gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS ON HUMAN WHOLE BLOOD, PLASMA, SERUM, URINE, SALIVA, SWEAT, AND TEARS ON A DIGITAL MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORM (2003)

We present the use of an electrowetting-based “digital ” microfluidic device for clini-cal diagnostics on human physiological fluids. Repeatable high-speed transport of micro-droplets of human whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, sweat and tears, is first shown, to establish the compatibility of these fluids with the electrowetting system. A colorimetric enzyme-kinetic glucose assay is then performed on serum, plasma, urine, and saliva, and the results compared with those obtained using a reference methodology. The values obtained agree well, expect for urine where there is a noticeable difference. The initial results demonstrate the feasibility of using an electrowetting-based lab-on-chip for clinical diagnostics.
Update on degenerative ataxias (2011)

Recent molecular advances underline the diversity of degenerative ataxias. With the progress in the development of clinical assessment methods for ataxia, the methodological requirements to run large interventional trials are now met.
Niclosamide, an old antihelminthic agent, demonstrates antitumor activity by blocking multiple signaling pathways of cancer stem cells (2012)

Niclosamide, an oral antihelminthic drug, has been used to treat tapeworm infection for about 50 years. Niclosamide is also used as a molluscicide for water treatment in schistosomiasis control programs. Recently, several groups have independently discovered that niclosamide is also active against cancer cells, but its precise mechanism of antitumor action is not fully understood. Evidence supports that niclosamide targets multiple signaling pathways (NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, ROS, mTORC1, and Stat3), most of which are closely involved with cancer stem cells. The exciting advances in elucidating the antitumor activity and the molecular targets of this drug will be discussed. A method for synthesizing a phosphate pro-drug of niclosamide is provided. Given its potential antitumor activity, clinical trials for niclosamide and its derivatives are warranted for cancer treatment.
NADE, a p75NTR-associated Cell Death Executor, Is Involved in Signal Transduction Mediated by the Common Neurotrophin Receptor p75NTR (2000)

The low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR can mediate cell survival as well as cell death of neural cells by NGF and other neurotrophins. To elucidate p75NTR-mediated signal transduction, we screened p75NTR-associated proteins by a yeast two-hybrid system. We identified one positive clone and named NADE (p75NTR-associated cell death executor). Mouse NADE has marked homology to the human HGR74 protein. NADE specifically binds to the cell-death domain of p75NTR. Co-expression of NADE and p75NTR induced caspase-2 and caspase-3 activities and the fragmentation of nuclear DNA in 293T cells. However, in the absence of p75NTR, NADE failed to induce apoptosis, suggesting that NADE expression is necessary but insufficient for p75NTR-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, p75NTR/NADE-induced cell death was dependent on NGF but not BDNF, NT-3, or NT-4/5, and the recruitment of NADE to p75NTR (intracellular domain) was dose-dependent. We obtained similar results from PC12 cells, nnr5 cells, and oligodendrocytes. Taken together, NADE is the first signaling adaptor molecule identified in the involvement of p75NTR-mediated apoptosis induced by NGF, and it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurogenetic diseases.
[Antimalarial 6-aminoquinolines. XI. 2-, 3-, and 4-alkyl-, aryl-, and arylalkyl derivatives (author's transl)]. (1978)

23 derivatives 17a--z of 6-(4-diethylamino-1-methylbutylamino)-5,8-dimethoxyquinoline (1a) were synthesized with the aim of studying the influence of an increased lipophilicity on the biological activity. 17a--z are active against P. vinckei (mouse), but none of these derivatives is superior to the 2,4-dimethyl derivative 1d. Flat molecules (e.g. 17k and 17e) and their bulky hydrogenated derivatives (17I and 17f) show a comparable activity. This indicates that a flat structure is not essential for the activity of the 6-aminoquinolines.
The additional effects of acipimox to simvastatin in the treatment of combined hyperlipidaemia (1997)

Objectives. Nicotinic acid, an effective drug for treatment of combined hyperlipidaemia, is often not tolerated because of side‐effects. Acipimox is a nicotinic acid like lipid lowering drug with less side‐effects. We studied whether the addition of acipimox to simvastatin improves the lipid profile in patients with a combined hyperlipidaemia. Design. Randomized double‐blind placebo controlled crossover trial. Setting. Outpatient lipid clinic of a tertiary referral centre. Subjects. Eighteen patients with combined hyperlipidaemia treated with diet and 20–40 mg simvastatin for at least 3 months. Intervention. Acipimox in a daily dose of 3×250 mg for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures. Effects on the concentration of LDLc, TG, HDLc, Lp(a) and Apolipoprotein B, as well as on LDL‐size and LDL‐resistance to oxidative modification. Results. Acipimox reduced Lp(a) levels by 8% ( P &lt;0.05). A substantial but not statistically significant change in TG (−32%) and HDLc (+6%) levels was seen. All patients were found to have small dense LDL, with a size of 229±4 Å. LDL size and the resistance to oxidation, reflected in the lag phase during in vitro oxidation, were not affected by the addition of acipimox. In a subgroup of 8 patients with the most severe hypertriglyceridaemia (baseline TG&lt;4 mmol L‐[1]), acipimox induced a significant increase in HDLc (+15%, P &lt;0.01). The effects on TG (−41%), LDLc (−10%) and lag phase (+17%) were also more pronounced than in the group with a lower baseline TG, but non of these changes reached the level of significance. Conclusions. Adding acipimox to simvastatin reduced Lp(a) and substantially but not significantly lowered TG. However, in patients with the highest TG levels, HDLc was also significantly improved.
Recent advances in robotic coiled tubular assessment (2007)

In-service non-destructive inspection of coiled tubular (CT) and other steel piping product has taken on increased importance, especially with coiled tubing strings being produced for high-pressure service. We have taken a two-pronged approach, based upon our associated with the Mechatronics Department at Rice University, Houston, Tx. First, we report on the development of an internal inspection robot of diameter 1.75 in (44 mm) for which we have developed a three-axis magnetic flux leakage (MFL) approach, using permanent magnet magnetisation, and the ability to store large amounts of data (Figure 1). A robot has also been designed for small D-bends in steel (and other) tubing, aimed at the processing industry, and for long runs at high pressure in installed line pipe. Progress with the internal robots has aided us to develop a small a small inspection system that can be mounted in coiled tubing rigs, and inspect the tubing wall from the outside. The robot will also measure the wall thickness of carbon-steel tubulars magnetically, and the thickness of internal plastic coatings using an eddy current method. Second, we are performing analyses that are aimed at reconstructing defect shapes from their MFL signals so that relatively accurate measurements of wall condition can be made from either surface. Solutions to this 'inverse problem' should be of much value in performing internal tubing inspections in the petrochemical, paper, nuclear and other industries. Data are presented from a run through 3000ft (914.4 m) of coiled tubing. We are also investigating problems with placing ultrasound into small-diameter tubing walls by the use of phased array ultrasound.
Geocoded digital videography for validation of land cover mapping in the Amazon basin (2002)

Four Validation Overflights for Amazon Mosaics (VOAM) aerial video surveys have been carried out in the Brazilian Amazon to provide ground verification for mapping of wetland cover with the Global Rain Forest Mapping (GRFM) Project JERS-1 (Japanese Earth Remote Sensing Satellite) mosaics of the Amazon basin. Surveys in 1995 and 1996, acquired with handheld analog camcorders from small aircraft, were timed to imaging of the GRFM low- and high-water mosaics, and limited to within 600 km of Manaus. For the 1997 and 1999 flights, digital camcorder systems were installed in the Bandeirante survey plane operated by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research. The VOAM97 and VOAM99 surveys circumscribed the Brazilian Amazon, documenting ground conditions at resolutions on the order of 1 m (wide-angle format) and 10 cm (zoom format) for wetlands, forests, savannas, and human-impacted areas. Global Positioning System (GPS) information encoded on the video audio track was extracted by mosaicking software that automatically generates geocoded digital mosaics from video clips. On the 1999 survey, a laser altimeter recorded profiles of terrain and vegetation canopy heights. A validation dataset was compiled from the videography for a portion of the GRFM mosaics extending 6° by 4° in longitude and latitude, using randomly selected points along flight lines. Other applications of the VOAM videography include acquisition of ground control points for image geolocation, creation of a high-resolution geocoded mosaic of a forest study area, forest biomass estimation, and rapid assessment of fire damage. Geocoded digital videography provides a cost-effective means of compiling high-resolution validation datasets for land cover mapping in remote, cloud-covered regions.
Promotion of central cholinergic and dopaminergic neuron differentiation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor but not neurotrophin 3. (1991)

Recombinant human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (rhBDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (rhNT-3), two recently cloned molecules closely related to nerve growth factor (NGF), were produced from human cDNA expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. The recombinant proteins were tested in cultures of dissociated fetal rat brain cells containing basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. rhBDNF stimulated the differentiation of the cholinergic neurons, similar to NGF, which is well established as a neurotrophic factor for these cells. However, rhBDNF was particularly effective during the first few days in vitro, whereas the stimulatory action of rhNGF was more pronounced later in the development of the cultures. This finding indicates the existence of different time periods of responsiveness of the cholinergic neurons to BDNF and NGF. To assess the selectivity of the effect of rhBDNF on cholinergic neurons, its actions were tested in cultures of ventral mesencephalon containing dopaminergic cells. In contrast to NGF, which does not affect central dopaminergic neurons, rhBDNF increased dopamine uptake activity. The findings suggest that BDNF stimulates survival or differentiation of other cells besides the cholinergic neurons.
Interactive configuration management for distributed object systems (2002)

The paper describes an environment for interactive configuration management of the software components comprising a distributed enterprise application. The environment permits one or more managers to view and modify the structure of components in terms of component instances, their allocation to hardware nodes and the bindings between their interfaces. The graphical management is based upon the Darwin configuration language which can be used to create the initial system. It supports hierarchical composition of CORBA components to form a composite distributed application or service. When this structure has been modified interactively, a persistent specification of the configuration can be saved to backing store. This can be used to determine unreachable or failed components and, if necessary, to recreate them. The configuration management environment is integrated into an overall domain-oriented platform for enterprise management. The paper illustrates the use of the management system in terms of a simple banking example, and outlines the implementation based on a CORBA platform.
Shiga Toxin Is Transported from the Endoplasmic Reticulum following Interaction with the Luminal Chaperone HEDJ/ERdj3 (2005)

Shiga toxin (Stx) follows a complex intracellular pathway in order to kill susceptible cells. After binding to cell surface glycolipids, the toxin is internalized and trafficked in retrograde fashion to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). From the ER lumen, the toxin must gain access to the cytoplasm, where it enzymatically inactivates the 28S rRNA, inhibiting protein synthesis. The host molecules involved in this pathway and the mechanisms utilized by the toxin to access the cytoplasm from the ER are largely unknown. We found that Stx is capable of energy-dependent transport across the ER lumen, as has recently been demonstrated for the cholera and ricin toxins. Genetic screening for molecules involved in Shiga toxin trafficking yielded a cDNA encoding a prematurely truncated protein. Characterization of this cDNA revealed that it encodes a novel Hsp40 chaperone, designated HEDJ or ERdj3, localized to the ER lumen, where it interacts with BiP, a molecule known to be involved in protein retrotranslocation out of the ER. We demonstrated that within the ER lumen Stx interacts with HEDJ and other chaperones known to be involved in retrotranslocation of proteins across the ER membrane. Moreover, sequential immunoprecipitation revealed that Shiga toxin was present in a complex that included HEDJ and Sec61, the translocon through which proteins are retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm. These findings suggest that HEDJ is a component of the ER quality control system and that Stx utilizes HEDJ and other ER-localized chaperones for transport from the ER lumen to the cytosol.
Genetic and epigenetic inactivation of mitotic checkpoint genes hBUB1 and hBUBR1 and their relationship to survival. (2002)

Sequence alterations of mitotic checkpoint genes, hBUB1 and hBUBR1, were examined, and their gene transcripts were quantified using on-line, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in surgically resected human colorectal cancers and their neighboring normal tissues. Our results reveal a new hBUB1 missense mutation (Ala130Ser) but not any hBUBR1 coding sequence mutations. hBUB1 and hBUBR1 mRNA levels were reduced to < 10% of the neighboring normal tissues in 3 of 103 and 3 of 109 carcinomas, respectively, and to < 50% in 7 and 7 carcinomas, whereas the overall expression levels were markedly higher in cancers than in normal tissues. Carcinomas with reduced hBUB1 and/or hBUBR1 mRNA levels, as well as the colon carcinoma harboring the hBUB1 mutation, were associated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.005) and shorter relapse-free survival after surgery (P = 0.006). Thus, hBUB1 and hBUBR1 may contribute to a specific driving force in tumor metastasis and progression as a result of nonmutational, as well as mutational, inactivation.
Electrophoretic Deposition as a Novel Near Net Shaping Technique for Functionally Graded Biomaterials (2005)

Complex shaped functionally graded alumina and zirconia based femoral ball-heads for biomedical applications were shaped by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). A composition gradient in alumina and zirconia was engineered to obtain a pure alumina surface region and a homogeneous alumina/zirconia core with intermediate continuously graded regions to generate appropriate thermal residual stresses after sintering. The gradient profiles were designed to obtain maximum compressive surface stresses and minimal tensile stresses in the core of the component to increase the strength and wear properties when compared to pure alumina components.
Poly-crystalline silicon-carbide (SiCarb) emitter bipolar transistors (2002)

The use of polycrystalline silicon-carbide (SiCarb) as a wide bandgap emitter for bipolar transistors is investigated. The SiCarb is deposited in a modified LPCVD reactor with propane used as the carbon source gas, giving carbon concentrations of 4, 8, 16, and 18%. Doping of the emitter layers is achieved either by arsenic implantation into he undoped layers or by the use of in situ phosphorus doped layers, together with a rapid thermal emitter anneal. The 4 and 8% SiCarb devices show a factor of 2.5 reduction in base current compared to a polysilicon control, while the 16 and 18% SiCarb devices show a factor of 2.8 increase in base current compared to a polysilicon control. Modeling of these devices indicates that the base currents are dominated by poly-emitter effects such as a low mobility in the deposited SiCarb layers and recombination at the SiCarb/monosilicon interface, rather than by any wide bandgap emitter effects.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
Low-Latency Virtual-Channel Routers for On-Chip Networks (2004)

The on-chip communication requirements of manysystems are best served through the deployment of a regularchip-wide network. This paper presents the design of alow-latency on-chip network router for such applications.We remove control overheads (routing and arbitrationlogic) from the critical path in order to minimise cycle-timeand latency. Simulations illustrate that dramatic cycle timeimprovements are possible without compromising routerefficiency. Furthermore, these reductions permit flits to berouted in a single cycle, maximising the effectiveness of therouter's limited buffering resources.
Minocycline. (1982)

Minocycline, a second generation tetracycline derivative, was first introduced in 1967. The following review considers the physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, antimicrobial activity, clinical uses, and adverse effects of minocycline. Excellent tissue and secretion penetration due to its higher lipid solubility, good broad spectrum activity, superior gastrointestinal absorption, decreased alteration of the fecal flora, and prolonged half-life, are properties that make minocycline a unique antimicrobial agent. Despite these exceptional characteristics, minocycline remains an infrequently used agent because of the availability of alternate drugs and the vestibular dysfunction associated with its administration.
Use of beta-blockers in congestive heart failure (2003)

While beta-adrenergic blockers have been used for decades in a variety of cardiovascular illnesses, they have traditionally been avoided in chronic heart failure. In spite of significant advances in management, mortality in patients suffering from heart failure remains unacceptably high and new therapies are urgently needed. Recently, several large clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in both morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients when beta-blockers are added to standard therapy. While further investigation is warranted in certain subgroups, the use of beta-adrenergic blockers in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II to IV heart failure should now be considered routine. The purpose of this article is to outline and review the five major clinical trials of beta-blocker therapy in chronic heart failure; the US Carvedilol heart failure Program (USCP), the Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study II (CIBIS-II), the Metoprolol CR/XL Randomized Intervention Trial in chronic Heart Failure (MERIT-HF), the Beta-blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial (BEST) and the Carvedilol Prospective Randomized Cumulative Survival trial (COPERNICUS), and to aid the reader in the selection of appropriate candidates for beta-blocker therapy.
Electrically evoked myoelectric signals. (1992)

Electrical stimulation of the nervous system is attracting increasing attention because of the possibilities it offers for physiological investigations, clinical diagnosis, muscle function assessment, noninvasive muscle characterization, and functional control of paralyzed extremities. Parameters of the myoelectric signal evoked by surface stimulation of a muscle motor point or by stimulation of a nerve trunk by means of implanted electrodes provide information about muscle performance and properties if the stimulation artifact is properly removed or suppressed. Comparison of these parameters with those obtained during voluntary contractions provides additional insight into muscle physiology. The relationships between myoelectric signal amplitude parameters, spectral parameters, and conduction velocity are discussed with special reference to muscle fatigue. This review focuses on a few methodological aspects concerning electrical stimulation of the peripheral nervous system, detection, and processing of the electrically evoked myoelectric signals in skeletal muscles. The state of the art of the following issues is discussed: (1) properties of voluntary and electrically evoked myoelectric signals; (2) techniques for evoking and detecting myoelectric signals; (3) techniques for suppression of stimulation artifacts; (4) effect of stimulation waveforms and electrode properties; (5) signal processing techniques for electrically evoked myoelectric signals; (6) physiological significance of myoelectric signal variables; (7) order of recruitment of motor units during electrical stimulation; (8) myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in electrically stimulated muscles; (9) assessment of crosstalk by electrical stimulation; and (10) applications in sport, rehabilitation, and geriatric medicine.
Poverty and modern utility services in Guatemala (2001)

As part of the wider infrastructure sector reform movement in Latin America, Guatemala took major steps to allow private sector participation and promote the development of competition. The national telecommunications operator TELGUA was privatized in 1998, three new cellular licenses were issued, and the local and long distance markets were opened-up to immediate competition, in one of the most radical liberalization processes witnessed in Latin America. The three main electricity distribution companies EEGSA, DEORSA and DEOCSA were also privatized, and the generation market opened up to competition, although the state-owned enterprise INDE continues to hold half of the generation capacity and to control the transmission network. Water and sanitation was the only sector where reform measures did not prove to be possible. Thus service continues to be provided by municipal utilities in urban areas, and community-based organizations in rural areas. The metropolitan region is partly served by the state-owned enterprise EMPAGUA, but small-scale private sector operators also play an important role.
A microtiter plate assay for determining apolipoprotein E genotype and discovery of a rare allele (1994)

Genotype determination using the solid-phase minisequencing method of Syvänen et al. (1990, 1993) has been adapted for use with fluorescein-labeled dideoxynucleotides (F-ddNTPs). PCR is performed using one biotinylated primer and one unbiotinylated primer. The biotinylated products are captured in streptavidin-coated microtiter wells. Following removal of nonbiotinylated strands with NaOH, the bound strands are hybridized with a primer adjacent to the polymorphic site being tested. Using T7 DNA polymerase, the primer is extended using one F-ddNTP in the presence of the other three unlabeled ddNTPs. Incorporation of the F-ddNTP is detected by binding antifluorescein antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase followed by incubation with a chromogenic substrate. This assay was used to determine APOE genotypes for 75 subjects. The APOE genotypes were also determined using a method involving the incorporation of mobility-shifting nucleotide analogs (Livak et al., 1992). Investigation of the one discrepancy between the two methods revealed that one subject carries a rare APOE allele that has a 3 bp deletion.