gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Sodium Channel Nav1.7 Is Essential for Lowering Heat Pain Threshold after Burn Injury (2012)

Marked hypersensitivity to heat and mechanical (pressure) stimuli develop after a burn injury, but the neural mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. In this study, we establish a new mouse model of focal second-degree burn injury to investigate the molecular and cellular basis for burn injury-induced pain. This model features robust injury-induced behavioral effects and tissue-specific altered cytokine profile, but absence of glial activation in spinal dorsal horn. Three voltage-gated sodium channels, Na(v)1.7, Na(v)1.8, and Na(v)1.9, are preferentially expressed in peripheral somatosensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and have been implicated in injury-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. Using knock-out mice, we provide evidence that Na(v)1.7 selectively contributes to burn-induced hypersensitivity to heat, but not mechanical, stimuli. After burn model injury, wild-type mice display increased sensitivity to heat stimuli, and a normally non-noxious warm stimulus induces activity-dependent Fos expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Strikingly, both effects are absent in Na(v)1.7 conditional knock-out (cKO) mice. Furthermore, burn injury increases density and shifts activation of tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents in a hyperpolarized direction, both pro-excitatory properties, in DRG neurons from wild-type but not Na(v)1.7 cKO mice. We propose that, in sensory neurons damaged by burn injury to the hindpaw, Na(v)1.7 currents contribute to the hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, their communication with postsynaptic spinal pain pathways, and behavioral thresholds to heat stimuli. Our results offer insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of modality-specific pain signaling, and suggest Na(v)1.7-blocking drugs may be effective in burn patients.
Small interfering RNA-mediated suppression of Ccl2 in Müller cells attenuates microglial recruitment and photoreceptor death following retinal degeneration (2012)

Our data indicate that Ccl2 expression by Müller cells promotes the infiltration of monocytes/microglia, thereby contributing to the neuroinflammatory response and photoreceptor death following retinal injury. Modulation of exaggerated chemokine responses using siRNA may have value in reducing inflammation-mediated cell death in retinal degenerative disease such as AMD.
Phonon confinement effect of silicon nanowires synthesized by laser ablation (2005)

A gradual downshift and asymmetric broadening of the Si optical phonon peak were observed by Raman scattering measurements of continuously thermally oxidized silicon nanowires (SiNWs) synthesized by laser ablation. This downshift and broadening can be interpreted by the phonon confinement effect. Further thermal oxidation produced a reverse change; namely, an upshift of the optical phonon peak. This is considered to be due to compressive stress since this stress was relieved by removing the oxide layers formed around the SiNW cores, resulting in a downshift of the optical phonon peak.
Group Behavior and Learning in Electronic Forums: A Sociotechnical Approach (2003)

Abstract The term community is widely and often uncritically used to characterize groupings of people who meet in electronic forums (e-forums). The research reported here shows how the casual use of the term community to characterize these groups can actually undermine their transformation into forms of social organization that are justifiably characterized as communities. This article examines how transforming a group into a community is a major accomplishment that requires special processes and practices. Primary data come from a particular project, the Inquiry Learning Forum (ILF), that aimed to develop "communities of practice" (CoPs) among high school science and mathematics teachers through an elaborate dedicated web site. We examine participants' behaviors in some of the differently structured forums within the ILF web site. While the project's developers expected CoPs to develop autonomously, there was no evidence of CoP formation in open public online forums. The article contrasts two approaches to building online communities that differ sharply: "IT-led community development" and "IT-supported community development." The experience of the ILF project shows that IT-led strategies community development strategies are much more difficult to make workable than are the "IT-supported" strategies. Keywords: Communities Group Formation Internet Professional Development Virtual Communities
Observations on the production and development of replacement reproductives of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder. (1990)

Two nests with mature colonies of Reticulitermcs chinensis Snyder were dug out monthly from the field and brought into the laboratory for sorting out the castes and rearing them as separated initial colonies to observe the production and development of replacement reproduc-tives. The initial colonies were of two categories: one consisting only workers and soldiers (about 3%), each containing 100, 200 and 300 individuals; the other consisting workers, soldiers (3%) and nymphs (10%), each containing 50, 100, 200 and 300 individuals. According to the presence and size of wings or wingbuds, the replacement reproductives appearing in these initial colonies were classified into wingscale forms, long wingbud forms, short wingbud forms, microwingbud forms and wingbudless forms. The initial colonies consisting workers, foldiers and nymphs could be reared out many castes of replacement reproductives; but most of the initial colonies consisting workers and soldiers could only be reared out microwingbud replacement reproductives. Short wingbud forms, microwingbud forms and wingbudless forms could appear after some times. The frequencies of appearance and numbers of reproductives from the different initial colonies and their capacity to start egg-laying were also observed.
Atmospheric pressure plasma activation as a surface pre-treatment for the adhesive bonding of aluminum 2024 (2013)

A low-temperature, atmospheric pressure helium and oxygen plasma has been used for the surface preparation of aluminum 2024 prior to adhesive bonding. The plasma converted the aluminum from a water contact angle (WCA) of 79° to down to 38° within 5 s of exposure, while sanding reduced the WCA to only 51°. Characterization of the aluminum surface by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a decrease in carbon contamination from 70 to 36% and an increase in the oxygen content from 22 to 50% following plasma treatment. Similar trends were observed for sanded surfaces. Lap shear results demonstrated bond strengths of 30 ± 2 MPa for the sanded aluminum vs. 33 ± 1 MPa for plasma-treated aluminum, where sol–gel and primer coatings were added to the surface preparation. Following seven days of aging, wedge crack extension tests revealed cohesive failure percentages of 86, 92, and 96% for sanded, plasma-treated, and sanded/plasma-treated aluminum, respectively. These results indicate that atmospheric pressure plasmas are an attractive alternative to acid treatment or abrasion techniques for surface preparation prior to bonding.
Ultrastructure of acetylcholine receptor clusters on cultured muscle fibers. (1976)

The structure of regions with a high concentration of ACh receptors (clusters) on cultured skeletal muscle myotubes was examined by immunoperoxidase staining of bound alphaBT. The clusters did not appear to differ from the other regions except in their higher concentration of receptor.
A1‐, A2A‐ and A3‐subtype adenosine receptors modulate intraocular pressure in the mouse (2001)

Despite the potential importance of the mouse in studying the pharmacology of aqueous dynamics, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in its very small eye has been problematic. Utilizing a novel servo-null electrophysiologic approach recently applied to the mouse, we have identified a diversity of adenosine-receptor mechanisms in modulating IOP in this species. We report the first evidence that A(3) receptors increase IOP in any species, and verify in the mouse reports with larger mammals that A(1) receptors lower and A(2A) receptors increase IOP.
Thalidomide Is Active Alone and in Combination with Fludarabine in Fludarabine-Relapsed and Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. (2004)

Abstract Background: CLL is a lymphoproliferative disease characterized by an accumulation of malignant lymphocytes due to a defect in apoptosis. CLL lymphocytes demonstrate increased NF-κB activity, which may play a role in mediating resistance to fludarabine. Additionally, several cytokines have been linked to enhanced CLL survival, including TNF-α, bFGF, and VEGF. Given thalidomide’s ability to inhibit these cytokines and NF-κB activity, we investigated whether thalidomide, either alone or in combination with fludarabine, is an effective treatment for pts with CLL previously treated with fludarabine. Methods: CLL pts requiring therapy as defined by NCI-WG criteria and who were previously treated with fludarabine were eligible. Pts were randomized to receive either thalidomide alone (T) or in combination with fludarabine (FT). Thalidomide was started at a dose of 200 mg qHS and adjusted as tolerated. Pts assigned to FT started thalidomide prior to receiving fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m2 each day x 5 days x 6 cycles. Results: 13 pts have been enrolled, 8 men/5 women, median age=60, (range 48–68), 4 pts refractory to fludarabine, randomized to receive either T (6) or FT (7). The median dose of thalidomide was 200 mg qHS (range 50–450). Of the 10 evaluable pts, there have been 1 CR (FT), 3 PRs (1T, 2FT), and 2 hematologic improvements (1T/1FT). Of interest, 5 pts on T developed tumor flares, characterized by fevers, increased size and tenderness of lymph nodes, increased lymphocyte counts, and decreased hemoglobin and platelet counts. These symptoms resolved with either continued treatment (3 pts) or temporarily discontinuing the thalidomide and re-introducing it at a dose of 50 mg (2 pts). Patients on T demonstrated hematologic improvement (HI) prior to decreases in lymph node size. Figs 1 and 2 illustrate two patients with tumor flares followed by marked HI, but only minimal improvement in LAD. Pt in fig 1 continued on T, while pt in fig 2 had T held for 4 weeks. Overall, therapy was tolerated, with grade 3 toxicities being: neuropathy(2)(requiring T dose reduction), sedation(1), catheter thrombosis(1), febrile neutropenia(1), infection(3), none requiring discontinuation of therapy. Conclusion: Thalidomide demonstrates activity alone and in combination with fludarabine as treatment for CLL. Further data are required to see if FT can increase the response rate over historical controls for patients who relapse after fludarabine. The addition of F to T appears to ameliorate the development of a tumor flare.
High frequency ultrasound imaging with optical arrays (1998)

Dynamically focused and steered high frequency ultrasound imaging systems require arrays with fine element spacing, wide bandwidths, and large apertures. However, these characteristics are difficult to achieve at frequencies greater than 30 MHz using conventional array construction methods. Optical schemes offer a solution. Focused laser beams incident on a suitable surface can generate and detect acoustic radiation. Precisely controlling the position and size of the beams defines points of transmission and detection, making it possible for pulse-echo image formation by synthetic aperture methods. An optical detection array was built, relying on a conventional piezoelectric transducer as an ultrasound source. The detection system, with near optimal resolution over a wide depth of field, demonstrates the potential for high frequency array implementation using optical techniques. A possible application is in pathology, where 2-D or 3-D fine resolution pulse-echo imaging can be performed in situ without the need for biopsies.
Self-Assembly of Photochromic Diarylethenes with Amphiphilic Side Chains:  Reversible Thermal and Photochemical Control (2006)

Diarylethene derivatives with hexaethylene glycol side chains were synthesized and their self-assembling and photochromic reactivity were investigated. The diarylethenes showed photochromism in organic solvents and even in water. The aqueous solution of the compounds turned turbid quickly upon heating. The clouding behavior was investigated using 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and absorption spectroscopy. It was revealed that, in the aqueous solution, the compounds self-assembled into aggregates, and the aggregates were loosened by raising the temperature. The cloud-point temperature of the closed-ring isomer was 5-7 degrees C lower than that of the open-ring isomer. When asymmetric methyl groups were introduced in the amphiphilic side chains, induced circular dichroism (ICD) was observed upon irradiation with UV light in water. This ICD was explained by the difference in the self-assembling behavior between the open- and the closed-ring isomers. It was suggested that the closed-ring isomers assembled into a chiral nanostructure.
HOW GLYCOSYL-PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-ANCHORED MEMBRANE PROTEINS ARE MADE (1995)

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage is a fairly common means of anchoring membrane proteins to eukaryotic cells, although the exact function of the GPI linkage is not clear. The nascent form of a typical GPI protein contains a hydrophobic NH2-terminal signal peptide that directs it to the ER. There the signal peptide is removed by NH2-terminal signal peptidase. Nascent forms of GPI-linked proteins contain a second hydrophobic peptide at their COOH terminus. The COOH-terminal peptide is also removed during processing and the GPI moiety is ultimately linked to what had been an internal sequence in the nascent protein. Two independent pathways are involved in the biosynthesis of GPI proteins, GPI formation, and processing of the nascent protein with attachment of the GPI moiety. Studies in whole cells and in cell-free systems indicate that structural requirements around the COOH-terminal cleavage site of nascent proteins are similar to those at the cleavage site of NH2-terminal signal peptidase. However, COOH-terminal processing requires a transmidase for which evidence is presented as well as a proposed mechanism of its action.
Design of the processing chain for a high-altitude, airborne, singlephoton lidar mapping instrument (2016)

Processing data from high-altitude, airborne lidar instruments that employ single-photon sensitive, arrayed detectors poses several challenges. Arrayed detectors produce large volumes of data; single-photon sensitive detectors produce high levels of noise; and high-altitude operation makes accurate geolocation difficult to achieve. To address these challenges, a unique and highly automated processing chain for high-altitude, single-photon, airborne lidar mapping instruments has been developed. The processing chain includes algorithms for coincidence processing, noise reduction, self-calibration, data registration, and geolocation accuracy enhancement. Common to all single-photon sensitive systems is a high level of background photon noise. A key step in the processing chain is a fast and accurate algorithm for density estimation, which is used to separate the lidar signal from the background photon noise, permitting the use of a wide-range gate and daytime operation. Additional filtering algorithms are used to remove or reduce other sources of system and detector noise. An optimization algorithm that leverages the conical scan pattern of the instrument is used to improve geolocation and to self-calibrate the system.
In situ vaccination: Cancer immunotherapy both personalized and off‐the‐shelf (2015)

As cancer immunotherapy continues to benefit from novel approaches which cut immune 'brake pedals' (e.g. anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies) and push immune cell gas pedals (e.g. IL2, and IFNα) there will be increasing need to develop immune 'steering wheels' such as vaccines to guide the immune system specifically toward tumor associated antigens. Two primary hurdles in cancer vaccines have been: identification of universal antigens to be used in 'off-the-shelf' vaccines for common cancers, and 2) logistical hurdles of ex vivo production of individualized whole tumor cell vaccines. Here we summarize approaches using 'in situ vaccination' in which intratumoral administration of off-the-shelf immunomodulators have been developed to specifically induce (or amplify) T cell responses to each patient's individual tumor. Clinical studies have confirmed the induction of systemic immune and clinical responses to such approaches and preclinical models have suggested ways to further potentiate the translation of in situ vaccine trials for our patients.
Rice protein concentrate partially replaces dried whey in the diet for early‐weaned piglets and improves their growth performance (2008)

Abstract BACKGROUND: Recently, rice protein concentrate (RPC), a much cheaper source of dietary protein, has become commercially available for use in the feed industry. Importantly, dietary supplementation with RPC can increase feed intake by early‐weaned pigs. The objective of this study was to determine whether RPC can replace milk protein in the diet for early‐weaned pigs. RESULTS: Neither average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), nor the feed/gain ratio differed among the treatment groups in weeks 1 and 2. In week 3, the addition of 5 or 10% RPC to diets increased ( P &lt; 0.05) ADFI and ADG of pigs compared to those in the control group fed a 60% dried whey diet. During the entire 21‐day trial, ADFI and ADG were greater ( P &lt; 0.05) in pigs fed the 5 and 10% RCP diets than in pigs fed the 60% dried whey and 15% RCP diets. There were no differences in the serum concentrations of growth hormone on days 14 and 21, serum concentrations of insulin growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) on day 14, or IGF‐I gene expression in liver and skeletal muscle on days 14 and 21 among the dietary treatments. Serum concentrations of IGF‐I in pigs fed the 5, 10 and 15% RPC diets were greater than those in pigs fed the 60% dried whey diet. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that up to 10% RPC can be used to replace dried whey in the diet for 7‐ to 21‐day‐old weaned piglets and can improve their growth performance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A Recent Innovation in Digital Special Effects: The CBS “Action Track”TMSystem (1978)

The CBS Action Track system generates real-time multiple-image video of objects in motion using any normal color video source, live or prerecorded. Requiring neither special lighting nor special backgrounds, the system produces video depicting not only the present image of a moving object but also a selectable succession of earlier images commencing with a particular action. Utilizing the advantages of PCM-encoded video and digital random-access memory, Action Track obtains the intended effects: (1) by storing a reference field of video representing the scene at the start of the desired action; (2) by comparing picture elements of subsequently arriving video with those of the reference field; (3) by tagging and storing those pixels visibly different from those in the reference field; and (4) by displaying the real-time video with the substitution of those tagged and stored pixels which comprise the successive images of moving objects. Within the constraints of the television system itself and by utilizing controllable picture gating, Action Track has been successfully and effectively used in a variety of sports telecasts. For these applications it has provided the viewer with expanded visualization of motion and trajectory.
[Two indications for bilateral neuromodulation]. (2003)

The authors report two cases of patients presenting with complex voiding disorders treated successfully by bilateral neuromodulation. In the first patient, bilateral neuromodulation (left S2 and right S3) was indicated after failure of a first trial of conventional neuromodulation. In the second case, a complementary electrode in addition to the S3 electrode was placed at S1 to treat nerve root pain associated with urinary symptoms. The preoperative and postoperative findings are reported together with the course and possible explanations for the success of this treatment modality.
Recent gene therapy advancements for neurological diseases. (2013)

The past few years have seen rapid advancements in vector-mediated gene transfer to the nervous system and modest successes in human gene therapy trials. The purpose of this review is to describe commonly-used viral gene transfer vectors and recent advancements towards producing meaningful gene-based treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Gene therapy trials for Canavan disease, Batten disease, adrenoleukodystrophy, and Parkinson's disease are discussed to illustrate the current state of clinical gene transfer to the CNS. Preclinical studies are under way for a number of diseases, primarily lysosomal storage disorders, using a newer generation of vectors and delivery strategies. Relevant studies in animal models are highlighted for Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB and Krabbe disease to provide a prelude for what can be expected in the coming years for human gene transfer trials, using recent advancements in gene transfer technology. In conclusion, recent improvements in CNS gene transfer technology are expected to significantly increase the degree of disease rescue in future CNS-directed clinical trials, exceeding the modest clinical successes that have been observed so far.
Intelligent Materials for Controlled Release (1999)

Small molecular weight crosslinking agents containing hydrolyzable bonds were photopolymerized with poly(ethylene oxide) in order to decrease the pore size of the gels. The resulting cogels decreased in equilibrium swelling volume (pore size) as the concentration of crosslinker increased. The initial release profile of the model protein albumin showed a decreased burst in the presence of small molecular weight crosslinkers in the photopolymerized hydrogels.
REVISITING THE DECOMPOSITION OF KARP, MILLER AND WINOGRAD (1995)

This paper is devoted to the construction of multi-dimensional schedules for a system of uniform recurrence equations. We show that this problem is dual to the problem of computability of a system of uniform recurrence equations. We propose a new study of the decomposition algorithm first proposed by Karp, Miller and Winograd: we base our implementation on linear programming resolutions whose duals give exactly the desired multi-dimensional schedules. Furthermore, we prove that the schedules built this way are optimal up to a constant factor.
Hyperactivated B cells in human inflammatory bowel disease (2009)

IBD is characterized by a chronic, dysregulated immune response to intestinal bacteria. Past work has focused on the role of T cells and myeloid cells in mediating chronic gastrointestinal and systemic inflammation. Here, we show that circulating and tissue B cells from CD patients demonstrate elevated basal levels of activation. CD patient B cells express surface TLR2, spontaneously secrete high levels of IL-8, and contain increased ex vivo levels of phosphorylated signaling proteins. CD clinical activity correlates directly with B cell expression of IL-8 and TLR2, suggesting a positive relationship between these B cell inflammatory mediators and disease pathogenesis. In contrast, B cells from UC patients express TLR2 but generally do not demonstrate spontaneous IL-8 secretion; however, significant IL-8 production is inducible via TLR2 stimulation. Furthermore, UC clinical activity correlates inversely with levels of circulating TLR2+ B cells, which is opposite to the association observed in CD. In conclusion, TLR2+ B cells are associated with clinical measures of disease activity and differentially associated with CD- and UC-specific patterns of inflammatory mediators, suggesting a formerly unappreciated role of B cells in the pathogenesis of IBD.