gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Bacterial screening of apheresis platelets and the residual risk of septic transfusion reactions: the American Red Cross experience (2004‐2006) (2007)

PLT contamination with bacteria that evade detection by QC culture remains a significant residual transfusion risk, in particular for older PLTs and skin-commensal bacteria in components collected by two-arm apheresis procedures during the study period.
A Quantitative Theory for the Computation of Tire Friction Under Severe Conditions of Sliding (1986)

Abstract It is proposed that tire‐pavement friction is controlled by thermal rather than by hysteresis and viscoelastic effects. A numerical model of heating effects in sliding is described in which the friction coefficient emerges as a dependent variable. The overall results of the model can be expressed in a closed form using Blok's flash temperature theory. This allows the factors controlling rubber friction to be recognized directly. The model can be applied in quantitative form to metal‐polymer‐ice contacts. Several examples of correlation are given. The difficulties of characterizing the contact conditions in tire‐pavement friction reduce the model to qualitative form. Each of the governing parameters is examined in detail. The attainment of higher friction by small, discrete particles of aluminum filler is discussed.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and nephrin interact and reduce apoptosis in human podocytes (2004)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is anti-cytotoxic in podocytes. Moreover, it has been suggested that nephrin, a cell adhesion molecule of the podocyte slit diaphragm, can contribute to antiapoptotic mechanisms in these cells. We therefore investigated whether VEGF signals to reduce apoptosis and the role of nephrin in this survival mechanism. Flow cytometry showed that podocytes with nephrin mutations had a significantly greater proportion of apoptosis. Although VEGF reduced apoptosis in human conditionally immortalized podocytes [wild-type (WT)] by 18.1% of control (P < 0.001), it was unable to do so in nephrin-deficient human conditionally immortalized podocytes. Moreover, Western blotting and immunodetection with an anti-nephrin antibody showed that the phosphorylation of nephrin, compared with serum-starved WTs, was significantly increased (ratio of 3.36 +/- 1.2 to control, P < 0.05) by VEGF treatment and significantly reduced by treatment with a neutralizing VEGF monoclonal antibody (mAb) (ratio of 0.2 +/- 0.09 to control, P < 0.05). The AKT signaling pathway has been implicated in nephrin-mediated inhibition of apoptosis in transfected cells, but the role of this pathway has not previously been shown in podocytes. Surprisingly, exogenous VEGF decreased AKT/PKB phosphorylation in normal podocytes but increased it in nephrin-deficient podocytes. We suggest therefore that both exogenous and endogenous (podocyte derived) VEGF can stimulate the phosphorylation of nephrin and through this action may prevent podocyte apoptosis. However, the involvement of AKT in this survival response in normal human podocytes is not clear.
Corrosion of Aluminum Current Collectors in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Electrolytes Containing LiPF[sub 6] (2005)

Aluminum current collectors for cathodes in 61 life-tested lithium-ion batteries were microscopically examined for evidence of corrosion. In addition, galvanostatic anodic polarization tests were conducted in -containing battery electrolytes on samples of bare aluminum, of aluminum coated with a cathode, and of aluminum affixed with polyethylene crevices. The results indicate that aluminum current collectors are susceptible to corrosion, which most likely occurs as underdeposit corrosion at pores in the cathode.
What are the Odds? The Neural Correlates of Active Choice during Gambling (2012)

Gambling is a widespread recreational activity and requires pitting the values of potential wins and losses against their probability of occurrence. Neuropsychological research showed that betting behavior on laboratory gambling tasks is highly sensitive to focal lesions to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and insula. In the current study, we assessed the neural basis of betting choices in healthy participants, using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the Roulette Betting Task. In half of the trials, participants actively chose their bets; in the other half, the computer dictated the bet size. Our results highlight the impact of volitional choice upon gambling-related brain activity: Neural activity in a distributed network - including key structures of the reward circuitry (midbrain, striatum) - was higher during active compared to computer-dictated bet selection. In line with neuropsychological data, the anterior insula and vmPFC were more activated during self-directed bet selection, and responses in these areas were differentially modulated by the odds of winning in the two choice conditions. In addition, responses in the vmPFC and ventral striatum were modulated by the bet size. Convergent with electrophysiological research in macaques, our results further implicate the inferior parietal cortex (IPC) in the processing of the likelihood of potential outcomes: Neural responses in the IPC bilaterally reflected the probability of winning during bet selection. Moreover, the IPC was particularly sensitive to the odds of winning in the active-choice condition, when the processing of this information was required to guide bet selection. Our results indicate an important role of the IPC in human decision-making under risk and help to integrate neuropsychological data of risk-taking following vmPFC and insula damage with models of choice derived from human neuroimaging and monkey electrophysiology.
A study on design and implement of XCAP server (2006)

A XCAP (XML configuration access protocol) proposed by IETF SIMPLE WG is based on both XML and HTTP protocol. XCAP server maintains user's configuration information of specific application described by XML. This protocol can be applied to many application servers for adapting user's preferences. There are many way to interwork with other applications. In this paper, we will describe the experience of designing and implement of XCAP server and the way of interworking with application servers.
Modeling of Linear Robot Vertical Arm by Dynamic Characteristic Evaluation (2018)

Linear robot is an orthogonal type three-axis robot. Linear robot contributes to improvement of production efficiency. It is expected that speed of robot will be increased. As the operation speeds up, the residual vibration increases. In order to control while suppressing residual vibration, it is necessary to understand the dynamical characteristics of robot, and it is necessary to conduct the model of robot. In order to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the robot vertical arm, experimental modal analysis is carried out. Finite element analysis is used for modeling. Model reproduces the primary characteristic vibration mode of actual machine.
Smart approaches to glucose-responsive drug delivery (2015)

A grand challenge in the field of "smart" drug delivery has been the quest to create formulations that can sense glucose and respond by delivering an appropriate dose of insulin. This approach, referred to as the "fully synthetic pancreas", envisions closed-loop insulin therapy. The strategies for incorporating glucose sensing into formulations can be broadly categorized into three subsets: enzymatic sensing, natural glucose-binding proteins and synthetic molecular recognition. Here, we highlight some examples of each of these approaches. The challenges remaining en route to the realization of closed-loop insulin therapy are substantial, and include improved response time, more authentic fidelity in glycemic control, improved biocompatibility for delivery materials and assurance of both safety and efficacy. The ubiquitous existence of glucose, combined with the unstable and toxic properties of insulin, further compound efforts towards the generation of a fully synthetic pancreas. However, given the growing incidence of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes, there is significant potential impact from the realization of such an approach on improving therapeutic management of the disease.
Fresh Stored Allografts for the Treatment of Osteochondral Defects of the Knee (2007)

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Performance analysis and design of STBCs for frequency-selective fading channels (2004)

In this paper, space-time block-coded transmission over frequency-selective fading channels is investigated. A lower bound for the pairwise error probability for optimum detection is given. Also, an approximation for the bit-error rate is derived and compared with simulation results for maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) for the GSM/EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) system. Furthermore, a novel design rule for space-time block codes (STBCs) for frequency-selective fading channels is provided. A corresponding code is designed and shown to yield higher performance than Alamouti's code. It is demonstrated that for fading channels with L independent impulse response coefficients, STBCs designed for the flat fading channel can achieve at most a diversity order of (N/sub T/+L-1)N/sub R/ if N/sub T/ transmit antennas and N/sub R/ receive antennas are used. On the other hand, the maximum diversity order employing the proposed code design rule is LN/sub T/N/sub R/.
Performance improvement of CdS quantum dots sensitized TiO2solar cells by introducing a dense TiO2blocking layer (2008)

A dense TiO2 electron blocking layer was introduced on a conducting glass in CdS quantum dots sensitized solar cells to investigate electron leakage into the electrolyte. A ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple was employed, as a model electrolyte, possessing a high standard rate constant. The analysis of the I-V characteristics, using a one-diode model, revealed that an increase in this layer, up to 50 nm, significantly suppresses the electron leakage, enhancing the shunt resistance by a factor of 200. An energy conversion efficiency of 1.0% was attained on account of the improved open circuit voltage and fill factor.
Faculty Opinions recommendation of Rocket launcher mechanism of collaborative actin assembly defined by single-molecule imaging. (2012)

Interacting sets of actin assembly factors work together in cells, but the underlying mechanisms have remained obscure. We used triple-color single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to image the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and the formin mDia1 during filament assembly. Complexes consisting of APC, mDia1, and actin monomers initiated actin filament formation, overcoming inhibition by capping protein and profilin. Upon filament polymerization, the complexes separated, with mDia1 moving processively on growing barbed ends while APC remained at the site of nucleation. Thus, the two assembly factors directly interact to initiate filament assembly and then separate but retain independent associations with either end of the growing filament. PMID: 22654058 Funding information This work was supported by: NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 GM043369 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 GM063691 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 GM081648 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: GM81648 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: GM43369 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: GM083137 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 GM083137 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R37 GM043369 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: R01 GM098143 NIBIB NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: T32 EB009419 NIGMS NIH HHS, United States Grant ID: T32 GM007596 More Less keyboard_arrow_down
Abbott RealTime Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HCV Assays for Prediction of Sustained Virological Response to Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients (2008)

Two commercial real-time PCR assays are currently available for sensitive hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA quantification: the Abbott RealTime HCV assay (ART) and Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HCV assay (CAP/CTM). We assessed whether the two real-time PCR assays were more effective than Roche Cobas Amplicor HCV Monitor test, v.2.0 (CAM) for prediction of the sustained virological response (SVR) to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) in chronic hepatitis C. Sixty patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1b (37 males and 23 females, 53 +/- 12 years of age) were treated with PEG-IFNalpha2b plus RBV for 48 weeks. Stored specimens at nine time points for each patient (at baseline, on treatment, and 24 weeks after treatment) were tested by the two real-time PCR assays and CAM. Twenty-six (43.3%) patients reached SVR. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for SVR of undetectable HCV RNA at week 12 by CAM, ART, and CAP/CTM were 74.3%, 88.0%, and 95.2%, respectively. An undetectable HCV RNA level by CAM, ART, and CAP/CTM correctly predicted SVR at week 4 in 100%, 100%, and 100% of patients, at weeks 5 to 8 in 91.7%, 100%, and 100% of patients, at weeks 9 to 12 in 55.6%, 75%, and 87.5% of patients, and at weeks 13 to 24 in 0%, 26.7%, and 40% of patients, respectively. Of 16 patients who relapsed after treatment, HCV RNA was detectable in 2 patients at the end of treatment by CAP/CTM but undetectable by ART and CAM. HCV RNA tests using ART and CAP/CTM are considered to be more effective at predicting SVR than CAM, and the PPV for SVR was slightly higher in CAP/CTM than in ART.
High-temperature Y267 EPDM elastomer: field and laboratory experiences, August 1981 (1982)

During the period 1976 to 1979 L'Garde, Inc. developed geothermal elastomer compounds under a U.S. Department of Energy - Division of Geothermal Energy (DOE-DGE) contract. The resulting developments yielded compounds from 4 polymer systems which successfully exceeded the contract requirements. Since completion of the compound development, significant laboratory and down-hole experience occurred, primarily on the Y267 EPDM compound. This work summarizes those experiences. 11 references.
Field tests for ferrous iron and ferric-organic complexes (on exchange sites or in water-soluble forms) in soils (1981)

A 1 M solution of ammonium acetate containing á, á¿-dipyridyl indicator is recommended for use in field tests for exchangeable and water-soluble ferrous iron in soils. In using the test, a soil sample may be added to a vial containing the solution, or the solution can be sprayed on to a freshly exposed soil face. A field test for ferric-organic complexes in soils, using the same vials, is proposed. This is based on the photochemical nature of the reduction of ferric to ferrous iron in the presence of oxidizable organic ligands. Two subsamples of soil are added to separate vials, and light is excluded from one. After 5-15 min, a positive test for ferrous iron in the vial exposed to light, and a negative test in the other, indicates the presence of ferric-organic complexes.
Entrapment efficiency of pyridoxine hydrochloride in unilamellar liposomes: experimental versus model-generated data (2017)

The present study investigates the effect of the preparation method (four methods) and formulation additives (propylene glycol (PG) and cholesterol (CH)) on the entrapment efficiency (EE) of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6 (VB6)), representing hydrophilic water-soluble low permeable vitamins, in unilamellar liposomes. The main aim is to compare determined EE with predicted values generated using a web-published, computational model. Results showed that among the different preparation methods, modified film hydration showed significantly higher EE (p < 0.05). With regard to formulation additives, PG (5% w/v) produced smaller vesicles size with narrow size distribution. Agreement between determined and model-generated EE values was more evident in formulae with narrow size distribution (polydispersity index (PdI) below 0.23). Formulae containing PG showed slightly higher determined than predicted EE values indicating vitamin-phospholipid bilayer interaction. Meanwhile, agreement between determined and predicted EE was limited to VB6-to-phospholipid ratio below (1.2:2). The comparison provided further insight into the usefulness of the prediction model factors affecting agreement between determined and predicted EE data.
Adult Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Is Treatable and Curable (2016)

Introduction: Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) in adults is underdiagnosed because it is not well recognized by physicians although it accounts for up to 20% of patients referred to a GI practice for evaluation of unexplained vomiting and abdominal pain. Goals of therapy are to induce remission while also addressing the predisposing “trigger” factors. The purposes of this study are to provide an analysis of the clinical profile, treatment responses, and outcomes based on managing adult CVS at a GI motility center. Methods: Our adult CVS database identified 18 patients, 10 female, of ages ranging from 22-60, who were initially diagnosed at our center, received treatment, and had long term follow up of 1 to 4 years by one of the authors. Results: Onset of symptoms ranged from 1-15 years prior to diagnosis (mean of 4). The mean number of yearly ER visits or hospitalizations was 5.8. Weight loss ranged from 5-50 pounds. Ten patients underwent a 4 hour standardized radionuclide gastric emptying test: 6 had rapid emptying and. Six major “triggers” were identified (some patients having >1): anxiety in 17, post-traumatic stress disorder in 2, migraines in 5, chronic marijuana use in 5, poorly controlled diabetes in 5, and menses in 4. All patients were treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline was the first choice, starting at 10mg at night, increasing by 10mg every 2-3 weeks until CVS improved. Two patients were switched to doxepin due to side effects; their max doses were 100mg and 200mg. At the same time the “trigger” factors were aggressively addressed. With this treatment strategy 4 patients (22%) were able to stop their CVS medications and have remained asymptomatic for over 1 year. In addition, 11 patients (61%) responded remarkably with a reduction in the mean number of annual ER visits or hospitalizations from 5.8 to 0.6 and were fully functional. Three patients (17%) reported ongoing, approximately monthly, episodes and had unresolved trigger factors and medication noncompliance. Conclusion: 1) Adult CVS is a treatable and reversible entity; 2) The treatment consisting of high dose TCA & addressing the “trigger factors” was able to prevent cycles in 83% of patients, including 22% that were effectively cured and able to taper off medications without recurrence; 3) The approximately 17% of patients who have ongoing cycles require better control of the predisposing factors as well as reinforcing compliance with the treatment regimen.
Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid compared to silymarin on paracetamol induced liver toxicity in mice (2009)

Oxidative stress is implicated as a common pathologic mechanism contributing to the initiation and progression of hepatic damage in a variety of liver disorders. Present study attempts to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid in comparison to silymarin using paracetamol (PCM) induced acute liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administering a single oral dose of PCM (500 mg/kg) and was assessed by quantifying the serum enzyme activities, phenobarbitone induced sleeping time and histopathological analysis of liver tissues. The antioxidant parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase of the liver tissue were also assessed. The herbal drugs were administered for 7 days by oral route at 50 and 100 mg/kg. PCM induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) in serum and MDA level in liver. There was also a significant decrease in activity of GSH and catalase levels. The histopathological examination on toxic models revealed centrizonal necrosis and fatty changes. Pretreatment of mice with picroliv, curcumin and ellagic acid reversed these altered parameters towards normal values, which were compared with silymarin. The normalization of phenobarbitone induced sleeping time suggests the restoration of liver cytochrome P450 enzymes. This study supports the use of these active phytochemicals against toxic liver injury, which may act by preventing the lipid peroxidation and augmenting the antioxidant defense system or regeneration of hepatocytes. These active phytochemicals may be developed as drugs for the treatment of liver diseases.
Towards Abstractions For Distributed Systems (2004)

For historical, sociological and technical reasons, -calculi have been the dominant theoretical paradigm in the study of functional computation. Similarly, but to a lesser degree, -calculi dominate advanced mathematical accounts of concurrency. Alas, and despite its ever increasing ubiquity, an equally convincing formal foundation for distributed computing has not been forthcoming. This thesis seek to contribute towards ameliorating that omission. To this end, guided by the assumption that distributed computing is concurrent computing with partial failures of various kinds, we extend the asynchronous -calculus with a notion of sites, the possibility of site failure, a persistence mechanism to deal with site failures, the distinction between inter-site and intra-site communication, the possibility of message loss in inter-site communication and a timer construct, as is often used in distributed algorithms to deal with various failure scenarios.
Suicin 90-1330 from a Nonvirulent Strain of Streptococcus suis: a Nisin-Related Lantibiotic Active on Gram-Positive Swine Pathogens (2014)

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is known to cause severe infections (meningitis, endocarditis, and septicemia) in pigs and is considered an emerging zoonotic agent. Antibiotics have long been used in the swine industry for disease treatment/prevention and growth promoters. This pattern of utilization resulted in the spread of antibiotic resistance in S. suis worldwide. Interestingly, pigs may harbor S. suis in their tonsils without developing diseases, while North American strains belonging to the sequence type 28 (ST28) are nonvirulent in animal models. Consequently, the aim of this study was to purify and characterize a bacteriocin produced by a nonvirulent strain of S. suis serotype 2, with a view to a potential therapeutic and preventive application. S. suis 90-1330 belonging to ST28 and previously shown to be nonvirulent in an animal model exhibited antibacterial activity toward all S. suis pathogenic isolates tested. The bacteriocin produced by this strain was purified to homogeneity by cationic exchange and reversed-phase fast protein liquid chromatography. Given its properties (molecular mass of <4 kDa, heat, pH and protease stability, and the presence of modified amino acids), the bacteriocin, named suicin 90-1330, belongs to the lantibiotic class. Using a DNA-binding fluorophore, the bacteriocin was found to possess a membrane permeabilization activity. When tested on other swine pathogens, the suicin showed activity against Staphylococcus hyicus and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas it was inactive against all Gram-negative bacteria tested. Amino acid sequencing of the purified bacteriocin showed homology (90.9% identity) with nisin U produced by Streptococcus uberis. The putative gene cluster involved in suicin production was amplified by PCR and sequence analysis revealed the presence of 11 open reading frames, including the structural gene and those required for the modification of amino acids, export, regulation, and immunity. Further studies will evaluate the ability of suicin 90-1330 or the producing strain to prevent experimental S. suis infections in pigs.