gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Effects of Chronic and Acute Oestrogen Replacement Therapy in Aged Animals after Experimental Stroke (2011)

The effect of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on stroke incidence and severity has been extensively debated. Clinical trials of ERT have demonstrated an increased risk of stroke in treated women, although the study participants were well past menopause when therapy was initiated. It has been suggested that detrimental effects of ERT may be unmasked after prolonged periods of hypoestrogenicity. To date, very few studies have examined the effect of ERT in aged animals, although the timing of replacement may be critical to the neuroprotective effects of ERT. We hypothesised that chronic ERT initiated in late middle age would decrease infarct size in the brain after an induced stroke, whereas acute ERT would have no beneficial effects in aged females. To test this hypothesis, two paradigms of ERT were administered to aged mice of both sexes aiming to determine the effects on stroke outcome and to explore the possible mechanisms by which ERT interacts with age. Female mice that received chronic ERT from 17-20 months of age showed improved stroke outcomes after experimental stroke, whereas females that had acute ERT initiated at 20 months of age did not. Chronic ERT females exhibited diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation compared to acute ERT females after stroke. Acute ERT females demonstrated both an increase in nuclear NF-κB and enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a sexual dimorphic effect of ERT was seen because males benefited from ERT, regardless of the timing of initiation. Aged males had significantly reduced expression of pro-inflammatory markers after stroke compared to age-matched females, suggesting a pro-inflammatory milieu emerges with age in females. These results are consistent with the emerging clinical literature suggesting that ERT should be initiated at the time of menopause to achieve beneficial effects. The present study demonstrates the importance of using appropriate animal models in preclinical studies.
Image reconstruction by backprojection from frequency-domain optical measurements in highly scattering media (1997)

The reconstruction of the location and optical properties of objects in turbid media requires the solution of the inverse problem. Iterative solutions to this problem can require large amounts of computing time and may not converge to a unique solution. Instead, we propose a fast, simple method for approximately solving this problem in which calculated effective absorption and reduced scattering coefficients are backprojected to create an image of the objects. We reconstructed images of objects with centimeter dimensions embedded in a diffusive medium with optical characteristics similar to those of human tissue. Data were collected by a frequency-domain spectrometer operating at 120 MHz with a laser diode light source emitting at 793 nm. Intensity and phase of the incident photon density wave were collected from linear scans at different projection angles. Although the positions of the objects are correctly identified by the reconstructed images, the optical parameters of the objects are recovered only qualitatively.
The massively parallel processor: architecture and application (1988)

The massively parallel processor (MPP) has a simple, yet elegant architecture. Some have granted that it is novel, and other have claimed it to be fundamental. Whichever is the case, it has shown itself to be both useful and practical. Its hardware embodiment consumes relatively low power compared to other supercomputers, does not require special cooling, has an instruction cycle time that is relatively long, thus allowing it to avoid high speed technologies, and yet it competes respectably with any currently available supercomputer in speed of execution of applications. Due to the efficiency of the architecture, ease of construction and variety of applications, it is conceivable that within a few years computational accelerators more powerful than the MPP will be available at reasonable cost to be placed inside desktop workstations.
Late Holocene dune mobilizations in the northwestern Negev dunefield, Israel: A response to combined anthropogenic activity and short-term intensified windiness (2013)

Abstract The study of the effects of past climates on ancient cultures is usually based on geologic records pertaining to rainfall and temperature fluctuations and shifts. This study proposes a paradigm of anthropogenic activity and windiness fluctuations to explain aeolian sedimentation and dune mobilization in the northwestern (NW) Negev Desert dunefield (Israel). The proposed paradigm contributes a different approach to estimating the effect of climate changes on the unprecedented agricultural and urban settlement expansion during the late Roman to Early Islamic period in the northern and central Negev Desert. This study builds upon the late Holocene cluster of luminescence ages, coupled with analysis of archaeological finds and historical texts. Whereas the NW Negev dunefield was generally stable during the Holocene, intermittent dune mobilization during the late Holocene, at ∼1.8 ka and mostly 1.4–1.1 ka (∼600–900 CE), are linked to periods of human occupation. The idea that the last glacial dune encroachments alone that formed the NW Negev dunefield is connected to cold-event windy climates that may have intensified East Mediterranean cyclonic winter storms, cannot explain the late Holocene dune mobilizations. A conceptual model indicates a connection between late Holocene dune mobilization, widespread anthropogenic occupation and activity, and windiness. Historic grazing and uprooting shrubs for fuel in the past by nomads and sedentary populations led to decimation of dune stabilizers, biogenic soil crusts and vegetation, causing dune erodibility and low-grade activity. Short-term events of amplified wind power in conjunction with periods of augmented anthropogenic activity that triggered major events of dune mobilization (elongation) and accretion have been preserved in the dune chronostratigraphy. Because they were short-lived, the dune mobilization events, corresponding windiness, and probable dustiness which were examined affected the northern Negev landscape differentially. However, they cannot be shown to have affected the environment sufficiently to influence the decline of the late Byzantine and Early Islam agricultural establishment. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of dunes in arid and semi-arid regions to a combination of local and short-term fluctuations in windiness at times of widespread grazing (anthropogenic activity). The results indicate that in similar future scenarios, sand mobilization may be similarly retriggered to varying degrees.
Calibration of a Network Analyzer Without a Thru Connection for Nonlinear and Multiport Measurements (2008)

This paper presents the derivation of the novel calibration procedure without thru using the one-port calibration standards short, open, match, a comb generator, and a power sensor at each port. The necessary architecture presented of a modified network analyzer to measure a multiport and nonlinear S -parameter is quite simple. This novel procedure without thru allows to measure nonreciprocal transfer functions without any reciprocal two-port or multiport calibration standard. Measurement results exemplify the very good quality of the novel calibration procedure for linear and nonlinear measurements under real-life conditions.
Biomineralization of Zinc-Phosphate-Based Nano Needles by Living Microalgae (2012)

Up to now, chemical synthesis routes only provide restricted opportunities for the formation of structured nano particles. In contrast, living microorganisms generate nano materials of well defined shapes by the precise control of biomineralization. Here we reveal new principles for the generation of functional nano materials through the process of biomineralization. We used the detoxification mechanism of the unicellular alga Scenedesmus obliquus to generate a techno logically interesting zinc-phosphate-based nano material. The algae were incubated in media with a sublethal zinc concentration (6.53 mg Zn dm-3) for 4 weeks. Using BF-and ADF-STEM imaging combined with analytical XEDS we could show that nano needles containing phosphorus and zinc were formed inside the living cells. Further more, the cells incubated with zinc show a strong fluorescence. Our findings indicate that the algae used polyphosphate bodies for detoxification of the zinc ions, leading to the generation of intracellular zinc-phosphate-based nano needles. Beside the technological application of this material, the fluorescent cells can be used for labeling of e.g. biological probes. This new experimental protocol for the production of an inorganic functional material can be applied also for other substances.
A Novel Analytical Method to Estimate the Carbon Capture Potential of Depleted Oil and Gas Fields (2012)

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is one of “Five Grand Challenges” of E&amp;P industry to develop sustainable use of hydrocarbons. Success of CCS projects depend greatly on selecting adequate target reservoirs for storage. Numerical simulation is time consuming, expensive, and requires detailed input data, yet it remains the accepted method to forecast CO2 storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs. This investigation presents an analytical method, based on thermodynamic state functions, to estimate ultimate CO2 storage capacity in such reservoirs. The proposed method makes fast and accurate estimates, while considering contaminants such as nitrogen and carbon monoxide contained in the injection stream. Results are used to select target reservoirs, estimate amount of CO2 to be stored, design injection schemes and surface facilities, and evaluate the injection process. Performance of the new method was compared against compositional reservoir simulation for a wide range of reservoir depletion pressure, target pressure, temperature, water saturation, fluid compositions, and reservoir size. Excellent agreement was observed between analytical and numerical models, with only 1.3% molar basis average difference. Average oil, gas, and water saturations were also matched. Analytical method performed orders of magnitude faster than numerical simulation, with an average time per run of 5 seconds.
GLP-1 at physiological concentrations recruits skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature in healthy humans (2014)

Muscle microvascular surface area determines substrate and hormonal exchanges between plasma and muscle interstitium. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) regulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion and has numerous extrapancreatic effects, including a salutary vascular action. To examine whether GLP-1 recruits skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature in healthy humans, 26 overnight-fasted healthy adults received a systemic infusion of GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg of body mass per min) for 150 min. Skeletal and cardiac muscle MBV (microvascular blood volume), MFV (microvascular flow velocity) and MBF (microvascular blood flow) were determined at baseline and after 30 and 150 min. Brachial artery diameter and mean flow velocity were measured and total blood flow was calculated before and at the end of the GLP-1 infusion. GLP-1 infusion raised plasma GLP-1 concentrations to the postprandial levels and suppressed plasma glucagon concentrations with a transient increase in plasma insulin concentrations. Skeletal and cardiac muscle MBV and MBF increased significantly at both 30 and 150 min (P<0.05). MFV did not change in skeletal muscle, but decreased slightly in cardiac muscle. GLP-1 infusion significantly increased brachial artery diameter (P<0.005) and flow velocity (P=0.05) at 150 min, resulting in a significant increase in total brachial artery blood flow (P<0.005). We conclude that acute GLP-1 infusion significantly recruits skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature in addition to relaxing the conduit artery in healthy humans. This could contribute to increased tissue oxygen, nutrient and insulin delivery and exchange and therefore better prandial glycaemic control and tissue function in humans.
Interactions between spinach ferredoxin-nitrite reductase and its substrates. Evidence for the specificity of ferredoxin. (1985)

Reduced ferredoxin can serve as electron donor in the 6-electron reduction of nitrite to ammonia catalyzed by spinach nitrite reductase. We have examined interactions between nitrite reductase and its substrates, ferredoxin and nitrite, with emphasis upon protein-protein interactions between ferredoxin and nitrite reductase. Ferredoxin, of the proteins tested, is the most effective in retarding low ionic strength inactivation of nitrite reductase. The interaction appears to be electrostatic, and the apparent Kd, calculated from the concentration dependence of ferredoxin protection, is about 1 microM in 2 mM Tris. Chemical modification of carboxyl residues of ferredoxin resulting in a change of charge reduces its reactivity with both ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase and nitrite reductase, indicating the importance of charge-charge interactions. Cross-linking studies provided no evidence for a ternary complex containing the oxidoreductase and nitrite reductase but indicated that the two enzymes will compete for ferredoxin, possibly using the same site (or overlapping sites) on the ferredoxin. A complex containing ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase, ferredoxin, and cytochrome c was detected, indicating that ferredoxin has different binding sites for cytochrome c and ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase. Active cross-linked complexes of ferredoxin and nitrite reductase were obtained and were less sensitive to low ionic strength inactivation than free reductase and had decreased ferredoxin-supported nitrite reductase activity. The evidence presented of protein-protein interactions between ferredoxin and nitrite reductase indicates that ferredoxin is indeed the specific physiological electron donor to the reductase.
GlobFit (2011)

Given a noisy and incomplete point set, we introduce a method that simultaneously recovers a set of locally fitted primitives along with their global mutual relations. We operate under the assumption that the data corresponds to a man-made engineering object consisting of basic primitives, possibly repeated and globally aligned under common relations. We introduce an algorithm to directly couple the local and global aspects of the problem. The local fit of the model is determined by how well the inferred model agrees to the observed data, while the global relations are iteratively learned and enforced through a constrained optimization. Starting with a set of initial RANSAC based locally fitted primitives, relations across the primitives such as orientation, placement, and equality are progressively learned and conformed to. In each stage, a set of feasible relations are extracted among the candidate relations, and then aligned to, while best fitting to the input data. The global coupling corrects the primitives obtained in the local RANSAC stage, and brings them to precise global alignment. We test the robustness of our algorithm on a range of synthesized and scanned data, with varying amounts of noise, outliers, and non-uniform sampling, and validate the results against ground truth, where available.
Development of micro rescue robot-human detection (2005)

In this report, small hopping robots which have a simple locomotion mechanism and IR sensor module have been developed to detect human under collapsed buildings. This small robot includes micro eccentric motors for generating lift and thrust forces, and IR sensors for detecting the thermal signal of human. Therefore, the micro robot can crawl without any wheels or legs even on small, rough terrain with the help of eccentric mechanical vibration. This tiny robot also has the ability of self-righting to allow it to keep moving to the target even if it falls and lands in any position. Weight balance as well as resonance parameters are very important to achieve good mobility. Automatic navigation to the target is achieved with simple on-off motor switching. The simple design layout results in not only lightweight robots but also low cost allowing employment of a large number of robots in the dangerous rubble field. Initially, a small robot utilizing off-the-shelf components (i.e. micro motors, button batteries, sensors and electronics) was designed and assembled to verify feasibility for rescue operations. In the initial experiments, many small robots with optical and IR sensors have been developed and movement toward a human body under zero light conditions has been successfully demonstrated.
Automated, high-throughput photonic packaging (2018)

Silicon photonics can enable optical circuits of unprecedented complexity and cost efficiency. It employs lithography to effectively pre-assemble optical devices on wafers fabricated in existing microelectronic facilities with decades of cost and reliability optimization. Unfortunately, the packaging of photonic chips still employs legacy approaches, which limit the device’s cost efficiency and scalability. To address this challenge, we have developed a novel approach to photonic packaging centered on shifting complexity from chip-level assembly to wafer-level planar fabrication. Self-alignment structures and large-mode converters are integrated on chip to enable photonic packaging in standard, automated, high-throughput microelectronic assembly tools. We demonstrate solutions to interfacing standard optical fibers to chips and to interfacing photonic chips to other photonic chips. We show wide spectral bandwidth and a peak transmission of −1.3 dB from a standard fiber patch cable to chip and −1.1 dB from chip to chip. We believe this new direction can help silicon photonics reach its full potential.
Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Is Associated With Increased Lamina Propria Immunoglobulin G4‐Positive Plasma Cells (2018)

We demonstrate that active esophagitis in pediatric EoE patients is associated with elevated levels of IgG4-positive plasma cells, which was more significant in EoE patients with a documented food allergy. Our study also adds to the growing literature that EoE may involve more than just an exaggerated TH2 immune response.
Perceiving Talking Faces (1995)

8. H.R. Markus and S. Kitayama, Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation, Psychological Review, 98, 224-253 (1991); H.C Triandis, The self and social behavior in differing cultural contexts, Psychological Review, 96, 506-520 (1989); R.A. Shweder and M.A. Sulli van, Cultural psychology: Who needs it? Annual Re view of Psychology, 44, 497-523 (1993). 9. CD. Ryff, Y.H. Lee, and K.C Na, Through the lens of culture: Psychological well-being at midlife, unpublished manuscript, University of Wis consin, Madison (1995). 10. R.M. Hauser, W.H. Sewell, J.A. Logan, T.S. Hauser, CD. Ryff, A. Caspi, and M.M. MacDonald, The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study: Adults as parents and children at age 50, ?ASSIST Quarterly, 16, 23 38 (1992); S.M. Heidrich and CD. Ryff, The role of social comparisons processes in the psychological adaptation of elderly adults, Journal of Gerontology, 48, P127-P136 (1993); Ryff and Essex, note 1; CD. Ryff and M.J. Essex, The interpretation of life expe rience and well-being: The sample case of reloca tion, Psychology and Aging, 7, 507-517 (1992); CD. Ryff, Y.H. Lee, M.J. Essex, and P.S. Schmutte, My children and me: Mid-life evaluations of grown children and of self, Psychology and Aging, 9, 195 205 (1994); S. Tweed and CD. Ryff, Adult children of alcoholics: Profiles of Wellness and distress, Jour nal of Studies on Alcohol, 52, 133-141 (1991).
Recent Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production by Mixed Aerobic Cultures: From the Substrate to the Final Product (2006)

Numerous bacteria have been found to exhibit the capacity for intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. Current methods for PHA production at the industrial scale are based on their synthesis from microbial isolates in either their wild form or by recombinant strains. High production costs are associated with these methods; thus, attempts have been made to develop more cost-effective processes. Reducing the cost of the carbon substrates (e.g., through feeding renewable wastes) and increasing the efficiency of production technologies (including both fermentation and downstream extraction and recovery) are two such examples of these attempts. PHA production processes based on mixed microbial cultures are being investigated as a possible technology to decrease production costs, since no sterilization is required and bacteria can adapt quite well to the complex substrates that may be present in waste material. PHA accumulation by mixed cultures has been found under various operational conditions and configurations at both bench-scale and full-scale production. The process known as "feast and famine" or as "aerobic dynamic feeding" seems to have a high potential for PHA production by mixed cultures. Enriched cultures submitted to a transient carbon supply can synthesize PHA at levels comparable to those of pure cultures. Indeed, the intracellular PHA content can reach around 70% of the cell dry weight, suggesting that this process could be competitive with pure culture PHA production when fully developed. Basic and applied research of the PHA production process by mixed cultures has been carried out in the past decade, focusing on areas such as microbial characterization, process configuration, reactor operational strategies, process modeling and control, and polymer characterization. This paper presents a review of the PHA production process with mixed cultures, encompassing the findings reported in the literature as well as our own experimental results in relation to each of these areas.
Molecular degradation of concentrated polystyrene solutions in a fast transient extensional flow (1997)

Abstract The extensional degradation of concentrated polymer solutions is studied. Extensional flows are prevalent in the polymer processing industry, but their effect on polymer degradation is often overlooked. Previous research into dilute solution extensional degradation proved that this type of flow is much more effective than shear flow in causing chain scission. This research extends these dilute solution studies into the concentrated regime, where intermolecular entanglements are expected to affect chain scission. A concentrated polystyrene solution is degraded in an opposed pistons device. This device cycles the solution across a sharp contraction, imposing a strong extensional flow. The flow field is modeled to determine the extension rate along the centerline, and the degradation is quantified by measuring the zero shear viscosity and the molecular weight distribution. The results show that degradation is more significant compared to dilute solutions. The zero shear viscosity drops 30% after a single pass across the orifice at high strain rates. As in a dilute solution, the extensional flow leads to preferential cleavage of the high molecular weight chains. All chains longer than a measured critical molecular weight are ruptured. Multiple passes across the orifice increase chain scission, although degradation is the most significant in the first pass through the high strain rate region.
Premithramycinon G, ein frühes Shuntprodukt des Mithramycin‐Biosyntheseweges, akkumuliert nach Inaktivierung der Oxygenase MtmOII (2006)

Das ungewöhnliche Dodecaketid Premithramycinon G (siehe Formel), das eine tetracyclische Struktur mit fünfgliedrigem Ring und zwei daran gebundenen Ketidketten aufweist, wurde nach Inaktivierung einer früh agierenden Oxygenase des Mithramycin-Biosyntheseweges akkumuliert. Die Bildung dieser Struktur lässt neue Hypothesen zum frühen Mithramycin-Biosyntheseweg zu, einschließlich der Beteiligung dreier Oxygenasen, deren Funktion bislang nicht zugeordnet werden konnte.