gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Effect of L-arginine in prevention and treatment of asthmatic animals (2003)

Objective: To study the effect of L arginine (L Arg) in the prevention and treatment of asthmatic guinea pigs. Methods: Ovalbumin (OVA) was injected into guinea pigs abdominally and aerosol inhalation was used to make asthmatic animal model. The asthmatic reaction of the animals was observed. After the sensitization evoked for three times, the animals were anesthetized by urethane. The arterial blood was taken for blood gas analysis, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was used to count eosinophils (EOS), and NO 2/NO 3 - was measured. Part of the lung tissues was taken from the paraffin imbedding sections, and the numbers of EOS were counted by microscope under every 20 high power field. Results: The numbers of EOS counted under every 20 high power field and NO 2/NO 3 - measured by BALF showed that there were no significant differences between the L Arg group and the positive control group ( P 0.05), but all other parameters showed significant difference ( P 0.05 ). Conclusion: L Arg has good effect in the prevention and treatment of asthma.
Advanced jog handling techniques in MPC for better QoR (2018)

Designs which are output by OPC (Optical Proximity Correction) tools contain a large number of jog edges. Jogs are small edges introduced by OPC tools to create segments in an input design edge to provide freedom to the individual segments to move independently. Such segmentation is important to achieve correct, uniform results across the critical dimensions of a feature. Traditionally, Mask Process Correction (MPC) tools which work on OPC output, choose to not move these jog edges (a.k.a. jog freeze). The main reason for doing so is that the jog edges are so small that moving them does not significantly improve the mask quality. However, for newer design nodes, increasing OPC complexity results in primary segments similar in size to jog edge size. Hence, freezing the jogs may not be a viable option as it may mean that a significant portion of design edges are frozen. In this paper, we propose methods for movement of the jog edges and the impact it has on the overall mask quality. Shot count of the mask data post-fracture is an important Quality of Results (QoR) metric for Vector Shaped Beam (VSB) mask writer tools. One of the main advantages that comes from the flexibility of moving jog edges is to improve the mask data shot count. This paper will discuss the shot count improvement method within the MPC tool and show the impact it has on the other quality metrics.
THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA (1948)

The importance of avoiding ChT in asymptomatic patients (smoldering MM) is emphasized. The criteria and patterns of response are reviewed. MP is still the standard initial ChT with a response rate of 50-60% and an OS of 2-3 years. Combination ChT usually increases the response rate but does not significantly influence survival when compared with MP. Exposure to melphalan should be avoided in patients in whom HDT followed by auto-SCT is planned, in order to not preclude the stem cell collection. The median response duration to initial ChT is 18 months. Interferon maintenance usually prolongs response duration but in most studies does not significantly influence survival (a large meta-analysis by the Myeloma Trialists' Collaborative Group in Oxford is being finished). In alkylating-resistant patients, the best rescue regimens are VBAD or VAD. In patients already resistant to VBAD or VAD and in those in whom these treatments are not feasible we recommend a conservative approach with alternate day prednisone and pulse cyclophosphamide. While HDT followed by autotransplantation is not recommended for patients with resistant relapse, patients with primary refractory disease seem to benefit from early myeloablative therapy. Although results from large randomized trials are still pending in order to establish whether early HDT intensification followed by auto-SCT is superior to continuing standard ChT in responding patients, the favorable experience with autotransplantation of the French Myeloma Intergroup supports this approach. However, although the complete response rate is higher with intensive therapy, the median duration of response is relatively short (median, 16 to 36 months), with no survival plateau. There are several ongoing trials comparing conventional ChT with HDT/autoSCT in order to identify the patients who are likely to benefit from one or another approach. With allo-SCT there is a transplant-related mortality ranging from 30 to 50% and also a high relapse rate in patients achieving CR. However, 10 to 20% of patients undergoing allo-SCT are long-term survivors (> 5 years) with no evidence of disease and, consequently, probably cured. The use of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in order to speed the engraftment and also the use of partially T-cell depleted PBSC which can decrease the incidence of graft-versus-host disease are promising approaches. In the setting of allo-SCT, donor lymphocyte infusion is an encouraging strategy in order to treat or prevent relapses. Finally, important supportive measures such as the treatment of anemia with erythropoietin, the management of renal failure and the use of bisphosphonates are reviewed.
PKCδ signaling: A dual role in regulating hypoxic stress-induced autophagy and apoptosis (2009)

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases regulates diverse cellular function, including cell death, proliferation and survival. In particular, PKC delta governs the cellular homeostatic response against hypoxic stress. Autophagy, a lysosome-dependent degradative pathway, and apoptosis are two fundamental cellular pathways that respond to stress conditions, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress and nutrient starvation. Recently, we uncovered a novel role for PKC delta in the early stage of hypoxic response where PKC delta activates autophagy by promoting JNK1-mediated Bcl-2 phosphorylation and dissociation of the Bcl-2/Beclin 1 complex. Whereas acute hypoxic stress promotes autophagy, we have previously reported that prolonged hypoxic stress caused the cleavage of PKC delta by caspase-3, resulting in the nuclear translocation of a constitutively active catalytic fragment of PKC delta, PKC delta-CF. Moreover, PKC delta-CF also serves a feed-forward function for the reciprocal PKC delta and caspase-3 proteolytic activation. Here, we discussed the requirement for PKC delta and JNK1 for hypoxia-induced autophagy, and the kinetic relationship among Bcl-2/Beclin 1 interaction, caspase-3 activation and the steady-state level of Beclin 1 during hypoxic exposure. Based on these results, we propose a model for understanding the PKC delta-dependent crosstalk mechanisms between autophagy and apoptosis, both induced by hypoxic stress. These findings collectively support a pivotal role for PKC delta in regulating hypoxic stress with hitherto unappreciated significance.
Editorial: Competitiveness and Caribbean Economies: Emerging Issues and Future Directions (2008)

Although competitiveness may be viewed as a dangerous obsession (Krugman, 1994) it is an obsession that the Caribbean cannot ignore. Because of the small size of the markets in this region, for eco...
Modelling of Smart Manufacturing System for Layout and Capacity Planning (2022)

Modern consumers are expecting highly personalised services and products with reduced cost and lead time. This has driven companies to digitalise as well as automate their operations and introduce Decision-Support Systems (DSSs) into their planning, towards the paradigm of smart manufacturing. However, prior to the transformation, companies must meticulously plan and quantify the productivity gains with accurate, data-driven projection to justify the return of investment. Specifically, to evlauate the (re-)layout feasibility of newly acquired and existing production resources and to make throughput estimates. In this paper, a flexible placement method that translates the approximate locations provided by existing layout planning algorithm to exact production floor locations is proposed. Unlike current placement methods, it considers both new and existing production resources that cannot be relocated. In the area of capacity planning, a modelling approach that projects the production volume increment in smart manufacturing operations is proposed. It utilises passive data objects and active agents to accurately represent the production status and distributed decision-making in DSSs respectively. Both proposed approaches have also been validated in a smart manufacturing environment, whereby a production floor layout was planned and minimal operating hours was computed based on the given production target.
Direct synthesis of formic acid from carbon dioxide by hydrogenation in acidic media (2014)

The chemical transformation of carbon dioxide into useful products becomes increasingly important as CO2 levels in the atmosphere continue to rise as a consequence of human activities. In this article we describe the direct hydrogenation of CO2 into formic acid using a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst, in aqueous solution and in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), without any additives. In water, at 40 °C, 0.2 M formic acid can be obtained under 200 bar, however, in DMSO the same catalyst affords 1.9 M formic acid. In both solvents the catalysts can be reused multiple times without a decrease in activity. Worldwide demand for formic acid continues to grow, especially in the context of a renewable energy hydrogen carrier, and its production from CO2 without base, via the direct catalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation, is considerably more sustainable than the existing routes.
ChemInform Abstract: CHIRAL CYCLOPENTANOID SYNTHETIC INTERMEDIATES VIA ASYMMETRIC MICROBIAL REDUCTION OF PROCHIRAL 2,2‐DISUBSTITUTED CYCLOPENTANEDIONES (1982)

Abstract Es wird eine effiziente Methode zur asymmetrischen Reduktion einer von zwei enantiotopen, homomorphen Carbonylgruppen in den Cyclopentandionen (I) mit Hilfe von Bäckerhefe und D‐Glucose beschrieben.
Vascular Compression of the Airway<subtitle>Establishing a Functional Diagnostic Algorithm</subtitle><alt-title>Vascular Compression of the Airway</alt-title> (2013)

Deciding when to obtain imaging for bronchoscopic findings suggestive of vascular compression remains challenging. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed as a means to provide the best clinical care while weighing risks of additional radiation exposure vs sedation and exposure to general anesthesia.
Analysis of drugs of abuse in biofluids by low temperature plasma (LTP) ionization mass spectrometry (2010)

Low temperature plasma (LTP) ionization is an ambient plasma ionization method that permits the direct mass analysis of samples in their native atmospheric environment with little or no sample preparation. In this work, the low temperature plasma probe is used in the direct and rapid mass spectrometric analysis of aqueous phase samples including biofluids (saliva, urine, and hair extract). A detailed trace qualitative examination of 14 drugs of abuse has been performed. The relative standard deviation on average was approximately 16% for the LTP analysis of the drugs of abuse standards. Eleven of the fourteen drugs of abuse were detected in the low ng mL(-1) (3 pg absolute detection) to the mid microg mL(-1) (approximately 30 ng absolute detection) concentration range. One drug, cannabidiol, could not be detected until supplemental heating of the substrate was incorporated into the experimental protocol. The addition of supplemental heating improved the detection limits by at least an order of magnitude to approximately 0.5 ng mL(-1) to 0.5 microg mL(-1) (1.5 pg-1.5 ng absolute) for twelve of the fourteen drugs of abuse, so extending the linear dynamic range which for most analytes was four orders of magnitude. Quantitative capabilities were evaluated using the particular example of benzoylecgonine in urine by employing a deuterated internal standard. Matrix effects observed during the analysis of the drugs in complex biological fluids are also discussed. In addition, low temperature plasma ionization was applied to the examination of real (not spiked) biological samples and these results were confirmed using standard LC/MS methodology. The main advantages observed for this ambient desorption/ionization technique include the capabilities for direct analysis of liquid surfaces for in situ detection and the remarkable sensitivity in the examination of the drugs of abuse investigated here. The disadvantages of the method include the modest quantitative accuracy making LTP most useful as a rapid but semi-quantitative screening method.
PDE5 Inhibitors as Potential Tools in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (2012)

Despite great advances in the understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF), there is still no cure for the disease. Using phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, we and others have provided evidence of rescued F508del-CFTR trafficking and corrected deficient chloride transport activity. Studies using PDE5 inhibitors in mice homozygous for the clinically relevant F508del mutation have been conducted with the aim of restoring F508del-CFTR protein function. We demonstrated, by measuring transepithelial nasal potential difference in F508del mice following intraperitoneal injection of sildenafil, vardenafil, or taladafil at clinical doses are able to restore the decreased CFTR-dependent chloride transport across the nasal mucosa. Moreover, vardenafil, but not sildenafil, stimulates chloride transport through the normal CFTR protein. We developed a specific nebulizer setup for mice, with which we demonstrated, through a single inhalation of PDE5 inhibitors, local activation of CFTR protein in CF. Significant potential advantages of inhalation drug therapy over oral or intravenous routes include rapid onset of pharmacological action, reduced systemic secondary effects, and reduced effective drug doses compared to the drug delivered orally; this underlines the relevance and impact of our work for translational science. More recently, we analyzed the bronchoalveolar lavage of CF and wild-type mice for cell infiltrates and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; we found that the CFTR activating effect of vardenafil, selected as a representative long-lasting PDE5 inhibitor, breaks the vicious circle of lung inflammation which plays a major role in morbi-mortality in CF. Our data highlight the potential use of PDE5 inhibitors in CF. Therapeutic approaches using clinically approved PDE5 inhibitors to address F508del-CFTR defects could speed up the development of new therapies for CF.
Grouping and selecting products: the design key of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs) (2004)

A Reconfigurable Manufacturing System (RMS) is a new paradigm that focuses on manufacturing a high variety of products at the same system. Having specified a design strategy for an RMS as the first design step at the tactical level, products must be grouped to identify and allocate corresponding manufacturing facilities. An interface between market and manufacturing called reconfiguration link is presented to specify and arrange products for manufacturing. The reconfiguration link incorporates the tasks of determining the products in the production range, grouping them into families and selecting the appropriate family at each configuration stage. The proposed approach of (re)configuring products before manufacturing facilitates assigning product families to the required manufacturing facilities in terms of (re)configuring manufacturing systems. This paper contributes an overall approach of grouping products into families based on operational similarities, when machines are still not identified. Since the problem of product family selection consists of quantitative and qualitative objectives, the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) is then used while considering both market and manufacturing requirements. The AHP model is verified in an industrial case study through using Expert Choice software. The solutions take advantage of monitoring sensitivity analysis while changing the priorities of manufacturing and/or market criteria. The concept of the proposed model is generic in structure and applicable to many firms. However, the model must be adapted according to the specific nature of the company under study. For instance, product family choices may differ from one company to another because of the available technology and the volume and type of existing products in the production range.
Keratoacanthoma with Glandular Proliferation (1993)

A case of keratoacanthoma (KA) with glandular proliferation was reported. The tumor was a firm, dome-shaped, elevated nodule on the cheek of an 82-year-old Japanese male. Generally, the tumor showed the typical histopathological features of KA; slight nuclear atypia and mitotic figures were present in a cup-shaped proliferation of keratinocytes and, in the center of the lesion, a keratin-filled crater with nests of dyskeratotic and acantholytic cells was seen. In the bottom of the lesion, a glandular structure forming branching, thin lumina was observed. The epithelium of the lumina was made up of two or more layers of columnar or cuboidal cells without keratinization. Tall columnar cells with oval nuclei were located in the luminal row and small cuboidal cells with round nuclei and scanty cytoplasm were in the outer layer. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that only the glandular structure was carcinoembryonic antigen positive. Lectin binding patterns observed in the glandular proliferation were similar to those reported for the apocrine gland. KA sometimes exhibits an adenoid structure in its lesion because of acantholytic changes. However, KA associated with true glandular proliferation has not been reported as far as we know, and our case is the first reported one. KA is thought to be a tumor of follicular origin, and the glandular proliferation observed in the present case seemed to have certain characteristics that suggest its apocrine origin.
Structure of the SthK Carboxy-Terminal Region Reveals a Gating Mechanism for Cyclic Nucleotide-Modulated Ion Channels (2015)

Cyclic nucleotide-sensitive ion channels are molecular pores that open in response to cAMP or cGMP, which are universal second messengers. Binding of a cyclic nucleotide to the carboxyterminal cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) of these channels is thought to cause a conformational change that promotes channel opening. The C-linker domain, which connects the channel pore to this CNBD, plays an important role in coupling ligand binding to channel opening. Current structural insight into this mechanism mainly derives from X-ray crystal structures of the C-linker/CNBD from hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels. However, these structures reveal little to no conformational changes upon comparison of the ligand-bound and unbound form. In this study, we take advantage of a recently identified prokaryote ion channel, SthK, which has functional properties that strongly resemble cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and is activated by cAMP, but not by cGMP. We determined X-ray crystal structures of the C-linker/CNBD of SthK in the presence of cAMP or cGMP. We observe that the structure in complex with cGMP, which is an antagonist, is similar to previously determined HCN channel structures. In contrast, the structure in complex with cAMP, which is an agonist, is in a more open conformation. We observe that the CNBD makes an outward swinging movement, which is accompanied by an opening of the C-linker. This conformation mirrors the open gate structures of the Kv1.2 channel or MthK channel, which suggests that the cAMP-bound C-linker/CNBD from SthK represents an activated conformation. These results provide a structural framework for better understanding cyclic nucleotide modulation of ion channels, including HCN and CNG channels.
Data and thread affinity in openmp programs (2008)

The slogan of last year's International Workshop on OpenMP was "A Practical Programming Model for the Multi-Core Era", although OpenMP still is fully hardware architecture agnostic. As a consequence the programmer is left alone with bad performance if threads and data happen to live apart. In this work we examine the programmer's possibilities to improve data and thread affinity in OpenMP programs for several toy applications and present how to apply the lessons learned on larger application codes. We filled a gap by implementing explicit data migration on Linux providing a next touch mechanism.
A Novel Enzyme Portfolio for Red Algal Polysaccharide Degradation in the Marine Bacterium Paraglaciecola hydrolytica S66T Encoded in a Sizeable Polysaccharide Utilization Locus (2018)

Marine microbes are a rich source of enzymes for the degradation of diverse polysaccharides. <i>Paraglaciecola hydrolytica</i> S66<sup>T</sup> is a marine bacterium capable of hydrolyzing polysaccharides found in the cell wall of red macroalgae. In this study, we applied an approach combining genomic mining with functional analysis to uncover the potential of this bacterium to produce enzymes for the hydrolysis of complex marine polysaccharides. A special feature of <i>P. hydrolytica</i> S66<sup>T</sup> is the presence of a large genomic region harboring an array of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) notably agarases and carrageenases. Based on a first functional characterization combined with a comparative sequence analysis, we confirmed the enzymatic activities of several enzymes required for red algal polysaccharide degradation by the bacterium. In particular, we report for the first time, the discovery of novel enzyme activities targeting furcellaran, a hybrid carrageenan containing both β-carrageenan and κ/β-carrageenan motifs. Some of these enzymes represent a new subfamily within the CAZy classification. From the combined analyses, we propose models for the complete degradation of agar and κ/β-type carrageenan by <i>P. hydrolytica</i> S66<sup>T</sup>. The novel enzymes described here may find value in new bio-based industries and advance our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for recycling of red algal polysaccharides in marine ecosystems.
How Do Different Meat Temperatures Affect Knife Force? (2015)

Meat cutters have long since claimed that knife forces increase with lower meat temperatures. This study was performed to find out what effects the meat temperature has on cutting forces. In addition, the same issue was addressed for pure fat. One hundred and forty four samples of lean meat and of fat respectively were collected and put overnight in one of three refrigerators with temperatures 2, 7 and 12C, 48 in each. These samples were cut while measuring cutting forces in an Anago KST Sharpness Analyzer machine. The results show that there were no significant differences in knife forces concerning lean meat at the three temperatures. However, the force in pure fat at 2C was significantly increased by 30% compared to the other temperatures. The forces in fat were generally three times higher than for lean meat, regardless of temperature.
Cytokine Therapeutics for Infectious Diseases (2000)

Cytokines are potent molecules, which function as growth factors and orchestrate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Over the last two decades the number of molecules in this class have greatly expanded, and as the biology of these factors is better understood, several of these factors have entered the clinical arena to support or augment components of the immune response. Recently the use of cytokines/growth factors has been studied in patients without a defective immune system but either have significant infection or infection with drug resistant organisms. The use of cytokines as adjuvants in the treatment of infectious diseases is reviewed both in the context of protein and gene-based therapies.