSC culture by using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols with four different functional groups: CH(3), OH, COOH and NH(2). hPSCs neither adhered nor proliferated on surfaces with a water contact angle higher than 40°. Based on this finding, the contact angle of a polystyrene (PSt) culture dish was reduced to less than 40°, and COOH and OH groups were introduced to its surface by oxygen plasma treatment, making the PSt dish suitable for hPSC culture. This combination of a PSt dish treated with oxygen plasma treatment and conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cells achieved a long-term maintenance of hPSCs without differentiation.
In vivo burn imaging using Mueller optical coherence tomography (2008)

We report on the use of a high-speed, fiber-based Mueller-matrix optical coherence tomography system with continuous source-polarization modulation for in vivo burn depth evaluation and healing monitoring. A homemade hand-held probe with integrated optical scanning and beam delivering optics was coupled in the sample arm. In vivo burn imaging was demonstrated on porcine skin at different stages of the wound healing process, where porcine skin was used because of its similarity to the human skin. Thermally damaged region was clearly localized in the depth-resolved phase retardation image extracted from the measured Jones matrix. The burn areas in the OCT images agreed well with the histology. By using a decomposition algorithm developed by our group, we also mapped the local birefringence of the skin. The experimental results demonstrate the system’s potential for in vivo burn-depth determination.
Use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act (1984) in south Glasgow (2003)

AIMS AND METHOD A cross-sectional survey of the use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act
 
1984 in a defined urban area. Patients initially detained under civil sections
 
(Sections 24, 25, 26 and 18) between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 were
 
identified using the hospital information system and a hand search of section
 
papers. RESULTS There were 283 detentions involving 204 patients that lasted a median of 6
 
days. A total of 98% of patients were initially detained on a 72-hour
 ‘
emergency section’. A total of 61% had non-organic psychotic
 
disorders (172/283). Less than half of detentions were during the working
 
week. Consent was usually provided by the mental health officer or relatives,
 
but was not provided for 11% of detentions. Patients detained after admission
 
were more likely to be detained for a longer period (29 v. 3 days)
 
and to have their detention extended over 72 hours (64% v. 41%)
 
compared with those detained in the community. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This paper provides information on some of the gaps identified by recent
 
reviews of mental health legislation in Scotland and discusses the possible
 
impact of the changes proposed by the Millan Committee. The workload of
 
general adult consultant psychiatrists is likely to increase and the
 
proportion of patients detained without consent could also increase. The study
 
supports the differentiation of patients detained after admission from those
 
detained in the community, as the patterns of detention are different.
The relationship between motility and the FITC‐BSA binding properties of mouse epididymal spermatozoa (1983)

Mouse epididymal spermatozoa exposed to fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) immediately following dilution or after a 2-hour incubation period under fertilization conditions, were assessed by fluorescence microscopy for albumin adsorption. Motile spermatozoa exhibited light fluorescence in the midpiece and tail but not in the head. In contrast the majority of nonmotile spermatozoa displayed a strong and characteristic fluorescence in the post acrosomal region of the sperm head as well as the midpiece. Spermatozoa immobilised by short-term heat stress exhibited fluorescence in the post acrosomal region and midpiece as before but also in the acrosomal cap. The equatorial region failed to fluoresce. The significance of these observations on the involvement of albumin in capacitation is discussed.
Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing (2004)

Cleanser technology has come a long way from merely cleansing to providing mildness and moisturizing benefits as well. It is known that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause damage to skin proteins and lipids, leading to after-wash tightness, dryness, barrier damage, irritation, and even itch. In order for cleansers to provide skin-care benefits, they first must minimize surfactant damage to skin proteins and lipids. Secondly, they must deposit and deliver beneficial agents such as occlusives, skin lipids, and humectants under wash conditions to improve skin hydration, as well as mechanical and visual properties. While all surfactants tend to interact to some degree with lipids, their interaction with proteins can vary significantly, depending upon the nature of their functional head group. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies have shown that surfactants that cause significant skin irritation interact strongly with skin proteins. Based on this understanding, several surfactants and surfactant mixtures have been identified as "less irritating" mild surfactants because of their diminished interactions with skin proteins. Surfactants that interact minimally with both skin lipids and proteins are especially mild. Another factor that can aggravate surfactant-induced dryness and irritation is the pH of the cleanser. The present authors' recent studies demonstrate that high pH (pH 10) solutions, even in the absence of surfactants, can increase stratum corneum (SC) swelling and alter lipid rigidity, thereby suggesting that cleansers with neutral or acidic pH, close to SC-normal pH 5.5, may be potentially less damaging to the skin. Mildness enhancers and moisturizing agents such as lipids, occlusives, and humectants minimize damaging interactions between surfactants, and skin proteins and lipids, and thereby, reduce skin damage. In addition, these agents play an ameliorative role, replenishing the skin lipids lost during the wash period. The present review discusses the benefits of such agents and their respective roles in improving the overall health of the skin barrier.