gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Risk of Alzheimer's disease and duration of NSAID use (1997)

In a longitudinal study of 1,686 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we examined whether the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was reduced among reported users of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition, we examined use of acetaminophen, a pain-relief medication with little or no anti-inflammatory activity, to assess the specificity of the association between AD risk and self-reported medications. Information on use of medications was collected during each biennial examination between 1980 and 1995. The relative risk (RR) for AD decreased with increasing duration of NSAID use. Among those with 2 or more years of reported NSAID use, the RR was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.84) compared with 0.65 (95% CI: 0.33-1.29) for those with less than 2 years of NSAID use. The overall RR for AD among aspirin users was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.46-1.18), and no trend of decreasing risk of AD was observed with increasing duration of aspirin use. No association was found between AD risk and use of acetaminophen (RR = 1.35; 95% CI: 0.79-2.30), and there was no trend of decreasing risk with increasing duration of use. These findings are consistent with evidence from cross-sectional studies indicating protection against AD risk among NSAID users and with evidence suggesting that one stage of the pathophysiology leading to AD is characterized by an inflammatory process.
Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome: update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and photodynamic, antiangiogenic, and surgical therapies (2001)

Presumed ocular histoplasmosis involves the classic triad of discrete atrophic choroidal scars in the macula or midperiphery known as histo spots, peripapillary atrophy, and choroidal neovascularization, which leads to severe loss of central vision. The histo spots from which the choroidal neovascularization develop do not show active inflammation but do represent focal defects in Bruch membrane that could facilitate development of choroidal neovascularization. The macular photocoagulation studies unequivocally show the benefit of photocoagulation compared with observation in reducing the risk of vision loss in patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis, well defined extrafoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization, and choroidal neovascularization in the peripapillary area. However, laser treatment itself causes an absolute scotoma correlating with the site of the laser photocoagulation scar, and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization is not amenable to laser photocoagulation because this would cause a blinding central scotoma. Consequently, other treatments have been sought. The Verteporfin in Ocular Histoplasmosis study evaluated photodynamic therapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization caused by presumed ocular histoplasmosis and demonstrated stabilization of the choroidal neovascularization and visual acuity benefit. In addition to photodynamic therapy, antiangiogenic compounds are being developed for choroidal neovascularization caused by age-related macular degeneration, and these agents will likely be of benefit in presumed ocular histoplasmosis associated choroidal neovascularization. Finally, submacular surgery for the removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization has promising results. The results of these research efforts will produce more effective therapeutic approaches in the future.
ATP-dependent partitioning of the DNA template into supercoiled domains by Escherichia coli UvrAB. (1991)

The helicase action of the Escherichia coli UvrAB complex on a covalently closed circular DNA template was monitored using bacterial DNA topoisomerase I, which specifically removes negative supercoils. In the presence of E. coli DNA topoisomerase I and ATP, the UvrAB complex gradually introduced positive supercoils into the input relaxed plasmid DNA template. Positive supercoils were not produced when E. coli DNA topoisomerase I was replaced by eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I or when both E. coli and eukaryotic DNA topoisomerases I were added simultaneously. These results suggest that like other DNA helix-tracking processes, the ATP-dependent action of the UvrAB complex on duplex DNA simultaneously generates both positive and negative supercoils, which are not constrained by protein binding but are torsionally strained. The supercoiling activity of UvrAB on UV-damaged DNA was also studied using UV-damaged plasmid DNA and a mutant UvrA protein that lacks the 40 C-terminal amino acids and is defective in preferential binding to UV-damaged DNA. UvrAB was found to preferentially supercoil the UV-damaged DNA template, whereas the mutant protein supercoiled UV-damaged and undamaged DNA with equal efficiency. Our results therefore suggest that the DNA helix-tracking activity of UvrAB may be involved in searching and/or prepriming the damaged DNA for UvrC incision. A possible role of supercoiled domains in the incision process is discussed.
Cone‐beam computed tomography with a flat‐panel imager: Effects of image lag (1999)

A system for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been developed based upon the technology of active matrix flat-panel imagers (FPIs), and the system has demonstrated the potential for fully three-dimensional volumetric imaging with high spatial and contrast resolution. This paper investigates the effects of image lag (arising from charge trapping and release in the FPI pixels) upon CBCT reconstructions. Hypotheses were derived based upon a simple, geometrical/physical model, suggesting that image lag in the projection data results primarily in two artifacts: a spatial blurring artifact in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation (called a "comet") and a line artifact along the direction of the first few projections (called a "streak"). The hypotheses were tested by means of computer simulations and experimental measurements that yielded CBCT images of a simple cylindrical water phantom containing an attenuating rod of varying size and composition. The computer simulations generated projection images based upon analysis of the system geometry and a simple model of the FPI that allowed free adjustment of the image lag. Experimental measurements involved CBCT scans of the phantom under various conditions and modes of acquisition followed by examination of the resulting CBCT axial slices for lag artifacts. Measurements were performed as a function of exposure level, position and contrast of the rod, and for three modes of acquisition designed to isolate and/or minimize the two hypothesized artifacts. The results clearly illustrate the comet and streak artifacts, particularly in relation to high-contrast objects imaged at high exposure levels. The significance of such artifacts under clinical conditions is expected to be small, considering the magnitude of the effect relative to the morphology and composition of typical anatomy. The artifacts may become appreciable, however, in the presence of high-contrast objects, such as marker BBs, dental fillings, and metal prosthetics. A procedural method of reducing lag artifacts is demonstrated.
A Novel Mechanism for Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibition from the Crystal Structure of Its Complex with Catechol Estrogen (2005)

Catechol estrogens are steroid metabolites that elicit physiological responses through binding to a variety of cellular targets. We show here that catechol estrogens directly inhibit soluble adenylyl cyclases and the abundant trans-membrane adenylyl cyclases. Catechol estrogen inhibition is non-competitive with respect to the substrate ATP, and we solved the crystal structure of a catechol estrogen bound to a soluble adenylyl cyclase from Spirulina platensis in complex with a substrate analog. The catechol estrogen is bound to a newly identified, conserved hydrophobic patch near the active center but distinct from the ATP-binding cleft. Inhibitor binding leads to a chelating interaction between the catechol estrogen hydroxyl groups and the catalytic magnesium ion, distorting the active site and trapping the enzyme substrate complex in a non-productive conformation. This novel inhibition mechanism likely applies to other adenylyl cyclase inhibitors, and the identified ligand-binding site has important implications for the development of specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitors.
Conjoint Analysis in Consumer Research: Issues and Outlook (1978)

Abstract Since 1971 conjoint analysis has been applied to a wide variety of problems in consumer research. This paper discusses various issues involved in implementing conjoint analysis and describes some new technical developments and application areas for the methodology.
Influence of Thermal Annealing on Microstructures of Zinc Oxide Films Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering (2007)

The effects of postdeposition annealing at up to 350 °C on the crystallinity and thermal stability of sputter-deposited ZnO films have been investigated in terms of the deposition pressure. The average crystallite size and biaxial film stress of an as-deposited ZnO film is strongly related to the deposition pressure. A crystallization process during postdeposition annealing was only observed when the film was deposited under low pressure. Thermal desorption spectrometry (TDS) measurement revealed that Zn desorption from the ZnO film was suppressed with decreasing deposition pressure. Zn desorption from the films was correlated with rf plasma analysis results. It was found that oxygen was desorbed only from the films deposited at low pressure with annealing temperatures above 250 °C. This desorption of oxygen was strongly related to the crystallization process during postdeposition annealing.
The domains carrying the opposing activities in adenylyltransferase are separated by a central regulatory domain (2007)

Adenylyltransferase is a bifunctional enzyme that controls the enzymatic activity of dodecameric glutamine synthetase in Escherichia coli by reversible adenylylation and deadenylylation. Previous studies showed that the two similar but chemically distinct reactions are carried out by separate domains within adenylyltransferase. The N-terminal domain carries the deadenylylation activity, and the C-terminal domain carries the adenylylation activity [Jaggi R, van Heeswijk WC, Westerhoff HV, Ollis DL & Vasudevan SG (1997) EMBO J16, 5562-5571]. In this study, we further map the domain junctions of adenylyltransferase on the basis of solubility and enzymatic analysis of truncation constructs, and show for the first time that adenylyltransferase has three domains: the two activity domains and a central, probably regulatory (R), domain connected by interdomain Q-linkers (N-Q1-R-Q2-C). The various constructs, which have the opposing domain and or central domain removed, all retain their activity in the absence of their respective nitrogen status indicator, i.e. PII or PII-UMP. A panel of mAbs to adenylyltransferase was used to demonstrate that the cellular nitrogen status indicators, PII and PII-UMP, probably bind in the central regulatory domain to stimulate the adenylylation and deadenylylation reactions, respectively. In the light of these results, intramolecular signaling within adenylyltransferase is discussed.
Organization and chromosomal localization of the gene for the human bombesin receptor subtype expressed in pregnant uterus (1994)

The gene encoding the human homologue of the guinea pig uterine bombesin receptor [(1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 208, 405] was isolated from a genomic lambda library by the PCR/homology screening approach. The gene spans more than 4 kb and consists of 3 exons and 2 introns. The deduced amino acid sequence shows about 86% identity to that of guinea pig bombesin receptor. This subtype of bombesin receptor is expressed in the pregnant uterus and in two human tumour cell lines, T47D (ductal breast carcinoma) and A431 (epidermal carcinoma). PCR analysis of genomic DNA from human-mouse cell hybrids allows the cloned gene to be localized to the region q26-q28 on chromosome X.
Endometrial regenerative cells: A novel stem cell population (2007)

Angiogenesis is a critical component of the proliferative endometrial phase of the menstrual cycle. Thus, we hypothesized that a stem cell-like population exist and can be isolated from menstrual blood. Mononuclear cells collected from the menstrual blood contained a subpopulation of adherent cells which could be maintained in tissue culture for >68 doublings and retained expression of the markers CD9, CD29, CD41a, CD44, CD59, CD73, CD90 and CD105, without karyotypic abnormalities. Proliferative rate of the cells was significantly higher than control umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells, with doubling occurring every 19.4 hours. These cells, which we termed "Endometrial Regenerative Cells" (ERC) were capable of differentiating into 9 lineages: cardiomyocytic, respiratory epithelial, neurocytic, myocytic, endothelial, pancreatic, hepatic, adipocytic, and osteogenic. Additionally, ERC produced MMP3, MMP10, GM-CSF, angiopoietin-2 and PDGF-BB at 10-100,000 fold higher levels than two control cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cell lines. Given the ease of extraction and pluripotency of this cell population, we propose ERC as a novel alternative to current stem cells sources.
Riluzole, a Glutamate Release Inhibitor, Induces Loss of Righting Reflex, Antinociception, and Immobility in Response to Noxious Stimulation in Mice (2007)

These findings suggest that riluzole-induced LORR, immobility, and antinociception appear to be associated with its ability to inhibit glutamatergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Neurons cultured from developing rat brain attach and spread preferentially to laminin (1984)

Neurons, mechanically dissociated from newborn rat brain and identified by immunostaining for neurofilaments, attached preferentially to laminin-coated coverslips without need of an underlying glial monolayer. The most extensive neurite outgrowth was seen when 20-30 micrograms/ml of laminin was used to coat the coverslips. Higher concentrations of laminin (greater than 30 micrograms/ml) supported single neurons to spread on the coverslips. Fibronectin coating of the coverslips allowed glial cells to attach more rapidly than on uncoated surfaces, but it did not support neuronal spreading or neurite outgrowth. Spreading of neurons and neurite outgrowth were completely inhibited by preincubation of laminin-coated coverslips with laminin antibodies but were unaffected by fibronectin antibodies. These results indicate that laminin is an attachment and spreading factor for central neurons in culture and suggest the presence of a laminin receptor on the neuronal cell surfaces.
Energy minimization method using automata network for sequence and side‐chain conformation prediction from given backbone geometry (1994)

Globular proteins have high packing densities as a result of residue side chains in the core achieving a tight, complementary packing. The internal packing is considered the main determinant of native protein structure. From that point of view, we present here a method of energy minimization using an automata network to predict a set of amino acid sequences and their side-chain conformations from a desired backbone geometry for de novo design of proteins. Using discrete side-chain conformations, that is, rotamers, the sequence generation problem from a given backbone geometry becomes one of combinatorial problems. We focused on the residues composing the interior core region and predicted a set of amino acid sequences and their side-chain conformations only from a given backbone geometry. The kinds of residues were restricted to six hydrophobic amino acids (Ala, Ile, Met, Leu, Phe, and Val) because the core regions are almost always composed of hydrophobic residues. The obtained sequences were well packed as was the native sequence. The method can be used for automated sequence generation in the de novo design of proteins.
Assessment of Wave Energy Extraction From Seas: Numerical Validation (2012)

In developing a wave energy converter (WEC), assessing and rating the device is a difficult, but important issue. Conventionally, a large scaled device (maybe large enough for accommodating a power takeoff (PTO) system) or prototype device is needed to be tested in wave tanks or in seas in different wave conditions so that a power matrix for the device can be defined using scaling or interpolation/extrapolation methods. Alternatively, a pure numerical simulation in time-domain may be used for assessing the power capture capacities of wave energy devices. For the former, it is convincing, but can be especially difficult in the early stages of development, when small scaled models are normally used; and for the latter, the pure numerical simulation may not be very reliable and convincing, especially when the dynamic problem is very complicated. In this paper, a method for assessing the captured wave power for a device from its power capture response is presented. In the proposed method, a measured or calculated linear power capture response of the device is combined with wave spectrum to compute the average captured power function. Once the average captured power function is obtained, the overall average captured power corresponding to the wave state can be easily calculated. If a linear power capture response is obtained from a model test, the power assessment based on this proposed method can be very convincing and reliable. To illustrate the application of the proposed method, an example of a fully linear dynamic system, including the linear hydrodynamics of the floating structure and a linear power takeoff, is considered. For such a system, the frequency-domain analysis can be employed to obtain the performance of the floating device under waves and the power takeoff system. The hydrodynamic performance of the wave energy converter is then used to define the power capture response and to calculate the average captured power functions in different sea states. Then, the captured power of the device in different sea states, i.e, the power matrix, can be calculated, and accordingly, the device can be assessed and rated. To validate the proposed method, a time-domain analysis is also performed for a cross-check. In the time-domain analysis, the hydrodynamic coefficients and responses are first assessed in frequency-domain, and then transformed into the relevant terms by means of impulse response functions for establishing the time-domain (TD) equation. By comparing the results from frequency-domain and time-domain analyses of irregular waves, it can be concluded that the proposed wave energy capture assessment method can be used in assessing or rating the device.
Rapidly–Dissolvable Microneedle Patches Via a Highly Scalable and Reproducible Soft Lithography Approach (2013)

Microneedle devices for transdermal drug delivery have recently become an attractive method to overcome the diffusion-limiting epidermis and effectively transport therapeutics to the body. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of highly reproducible and completely dissolvable polymer microneedles on flexible water-soluble substrates. These biocompatible microneedles (made by using a soft lithography process known as PRINT) showed efficacy in piercing both murine and human skin samples and delivering a fluorescent drug surrogate to the tissue.
Hydroformylierung von Buta-1,3-dien und butadienhaltigen Kohlenwasserstoffraktionen nach dem Zweiphasenverfahren (1998)

Two-phase Hydroformylation of Buta-1,3-diene and Hydrocarbon Mixtures Containing Buta-1,3-diene The two-phase hydroformylation of buta-1,3-diene with (HRh(CO)[P(m-C6H4SO3Na)3]3 the Kuntz catalyst system with excess P(m-C6H4SO3Na)3) gives high yields of C5-monoaldehydes. Main product in this mixture is the reactive trans- and cis-pent-3-enal. In consecutive reactions the pent-3-enal is partially hydrogenated to n-pentanal, but also-favoured by the protolytic milieu of the two-phase reaction- aldol condensated to 2-propenylheptadienal. The hydrogenation product of the propenylheptadienal, 2-propylheptanol-1, is a good plasticizer alcohol with a wanted low vapour pressure. Especially promising is the two-phase hydroformylation of the unrefined C4-fraction of the naphtha pyrolysis: after a more than 95 per cent conversion of the buta-1,3-diene also more than 80 per cent of the n-but-1-ene in the C4-fraction is hydroformylated mainly to wanted n-pentanal. Less than 5–10% of the n-but-2-enes and the isobutene in the C4-fraction react under these conditions to oxo-products (2- and 3-methylbutanal). Acetylenic compounds in the C4-fraction are converted quantitatively into products.
Experimental study of photocurrent imbalance in a 42.7-Gb/s DPSK receiver under strong optical filtering (2005)

We study the effect of optical filter concatenation on a 42.7-Gb/s, 67% duty cycle RZ-DPSK signal and show that system performance can be greatly improved when the balanced DPSK receiver is intentionally amplitude imbalanced.
Screening for Hypothyroidism in Sleep Apnea (1999)

Primary sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]) and hypothyroidism have many signs and symptoms in common. The overlap in clinical presentation, and the sleep-disordered breathing that can accompany hypothyroidism, create a significant risk of misdiagnosis of sleep apnea among patients referred to sleep clinic who have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. We determined the point prevalence of hypothyroidism in our sleep clinic patients with newly diagnosed sleep-disordered breathing. Of 290 sequential patients referred to sleep clinic, 200 (69%) patients judged at high risk for OSA underwent polysomnography (PSG) and biochemical screening for hypothyroidism. Of these, 124 (62%) were judged to have sleep apnea. This included three patients (1.5% of patients undergoing PSG or 2. 4% of those judged to have OSA) who were also discovered to have previously undiagnosed hypothyroidism. These three patients with "secondary" sleep apnea were treated with thyroxine therapy alone, and followed with sequential sleep studies and serum thyroid hormone assays; symptoms, sleep-disordered breathing, nocturnal hypoxia, and thyroid deficiency resolved simultaneously. We conclude that biochemical screening for hypothyroidism is required to prevent inadvertent misdiagnosis of hypothyroid sleep-disordered breathing as primary sleep apnea, and that it is a cost-effective component of the investigation of sleep apnea.
Deterministic hydrodynamics: Taking blood apart (2006)

We show the fractionation of whole blood components and isolation of blood plasma with no dilution by using a continuous-flow deterministic array that separates blood components by their hydrodynamic size, independent of their mass. We use the technology we developed of deterministic arrays which separate white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets from blood plasma at flow velocities of 1,000 microm/sec and volume rates up to 1 microl/min. We verified by flow cytometry that an array using focused injection removed 100% of the lymphocytes and monocytes from the main red blood cell and platelet stream. Using a second design, we demonstrated the separation of blood plasma from the blood cells (white, red, and platelets) with virtually no dilution of the plasma and no cellular contamination of the plasma.