gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Role of cross-reactivity in cellular immune targeting of influenza A M158-66 variant peptide epitopes (2022)

The immunologic significance of cross-reactivity of TCR recognition of peptide:MHC complexes is still poorly understood. We have described TCR cross-reactivity in a system involving polyclonal CD8 T cell recognition of the well characterized influenza viral M1<sub>58-66</sub> epitope. While M1<sub>58-66</sub> is generally conserved between influenza A isolates, error-prone transcription generates stable variant RNA during infection which could act as novel epitopes. If packaged and viable, variant genomic RNA generates an influenza quasispecies. The stable RNA variants would generate a new transmissible epitope that can select a specific repertoire, which itself should have cross-reactive properties. We tested two candidate peptides in which Thr65 is changed to Ala (A65) or Ser (S65) using recall responses to identify responding T cell clonotypes. Both peptides generated large polyclonal T cell repertoires of their own with repertoire characteristics and cross-reactivity patterns like that observed for the M1<sub>58-66</sub> repertoire. Both substitutions could be present in viral genomes or mRNA at sufficient frequency during an infection to drive immunity. Peptides from the resulting protein would be a target for CD8 cells irrespective of virus viability or transmissibility. These data support the hypothesis that cross-reactivity is important for immunity against RNA virus infections.
Cycle Testing of the MagScrew Total Artificial Heart External Battery Pack: Update I (2010)

MagScrew total artificial heart (TAH) external battery pack (EBP) cycle bench testing continued over a period of 18 months using two fresh Wilson Greatbatch lithium ion EBPs during continuous charge and discharge cycles under a simulated TAH system current requirement. The same electronic load developed for our initial testing was used to simulate the MagScrew current waveforms typically observed during nominal operation. The current load profiles for this test were modified from the ones previously described and applied to the EBP under test during a voltage-defined discharge cycle. The test ended when EBP#2 reached end of life at 1450 cycles. At that point, EBP#1 remained healthy with a capacity of 175 min until full discharge. Performance of EBP#2 was still within expected ranges. Performance of EBP#1 exceeded expectations. These differences are probably caused by slight manufacturing changes. More tests will provide additional data to define a statistical distribution to better characterize EBP performance. In conclusion, endurance performance of the EBP remained satisfactory.
Helical CT in Emergency Radiology (1999)

Today, a wide range of traumatic and nontraumatic emergency conditions are quickly and accurately diagnosed with helical computed tomography (CT). Many traditional emergency imaging procedures have been replaced with newer helical CT techniques that can be performed in less time and with greater accuracy, less patient discomfort, and decreased cost. The speed of helical technology permits CT examination of seriously ill patients in the emergency department, as well as patients who might not have been taken to CT previously because of the length of the examinations of the past. Also, helical technology permits multiple, sequential CT scans to be quickly obtained in the same patient, a great advance for the multiple-trauma patient. Higher quality CT examinations result from decreased respiratory misregistration, enhanced intravenous contrast material opacification of vascular structures and parenchymal organs, greater flexibility in image reconstruction, and improved multiplanar and three-dimensional reformations. This report summarizes the role and recommended protocols for the helical CT diagnosis of thoracic aortic trauma; aortic dissection; pulmonary embolism; acute conditions of the neck soft tissues; abdominal trauma; urinary tract stones; appendicitis; diverticulitis; abdominal aortic aneurysm; fractures of the face, spine, and extremities; and acute stroke.
In isolated cardiomyocytes NF‐κB activation is modulated by alterations in protein O‐GlcNAc levels (2008)

O‐Linked N ‐acetylglucosamine ( O ‐GlcNAc) modification of proteins plays an important role in transcription, translation, nuclear transport and cytoskeletal assembly. We have shown that glucosamine (GlcN) increased O‐GlcNAc levels and attenuated activation of NF‐κB signaling following trauma hemorrhage and resuscitation in vivo and in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of in cardiomyocytes in vitro. Therefore the goal of this study was to determine whether the effect of GlcN on NF‐κB activation was mediated via O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which catalyzes O‐GlcNAc synthesis. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes(NRVMs) were untreated, treated with 5mM GlcN, transfected with OGT adenovirus or OGT siRNA and then stimulated with LPS (2μg/ml) for 6h. In untreated cells LPS significantly increased IκB‐α phosphorylation, TNF‐α and ICAM1 expression and increased nuclear NF‐κB levels. Both GlcN and OGT overexpression significantly increased O‐GlcNAc levels, attenuated LPS‐induced TNF‐α and ICAM1 expression and decreased IκB‐α phosphorylation and nuclear NF‐κB levels. In contrast, OGT siRNA treatment decreased OGT and O‐GlcNAc levels and enhanced LPS‐induced increase in IκB‐α phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that modulation of cellular O‐GlcNAc levels alters the response to activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway, and may contribute the protective effect of GlcN in vivo.
An Experimental Investigation of Sample–Fluid Heat Coupling Effect in Thermal Lens Technique (2020)

Laser-induced wavefront distortion is detectable by several techniques based on the photothermal effect. The effect is probed by monitoring the phase shift caused by the bulging of the heated area, the photoelastic effects, and the spatial distribution of the refractive index within the sample and in the fluid surrounding it. A simple analytical solution for the wavefront distortion was only possible for low absorbing materials, with the assumption that the stresses obey either the thin-disk or the long-rod type distributions. Recently, a unified theoretical description for the laser-induced optical path change was proposed to overcome part of this limitation for weakly absorbing materials, regardless of its thickness. In this work, we perform an experimental investigation taking the sample-fluid heat coupling effect into account using the thermal lens technique. The experimental investigation presented here validates the unified model. In addition, we show that the heat-coupling model provides an alternative method to obtain physical properties of non-absorbing fluid by using a reference solid sample.
Dicer ablation in Kiss1 neurons impairs puberty and fertility preferentially in female mice (2022)

Kiss1 neurons, producing kisspeptins, are essential for puberty and fertility, but their molecular regulatory mechanisms remain unfolded. Here, we report that congenital ablation of the microRNA-synthesizing enzyme, Dicer, in Kiss1 cells, causes late-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in both sexes, but is compatible with pubertal initiation and preserved Kiss1 neuronal populations at the infantile/juvenile period. Yet, failure to complete puberty and attain fertility is observed only in females. Kiss1-specific ablation of Dicer evokes disparate changes of Kiss1-cell numbers and Kiss1/kisspeptin expression between hypothalamic subpopulations during the pubertal-transition, with a predominant decline in arcuate-nucleus Kiss1 levels, linked to enhanced expression of its repressors, Mkrn3, Cbx7 and Eap1. Our data unveil that miRNA-biosynthesis in Kiss1 neurons is essential for pubertal completion and fertility, especially in females, but dispensable for initial reproductive maturation and neuronal survival in both sexes. Our results disclose a predominant miRNA-mediated inhibitory program of repressive signals that is key for precise regulation of Kiss1 expression and, thereby, reproductive function.
Chronic fluoxetine administration inhibits extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in rat brain (2005)

Accumulating evidence indicates that antidepressants alter intracellular signalling mechanisms resulting in long-term synaptic alterations which probably account for the delay in clinical action of these drugs. Therefore, we investigated the effects of chronic fluoxetine administration on extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2, a group of MAPKs that mediate signal transduction from the cell surface downstream to the nucleus. Our data demonstrate that 3-week fluoxetine treatment resulted in long-lasting reduction of phospho-ERK 1 and 2. Such an effect depends on the length of the treatment given that no changes were observed after a single drug injection or after 2 weeks of treatment and it is region specific, being observed in hippocampus and frontal cortex but not in striatum. Finally, phospho-ERK 1 and 2 were differently modulated within nucleus and cytosol in hippocampus but similarly reduced in the same compartments of the frontal cortex, highlighting the specific subcellular compartmentalization of fluoxetine. Conversely, imipramine did not reduce the hippocampal phosphorylation of both ERK subtypes whereas it selectively increased ERK 1 phosphorylation in the cytosolic compartment of frontal cortex suggesting a drug-specific effect on this intracellular target. These results point to modulation of phosphorylation, rather than altered expression, as the main target in the action of fluoxetine on this pathway. The reduction of ERK 1/2 function herein reported may be associated with the therapeutic effects of fluoxetine in the treatment of depression.
New Technology Trends for Improved IGCC System Performance (1995)

The application of gas turbine technology to IGCC systems requires careful consideration of the degree and type of integration used during the system design phase. Although gas turbines provide the primary output and efficiency gains for IGCC systems, as compared with conventional coal fired power generation systems, they are commercially available only in specific size ranges. Therefore, it is up to the IGCC system designer to optimize the IGCC power plant within the required output, efficiency and site conditions by selecting the system configuration carefully, particularly for air separation unit (ASU) integration incorporated with oxygen blown gasification systems. An IGCC system, based on a generic, entrained flow, oxygen blown gasification system and a GE STAG 109FA combined cycle has been evaluated with varying degrees of ASU integration, two fuel equivalent heating values and two gas turbine firing temperatures to provide net plant output and efficiency results. The data presented illustrate the system flexibility afforded by variation of ASU integration and the potential performance gains available through the continued use of gas turbine advances. Emphasis is place on system design choices which favor either low initial investment cost or low operating cost for a given IGCC system output.
The 5th EWaS International Conference: “Water Security and Safety Management: Emerging Threats or New Challenges? Moving from Therapy and Restoration to Prognosis and Prevention” (2022)

The United Nations defines Water Security as &ldquo;the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability&rdquo; [...]
Mapping the gene network landscape of Alzheimer’s disease through integrating genomics and transcriptomics (2022)

Integration of multi-omics data with molecular interaction networks enables elucidation of the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using the latest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including proxy cases and the STRING interactome, we identified an AD network of 142 risk genes and 646 network-proximal genes, many of which were linked to synaptic functions annotated by mouse knockout data. The proximal genes were confirmed to be enriched in a replication GWAS of autopsy-documented cases. By integrating the AD gene network with transcriptomic data of AD and healthy temporal cortices, we identified 17 gene clusters of pathways, such as up-regulated complement activation and lipid metabolism, down-regulated cholinergic activity, and dysregulated RNA metabolism and proteostasis. The relationships among these pathways were further organized by a hierarchy of the AD network pinpointing major parent nodes in graph structure including endocytosis and immune reaction. Control analyses were performed using transcriptomics from cerebellum and a brain-specific interactome. Further integration with cell-specific RNA sequencing data demonstrated genes in our clusters of immunoregulation and complement activation were highly expressed in microglia.
When you Wish Upon a Star: Explaining the Cautious Growth of Royalty-Backed Securitization (1999)

This article focuses on the phenomenon of securitizing future royalties of entertainers, illustrating why securitzation of such royalties has not been embraced more enthusiastically. The article begins by describing the securitization process in general and the differences between mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The article then examines the benefits of securitization as applied to entertainment royalties. Benefits of securitization include immediate liquidity, less expensive capital, and diversification of the suppliers of the originator’s funding. However, securitization does not make sense for many entertainers unless they need large sums of cash. Moreover, securitizing royalties may not be viable because it creates a host of copyright issues.
Sexual dimorphism and sex ratio bias in the dioecious willow Salix purpurea L (2020)

Abstract Premise Sexual dimorphism in dioecious plant species is often not obvious or is absent. Dioecious species populations also often exhibit deviations from expected sex ratios. Previous studies on members of the Salicaceae family have shown strong, partial, and no sexual dimorphism. Some studies have shown sex-biased ratios in several Salix spp., however, S. purpurea has never been examined for evidence of sexual dimorphism or for the presence of sex-ratio bias, and therefore a comprehensive phenotypic study is needed to fill this knowledge gap. Methods This study examined a suite of morphological, phenological, physiological and wood composition traits from multi-environment and multi-year replicated field trials in a diversity panel of unrelated S. purpurea accessions and in full-sib F 1 and F 2 families produced through controlled cross pollinations to test for sexual dimorphism and sex ratio bias. Key Results Significant evidence of sexual dimorphism was found in vegetative traits with greater means for many traits in male genotypes compared to females across three populations of S. purpurea , measured across multiple years that were highly predictive of biomass yield. Male plants exhibited greater nitrogen accumulation under fertilizer amendment as measured by SPAD in the diversity panel, and males showed greater susceptibility to fungal infection by Melampsora spp in the F 2 family. There were also consistent female-biased sex ratios in both the F 1 and F 2 families. Conclusions These results provide the first evidence of sexual dimorphism in S. purpurea and also confirm the prevalence of female-biased sex ratios previously found in other Salix species.
Force sensing and force control using multirate sampling method (2005)

This paper focuses on a bandwidth and a delay of force sensing. High bandwidth force sensing is important for motion control systems to cope with unknown environments. Reaction torque observer is utilized instead of force sensors to detect external force in this paper. The bandwidth of force sensing is limited by the sampling period and data noise. The delay in force information may deteriorate the performance of force control since force information is fed back. According to these considerations, this paper proposes application of a multirate sampling method to the force control system. Reaction torque observer is modified for the multirate system. The bandwidth of force sensing can be improved and the delay in force information can be decreased with the proposed method. The validity of the proposal is verified by stability analysis, simulation and experimental results.
Imaging Single Collision Cascades with Nanobeam IBIC. (2017)

Abstract not provided.
A Supplemental Control for Dynamic Voltage Restorers to Improve the Primary Frequency Response of Microgrids (2022)

Distribution utilities around the world have begun deploying dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs) to improve the power quality for end-use consumers. While these devices normally operate to improve power quality, the sensing and control they use can be leveraged to provide additional operation benefits. This paper describes a supplemental control for DVRs that enables them to improve the primary frequency response of microgrids through regulating voltage-dependent loads. The control strategy has been tested on a commercially available DVR to demonstrate the practicality. Furthermore, to examine the impacts on full-size, medium-voltage microgrids that typically have thousands of nodes, an electromechanical model of the DVR has been developed and compared with experimental results. Simulation in a modified, islanded IEEE 8500 Node Test Feeder with 15 DVRs shows that the supplemental control can effectively improve the primary frequency response of microgrids. From the industry application perspective, the proposed supplemental control expands the functionality of DVRs from only improving power quality to including frequency regulation. Therefore, the DVRs deployed in microgrids not only can compensate for voltage disturbances, but also can stabilize the system frequency.
Infusing Knowledge into the Textual Entailment Task Using Graph\n Convolutional Networks (2019)

Textual entailment is a fundamental task in natural language processing. Most\napproaches for solving the problem use only the textual content present in\ntraining data. A few approaches have shown that information from external\nknowledge sources like knowledge graphs (KGs) can add value, in addition to the\ntextual content, by providing background knowledge that may be critical for a\ntask. However, the proposed models do not fully exploit the information in the\nusually large and noisy KGs, and it is not clear how it can be effectively\nencoded to be useful for entailment. We present an approach that complements\ntext-based entailment models with information from KGs by (1) using\nPersonalized PageR- ank to generate contextual subgraphs with reduced noise and\n(2) encoding these subgraphs using graph convolutional networks to capture KG\nstructure. Our technique extends the capability of text models exploiting\nstructural and semantic information found in KGs. We evaluate our approach on\nmultiple textual entailment datasets and show that the use of external\nknowledge helps improve prediction accuracy. This is particularly evident in\nthe challenging BreakingNLI dataset, where we see an absolute improvement of\n5-20% over multiple text-based entailment models.\n
DESIR: Decoy-enhanced seamless IP randomization (2016)

Sophisticated adversaries usually initiate their attacks with a reconnaissance phase to discover exploitable vulnerabilities on the targeted networks and systems. To mitigate the effectiveness of persistent reconnaissance attacks, we develop a defensive mechanism that dynamically mutates network topology with a large number of decoys to invalidate the attacker's knowledge from network scanning. We combine the IP randomization technique with decoy techniques and solve two challenges, namely, service availability to legitimate users and service security against unauthorized users. First, our solution can minimize the probability of the real servers being identified and compromised by unauthorized users through deploying a large number of decoy nodes, which change their IP addresses along with the real servers to prolong the scanning time of the attackers. Second, our solution can ensure seamless connection migration so that all existing communication connections between the legitimate users and the servers are always kept alive even after the servers migrate to different IP addresses multiple times. We implement a virtual machine based system prototype and evaluate it using state-of-the-art scanning techniques. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results show that our solution can effectively mitigate network reconnaissance attacks without sacrificing service availability.
Ray tracing propagation modeling for future small-cell and indoor applications: A review of current techniques (2015)

Applied for the first time to mobile radio propagation modeling at the beginning of the nineties, ray tracing is now living a second youth. It is probably the best model to assist in the design and planning of future short range, mm-wave wireless systems, where the more limited propagation environment with respect to UHF frequencies, allows to overcome traditional high-CPU time limitations while the higher operating frequency makes ray-optics approximations less drastic and allows to achieve an unprecedented level of accuracy. An overview of ray tracing propagation modeling is given in this paper, with a special attention to future prospects and applications. In particular, frontiers of ray-based propagation modeling such as extension to diffuse scattering, multidimensional channel characterization, MIMO capacity assessments and future applications such as real-time ray tracing are addressed in the paper with reference to the work recently carried out at the University of Bologna.
Involvement of kinins in hyperresponsiveness induced by platelet activating factor in the human nasal airway (2000)

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of kinins in the development of nasal hyperresponsiveness induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) in normal human subjects. 2. Intranasal administration of PAF, 60 micrograms, induced an increased responsiveness to histamine, 200 micrograms per nostril, 6 h later. This effect was abolished by pretreatment with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists icatibant and [1-adamantaneacetyl-D-Arg0,Hyp3,beta-(2-thienyl)-Al a5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin ([Ad]-BK), both at 200 micrograms, every 2 h following PAF administration. 3. In a separate experiment, utilizing the same protocol, nasal lavage was used to measure the release of mediators into the nasal cavity following treatment with PAF. PAF increased the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and kinin detected in the lavage samples, compared with a saline control. The levels of these mediators were reduced by pretreatment with either icatibant or [Ad]-BK. 4. Administration of lyso-PAF, 60 micrograms intranasally, did not cause a rise in kinin or ECP levels in nasal lavage fluid. 5. Exogenous bradykinin, 500 micrograms, or a saline control, applied topically to the nasal mucosa every 30 min for 2 h, failed to cause hyperresponsiveness to histamine. 6. We conclude that bradykinin itself does not cause hyperresponsiveness, but is involved in the hyperresponsiveness induced by PAF in the human nasal airway.