gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Annual Nitrogen Loss to Groundwater Via Edge‐of‐Field Monitoring: Method and Application (2022)

Increased nitrate concentrations in groundwater and surface waters represent one of the most widespread and acute impacts of modern agriculture on the environment. However, there is often a fundamental gap in understanding how individual agricultural fields and practices contribute to this broad-scale issue. To practically address nutrient dynamics at individual agricultural sites, methods for assessing nitrogen loss to groundwater that are minimally invasive and thus can encourage farmer "buy in" are necessary. We present an approach that uses edge-of-field monitoring at multilevel samplers along with a once-per-year tracer application (bromide) to calculate nitrogen loss on an annual basis. Using appropriate spatio-temporal integrals of measured concentrations, a net loss of nitrogen to groundwater (per field area) can be calculated. This approach directly measures impacts of nitrogen leaching below the water table, while avoiding permanent in-field installations that can interfere with farm operations. We present an application of this technique to assess nitrogen loss to groundwater over 5 years for a commercial agricultural field in Sauk County, WI. Results from Field 19 indicate that nitrogen losses are similar to (or slightly below) previously reported values for corn and potato crops. In all years, however, we estimate that more than 25% (>60 kg/ha) of nitrogen applied leached as nitrate to groundwater. Use of this mass flux estimation method was most reliable when: (1) tracer is injected directly at the water table, limiting "smearing" within the vadose zone; and (2) nitrate concentrations from laboratory analysis were obtained, rather than using ion-selective electrodes or nitrate test strips.
Homeostatic adaptation to inversion of the visual field and other sensorimotor disruptions (2000)

Adaptation to inversion of the visual eld is studied in a simple simulated model of phototactic behaviour. Inspired by recent ndings in neuroscience, a novel neural architecture based on continuous dynamical neural networks is implemented. Individual cells behave homeostatically by facilitating local plasticity whenever their activity goes out of bounds. Robots are evolved to perform long-term phototaxis on a series of light sources while trying to keep neurons behaving homeostatically. Robots are then tested under the condition of left/right inversion of vision. Initially, their phototactic capability is lost, which in most cases causes neurons to lose homeostasis and trigger plastic changes. After long periods of maladaptation, robots adapt to the new sensorimotor situation, and phototactic behaviour is recovered. The introduction of other disruptions such as radical perturbations to motor and sensor gains also results in eventual adaptation. The model intends to bring Ashbyan ideas on the relation between adaption and internal stability into the context of current research on evolutionary robotics. In spite of the promising preliminary results, a series of unsolved questions are raised by this model. Possible solutions are suggested.
Bioinspired microhooked patches for targeted delivery of molecules in plant leaves (2022)

In the present work, we mimic the strong shear-dependent leaf attachment of the hook-climber Galium aparine to propose new patches with micropatterned hooks for targeted delivery of molecules in leaf tissues. We first built biodegradable and dissolvable isomalt-made micro-hooked patches using high-resolution micromanufacturing techniques including two-photon lithography. Secondly, we characterize the mechanical properties of plant leaves and the attachment forces of the micro-hooked patches to leaf surfaces. Lastly, we tested the micro-hooked patches for in situ release of fluorescein molecules in plant vascular tissues, producing biodegradable environmental-friendly machines. This research highlights the potential to use plant-like sustainable miniaturized machines to cure plants, reducing the use of pesticides and preserving natural ecosystems.
Subsidence of Metal Interbody Cage After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Pedicle Screw Fixation (2010)

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion is considered to be an excellent fusion procedure to stabilize anterior support, correct alignment in the sagittal and coronal plane, and achieve foraminal decompression by lifting the disk height. The metal interbody cage in posterior lumbar interbody fusion is thought to be useful to prevent collapse of the graft bone and to correct and maintain disk height; however, some studies have noted a gradual decrease of disk height due to cage subsidence. Therefore, to investigate the significance of cage subsidence, 86 disk levels radiographically confirmed to have good union in 66 patients with posterior lumbar interbody fusion combined with pedicle screw fixation and a single metal cage for degenerative lumbar disease were retrospectively evaluated. The follow-up period ranged from 3 years to 10 years 3 months, with a mean of 7 years 9 months. Cage subsidence often showed a gradual increase over time. At final follow-up, subsidence averaged 4.0 mm on the cranial surface and 2.7 mm on the caudal surface. Although the average increase of disk height was 3.2 mm immediately postoperatively, the final disk height decreased by 4.2 mm on average from that time. The degree of cage subsidence and decrease of disk height were not correlated with the final clinical results. Subsidence was not correlated with bone mineral density in the vertebral body, body weight, or site of the insertion. On the other hand, the wedge shape of the cage and the thickness of the resected endplate had a significant influence on cage subsidence.
Experimental Evaluation of BLI Propulsion: The Boundary Layer Ingesting Inlet/Distortion-Tolerant Fan Solution (2018)

NASA has successfully developed a new testbed configuration for experimentally evaluating embedded boundary layer ingesting aircraft propulsors in its 8'x6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel. This testbed meets the challenges of providing the necessary freestream flow Mach conditions and desired range and distribution of boundary layer thickness for embedded aircraft propulsion systems. The testbed consists of a 48ft long raised wind tunnel floor aircraft surface simulator and a boundary layer regulation system to produce propulsion-local aircraft aerodynamic flow fields. This durable special test equipment is designed to be installed in the wind tunnel's transonic test section and is capable of evaluating a wide range of subcritical and supercritical airframe-propulsion integration configurations for subsonic cruise aircraft. The wind tunnel and testbed are well suited for meeting the test requirements of these propulsors in the most cost efficient way and has been aerodynamically calibrated and proven through tests of a first-of-its-kind boundary layer ingesting propulsor.
Minuscule Heaps Over Dynkin diagrams of type ˜ A (2004)

Resolving the relationships among animal phyla is a key biological problem that remains to be solved. Morphology is unable to determine the relationships among most phyla and although molecular data have unveiled a new evolutionary scenario, they have their own limitations. Nuclear ribosomal genes (18S and 28S rDNA) have been used effectively for many years. However, they are considered of limited use for resolving deep divergences such as the origin of the bilaterians, due to certain drawbacks such as the long-branch attraction (LBA) problem. Here, we attempt to overcome these pitfalls by combining several methods suggested in previous studies and routinely used in contemporary standard phylogenetic analyses but that have not yet been applied to any bilaterian phylogeny based on these genes. The methods used include maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, the application of models with rate heterogeneity across sites, wide taxon sampling and compartmentalized analyses for each problematic clade. The results obtained show that the combination of the above-mentioned methodologies minimizes the LBA effect, and a new Lophotrochozoa phylogeny emerges. Also, the Acoela and Nemertodermatida are confirmed with maximum support as the first branching bilaterians. Ribosomal RNA genes are thus a reliable source for the study of deep divergences in the metazoan tree, provided that the data are treated carefully.
Structure of the ROC domain from the Parkinson's disease-associated leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 reveals a dimeric GTPase (2008)

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 contains a Ras of complex proteins (ROC) domain that may act as a GTPase to regulate its protein kinase activity. The structure of ROC and the mechanism(s) by which it regulates kinase activity are not known. Here, we report the crystal structure of the LRRK2 ROC domain in complex with GDP-Mg(2+) at 2.0-A resolution. The structure displays a dimeric fold generated by extensive domain-swapping, resulting in a pair of active sites constructed with essential functional groups contributed from both monomers. Two PD-associated pathogenic residues, R1441 and I1371, are located at the interface of two monomers and provide exquisite interactions to stabilize the ROC dimer. The structure demonstrates that loss of stabilizing forces in the ROC dimer is likely related to decreased GTPase activity resulting from mutations at these sites. Our data suggest that the ROC domain may regulate LRRK2 kinase activity as a dimer, possibly via the C-terminal of ROC (COR) domain as a molecular hinge. The structure of the LRRK2 ROC domain also represents a signature from a previously undescribed class of GTPases from complex proteins and results may provide a unique molecular target for therapeutics in PD.
Tumor angiogenesis: biology and therapeutic prospects. (1999)

Angiogenesis is now recognized as a critical process in tumor progression and is required for solid tumors to grow beyond a few millimeters in size. The transition from a non angiogenic to an angiogenic phenotype and subsequent tumor vascularization is not well understood but is likely to involve angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors. Regulation of vascular growth also involves complex interactions of extracellular matrix molecules, proteolytic enzymes and cell adhesion molecules. Each step in the angiogenic process represents a potential target for therapeutic anticancer strategies. Antiangiogenic compounds have proven very successful as cancer treatments in murine animal models and demonstrated utility in treating humans cancers in clinical trials. These agents exhibit reduced toxicity and a decreased likelihood for the development of drug resistance compared to conventional chemotherapies. This review summarizes current knowledge of tumor angiogenesis and the factors involved, and, in addition, presents an overview of current and future antiangiogenic therapies.
DEVELOPMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSTIC VIROLOGY (2013)

Mutation and recombination in viral genomes pose problems for diagnostic virology, mainly for molecular testing, even in the diagnosis of autochthonous viruses. There are different approaches to the diagnosis of emerging viral diseases, based on the level of confidence regarding the suspected etiological agent, that is, if the specific identity of the etiological agent is suspected, or if it is suspected only at genus or family level or group of viruses that cause a disease, or if the identity of the etiological agent is completely unknown. Specimens for culture, antigen assays, or molecular testing should be obtained early in acute illness, when virus shedding is highest. Virus isolation and propagation in tissue culture was developed more than 60 years ago and remains a versatile, cost-effective, and comprehensive diagnostic approach. Viral antigens are detected by direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods. The methods have comparable sensitivity and specificity.
Basic Flow Modelling for Long Distance Transport of Wellstream Fluids (2009)

This paper reports improvements in transient multiphase flow simulation to meet future industrial challenges. Multiphase flowlines can be hundreds of km long and feature dynamics with time spans of months, dictating the use of a 1D model on a coarse grid for engineering calculations. The 1D conservation equations for multiphase flow are robust but require closures. Robust mechanistic closures are obtained by integrating a 2D velocity field over the cross-section. In combination with the 1D equations, this gives a 3D flow description, greatly improving scale-up from experiments to field conditions. Extensive comparisons with experimental data reveal substantial model improvement.
Relationship of Nursing Home Staffing to Quality of Care (2004)

The highest-staffed NHs reported significantly lower resident care loads on all staffing reports and provided better care than all other homes.
Implantable Pulse Generators (Pacemakers) and Electrodes: Safety in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Environment (2000)

Static magnetic fields, time-varying electric and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic interference within the magnetic resonance imaging scanner environment can cause the implantable pulse generator (pacemaker) to malfunction and render the electrodes hazardous to the patient. This article provides a review of the literature and of international regulatory guidance concerning safety considerations when these implantable devices are exposed to magnetic resonance imaging.
Anti‐sense oligonucleotides directed against EGF‐related growth factors enhance anti‐proliferative effect of conventional anti‐tumor drugs in human colon‐cancer cells (1997)

We have demonstrated that anti-sense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (AS S-oligos) directed against the EGF-like growth factors CRIPTO (CR), amphiregulin (AR) or transforming-growth-factor-α(TGFα) mRNA, are equipotent in their ability to inhibit the growth of human colon-carcinoma GEO cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of combinations of these AS S-oligos and conventional anti-tumor drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), adriamycin (ADR), mitomycin C (MIT) and cis-platinum (CDDP), on GEO cell growth. Dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed by treatment either with AS S-oligos or with anti-tumor drugs, using a clonogenic assay. Furthermore, an additive growth-inhibitory effect occurred when GEO cells were exposed to the AS S-oligos after treatment with different concentrations of either 5-FU, MIT, ADR or CDDP. For example, treatment of GEO cells with a combination of low concentrations of 5-FU and any of the 3 AS S-oligos resulted in up to 70% growth inhibition. However, treatment of GEO cells with AS S-oligos before exposure to 5-FU or CDDP resulted in reduced efficacy of both drugs. Flow-cytometric analysis of DNA content demonstrated that treatment with the AS S-oligos caused a slight reduction of the percentage of cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle. These data suggest that combinations of AS S-oligos directed against EGF-related growth factors and of conventional anti-tumor drugs may result in efficient inhibition of colon-carcinoma cell growth. Int. J. Cancer 73:277–282, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Glyco‐SeS: Selenenylsulfide‐Mediated Protein Glycoconjugation—A New Strategy in Post‐Translational Modification (2004)

Ortsselektive Glycosylierung durch Se-S-vermittelte Anbindung führte ohne großen Überschuss der Kohlenhydratverbindung zur effizienten Bildung einer Vielzahl von Konjugaten 1. Durch diese konvergente Methode wurde eine Heptasaccharid-Glycan-Selektivität eingeführt und eine mehrfache ortsselektive chemische Glycosylierung von Proteinen erzielt. Ein chemisch Cys-glycosyliertes Protein wurde enzymatisch hergestellt. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2001/2004/z52975_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Regularized phase tracker with isophase scanning strategy for analysis of dynamic interferograms of nonwetting droplets under excitation (2005)

The surface of a nonwetting droplet is separated from a solid surface by a continuous supply of a lubricating gas film within the apparent contact region. Under certain conditions, e.g., application of an external excitation force, the gas film thickness can decrease to a level where intermolecular forces cause the droplet to wet the surface. The thickness of the lubricating film can be measured by interferometry. Externally imposed oscillations change the shape of the film, leading to dynamic interference fringes that are recorded with a high-speed CCD camera. We propose a spatiotemporal analysis of the interference patterns based on the regularized phase-tracker method. This well-known method minimizes a cost function to estimate the absolute phase of a single element in the interferogram. A proper scanning method along all elements of the interferogram is necessary to avoid phase estimation errors that will propagate throughout the entire continuous phase image of interest. The scanning method we propose traces along contours of constant phase in the interferogram and does not require segmentation of the interferogram in dark and bright fringes. Results in the form of dynamic height profiles of droplets under excitation obtained by this method are presented.
Quantification of Suramin by Reverse-Phase Ion-Pairing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (1985)

Abstract A specific and sensitive method has been developed for the separation and quantification of suramin and trypan blue (internal standard) in human plasma. Plasma samples were extracted by centrifugation after the addition of ion-pairing reagent (tetra-butylammonium phosphate, TRAP) and methanol. Extracts were injected directly onto a reverse-phase ion-pairing HPLC system with 5 mM TBAP in the mobile phase. There was nearly 100% extraction efficiency after 3 cumulative extracts of each sample. The limit of quantitation was 0.5 μg/ml at a detection wavelength of 313 nm. Analysis of 3 post-therapy samples from a patient with AIDS was used to determine a plasma half-life for suramin of at least 3 weeks.
Alternatív módszerek alkalmazása a hitoktató képzésben (2013)

Application of alternative educational methods in education of teachers for theology 

In theological education the most common form of teaching is lecture, both towards children and adults – this is preferred not just by the teachers, but also by the students. It is a general view that within the limited time-frame of distant education this is the best way of transmitting the most information and aiding the work of students at home. The methods applied in the education of adults needs to be different, of course, from those of the schools; however the alternative methods based on activity and achievement can be applied in this field as well. Theological teachers – after finishing their studies – will make sessions for children and adults about the Bible. The primary aim of the course would be to provide something differ-ent from ‘forced’ learning. A good way of achieving this is to teach the teachers about the alternative methods and make them practice as well – this is why within the frames of differentiating pedagogy the adults are taught the same way as well. They get to know the stories of the Bible via project works, which make the scenes more authentic and understandable.
 
Keywords: adults education • theological education • project • games • alternative methods
Virus infection activates IL-1 beta and IL-18 production in human macrophages by a caspase-1-dependent pathway. (1999)

Monocytes and macrophages play a significant role in host's defense system, since they produce a number of cytokines in response to microbial infections. We have studied IL-1 beta, IL-18, IFN-alpha/beta, and TNF-alpha gene expression and protein production in human primary monocytes and GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages during influenza A and Sendai virus infections. Virus-infected monocytes released only small amounts of IL-1 beta or IL-18 protein, whereas 7- and 14-day-old GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages readily produced these cytokines. Constitutive expression of proIL-18 was seen in monocytes and macrophages, and the expression of it was enhanced during monocyte/macrophage differentiation. Expression of IL-18 mRNA was clearly induced only by Sendai virus, whereas both influenza A and Sendai viruses induced IL-1 beta mRNA expression. Since caspase-1 is known to cleave proIL-1 beta and proIL-18 into their mature, active forms, we analyzed the effect of a specific caspase-1 inhibitor on virus-induced IL-1 beta and IL-18 production. The release of IL-1 beta and IL-18, but not that of IFN-alpha/beta or TNF-alpha, was clearly blocked by the inhibitor. Our results suggest that the cellular differentiation is a crucial factor that affects the capacity of monocytes/macrophages to produce IL-1 beta and IL-18 in response to virus infections. Furthermore, the virus-induced activation of caspase-1 is required for the efficient production of biologically active IL-1 beta and IL-18.
Migräne: Beurteilung der Effektivität von Medikamenten (2015)

Patienten mit chronischer Migräne leiden natürlich unter der Häufigkeit, Dauer und Schwere ihrer Schmerzattacken und den begleitenden neurologischen Symptomen. Für die eingeschränkte Lebensqualität der Betroffenen spielt jedoch noch eine Reihe weiterer Faktoren eine Rolle, etwa das körperliche Allgemeinbefinden und die Funktionsfähigkeit im Alltag. Auch solche Faktoren sind also zu berücksichtigen, wenn es darum geht zu beurteilen, ob die Wirkung eines Medikaments tatsächlich klinisch bedeutende Relevanz für den Patienten hat.
Strain determination in silicon microstructures by combined convergent beam electron diffraction, process simulation, and micro-Raman spectroscopy (2003)

Test structures consisting of shallow trench isolation (STI) structures are fabricated using advanced silicon (Si) technology. Different process parameters and geometrical features are implemented to investigate the residual mechanical stress in the structures. A technology computer aided design homemade tool, IMPACT, is upgraded and optimized to yield strain fields in deep submicron complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices. Residual strain in the silicon substrate is measured with micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS) and/or convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) for large (25 μm) and medium size (2 μm), while only CBED is used for deep submicron STI (0.22 μm). We propose a methodology combining CBED and technology computer aided design (TCAD) with μ-RS to assess the accuracy of the CBED measurements and TCAD calculations on the widest structures. The method is extended to measure (by CBED) and calculate (by TCAD) the strain tensor in the smallest structures, out of the reach of the μ-RS technique. The capability of determining, by both measurement and calculation, the strain field distribution in the active regions of deep submicron devices is demonstrated. In particular, it is found that for these structures an elastoplastic model for Si relaxation must be assumed.