gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine for patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: GEICAM/2015-04 (PANGEA-Breast) study (2022)

Abstract Background : We evaluated a combination of two immunomodulatory agents considering a synergism that may induce long-term clinical benefit in advanced breast cancer (ABC). Methods : HER2-negative ABC patients received 21-day cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg (day 1) and gemcitabine (days 1 and 8). A run-in-phase (6+6 design) was planned with two dose levels (DL) of gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m 2 [DL0]; 1,000 mg/m 2 [DL1]) to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The primary objective was objective response rate (ORR). Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density and PD-L1 expression in tumors and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) levels in peripheral blood were analyzed. Results : Fourteen patients were treated with DL0, resulting in RP2D. Thirty-six patients were evaluated during the first stage of Simon’s design. Recruitment was stopped as statistical assumptions were not met. The median age was 52; 21 (58%) patients had triple-negative disease, 28 (78%) visceral involvement, and 27 (75%) ≥2 metastatic locations. Progression disease was observed in 29 patients. ORR was 15% (95% CI, 5–32). Eight patients were treated ≥6 months before progression. Fourteen patients reported grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events. No association was found between TILs density and treatment efficacy. Patients with negative PD-L1 expression showed significantly prolonged progression-free survival. MDSCs levels were associated with treatment response. Conclusion : Pembrolizumab 200 mg and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m 2 were considered as RP2D. The objective of ORR was not met; however, 22% patients were on treatment for ≥6 months. Tumor PD-L1 expression and MDSCs levels suggested a potential predictive role in this population. Trial registration number : ClinicalTrials.gov and EudraCT (NCT03025880 and 2016-001779-54, respectively). Registration dates: 20/01/2017 and 18/11/2016, respectively.
Reachability Computation for Switching Diffusions (2017)

We consider continuous time stochastic hybrid systems with no resets and continuous dynamics described by linear stochastic differential equations -- models also known as switching diffusions. We show that for this class of models reachability (and dually, safety) properties can be studied on an abstraction defined in terms of a discrete time and finite space Markov chain (DTMC), with provable error bounds. The technical contribution of the paper is a characterization of the uniform convergence of the time discretization of such stochastic processes with respect to safety properties. This allows us to newly provide a complete and sound numerical procedure for reachability and safety computation over switching diffusions.
A powerful molecular synergy between mutant Nucleophosmin and Flt3-ITD drives acute myeloid leukemia in mice (2013)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the commonest myeloid malignancy, yet there has been little therapeutic progress for this disease in decades, and only 25–30% of patients survive long term.1 This reflects its pathogenetic complexity and the fact that the molecular basis of its largest cytogenetic subgroup, AML with a normal karyotype (AML-NK), was obscure until recently. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have revealed that AML-NK is molecularly heterogeneous with >30 genes recurrently targeted by somatic mutations in this disease.2 What is also evident is that each individual case of AML-NK appears to harbor only a small number of coding driver mutations, often as few as three and usually no more than five.2, 3 Furthermore, it is manifest that the precise combination of driver mutations in the genome of each AML impacts on its salient features, including responsiveness to treatments and prognosis.3
Flame retardation improvement of aqueous‐based polyurethane with aziridinyl phosphazene curing system (2001)

Aziridinyl phosphazene (NPAZ) was introduced to aqueous-based polyurethane (PU) as a flame retardant and a postcuring agent, mainly because of the presence of phosphorus compositions, as well as the reactive aziridinyl groups on NPAZ. This dual-function NPAZ was prepared from the substitution reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene with aziridine. Aqueous-based PU was treated with NPAZ and its curing reaction took place upon drying. The performance properties of this NPAZ cured PU (NPAZ-PU) were improved and better than those of the original PU. The phosphorus composition from NPAZ was evenly distributed on this NPAZ-PU film, which was identified by the phosphorus mapping on the energy dispersion spectrum. The physical and mechanical properties of NPAZ-PU were evaluated by the measurements of the gel content, water uptake, ethanol swelling, and tensile stress. The thermal properties of NPAZ-PU were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TG analyzer-interfaced FTIR, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Furthermore, its combustion behaviors were demonstrated with the data of a cone calorimeter measurement. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 662–673, 2001
13C-starch breath test--comparative clinical evaluation of an indirect pancreatic function test. (1997)

The clinical relevance of the 13C-starch breath test was evaluated in comparison to the secretin-caerulein test as the "gold standard" of pancreatic function testing, fecal elastase concentration, and fecal chymotrypsin activity in 30 patients with mild (n = 15) or severe (n = 15) exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. 23 patients with gastrointestinal diseases of non-pancreatic origin and 31 healthy volunteers served as controls. 50 g of natural starch of maize were orally administered after a 12-h fast and breath samples were taken before and in 30 min intervals for five hours after oral ingestion and the increase of 13C/12C-isotopic ratio was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Specificity of fecal elastase (93%) and fecal chymotrypsin (93%) for impaired pancreatic function were much higher compared to the various parameters of the 13C-starch breath test (69-74%). Sensitivities of the 13C-starch breath test for all and separately for mild and severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were higher (total 70-77%) compared to fecal chymotrypsin (total 60%), but lower compared to fecal elastase (total 93%). With regard to the higher sensitivity and specificity, the higher practicability, and the lower costs determination of fecal elastase concentrations is superior to the 13C-starch breath test and therefore remains to be the most reliable indirect pancreatic function test available today.
Tracking based on local motion estimation of spatio-temporally weighted salient points (2007)

The extraction of a video object contour, called "rotoscoping" in cinematographic post-production, is usually performed manually and frame by frame. Semi-automatic algorithms have been proposed to reduce the load of this task. However, they classically use region information and are usually based on a notion of homogeneity of the object. This homogeneity description might be difficult to establish and, consequently, the tracking may be not precise enough. The proposed method relies on the analysis of some temporal trajectories of salient points, or keypoints, called tracks. The main contribution of this paper is the local estimation, both spatially and temporally, of the contour motion from these tracks. The proposed method seems accurate, robust to outliers, and allows local deformation. Moreover, it can deal with partial occlusions.
Understanding impediments to cellular conversion to pluripotency by assessing the earliest events in ectopic transcription factor binding to the genome (2013)

In all known cases of transcription factor (TF)-based reprogramming, the process is relatively slow and inefficient. For example, it takes about a month for the ectopic expression of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc (OSKM) to fully reprogram human somatic cells to pluripotency. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that there is an initial stochastic phase, whereby random cells in the converting population begin to express a few genes of the new fate, followed by a so-called deterministic phase, whereby activation of a network for the new fate leads to homogeneous changes in gene expression patterns within a subset of the cell population. We recently mapped the initial interactions between OSKM factors and the human genome during the first 48 h of human fibroblast conversion to pluripotency. Unlike that reported in ES and iPS cells, distal enhancer sites in closed chromatin dominate the initial O, S, K and M binding distribution, showing that promoter occupancy is a later event in reprogramming. O, S and K act as pioneer factors for c-Myc, and c-Myc enhances the engagement of O, S and K. Despite the ability of OSKM to access closed chromatin, megabase-scale chromatin regions in somatic cells, referred to as "differentially bound regions" (DBRs), are remarkably refractory to OSKM binding at 48 h, though they become bound in pluripotent cells. These DBRs are highly enriched for the repressive H3K9me3 mark and span genes at the top of the deterministic hierarchy. Transient knockdown of the relevant chromatin modifiers allows access of OSKM to DBRs and a more rapid and efficient conversion to pluripotency. Thus, overcoming DBR barriers helps explain the conversion from a stochastic to a deterministic phase of transcription factor-mediated cell type conversion.
A study of vapour‐liquid equilibria for the binary mixtures hcfc22/cfc114, hcfc22/hcfc142b and hcfc22/hfc152a (1993)

Abstract Experimental data for vapour liquid equilibrium for the three non‐azeotropic mixtures HCFC22ICFC114 (CHClF z /C z Cl z F 4 ), HCFC22IHCFC142b (CHClF z /C z,/ H 3 ClF z ) and HCFC221HFC152a (CHClF z /C z H 4 F z ) and vapour pressure for the pure components have been measured in pressure range up to 1.8 MPa. In a comparative study the deviations between experimental and calculated data for three correlation methods are presented. The three methods are the equations of state according to Lee‐Kesler (1975) and Carnahan‐Starling‐de Santis (1976) and the activity coefficient model by Wilson (1964). Interaction parameters have been fitted from experimental data to the mixing rules proposed to the two equations of state and the activity coefficient parameters have been determined in the Wilson (1964) model. All three methods studied give good conformity with experimental data for the three mixtures examined.
On the Reliability of Chronically Implanted Thin-Film Electrodes in Human Arm Nerves for Neuroprosthetic Applications (2019)

Abstract Direct stimulation of peripheral nerves can successfully provide sensory feedback to amputees while using hand prostheses. Recent clinical studies have addressed this important limitation of current prostheses solutions using different implantable electrode concepts. Longevity of the electrodes is key to success. We have improved the long-term stability of the polyimide-based transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME) that showed promising performance in clinical trials by integration of silicon carbide adhesion layers. The TIMEs were implanted in the median and ulnar nerves of three trans-radial amputees for up to six months. Here, we present the characterization of the electrical properties of the thin-film metallization as well as material status post explantationem for the first time. The TIMEs showed reliable performance in terms of eliciting sensation and stayed within the electrochemical safe limits maintaining a good working range with respect to amplitude modulation. After termination of the trials and explantation of the probes, no signs of corrosion or morphological change to the thin-film metallization was observed by means of electrochemical and optical analysis. Damage to the metallization was assigned exclusively to mechanical impacts during explantation and handling. The results indicate that thin-film metallization on polymer substrates is applicable in permanent implant system.
On Microwave Imaging with Absorbing Metasurface Enclosure (2020)

Matching fluids used in microwave imaging are often lossy to reduce the reflections from the system enclosure. To enable the use of low-loss matching fluids, we investigate the use of absorbing metasurfaces as the enclosure. This has the potential to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the data, thus, enhancing the achievable image accuracy. The presented example has the following limitation: as opposed to design and simulation of the physical structure of the metasurface enclosure, it uses two impedance boundary conditions on top of a metallic-backed substrate. Thus, the angular dependency of a practical absorber is not completely taken into account by this model. At the conference, we'll also consider a microwave imaging metasurface enclosure via design and simulation of a physical structure.
Deep Transfer Learning Based on Convolutional Neural Networks for Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Spacecraft (2020)

The on-orbit operation and all-weather duty of spacecraft lead to the rapid increase of test data, which brings severe challenges to fault diagnosis. In recent years, deep learning has shown excellent performance in feature extraction and pattern recognition. More and more attentions have been paid to the application of deep learning in spacecraft fault diagnosis. However, the success of deep learning largely relies on sufficient labeled data. Due to the high reliability of spacecraft, the test data usually contains lots of normal sample points, while the faulty sample points are extremely scarce. Firstly, this paper designs a fault diagnosis model based on 1-D convolutional neural network, which directly processes the 1-D raw data and extracts features; then, for the first time, the transfer learning technology is introduced into the field of spacecraft fault diagnosis, and a domain adaptive deep transfer model is proposed. MMD is used to reduce the discrepancy of data probability distribution between the source and target domain. The results of the experiments show that the proposed model could accurately diagnose and identify the faults of spacecraft in different application scenarios.
Structural Characterization and Biocompatible Applications of Graphene Nanosheets for Miniaturization of Potentiometric Cholesterol Biosensor (2011)

The potentiometric cholesterol biosensor based on graphene nanosheets has been successfully miniaturized. Homogeneous exfoliation of the mono-and double-layered graphene nanosheets on copper wire is achieved by drop casting the graphene nanosheets suspended in N-methyl-pyrrolidone solution. The process of physical adsorption has been utilized to immobilize the cholesterol oxidase onto graphene nanosheets. Morphological, crosssectional and structural crystallinity of the nanosheets have been investigated using atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope. Ultraviolet-visible absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectrometers have been used to confirm the presence of the graphene nanosheets and their conjugation with cholesterol oxidase. The presented potentiometric biosensor renders effective selectivity and sensitivity (~82 mV/decade) for the detection of cholesterol biomolecules in 1 10 -6 M to 1 10 -3 M logarithmic range and quick output response within ~ 4 sec. The stability and reusability of the biosensor have also been investigated for the above mentioned range of cholesterol concentrations. Additionally, the functioning of presented biosensor is studied for the ranges of the temperature of 15-70 C and pH values (4-9).
Recognition Pliability Is Coupled to Structural Heterogeneity: A Calmodulin Intrinsically Disordered Binding Region Complex (2012)

Protein interactions within regulatory networks should adapt in a spatiotemporal-dependent dynamic environment, in order to process and respond to diverse and versatile cellular signals. However, the principles governing recognition pliability in protein complexes are not well understood. We have investigated a region of the intrinsically disordered protein myelin basic protein (MBP(145-165)) that interacts with calmodulin, but that also promiscuously binds other biomolecules (membranes, modifying enzymes). To characterize this interaction, we implemented an NMR spectroscopic approach that calculates, for each conformation of the complex, the maximum occurrence based on recorded pseudocontact shifts and residual dipolar couplings. We found that the MBP(145-165)-calmodulin interaction is characterized by structural heterogeneity. Quantitative comparative analysis indicated that distinct conformational landscapes of structural heterogeneity are sampled for different calmodulin-target complexes. Such structural heterogeneity in protein complexes could potentially explain the way that transient and promiscuous protein interactions are optimized and tuned in complex regulatory networks.
Mechanism of the Cis−Trans Isomerization of Bis(glycinato)copper(II) (2004)

The cis to trans isomerization reaction of bis(glycinato)copper(II) was investigated by quantum chemical methods. An electronic reaction barrier (cis → trans) of about 7.9 kcal/mol was determined for a ring-twisting mechanism, where both glycine residues stay bidentally attached to the central copper ion throughout the reaction. Ring-opening mechanisms could be ruled out for being energetically too demanding. Isomerization rates suggest the kinetic stability of the cis isomer in the gas phase only at very low temperatures (100 K). At ambient temperatures the isomerization to trans occurs spontaneously. Therefore the experimentally proved stability of the cis isomer in the solid state may be exclusively attributed to crystal packing effects.
Statistical methods for Mendelian models with multiple genes and cancers (2022)

Risk evaluation to identify individuals who are at greater risk of cancer as a result of heritable pathogenic variants is a valuable component of individualized clinical management. Using principles of Mendelian genetics, Bayesian probability theory, and variant-specific knowledge, Mendelian models derive the probability of carrying a pathogenic variant and developing cancer in the future, based on family history. Existing Mendelian models are widely employed, but are generally limited to specific genes and syndromes. However, the upsurge of multigene panel germline testing has spurred the discovery of many new gene-cancer associations that are not presently accounted for in these models. We have developed PanelPRO, a flexible, efficient Mendelian risk prediction framework that can incorporate an arbitrary number of genes and cancers, overcoming the computational challenges that arise because of the increased model complexity. We implement an 11-gene, 11-cancer model, the largest Mendelian model created thus far, based on this framework. Using simulations and a clinical cohort with germline panel testing data, we evaluate model performance, validate the reverse-compatibility of our approach with existing Mendelian models, and illustrate its usage. Our implementation is freely available for research use in the PanelPRO R package.
Cardiac function and sympathoadrenal activity in the newborn after cesarean section under spinal and epidural anesthesia (1988)

Left ventricular systolic time intervals, bupivacaine concentrations, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were determined in 19 neonates delivered by elective cesarean section. Ten of the cesarean sections were performed under spinal and nine under epidural anesthesia. Plain bupivacaine 0.5% was used for the epidural anesthesia and bupivacaine 0.5% in glucose 8% for the spinals. The noradrenaline and adrenaline levels were higher in the neonates whose mothers received epidural anesthesia. The differences in catecholamine and bupivacaine concentrations were not associated with differences in left ventricular dynamics, or the timing of postnatal circulatory changes. The significant exposure of the neonate to bupivacaine, at maternal epidural anesthesia, seems to have no negative effect on early neonatal circulation in the healthy term infant.
Rapid DSP System Design Tools and Processes for FPGA (2008)

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction The Evolution of FPGA System Design Design Methodology Requirements for FPGA DSP System Specification IP Core Generation Tools for FPGA System-level Design Tools for FPGA Conclusion References
Millions of Little Minions: Using Packets for Low Latency Network Programming and Visibility (Extended Version) (2014)

This paper presents a practical approach to rapidly introduce new dataplane functionality into networks: End-hosts embed tiny programs into packets to actively query and manipulate a network's internal state. We show how this "tiny packet program" (TPP) interface gives end-hosts unprecedented visibility into network behavior, enabling them to work with the network to achieve a common goal. Our design leverages what each component does best: (a) switches forward and execute tiny packet programs (at most 5 instructions) at line rate, and (b) end-hosts perform arbitrary computation on network state, which are easy to evolve. Using a hardware prototype on a NetFPGA, we show our design is feasible, at a reasonable cost. By implementing three different research proposals, we show that TPPs are also useful. And finally, we present an architecture in which they can be made secure.
A novel bi-directional AC/DC converter used for Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) (2017)

A novel bi-directional AC/DC converter topology is presented in this paper. This circuit topology offers a single-stage non-isolated solution for power conversion, suitable for ESS applications. In the proposed power circuitry, the DC-bus voltage can be higher or lower than the peak of the AC voltage. The detailed analysis reveals that the converter characteristics are different in the rectification and inversion modes, hence it requires different control strategies for each mode of operation. In the rectification mode, only the DC-bus voltage control is employed whereas in the inversion mode, both the DC-bus voltage control as well as the grid current control have to be used for generating the converter switching pulses. The operation of the proposed topology is validated through simulation and experimental results.
Excess Weight and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women of Diverse Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds (2010)

Heavier weight negatively affects physical HRQOL in postmenopausal women across diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Weight-relevant physical health factors have a greater impact on this weight-HRQOL association than do emotional/psychological factors.