gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Structured Discriminative Model For Dialog State Tracking (2013)

Many dialog state tracking algorithms have been limited to generative modeling due to the influence of the Partially Observable Markov Decision Process framework. Recent analyses, however, raised fundamental questions on the effectiveness of the generative formulation. In this paper, we present a structured discriminative model for dialog state tracking as an alternative. Unlike generative models, the proposed method affords the incorporation of features without having to consider dependencies between observations. It also provides a flexible mechanism for imposing relational constraints. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we applied it to the Let’s Go domain (Raux et al., 2005). The results show that the proposed model is superior to the baseline and generative model-based systems in accuracy, discrimination, and robustness to mismatches between training and test datasets. 1
Tissue Engineering of Pulmonary Heart Valves on Allogenic Acellular Matrix Conduits (2000)

Background —Tissue engineering using in vitro–cultivated autologous vascular wall cells is a new approach to biological heart valve replacement. In the present study, we analyzed a new concept to process allogenic acellular matrix scaffolds of pulmonary heart valves after in vitro seeding with the use of autologous cells in a sheep model. Methods and Results —Allogenic heart valve conduits were acellularized by a 48-hour trypsin/EDTA incubation to extract endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. The acellularization procedure resulted in an almost complete removal of cells. After that procedure, a static reseeding of the upper surface of the valve was performed sequentially with autologous myofibroblasts for 6 days and endothelial cells for 2 days, resulting in a patchy cellular restitution on the valve surface. The in vivo function was tested in a sheep model of orthotopic pulmonary valve conduit transplantation. Three of 4 unseeded control valves and 5 of 6 tissue-engineered valves showed normal function up to 3 months. Unseeded allogenic acellular control valves showed partial degeneration (2 of 4 valves) and no interstitial valve tissue reconstitution. Tissue-engineered valves showed complete histological restitution of valve tissue and confluent endothelial surface coverage in all cases. Immunohistological analysis revealed cellular reconstitution of endothelial cells (von Willebrand factor), myofibroblasts (α-actin), and matrix synthesis (procollagen I). There were histological signs of inflammatory reactions to subvalvar muscle leading to calcifications, but these were not found in valve and pulmonary artery tissue. Conclusions —The in vitro tissue-engineering approach using acellular matrix conduits leads to the in vivo reconstitution of viable heart valve tissue.
Effect of hepatic denervation on peripheral insulin sensitivity in conscious dogs (2002)

We tested the hypothesis that the loss of hepatic nerves decreases peripheral insulin sensitivity. Surgical hepatic denervation (DN) was performed in 22 dogs approximately 16 days before study; 7 dogs (Sham-Sal) had a sham procedure. A euglycemic hyperinsulinemic (1 mU x kg(-1) x min(-1); arterial insulin 35 +/- 1 microU/ml in all dogs) clamp was performed in conscious dogs. From 0 to 90 min of the clamp, all dogs received the same treatment; then the DN dogs were divided into three groups. From 90 to 180 min, DN-PeA (n = 7) and DN-PoA (n = 7) groups received acetylcholine 2.5 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) via peripheral or portal vein, respectively, and DN-Sal (n = 8) received no acetylcholine. During 150-180 min, the Sham-Sal, DN-Sal, DN-PeA, and DN-PoA groups exhibited glucose infusion rates of 12.4 +/- 0.8, 9.3 +/- 0.8 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), 9.1 +/- 0.1 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), and 12.7 +/- 1.6 mg. kg(-1) x min(-1); nonhepatic glucose uptakes of 11.5 +/- 0.9, 8.9 +/- 0.7 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), 8.6 +/- 0.9 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), and 11.9 +/- 1.7 mg. kg(-1). min(-1); net hindlimb glucose uptakes of 18.4 +/- 2.1, 13.7 +/- 1.1 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), 17.5 +/- 1.9, and 16.7 +/- 3.2 mg/min; and glucose utilization rates of 14.4 +/- 1.4, 10.4 +/- 0.8 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), 9.8 +/- 0.9 (P < 0.05 vs. Sham-Sal), and 13.6 +/- 1.8 mg. kg(-1) x min(-1), respectively. DN caused peripheral insulin resistance, and intraportal but not peripheral acetylcholine restored insulin sensitivity.
Growth Enhancement of shrunken-2 (sh2) Sweet Corn by Trichoderma harzianum 1295-22: Effect of Environmental Stress (1998)

Sweet corn ( Zea mays L.) varieties carrying the sh2 gene are in high demand, but such varieties have poor stress tolerance, especially during plant establishment. Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain 1295-22 is a biocontrol fungus developed to provide season-long colonization of crop roots. It has the potential to reduce root rot and increase root growth. In the absence of detectable disease, colonization by Trichoderma increased root and shoot growth by an average of 66%. The enhancement was not uniform among the plants. Low- and intermediate-vigor plants were larger in the presence of Trichoderma , but high-vigor plants were not further enhanced by the fungus. Seeds that were subjected to oxidative stress with 0.05% NaOCI had much-reduced vigor; subsequent treatment with Trichoderma fully restored vigor. This result indicates that the damage caused by hypochlorite is specifically repaired by Trichoderma. Treatment of imbibed but unemerged seeds with cold (5/10 °C night/day) for varying periods reduced subsequent growth. Plants with Trichoderma -colonized roots were 70% larger at all durations of cold treatment. The absence of interation indicates the growth reduction due to cold and the growth enhancement due to Trichoderma are by different mechanisms. Allelopathic reduction in root growth by rye was mimicked by applying benzoxazolinone to the soil. Trichoderma -colonized roots grew faster, but the characteristic shortening of the radicle still occurred. There was no interaction between Trichoderma and allelopathy, indicating that these two treatments affect growth by independent mechanisms. The different ways that growth was enhanced by Trichoderma lead us to propose that this fungus acts, in part, by reversing injurious oxidation of lipids and membrane proteins. Root growth is markedly enhanced by colonization with Trichoderma harzianum. This enhancement can restore some stress-induced growth reduction and may directly reverse oxidative injury.
NETosis in cancer (2015)

A large proportion of cancer-related deaths are caused by thrombosis and general organ failure. Although the awareness of tumor-induced systemic effects has increased significantly in recent years, current knowledge is still mainly restricted to metastatic sites. Surprisingly little is known about the situation in organs that are not targets for metastasis or directly affected by the primary tumor. We therefore decided to look deeper into this relatively unexplored field of cancer research. For obvious reasons human biopsy material from tissues not affected by tumor cells, in an individual with cancer, are rare and mouse models therefore become important tools for such investigations. Using two different orthotopic and spontaneously metastasizing tumor models - the RIP1-Tag2 model for insulinoma with metastasis to the liver and the MMTV-PyMT model for mammary carcinoma with lung metastasis - we analyzed the presence of hematopoietic cells in organs which do not represent sites for primary tumor growth. There was a significant increase in the number of neutrophils in heart and kidneys of tumor-bearing mice compared to healthy individuals [1]. In mice with cancer, peripheral organs displayed systemic inflammation and impaired vascular function, which was restored upon neutrophil depletion. Platelet/neutrophil complexes, indicative of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), were found in kidney and heart from tumor-bearing mice, while these complexes were completely absent in the corresponding tissues from healthy mice. Indeed, analysis of peripheral blood confirmed the presence of neutrophils with extracellular DNA-tails in tumor-bearing mice.
Glabrene and Isoliquiritigenin as Tyrosinase Inhibitors from Licorice Roots (2003)

Tyrosinase is known to be a key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, involved in determining the color of mammalian skin and hair. Various dermatological disorders, such as melasama, age spots, and sites of actinic damage, arise from the accumulation of an excessive level of epidermal pigmentation. The inadequacy of current therapies to treat these conditions as well as high cytotoxicity and mutagenicity, poor skin penetration, and low stability of formulations led us to seek new whitening agents to meet the medical requirements for depigmenting agents. The inhibitory effect of licorice extract on tyrosinase activity was higher than that expected from the level of glabridin in the extract. This led us to test for other components that may contribute to this strong inhibitory activity. Results indicated that glabrene and isoliquiritigenin (2',4',4-trihydroxychalcone) in the licorice extract can inhibit both mono- and diphenolase tyrosinase activities. The IC(50) values for glabrene and isoliquiritigenin were 3.5 and 8.1 microM, respectively, when tyrosine was used as substrate. The effects of glabrene and isoliquiritigenin on tyrosinase activity were dose-dependent and correlated to their ability to inhibit melanin formation in melanocytes. This is the first study indicating that glabrene and isoliquiritigenin exert varying degrees of inhibition on tyrosinase-dependent melanin biosynthesis, suggesting that isoflavenes and chalcones may serve as candidates for skin-lightening agents.
Essential Role of Cyclization Sequences in Flavivirus RNA Replication (2001)

A possible role in RNA replication for interactions between conserved complementary (cyclization) sequences in the 5'- and 3'-terminal regions of Flavivirus RNA was previously suggested but never tested in vivo. Using the M-fold program for RNA secondary-structure predictions, we examined for the first time the base-pairing interactions between the covalently linked 5' genomic region (first ~160 nucleotides) and the 3' untranslated region (last ~115 nucleotides) for a range of mosquito-borne Flavivirus species. Base-pairing occurred as predicted for the previously proposed conserved cyclization sequences. In order to obtain experimental evidence of the predicted interactions, the putative cyclization sequences (5' or 3') in the replicon RNA of the mosquito-borne Kunjin virus were mutated either separately, to destroy base-pairing, or simultaneously, to restore the complementarity. None of the RNAs with separate mutations in only the 5' or only the 3' cyclization sequences was able to replicate after transfection into BHK cells, while replicon RNA with simultaneous compensatory mutations in both cyclization sequences was replication competent. This was detected by immunofluorescence for expression of the major nonstructural protein NS3 and by Northern blot analysis for amplification and accumulation of replicon RNA. We then used the M-fold program to analyze RNA secondary structure of the covalently linked 5'- and 3'-terminal regions of three tick-borne virus species and identified a previously undescribed additional pair of conserved complementary sequences in locations similar to those of the mosquito-borne species. They base-paired with DeltaG values of approximately -20 kcal, equivalent or greater in stability than those calculated for the originally proposed cyclization sequences. The results show that the base-pairing between 5' and 3' complementary sequences, rather than the nucleotide sequence per se, is essential for the replication of mosquito-borne Kunjin virus RNA and that more than one pair of cyclization sequences might be involved in the replication of the tick-borne Flavivirus species.
Intercellular junctions and the application of microscopical techniques: the cardiac gap junction as a case model (1993)

Intercellular junctions are fundamental to the interactions between cells. By means of these junctions, the activities of the individual cells that make up tissues are co-ordinated, enabling each tissue system to function as an integrated whole. In this review, the work of the authors on one specific type of junction--the cardiac gap junction--is presented as a case model to illustrate how the application of a range of microscopical methods, as part of a multidisciplinary approach, can help extend our understanding of cell junctions and their functions. In the heart, gap junctions form the low-resistance pathways for rapid impulse conduction and propagation, enabling synchronous stimulation of myocyte contraction. Gap junctions also form pathways for direct intercellular communication, a function of particular importance for morphogenetic signalling during development. The work discussed demonstrates some of the applications of techniques in electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and confocal scanning laser microscopy to the understanding of the structural basis of the function of gap junctions in the normal adult heart, the developing heart and the diseased heart. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of heart tissue prepared by rapid freezing techniques, in which excision-related structural damage to the cells is minimized or avoided, makes it possible to deduce the structure of the functioning gap junction in vivo. Gap junctions in hearts that are beating normally in the living animal until the very instant of freezing consist of connexons (transmembrane channels) organized in a quasi-crystalline arrangement, not a 'random' arrangement as proposed in the original hypothesis on the structural correlates of gap junction function. Alterations in connexon arrangement occur in response to ischaemia and hypoxia, though the relationship of these to gap-junctional permeability is indirect. To obtain probes for mapping the distribution of gap junctions in cardiac tissue, polyclonal antisera to synthetic peptides matching portions of the sequence of connexin43, the major gap-junctional protein reported in the heart, were raised. The specificity of the antisera was confirmed by dot blotting, Western blotting and by immunogold labelling of isolated gap junctions. One antiserum (that raised to residues 131-142) was found to be particularly effective as a cytochemical probe. An immunofluorescence labelling procedure for use with confocal scanning laser microscopy was developed to enable the three-dimensional precision mapping of gap junctions through thick slices of cardiac tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: current understanding and progress toward integrative prevention. (2008)

Alzheimer's disease, AD, is the most common form of dementia. AD initially targets memory and progressively destroys the mind. The brain atrophies as the neocortex suffers neuronal, synaptic, and dendritic losses, and the hallmark amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles proliferate. Pharmacological management, at best, is palliative and transiently effective, with marked adverse effects. Certain nutrients intrinsic to human biochemistry (orthomolecules) match or exceed pharmacological drug benefits in double-blind, randomized, controlled trials, with superior safety. Early intervention is feasible because its heritability is typically minimal and pathological deterioration is detectable years prior to diagnosis. The syndrome amnestic mild cognitive impairment exhibits AD pathology and to date has frustrated attempts at intervention. The condition age-associated memory impairment is a nonpathological extreme of normal brain aging, but with less severe cognitive impairment than amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Age-associated memory impairment is a feasible target for early intervention against AD, beginning with the modifiable AD risk factors - smoking, hypertension, homocysteine, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. Stress reduction, avoidance of toxins, and mental and physical exercise are important aspects of prevention. The diet should emphasize omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid; flavonoids and other antioxidant nutrients; and B vitamins, especially folate, B6 and B12. Dietary supplementation is best focused on those proven from randomized, controlled trials: the phospholipids phosphatidylserine and glycerophosphocholine, the energy nutrient acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants. A comprehensive integrative strategy initiated early in cognitive decline is the most pragmatic approach to controlling progression to Alzheimer's disease.
Preparation and Evaluation of Unimolecular Pentavalent and Hexavalent Antigenic Constructs Targeting Prostate and Breast Cancer:  A Synthetic Route to Anticancer Vaccine Candidates (2006)

Several novel, fully synthetic, carbohydrate-based antitumor vaccines have been assembled. Each construct consists of multiple cancer-related antigens displayed on a single polypeptide backbone. Recent advances in synthetic methodology have allowed for the incorporation of a complex oligosaccharide terminating in a sialic acid residue (i.e., GM2) as one of the carbohydrate antigens. Details of the vaccine synthesis as well as the results of preliminary immunological investigations are described herein.
CDKN2A mutations and melanoma risk in the Icelandic population (2008)

This population based study of Icelandic melanoma cases and controls showed a frequency of disease related CDKN2A mutant alleles ranging from 0.7% to 1.0%, thus expanding our knowledge about the frequency of CDKN2A mutations in different populations. In contrast to North America and Australia where a broad spectrum of mutations was observed at a similar frequency, in Iceland, functional CDKN2A mutations consist of only one or two different variants. Additional genetic and/or environmental factors are likely critical for explaining the high incidence rates for melanoma in Iceland. This study adds to the geographic regions for which population based estimates of CDKN2A mutation frequencies are available.
Exponential analysis in physical phenomena (1999)

Many physical phenomena are described by first-order differential equations whose solution is an exponential decay. Determining the time constants and amplitudes of exponential decays from the experimental data is a common task in semiconductor physics (deep level transient spectroscopy), biophysics (fluorescence decay analysis), nuclear physics and chemistry (radioactive decays, nuclear magnetic resonance), chemistry and electrochemistry (reaction kinetics) and medical imaging. This review article discusses the fundamental mathematical limitations of exponential analysis, outlines the critical aspects of acquisition of exponential transients for subsequent analysis, and gives a comprehensive overview of numerical algorithms used in exponential analysis. In the first part of the article the resolution of exponential analysis as a function of noise in input decays is discussed. It is shown that two exponential decays can be resolved in a transient only if the ratio of their time constants is greater than the resolution limit, which can be explicitly calculated from the signal-to-noise ratio in the transient. Although the signal-to-noise ratio is generally limited by the sensitivity of the equipment, it is shown that digitalization of the decays may be a major source of noise. The requirements for type of analog-to-digital converter, number of digitized data points and duration of digitized transients, which must be met to obtain the theoretical resolution limit and to improve stability of the exponential analysis, are formulated. The second part of the review article gives an overview and comparison of major numerical techniques of exponential analysis, such as the nonlinear least squares fit, the Prony method, the method of modulating functions, the method of moments, the Laplace–Padé approximation, the Tikhonov regularization method, the Gardner transformation, the method of maximum entropy and others.
Wavelength modulation spectroscopy—digital detection of gas absorption harmonics based on Fourier analysis (2015)

This work presents a detailed study of the theoretical aspects of the Fourier analysis method, which has been utilized for gas absorption harmonic detection in wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). The lock-in detection of the harmonic signal is accomplished by studying the phase term of the inverse Fourier transform of the Fourier spectrum that corresponds to the harmonic signal. The mathematics and the corresponding simulation results are given for each procedure when applying the Fourier analysis method. The present work provides a detailed view of the WMS technique when applying the Fourier analysis method.
Pulmonary exacerbations are associated with subsequent FEV1 decline in both adults and children with cystic fibrosis (2010)

There is a strong association between the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations and subsequent decline in pulmonary function. In adults, having 3+ exacerbations, and among children, having any exacerbations is associated with a greater rate of decline in the ensuing 3 years. Improved prevention, identification, and treatment of pulmonary exacerbations are likely to have long-term benefits for patients with CF, especially children.
The Role of Vasopressin in Vasodilatory Septic Shock (2004)

Septic shock that requires therapy with adrenergic agents is associated with high rates of mortality. Inappropriately normal or low serum concentrations of vasopressin contribute to the development of hypotension during sepsis. We critically evaluated the role of administering exogenous vasopressin to patients with septic shock. A computerized search of MEDLINE from January 1966--December 2003 and a manual search of relevant journals for abstracts were conducted. Eleven retrospective, six prospective cohort, and four prospective randomized studies were identified. Most studies evaluated short-term infusions of vasopressin at 0.08 U/minute or less as add-on therapy in patients requiring adrenergic agents. The results show that starting vasopressin in patients with septic shock increases systemic vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure, thus reducing the dosage requirements of adrenergic agents. These effects are rapid and sustained. Substantial enhancement of urine production, likely due to increased glomerular filtration rate, was shown in several studies. A few studies demonstrated clinically significant reduced cardiac output or cardiac index after vasopressin was begun, necessitating cautious use in patients with cardiac dysfunction. Vasopressin was associated with ischemia of the mesenteric mucosa, skin, and myocardium; elevated hepatic transaminase and bilirubin concentrations; hyponatremia; and thrombocytopenia. Limiting the dosage to 0.03 U/minut or less may minimize the development of these adverse effects. Vasopressin 0.03 U/minute or less should be considered if response to one or two adrenergic agents is inadequate or as a method to reduce the dosage of adrenergic agents. At present, vasopressin therapy should not be started as first-line therapy. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimum dosage, duration, and place in therapy of vasopressin relative to adrenergic agents. A multicenter, comparative study of vasopressin 0.03 U/minute as add-on therapy is under way and should provide mortality data.