gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Physiological Functions of the Host Xenobiotic-sensing Nuclear Receptors PXR and CAR on the Gut Microbiome using Genetically Modified Mice (2020)

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background: </bold>Pharmacological activation of the host xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is well-known to increase drug metabolism and reduce inflammation. Little is known regarding the physiological functions of PXR and CAR on the gut microbiome, which is an important regulator for the host immune surveillance and bile acid (BA) metabolism. We examined the gut microbiome composition and BA metabolites in high vs. low PXR/CAR-expressing mice, and in mice that are deficient in PXR, CAR, or both, at two developmental ages. We also utilized humanized PXR transgenic (hPXR-TG) mice to compare the species-specific effect of PXR on the gut microbiome. <bold>Results:</bold> We discovered bivalent hormetic functions of PXR and CAR in modulating the richness of the gut microbiome and inflammatory biomarkers: the high PXR/CAR expressers had higher microbial richness, pro-inflammatory bacteria (distinct taxa in <italic>Helicobacteraceae</italic> and <italic>Helicobacter</italic>), and fecal pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting higher immune surveillance to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria. Interestingly, the absence of PXR or CAR also increased the microbial richness, and absence of both receptors synergistically increased the microbial richness. PXR and CAR deficiency increased the pro-inflammatory bacteria (<italic>Helicobacteraceae</italic> and <italic>Helicobacter</italic>). Most notably, deficiency in both PXR and CAR markedly increased the relative abundance of <italic>Lactobacillus</italic>, which is capable of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity. This corresponded to a decrease in major primary taurine-conjugated bile acids (BAs) in feces, which may lead to higher internal burden of taurine and unconjugated BAs, both of which are linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity. hPXR-TG mice had a distinct microbial profile as compared to wild-type mice, including a higher representation<italic> of Prevotella</italic>. hPXR-TG mice also had higher 12-OH BAs but lower 6-OH BAs, suggesting PXR’s species-specific role in modulating host hepatic BA synthesis. <bold>Conclusions</bold>: This study is the first to show that the host PXR and CAR profoundly influence the composition of the gut microbiome and its BA metabolites, with a bivalent hormetic relationship between PXR/CAR levels and microbial richness, unveiling the involvement of PXR/CAR-microbiome interactions in host immune surveillance and BA metabolism.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Convective Field by Applying Ionic Wind (1997)

This study has been conducted to pursue the enhancement of forced-convection heat transfer by applying an electric field. Experiments were performed in an air channel flow where a series of wire-electrodes were installed in parallel with the primary flow direction, or installed at right angle to the primary flow direction. By applying the electric field, secondary flow was electro-hydrodynamically induced by the Coulomb force. The visualization of flow patters and measurement of heat transfer coefficient and consuming power were carried out. The theoretical analysis on electric, flow and temperature field was also performed taking account of momentum transfer between ions and neutral fluid molecules. On the basis of these results, fundamental characteristics of the EHD combined flow and the heat transfer were clarified in conjunction with applied voltage, primary velocity and wire-electrode arrangement. And, the possibility of the practical applications of the ionic wind are discussed.
<title>Detection of pathogens using on-chip electrochemical analysis of PCR amplified DNA molecules</title> (2001)

The sensitivity and speed of methods for the detection of microorganisms and/or cells need to be constantly improved to provide timely and accurate analysis in large number of important applications. Such applications range from detection of pathogens in drinking water, biological warfare agents, biomedical diagnostics and food industry. The trends toward miniaturization of sensors using microfluidic and nanofluidic on-chip devices will push current detection limits to lower concentrations than what is offered by the present analytical equipment and/or detection kids. Microfluidic devices have been used to perform DNA analysis, polymerase chain reaction analysis, capillary electrophoresis and hybridization to oligonucleotide probes. This paper describes a new approach for the detection of pathogens on contaminated surfaces, which will integrated sampling, concentration and detection of targeted microorganisms.
Nuclear relaxation of human brain gray and white matter: Analysis of field dependence and implications for MRI (1990)

The dependence of 1/T1 on the magnetic field strength (the relaxation dispersion) has been measured at 37 degrees C on autopsy samples of human brain gray and white matter at field strengths corresponding to proton Larmor frequencies between 10 kHz and 50 MHz (0.0002-1.2 T). Additional measurements of 1/T1 and 1/T2 have been performed at 200 MHz (4.7 T) and 20 MHz (0.47 T), respectively. Absolute signal amplitudes are found to be proportional to the sample water content, not to the "proton density," and it is concluded that the myelin lipids do not contribute to the signal. Transverse magnetization decay data can be fitted with a triple exponential function, giving characteristic results for each tissue type, and are insensitive to variations of the pulse spacing interval. The longitudinal relaxation dispersion curves show characteristic shapes for each tissue type. The most striking difference is a large dispersion for white matter at very high fields. As a consequence, the relative difference in 1/T1 between gray and white matter shows a marked maximum around 10 MHz. Possible implications for MRI are discussed. A weighted least-squares fit of the dispersions has been performed using a four-parameter function of the form 1/T1 = 1/T1,w + D + A/(1 + (f/fc)beta'). The quality of the fit is superior to that of other functions proposed previously. The results of these fits are used to predict image contrast between gray and white matter at different field strengths.
Rate Of Oxidation Of Plasma Polymer (GDP or CH) (2005)

There has been concern and uncertainty about the level of O incorporation in plastic shells prepared by coating mandrels with plasma polymer (GDP) and the Ge-doped analogs. In FY05 we undertook a controlled study of the rate of oxidation under various conditions, both to quantify the levels and to determine methods for restricting the le levels. Our results are shown in the Figure below. In summary, the level can be kept to less than 0.2 atom % by pyrolyzing the shells at 300 C (which is necessary for the removal of the P{alpha}MS mandrel), and then restricting the exposure to air to less than about 100 hours, which is easy to do. Based on this result we believe the NIF capsule specification for O can safely be lowered to 0.2 atom %, and this level should be used in future design calculations.
A review of the effects of dietary organic acids fed to swine (2015)

Animal production depends on nutrient utilization and if done there is an accelerated momentum towards growth with a low cost to feed ratio Public concern over the consumption of pork with antibiotic residues of the animals fed with antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has paved the way to use other additives like herbs and their products, probiotics, prebiotics etc. Numerous feed additives are in vogue for achieving this target and one such classical example is the usage of organic acids and their salts. Usage of organic acids was in progress for over four decades. Early weaned piglets are (3-4 weeks age) exposed to stress with a reduced feed intake, little or no weight gain. This post weaning lag period is due to a limited digestive and absorptive capacity due to insufficient production of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and sudden changes in feed consistency and intake. Lowering dietary pH by weak organic acids was found to overcome these problems. The main activity of organic acids is associated with a reduction in gastric pH converting the inactive pepsinogen to active pepsin for effective protein hydrolysis. Organic acids are both bacteriostatic and bactericidal. Lactic acid has been reported to reduce gastric pH and delay the multiplication of an enterotoxigenic E. coli. These acids are the intermediary products in Kreb's cycle and thus act as an energy source preventing the tissue breakdown resulting from gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. Excretion of supplemental minerals and nitrogen are minimized with organic acids as these form complexes with minerals and aids for their bio-availability. Short chain fatty cids like acetic, propionic and n-butyric acid produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the large intestines may increase the proliferation of epithelial cells and have stimulatory effects on both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic secretions in pigs. Organic acids also enhances apparent total tract digestibility and improves growth performance. It is concluded that organic acids and their salts increase the protein utilization especially in weaner pigs and improves production indices.
Exploratory testing: a multiple case study (2005)

Exploratory testing (ET) - simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution - is an applied practice in industry but lacks research. We present the current knowledge of ET based on existing literature and interviews with seven practitioners in three companies. Our interview data shows that the main reasons for using ET in the companies were the difficulties in designing test cases for complicated functionality and the need for testing from the end user's viewpoint. The perceived benefits of ET include the versatility of testing and the ability to quickly form an overall picture of system quality. We found some support for the claimed high defect detection efficiency of ET. The biggest shortcoming of ET was managing test coverage. Further quantitative research on the efficiency and effectiveness of ET is needed. To help focus ET efforts and help control test coverage, we must study planning, controlling and tracking ET.
"Just enough reality", microstereopsis, and the prospect of zoneless autostereoscopic displays (2002)

Just as color can be shouted in primary tones or whispered in soft pastel hues, so stereo can be shoved in your face or raised ever so gently off the screen plane. This paper reviews the problems with "in your face stereo" and demonstrates that "just enough reality" is both gentle and effective in achieving stereoscopy's fundamental goal: resolving the front-back ambiguity inherent in 2D projections. Something unexpected and perhaps fortuitous falls out: soft stereo means small on-screen disparities, and when on-screen disparities are small, crosstalk is perceived as blur rather than as ghosting. Blur, particularly if it occurs only in the background and foreground (to which regions it can be relegated by "center-of-interest compensation"), is, in contrast to ghosting, quite unobjectionable. Gracefully accepting crosstalk may enable zoneless autostereoscopic displays.
Analysis of digital and analog formant synthesizers (1968)

A digital formant is a resonant network based on the dynamics of a second-order linear difference equation. A serial chain of digital formants can approximate the vocal tract during vowel production. In this paper, the digital formant is defined and its properties discussed, using z-transform notation. The results of detailed frequency response computations of both digital and conventional analog formant synthesizers are then presented. These results indicate that the digital system without higher pole correction is a closer approximation than the analog system with higher pole correction. Finally, a set of measurements on the signal and noise properties of the digital system is described. Synthetic vowels generated for different signal-to-noise ratios help specify the required register lengths for the digital realization. A comparison between theory and experiment is presented.
Sub‐library composition of peptide libraries: Potential application in screening (1994)

Abstract Peptide sub‐libraries and omission sub‐libraries derived from parent peptide libraries synthesized with the portioning‐mixing method are defined. They can be distinguished by their order, i.e., the number of non‐varied positions or omission positions in the molecules. The number of types of sub‐libraries as well as the number of their components depend on both the order and the number of residues. Sub‐libraries belonging to a given residue number and a given order altogether form a kit. The paper outlines the potential use of sub‐libraries and other kinds of partial libraries in identification of the bioactive components of peptide and other kinds of biooligomer libraries. © 1994 Wiley‐Less, Inc.
Electron-Channelling Patterns: Principles and Techniques (1976)

In a crystalline solid the regular arrangement of the lattice structure influences the interaction of the incident beam with the specimen, leading to changes in both the transmitted and backscattered signals when the angle of incidence of the beam to the specimen is changed. For the simplest case the electron flux inside the specimen can be visualized as the sum of two, standing wave distributions of electrons (Fig. 1). Bloch wave 1 is concentrated mainly between the atom rows and so only interacts weakly with them. It is therefore transmitted well and backscattered weakly. Bloch wave 2 is concentrated on the line of atom centers and is therefore transmitted poorly and backscattered strongly. The ratio of the excitation of wave 1 to wave 2 varies with the angle between the incident beam and the crystal structure.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based specific labeling ofCryptosporidiumoocysts for detection in environmental samples (2004)

Low numbers of FRET-labeled oocysts can be quantified and clearly distinguished from autofluorescing background in environmental water concentrates.
Vertical β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition with low on-resistance and high average breakdown field (2021)

Vertical β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) epitaxy are reported for high-power devices. The field plate Schottky barrier diode (SBD) showed a differential specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) of 0.67 mΩ-cm2 and an average breakdown electric field of 2.28 MV/cm. To the best of our knowledge, this Ron,sp is the lowest among the available vertical β-Ga2O3 SBD reports, and contributed from the high-mobility MOCVD β-Ga2O3 epitaxy. Moreover, the average electric field of 2.28 MV/cm is higher compared to most of the vertical β-Ga2O3 punch-through SBDs. These results suggest that the high-quality MOCVD β-Ga2O3 can be promising for high-power devices.
Selective Extraction of Lactic Acid from Aqueous Media through a Hydrophobic H-Beta Zeolite/PVDF Mixed Matrix Membrane Contactor (2014)

2-Hydroxypropionic acid, commonly known as lactic acid (LA), is a valuable chemical widely used for the manufacture of green solvents such as ethyl lactate and biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA). LA is manufactured by fermentation molasses and whey. Isolation of LA from aqueous broths by conventional methods is energy intensive. Reactive extraction through membranes using specific reagents could prove to be a cost-effective alternative for LA recovery. This study focuses on reactive separation of LA using a novel indigenously developed hydrophobic H-beta zeolite/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membrane. Experiments were conducted using a stirred cell assembly consisting of two bell shaped glass pipe reducers containing aqueous LA separated by the membrane from an organic solution of tri-n-octylamine (TOA) carrier in alcoholic medium. Effects of experimental parameters such as the concentration of TOA in organic phase and zeolite loading on the rate of acid extraction were evaluated by increasing the TOA concentration from 206 to 620 mol/m3 and the extent of zeolite loading from 1 to 25% (w/w) of (PVDF) polymer. SEM analysis was carried out to oversee zeolite distribution on the PVDF surface, whereas TGA was used to determine the maximum operating temperature. XRD study was done to investigate the influence of zeolite loading on intersegmental spacing in the polymer, while FT-IR helped in the identification of interactions between the inorganic filler and organic polymer. A mass transfer correlation was deduced by taking into account all possible reactions involved in formation of the complexes. An optimum extraction of nearly 34% was obtained using 25% zeolite loading, 206 mol/m3 TOA in 1-octanol, and 100 mol/m3 acid concentration, at a stirring rate of 400 rpm over a processing time of 1 h. Continuous separation of LA by a membrane contactor could help improve the fermentation yield of the acid by preventing the inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, which is affected by the product itself. Such reactive extractions by membrane contactors could be successfully scaled up using a hollow fiber modular configuration.
Fruit waste valorization for biodegradable biocomposite applications: A review (2019)

Currently, food waste is a major concern for companies, governments, and consumers. One of the largest sources of food waste occurs during industrial processing, where substantial by-products are generated. Fruit processing creates a lot of these by-products, from undesirable or “ugly fruit,” to the skins, seeds, and fleshy parts of the fruits. These by-products compose up to 30% of the initial mass of fruit processed. Millions of tons of fruit wastes are generated globally from spoilage and industrial by-products, so it is essential to find alternative uses for fruit wastes to increase their value. This goal can be accomplished by processing fruit waste into fillers and incorporating them into polymeric materials. This review summarizes recent developments in technologies to incorporate fruit wastes from sources such as grape, apple, olive, banana, coconut, pineapple, and others into polymer matrices to create green composites or films. Various surface treatments of biofillers/fibers are also discussed; these treatments increase the adhesion and applicability of the fillers with various bioplastics. Lastly, a comprehensive review of sustainable and biodegradable biocomposites is presented.
Abstract LB143: BNZ-2, a dual specific IL15/IL21 inhibitor, rescues humanized NOG-IL15 transgenic mice from intestinal acute graft versus host disease without disrupting NK and CD8 T cell engraftment (2021)

Abstract Advances in adoptive transfer immunotherapy have found beneficial effects for Interleukin-15 (IL-15) in the graft versus tumor (GvT) activity of NK and cytotoxic T cells. However, the benefits of this activity must be weighed against the increased risk of acute graft versus host disease (GvHD) in patients. We propose that BNZ-2, a peptide antagonist of IL-15 and IL-21 signaling, as a therapeutic option for GvHD that may relieve intestinal pathologies while retaining adoptive transfer activity. As a novel model of intestinal inflammatory disease, we have found that humanization with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NOG mice with transgenic expression of human IL-15 (NOG-IL15) consistently catalyzes the onset of intestinal GvHD within twenty days of engraftment. To investigate whether BNZ-2 can inhibit IL-15-catalized intestinal GvHD we treated NOG-IL15 mice and assessed the degree of intestinal GvHD and the immunophenotype of engrafted cells following twenty days of humanization with four million unmanipulated PBMCs. BNZ-2 treatment inhibited with equal efficacy to anti-IL-15 the localization of immune cells to the intestinal lamina propria protecting the tissue from inflammation-induced loss of tissue integrity. However, BNZ-2 treatment retained the systemic engraftment of the blood and spleen, including NK and CD8 cytotoxic T-cells. These data support BNZ-2 as a therapeutic candidate for GvHD treatment, describe a new model of intestinal GvHD, and suggest that a therapeutic window exists that separates intestinal GvHD pathologies from the benefits of adoptive cell transfer. Citation Format: Kevin R. Kipp, Nick Doerr, Laith Q. Al-Mawsawi, Woo Jae Kim, Adrian J. Giovannone, Nazli Azimi. BNZ-2, a dual specific IL15/IL21 inhibitor, rescues humanized NOG-IL15 transgenic mice from intestinal acute graft versus host disease without disrupting NK and CD8 T cell engraftment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB143.
Comparison of the Malignant Predictors in Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct (2022)

Background: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a precancerous lesion of cholangiocarcinoma, for which surgical resection is the most effective treatment. We evaluated the predictors of malignancy in IPNB according to anatomical location and the prognosis without surgery. Methods: A total of 196 IPNB patients who underwent pathologic confirmation by surgical resection or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic biopsy were included. Clinicopathological findings of IPNB with invasive carcinoma or mucosal dysplasia were analyzed according to anatomical location. Results: Of the 116 patients with intrahepatic IPNB (I-IPNB) and 80 patients with extrahepatic IPNB (E-IPNB), 62 (53.4%) and 61 (76.3%) were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that mural nodule > 12 mm (p = 0.043) in I-IPNB and enhancement of mural nodule (p = 0.044) in E-IPNB were predictive factors for malignancy. For pathologic discrepancy before and after surgery, IPNB has a 71.2% sensitivity and 82.3% specificity. In the non-surgical IPNB group, composed of nine I-IPNB and seven E-IPNB patients, 43.7% progressed to IPNB with invasive carcinoma within 876 days. Conclusions: E-IPNB has a higher rate of malignancy than I-IPNB. The predictive factor for malignancy is mural nodule > 12 mm in I-IPNB and mural nodule enhancement in E-IPNB.
Effects of PRF variation on spaceborne SAR imaging (2013)

High resolution and wide swath have always been critical criteria for SAR systems and consistently pursued. This paper investigates the utilization of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) variation in two situations: very high resolution and ultra-wide swath. It is demonstrated that by adopting varied PRF, in the former case, which corresponds to Spotlight and Sliding Spotlight modes, a much larger range cell migration(RCM) is tolerated and higher resolution is thus guaranteed, while in the latter case blind ranges are eliminated and wider swath are imaged without conspicuous degradation. The principles of PRF variation of both cases are proposed. It is shown the benefits of PRF variation include higher resolution, wider swath width and decreased azimuth ambiguity-to-signal ratio(AASR) and higher data efficiency.