gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
In Vitro and In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity of Hypochlorous Acid against Drug-Resistant and Biofilm-Producing Strains (2022)

The aims of this study were as follows. First, we determined the antimicrobial efficacy of hypochlorous acid (HClO) against bacterial, fungal, and yeast strains growing planktonically and growing in biofilms. Second, we sought to compare the activity of the combination of daptomycin and HClO versus those of the antimicrobial agents alone for the treatment of experimental catheter-related Staphylococcus epidermidis infection (CRI) using the antibiotic lock technique (ALT) in a rabbit model. HClO was generated through direct electric current (DC) shots at determined amperages and times. For planktonic susceptibility studies, 1 to 3 DC shots of 2, 5, and 10 mA from 0 to 300 s were applied. A DC shot of 20 mA from 0 to 20 min was applied to biofilm-producing strains. Central venous catheters were inserted into New Zealand White rabbits, inoculated with an S. epidermidis strain, and treated with saline solution or ALT using daptomycin (50 mg/mL), HClO (20 mA for 45 min), or daptomycin plus HClO. One hundred percent of the planktonic bacterial, fungal, and yeast strains were killed by applying one DC shot of 2, 5, and 10 mA, respectively. One DC shot of 20 mA for 20 min was sufficient to eradicate 100% of the tested biofilm-producing strains. Daptomycin plus HClO lock therapy showed the highest activity for experimental CRI with S. epidermidis. HClO could be an effective strategy for treating infections caused by extensively drug-resistant or multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing strains in medical devices and chronic wounds. The results of the ALT using daptomycin plus HClO may be promising. <b>IMPORTANCE</b> Currently, drug-resistant infections are increasing and there are fewer antibiotics available to treat them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new antibiotics and nonantimicrobial strategies to treat these infections. We present a new nonantibiotic strategy based on hypochlorous acid generation to treat long-term catheter-related and chronic wounds infections.
NSD1- and NSD2-damaging mutations define a subset of laryngeal tumors with favorable prognosis (2017)

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) affect anatomical sites including the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Laryngeal cancers are characterized by high recurrence and poor overall survival, and currently lack robust molecular prognostic biomarkers for treatment stratification. Using an algorithm for integrative clustering that simultaneously assesses gene expression, somatic mutation, copy number variation, and methylation, we for the first time identify laryngeal cancer subtypes with distinct prognostic outcomes, and differing from the non-prognostic laryngeal subclasses reported by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Although most common laryngeal gene mutations are found in both subclasses, better prognosis is strongly associated with damaging mutations of the methyltransferases NSD1 and NSD2, with findings confirmed in an independent validation cohort consisting of 63 laryngeal cancer patients. Intriguingly, NSD1/2 mutations are not prognostic for nonlaryngeal SCCHN. These results provide an immediately useful clinical metric for patient stratification and prognostication.
A method to induce stable atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in NC/Nga mice housed with skin-lesioned mice (2006)

The findings of the present study suggest that the method of being kept together with skin-lesioned mice can induce stable skin lesions and scratching behaviour at an early stage, without skin lesions. This method could help investigate a more stable evaluation of the effects on symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and mechanisms of the itching. It was considered that parasitism of mites, not allergic reactions, was the pathogenesis of skin lesions and scratching behaviour in mixed-NC mice.
EFFECT OF LASER GLAZING PROCESS ON RAIL CONTACT FATIGUE LIFE (2009)

Rail fatigue is a major problem for railroad industry. It can lead to catastrophic derailment causing loss of lives and great financial loss. A new technology has recently been developed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) showed desirable results. This technology involves the use of laser to treat (glaze) the gage side of the rail. Treating steel rails by &amp;quot;laser glazing &amp;quot; reduces friction between the rails and train wheels by approximately 40%. Reducing friction can save an estimated $60 million in fuel costs and $16 million in rail replacements, as well as lower the risk of derailment. Reducing rail friction results in reducing wear and prolonging fatigue life. This paper investigates the potential of laser glazing process to improve the fatigue life of railroad tracks. Fatigue analysis was carried on based on Modified Goodman’s Fatigue theory. Also, this paper investigates the potential of laser glazing process to “heal ” rail surface cracks and thus prolong fatigue life.
Angiotensin II-induced fluid phase endocytosis in human cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells is regulated by the inositol-phosphate signaling pathway (1996)

The involvement of the early signaling messengers, inositol tris-phosphate (IP3), intracellular calcium, [Ca2+]i, and protein kinase C (PKC), in angiotensin II (AII)-induced fluid phase endocytosis was investigated in human brain capillary and microvascular endothelial cells (HCEC). ALL (0.01-10 microM) stimulated the uptake of Lucifer yellow CH, an inert dye used as a marker for fluid phase endocytosis, in HCEC by 50-230%. AII also triggered a fast accumulation of IP3 and a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in cells loaded with the Ca(2+)-responsive fluorescent dye fura-2. The prompt AII-induced [Ca2+]i spike was not affected by incubating HCEC in Ca(2+)-free medium containing 2 mM EGTA or by pretreating the cultures with the Ca2+ channel blockers, methoxyverapamil (D600; 50 microM), nickel (1 mM), or lanthanum (1 mM), suggesting that the activation of AII receptors on HCEC triggers the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The AII-triggered increases in IP3, [Ca2+]i, and Lucifer yellow uptake were inhibited by the nonselective AII receptor antagonist, Sar1, Val5, Ala8-AII (SVA-AII), and by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors, neomycin and U-73122. By contrast, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, staurosporine and calphostin C, failed to affect any of these AII-induced events. This study demonstrates that increased fluid phase endocytotosis induced by AII in human brain capillary endothelium, an event thought to be linked to the observed increases in blood-brain barrier permeability in acute hypertension, is likely dependent on PLC-mediated changes in [Ca2+]i and independent of PKC.
The Akamai network (2010)

Comprising more than 61,000 servers located across nearly 1,000 networks in 70 countries worldwide, the Akamai platform delivers hundreds of billions of Internet interactions daily, helping thousands of enterprises boost the performance and reliability of their Internet applications. In this paper, we give an overview of the components and capabilities of this large-scale distributed computing platform, and offer some insight into its architecture, design principles, operation, and management.
Serum markers and clinical data in diagnosing pancreatic cancer: a contrastive approach. (1988)

In order to assess the value of serum markers and simple clinical data in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, we studied 32 control subjects and 28 patients with pancreatic cancer, 26 with chronic pancreatitis, and 37 with extra-pancreatic diseases. CA 19-9 was found to be the best marker in detecting pancreatic cancer. Among the clinical data, presence and onset of pain attacks, age, and weight loss were selected as the most informative in assessing chronic pancreatic disease. Clinical data correctly classified 88.5% of chronic pancreatitis and 75.0% of pancreatic cancer; serum markers identified pancreatic tumor in 67.9% of the patients. The adjunct of serum markers to clinical data did not improve accuracy in diagnosing chronic pancreatic disease. Since clinical data and serum markers generally become positive at an advanced stage of the disease, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is a goal still to be attained.
Performing Workover Drilling Operations Through Small-Diameter Restrictions (1991)

ABSTRACT In the effort to reduce costs, many companies are investigating the cost effectiveness of completing some types of workover operations without removing the production tubing. These operations include scale removal, frac sand removal, squeeze-reperfing, underrearning and junk/fish removal. All of these operations are currently feasible using either slimhole work strings or coiled tubing in conjunction with slimhole PDM's. This paper describes the tools and procedures used to complete these operations and compares their cost effectiveness with conventional operations. A section is included on new tools being developed which should broaden the scope of these operations. The paper concludes that slimhole workover drilling operations can provide sub-stantial economic benefits compared to conventional workover methods.
Genetic Profile of Patients with Epilepsy on First-Line Antiepileptic Drugs and Potential Directions for Personalized Treatment (2010)

Interethnic differences were elucidated for several polymorphisms that might be responsible for differential serum drug levels and optimal dose requirement for efficacious treatment.
Cognitive integrated motion generation for environmental adaptive robots (2006)

Abstract Recently, active researches have been performed to increase a robot's intelligence so as to realize dexterous tasks in complex environments such as in the street or homes. However, since skillful human‐like task ability is so difficult to formulate for the robot, not only the analytical and theoretical control researches but also the direct human motion mimetic approach is necessary. In this paper, we propose that to realize the environmental interactive task, it is insufficient to replay the human motion alone. We show a novel motion generation approach to integrate the cognitive information into mimickry of human motions so as to realize the final complex task by the robot. As a detailed example of the task, we consider how to carry up a human by cooperating two hands. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 156(3): 62–70, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20349
A Mortality-Free Decade of Pancreatoduodenectomy: Is Quality Independent of Quantity? (1999)

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary cancer is a procedure of high morbidity and poor long-term survival. Superior clinical outcome has been described in high-volume institutions or for surgeons with a high case load. All patients undergoing pancreatectomy at the City of Hope National Medical Center (Duarte, CA) between 1987 and 1998 were analyzed retrospectively for postoperative outcome, and correlating or predictive clinicopathological factors were identified. Fifty-four patients underwent pancreatectomy [PD, n = 43; pylorus-preserving PD, n = 8; total pancreatectomy, n = 3]. There were 26 males and 28 females, with a median age of 63 years (range, 19-86). Fifty patients had a malignant diagnosis, and four patients had a benign diagnosis. Nine surgical oncologists performed an average of six pancreatectomies (range, 2-8). There was no perioperative death. Postoperative complications occurred in 30 patients, and infections predominated (n = 17). The median hospital stay was 16.5 days. The median postoperative actuarial survival by cancer site was 56 months (ampullary/ bile duct), 32.5 months (duodenal), 22.5 months (pancreatic), and 23.2 months (others). In this 11-year single institutional experience, PD and total pancreatectomy have been performed without lethal complication. In the setting of an exclusive oncology practice, operative mortality rates and survival outcome can be generated that compare favorably to large center experiences. Quality of outcome after pancreatectomy can be independent of quantity.
Evaluation of a pharmacy managed heparin protocol for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients (2016)

There was a similar rate of thrombotic and bleeding events between the two study groups. A pharmacy managed heparin protocol utilizing aPTT monitoring appears to be a safe and effective method of providing anticoagulation in adult ECMO patients.
A review of the literature pertaining to the efficacy, safety, educational requirements, uses and usage of mechanical adjusting devices: Part 2 of 2. (2004)

Over the past decade, mechanical adjusting devices (MADs) were a major source of debate within the Chiropractors' Association of Saskatchewan (CAS). Since Saskatchewan was the only jurisdiction in North America to prohibit the use of MADs, the CAS established a committee in 2001 to review the literature on MADs. The committee evaluated the literature on the efficacy, safety, and uses of moving stylus instruments within chiropractic practice, and the educational requirements for chiropractic practice. Following the rating criteria for the evaluation of evidence, as outlined in the Clinical Guidelines for Chiropractic Practice in Canada (1994), the committee reviewed 55 articles - all of which pertained to the Activator. Of the 55 articles, 13 were eliminated from the final study. Of the 42 remaining articles, 6 were rated as class 1 evidence; 11 were rated as class 2 evidence and 25 were rated as class 3 evidence. In this article - the second in a series of two - we review the results of uses and usage, safety and educational requirements. Of the 30 articles designated under the category of usage, 3 were rated as Class 1 evidence; 9 studies were classified as Class 2 evidence and 18 were rated as Class 3 evidence. Overall the committee reached consensus that in clinical practice, there is broad application of these procedures. A minority report was written arguing that the reviewer was unable to reach a conclusion about the use of the Activator Instrument other than it is used as a clinical and research tool. Of the 16 studies that dealt either explicitly or implicitly with safety, 4 were Class 1 evidence; 3 were Class 2 evidence and 9 were Class 3 evidence. Overall the committee reached consensus that the evidence supports that the Activator instrument is safe and has no more relative risk than do manual HVLA procedures. A minority report was written arguing that there is no evidence either to support or refute the view that MAD is safe. Of the 5 studies that dealt with educational requirements, all were Class 3 evidence. Overall the committee reached consensus that there was no evidence in the literature with respect to educational requirements to form any conclusions. A minority report was written offering opinion that there is evidence with respect to educational requirements.
An update on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic idiopathic neutropenia (2016)

It is important to recognize CIN and AIN, the most common causes of chronic neutropenia in both children and adults. If the neutropenia is not severe, that is more than 0.5 × 10/l, most patients can be observed and not treated prophylactically with antibiotics or a growth factor. When neutropenia is severe, treatment with G-CSF is often beneficial.
The development of surveillance and screening for childhood obesity in the UK (2009)

This paper draws upon a review of empirical and policy literature to provide an analysis of the development of surveillance and screening for childhood obesity in the UK. It is argued that policy in this area has lacked coordination and that the intended application of surveillance and screening for childhood obesity in the UK has neither been clearly articulated nor adequately explored. At present, universal measurement of school children's height and weight is conducted as part of the National Child Measurement Programme. Results are not fed back to parents since this amounts to screening and there is insufficient evidence to satisfy National Screening Programme Committee criteria. Results will be fed back to parents beginning from the 2008/9 school year, but whilst expert committees globally have been divided on the effectiveness of screening, its benefits and harms remain uncertain. Experience internationally suggests that to date, inadequate attention has been given to psychological implications of intervention. Similarly, the benefits and harms of surveillance remain uncertain and evidence indicates that the stated purposes of the UK programme are unrealistic. In consideration of the rates, trends and potential consequences of childhood obesity, it is clear that the intended application of screening and surveillance for childhood obesity merits clear definition and rigorous examination.
The R173 family of rye-specific repetitive DNA sequences: a structural analysis (1991)

In contrast to all other characterised families, repetitive DNA sequences of the rye-specific R173 family occur generally as a monomer and have an unusually long repeat unit. A genomic library was generated from a wheat line with three copies of the short arm of chromosome 1 of rye, 1RS. Seventy-seven λ clones, representing independent members of the family, were isolated by hybridization to pAW173. They share a common region of approximately 3.5 kbp, which is free of large internal repeats and therefore constitutes the basic unit of the dispersed R173 family. The analysis of flanking regions showed that individual members of the R173 family are generally not found in the vicinity of other characterised families of repetitive DNA. The flanking regions of four selected λ clones were different from each other and comprised both repetitive and low-copy sequences. A restriction fragment length polymorphism probe, mapping to the short arm of chromosome 1, was obtained by subcloning of flanking regions of the R173 family.Key words: repetitive DNA sequences, wheat, rye, restriction fragment length polymorphism marker.
MCP: Self-supervised Pre-training for Personalized Chatbots with Multi-level Contrastive Sampling (2022)

Personalized chatbots focus on endowing the chatbots with a consistent personality to behave like real users and further act as personal assistants. Previous studies have explored generating implicit user profiles from the user's dialogue history for building personalized chatbots. However, these studies only use the response generation loss to train the entire model, thus it is prone to suffer from the problem of data sparsity. Besides, they overemphasize the final generated response's quality while ignoring the correlations and fusions between the user's dialogue history, leading to rough data representations and performance degradation. To tackle these problems, we propose a self-supervised learning framework MCP for capturing better representations from users' dialogue history for personalized chatbots. Specifically, we apply contrastive sampling methods to leverage the supervised signals hidden in user dialog history, and generate the pre-training samples for enhancing the model. We design three pre-training tasks based on three types of contrastive pairs from user dialogue history, namely response pairs, sequence augmentation pairs, and user pairs. We pre-train the utterance encoder and the history encoder towards the contrastive objectives and use these pre-trained encoders for generating user profiles while personalized response generation. Experimental results on two real-world datasets show a significant improvement in our proposed model MCP compared with the existing methods.
Voice Prosthesis Coated with Sustained Release Varnish Containing Clotrimazole Shows Long-Term Protection against Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study (2021)

Fungal biofilm formation on voice prosthesis (VP) is a major health problem that requires repeated replacement of the prosthesis. <i>Candida albicans</i> is one of the pathogens that frequently inhabits the VP. We proposed that coating VPs with sustained-release varnish (SRV) containing clotrimazole (CTZ) might prevent fungal biofilm formation. The long-term antifungal activities of SRV-CTZ- versus SRV-placebo-coated VPs was tested daily by measuring the inhibition zone of <i>C. albicans</i> seeded on agar plates or by measuring the fungal viability of <i>C. albicans</i> in suspension. The extent of biofilm formation on coated VPs was analyzed by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We observed that SRV-CTZ-coated VPs formed a significant bacterial inhibition zone around the VPs and prevented the growth of <i>C. albicans</i> in suspension during the entire testing period of 60 days. Fungal biofilms were formed on placebo-coated VPs, while no significant biofilms were observed on SRV-CTZ-coated VPs. HPLC analysis shows that CTZ is continuously released during the whole test period of 60 days at a concentration above the minimal fungistatic concentration. In conclusion, coating VPs with an SRV-CTZ film is a potential effective method for prevention of fungal infections and biofilm formation on VPs.
Cationic degradation of poly(propylene sulfide) (1978)

Abstract Introduction of small amounts of sulfonium ions in poly(thiopropylene) (poly(propylene sulfide)) by means of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate was found to result in a rapid degradation reaction, first leading to low molecular weight polymers and ultimately to a mixture of low molecular weight cyclic products and propene. The reaction mixtures were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy and, when the compounds could be isolated in sufficient amounts, by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The composition of the end product mixture was shown to depend on the concentration of sulfonium ions introduced at the beginning. With low initiator concentrations (≈ 10 −3 mol.l −1 ) the main degradation product was found to be cyclic tetramer accompanied by decreasing amounts of cyclic pentamer, hexamer etc., and with high initiator concentrations (&gt; 10 −2 mol.l −1 ) the main degradation products are a mixture of dimethyl‐1,2,5‐trithiepanes and propene.
Super‐Fluorinated Liquid Crystals: Towards the Limits of Polarity (2008)

Abstract Highly fluorinated liquid crystals with unprecedented polarity were obtained by introducing a tetrahydropyran moiety into their mesogenic core structure. The new materials exhibit an unusually favourable combination of mesophase properties, excellent solubility and low rotational viscosity, which renders them highly attractive for application in fast‐switching active matrix LCDs.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
ChemInform Abstract: Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Organozirconocenes to N‐Acyl Oxazolidinones. (1997)

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.