gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
SU-G-JeP2-10: On the Need for a Dynamic Model for Patient-Specific Distortion Corrections for MR-Only Pelvis Treatment Planning (2016)

Purpose: Patient-specific distortions, particularly near tissue/air interfaces, require assessment and possible corrections for MRI-only radiation treatment planning (RTP). However, patients are dynamic due to changes in physiological status and motion during imaging sessions. This work investigated the need for dynamic patient-specific distortion corrections to support pelvis MR-only RTP. Methods: The pelvises of healthy volunteers were imaged at 1.0T, 1.5T, and 3.0T. Patient-specific distortion field maps were generated using a dual-echo gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence with B0 field maps obtained from the phase difference between the two echoes acquired at two timepoints: empty and full bladders. To quantify changes arising from respiratory state, end-inhalation and end-expiration data were acquired. Distortion map differences were computed between the empty/full bladder and inhalation/expiration to characterize local changes. The normalized frequency distortion distributions in T2-weighted TSE images were characterized, particularly for simulated prostate planning target volumes (PTVs). Results: Changes in rectal and bowel air location were observed, likely due to changes in bladder filling. Within the PTVs, displacement differences (mean ± stdev, range) were −0.02 ± 0.02 mm (−0.13 to 0.07 mm) for 1.0T, −0.1 ± 0.2 mm (−0.92 to 0.74 mm) for 1.5T, and −0.20 ± 0.03 mm (−0.61 to 0.38 mm) for 3.0T. Local changes of ∼1 mm at the prostate-rectal interface were observed for an extreme case at 1.5T. For end-inhale and end-exhale scans at 3.0T, 99% of the voxels had Δx differences within ±0.25mm, thus the displacement differences due to respiratory state appear negligible in the pelvis. Conclusion: Our work suggests that transient bowel/rectal gas due to bladder filling may yield non-negligible patient-specific distortion differences near the prostate/rectal interface, whereas respiration had minimal effect. A temporal patient model for patient-specific distortion corrections may be advantageous for MR-only RTP, although further investigations in larger cohorts are needed to fully characterize distortion magnitude. The submitting institution has research agreements with Philips Healthcare. Research sponsored by a Henry Ford Health System Internal Mentored Grant.
Novel isomers of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (2017)

Heterocyclic nucleus 1,3,4-thiadiazole constitutes an important class of compounds for new drug development.The synthesis of novel thiadiazole derivatives and investigation of their chemical and biological behavior have gained more importance in recent decades.During the recent years, there has been intense investigation of different classes of thiadiazole compounds, many of which possess extensive biological activities.We will discuss a novel extracted isomers of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles derivatives and their possibilities for pharmaceutical and industrial importance.The process of extraction brought to the formation isomers that differ chemically and on crystallographic parameters.The new derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole, isomers with brutto-formula C13H14N2O2S3, crystallize in the triclinic and monoclinic systems, space groups P-1 and P21/c, respectively.Inter-and intramolecular hydrogen bonds help to stabilize the structures.Both hydrogen bonds networks can be described using graph set theory.They will be discussed in detail.The present review highlights the recently synthesized derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole possessing important biological activities.This project is funding in the framework of grant A9-T-050-Uzbekistan on the synthese and study of the antitumant activity of new compounds.
Dynamically variable step search motion estimation algorithm and a dynamically reconfigurable hardware for its implementation (2009)

Motion Estimation (ME) is the most computationally intensive part of video compression and video enhancement systems. For the recently available High Definition (HD) video formats, the computational complexity of full search (FS) ME algorithm is prohibitively high, whereas the PSNR obtained by fast search ME algorithms is low. Therefore, in this paper, we present Dynamically Variable Step Search (DVSS) ME algorithm for processing high definition video formats and a dynamically reconfigurable hardware architecture for efficiently implementing DVSS algorithm. The simulation results showed that DVSS algorithm performs very close to FS algorithm by searching much fewer search locations than FS algorithm and it outperforms successful fast search ME algorithms by searching more search locations than these algorithms. The proposed hardware is implemented in VHDL and is capable of processing high definition video formats in real time. Therefore, it can be used in consumer electronics products for video compression, frame rate up-conversion and de-interlacing.
How to improve hospital admission screening for patients at risk of multidrug-resistant organism carriage: a before-and-after interventional study and cost-effectiveness analysis (2022)

Training ED staff increased compliance with IPC measures when accompanied by team discussions for optimal effectiveness. An automated indicator of compliance is cheaper and closer to real-time than a clinical audit.
Enhanced-Resolution Single-Shot 2DFT Spectroscopy by Spatial Spectral Interferometry (2015)

We demonstrate use of spatial interference for the complete electric field reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) coherent spectroscopic signals generated through four-wave mixing (4WM) in a single laser shot. Until now, the amplitude and phase characterization of 4WM signals has relied primarily on Fourier transform spectral interferometry (FTSI), which limits the measurement's sensitivity and resolution. We show that spatial spectral interferometry (SSI) is a generalized approach to 4WM signal detection that eliminates these inherent limitations of FTSI without introducing additional experimental complexity. SSI is used to measure the 2D photon echo spectra of two systems with dramatically different line widths, the coupled D line transitions in rubidium vapor and the energy-transfer dynamics in the light-harvesting protein LH2.
FLOW BEHAVIORS IN A HIGH SOLID FLUX CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED COMPOSED OF A RISER, A DOWNER AND A BUBBLING FLUIDIZED BED (2010)

A circulating fluidized bed coal gasifier cold model which consists of an acrylic riser, a downer, and a bubbling fluidized bed were set up. Flow behaviors were investigated using silica sand with the solid mass flux up to 336 kg/m 2 •s. The effects of the solid inventory and the seals between the three reaction zones on the solid mass flux were investigated and discussed.
Long‐Term Recurrence Rates in Previously Untreated (Primary) Basal Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Patient Follow‐Up (1989)

We reviewed all studies (since 1947) reporting recurrence rates for treatment of primary (previously untreated) basal cell carcinomas using surgical excision, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, curettage and electrodesiccation, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Our findings indicate that recurrences following treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma appear later than is generally acknowledged in the literature. We found that less than one-third of all recurrences appear in the first year following treatment; only 50% appear within the first 2 years following treatment; and only 66%, or nearly two-thirds, appear within the first 3 years following treatment. A good rule of thumb is that the 10-year recurrence rate is double, or 2 times, that of the 2-year recurrence rate. Furthermore, 18% of recurrences appear between the fifth and tenth year following treatment. These results held true, irrespective of treatment modality examined. Seventy-two studies reporting short-term recurrence rates (follow-up less than 5 years) had a weighted average recurrence rate of 4.2%, whereas 34 long-term studies (follow-up of 5 years) had a weighted average recurrence rate of 8.7%, or more than 2 times the short-term rate. Five-year recurrence rates by treatment modality are as follows: Mohs micrographic surgery 1.0%, surgical excision 10.1%, curettage and electrodesiccation 7.7%, radiation therapy 8.7%, and cryosurgery 7.5%. We conclude that the reporting of recurrence rate data for basal cell carcinoma should be standardized using 5-year life table analysis, and even more important is our conclusion that lifetime follow-up is necessary after treatment of primary basal cell carcinoma in order both recurrences and new primaries.
Specification and verification of component-based systems 2007 (2007)

SAVCBS is a workshop for research and experience reports on the specification and verification of component-based systems.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Early Stage of Protein Translocation through the Sec Translocon (2010)

The Sec translocon, a protein-conducting channel, consists of a heterotrimeric complex (SecYEG in bacteria and Sec61 alpha beta gamma in eukaryotes) that provides a pathway for secretary proteins to cross membranes, or for membrane proteins to integrate into the membrane. The Sec translocon alone is a passive channel, and association with channel partners, including the ribosome or SecA ATPase in bacteria, is needed for protein translocation. Three recently published crystal structures of SecY are considered to represent the closed (resting state), pre-open (transitional state determined with the bound Fab fragment mimicking SecA interaction), and SecA-bound forms. To elucidate mechanisms of transition between closed and pre-open forms, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for the pre-open form of Thermus thermophilus SecYE and the closed form of Methanococcus janaschii SecYE beta in explicit solvent and membranes. We found that the closed form of SecY is stable, while the pre-open form without the Fab fragment undergoes large conformational changes toward the closed form. The pre-open form of SecY with Fab remains unchanged, suggesting that the cytosolic interaction mimicking SecA binding stabilizes the pre-open form of SecY. Importantly, a lipid molecule at the lateral gate region appears to be required to maintain the pre-open form in the membrane. We propose that the conformational transition from closed to pre-open states of SecY upon association with SecA facilitates intercalation of phospholipids at the lateral gate, inducing initial entry of the positively charged signal peptide into the channel.
Aldol and claisen condensations with 1‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐pyrrolidinone (1966)

Abstract 1‐(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)‐2‐pyrrolidinone (I) has been condensed at the 3‐position with a series of aldehydes, ketones and esters.
Kosmotropes and chaotropes: modelling preferential exclusion, binding and aggregate stability (2003)

Kosmotropic cosolvents added to an aqueous solution promote the aggregation of hydrophobic solute particles, while chaotropic cosolvents act to destabilise such aggregates. We discuss the mechanism for these phenomena within an adapted version of the two-state Muller-Lee-Graziano model for water, which provides a complete description of the ternary water/cosolvent/solute system for small solute particles. This model contains the dominant effect of a kosmotropic substance, which is to enhance the formation of water structure. The consequent preferential exclusion both of cosolvent molecules from the solvation shell of hydrophobic particles and of these particles from the solution leads to a stabilisation of aggregates. By contrast, chaotropic substances disrupt the formation of water structure, are themselves preferentially excluded from the solution, and thereby contribute to solvation of hydrophobic particles. We use Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate at the molecular level the preferential exclusion or binding of cosolvent molecules in the solvation shell of hydrophobic particles, and the consequent enhancement or suppression of aggregate formation. We illustrate the influence of structure-changing cosolvents on effective hydrophobic interactions by modelling qualitatively the kosmotropic effect of sodium chloride and the chaotropic effect of urea.
Clinical Application of Surface-Linked Liposomal Antigens (2008)

The potential usefulness of surface-linked liposomal antigens for application to vaccine development was investigated. During the course of this investigation, a significant difference was observed in the recognition of liposomal antigens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) between liposomes with different lipid components, and this difference was closely correlated with the adjuvant activity of liposomes. In addition to this "quantitative" difference between liposomes with differential lipid components, a "qualitative" difference (i.e., a differential ability to induce cross-presentation) was also observed between liposomes with different lipid components. Although the precise mechanism underlying this difference is currently unclear, the significant difference in membrane mobility observed between these liposomes might affect their ability to induce cross-presentation. Thus, surface-linked liposomal antigens may be applicable for the development of vaccines with minimal allergic side effects and for a novel protocol of allergen immunotherapy. In addition, by utilizing their ability to induce cross-presentation, surface-linked liposomal antigens could be used to develop virus vaccines that induce a cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response, as well as tumor vaccine preparations that present tumor antigens to APCs and induce effective antitumor responses. These data suggest that differential lipid components in liposomes lead to differential processing and presentation of liposomal antigens in APCs.
Probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally fermented Xinjiang cheese (2016)

Six lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains were isolated from traditionally fermented Xinjiang cheese and evaluated for functional and probiotic properties and potentials as starter cultures. The isolated six LAB strains comprised Lactobacillus rhamnosus (one strain), Lactobacillus helveticus (one strain), and Enterococcus hirae (four strains). All of the six strains were tolerant to acidic and bile salt conditions. Among which, the L. rhamnosus R4 strain showed more desirable antimicrobial, auto-aggregation, and hydrophobic activity. In addition, the strain L. rhamnosus R4 exhibited the highest level of free radical scavenging activity (53.78% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and 45.79% of hydroxyl radicals). L. rhamnosus R4 also demonstrated cholesterol and triglyceride degradation by 50.97% and 28.92%, respectively. To further examine the health-promoting effects of these LAB strains on host lifespan, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an in vivo model. Worms fed LAB as a food source had significant differences in lifespan compared to those fed Escherichia coli OP50 (as a negative control). Feeding of L. rhamnosus R4 extended the mean lifespan of C. elegans by up to 36.1% compared to that of the control. The results suggest that the strains isolated from Xinjiang fermented dairy products have high potential as starter cultures in the cheese industry.
Multimodal Autonomous Last-Mile Delivery System Design and Application (2020)

With the rapid increase in congestion, alternative solutions are needed to efficiently use the capacity of our existing networks. This paper focuses on exploring the emerging autonomous technologies for on-demand food delivery in congested urban cities. Three different last mile food delivery systems are proposed in this study employing aerial and ground autonomous vehicles technologies. The three proposed systems are: robot delivery system, drone delivery system and a hybrid delivery system. In the hybrid system the concept of hub-and-spoke network is explored in order to consolidate orders and reach more destinations in less time. To investigate the performance of the three proposed delivery systems, they are applied to the city of Mississauga network, in an in-house agent-based simulation in MATLAB. 18 Scenarios are tested differing in terms of demand and fleet size. The results show that the hybrid robot-drone delivery system performs the best with a fleet side of 25 robots and 15 drones and with an average preparation and delivery time less than the individual robot and drone system by 48 % and 42% respectively.
Miniemulsion Polymerization with Arrested Ostwald Ripening Stabilized by Amphiphilic RAFT Copolymers (2010)

We describe a method and conditions for the preparation of monodisperse latex particle dispersions using low molecular-weight, amphiphilic styrene-b-acrylic acid macro-RAFT diblock copolymers as sole stabilizers. The macro-RAFT copolymers are soluble in styrene monomer droplets when the acrylic acid is in its neutral, protonated form, but adsorb irreversibly at the interface between the monomer droplets and the aqueous phase to form an insoluble monolayer when conditions favor deprotonation. Droplets thus stabilized exhibited no coarsening by Ostwald ripening over at least several days. Polymerization yielded a one-to-one correspondence between the size of the initial droplets and the resultant latex particles, consistent with ideal miniemulsion polymerization, when the least labile macro-RAFT stabilizer was used. GPC analysis of molecular weights showed that in all cases the polymerization remained under RAFT control. The approach described enables true miniemulsion polymerization to proceed in the absence of both free surfactant and hydrophobic stabilizer.
Designer Amines for Post Combustion CO2 Capture Processes (2014)

New amines with characteristics which counteract and contrast underlying issues with current solvents including chemical efficiency, chemical stability, and the ability to be operated over extended periods, will no doubt reduce the cost and environmental impact of CO 2 capture processes via their lower upfront investment in infrastructure and ongoing operational costs. Based on the superior absorption rate and performance of piperazine and the extended family of cyclic piperidine derivatives for CO 2 capture processes, a suite of structurally modified cyclic di-amine/tri-amine solvents utilizing the cyclic structure was proposed. The work presented here aims to provide higher efficiency solvents based on single molecule designer amines in comparison with MEA for post combustion capture of CO 2 . This work details the comprehensive laboratory and modelling investigation of the structurally modified amines series for CO 2 capture processes and a comparison to the capture performance of monoethanolamine (MEA). Thirty designer amines have been synthesised here and their CO 2 cyclic capacities measured using quantitative 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Cyclic capacity results indicated the majority of the designer amines showed improved cyclic capacity (when expressed on molar or mass ratios) compared to MEA. Twelve amines achieved greater than 80% improvement in cyclic capacity over MEA (expressed as moles of CO 2 /mol of nitrogen) with the largest improvement achieving a 158% increase. Estimations of the energy requirements for CO 2 capture for each of the amines was performed here. Ten of the amines synthesised here demonstrated improvements of 27% or greater than the energy performance of MEA, with the largest improvement being 32%. Following this, a selection of designer amines was progressively synthesized at larger scales allowing measurements of CO 2 absorption rates using a wetted wall column at 40oC. Comparable mass transfer rates were observed for two amines, which in combination with the cyclic capacity data and energy estimates places them firmly as promising candidates for CO 2 capture.
Normal levels of ADAMTS13 and factor H are present in the pharmaceutically licensed plasma for transfusion (Octaplas®) and in the universally applicable plasma (Uniplas) in development (2006)

The study revealed that Octaplas and Uniplas contain normal levels of ADAMTS13 at low batch-to-batch variations. Therefore, both products can substitute the missing or neutralized protease activity in TTP patients and thereby limit vWF-dependent (platelet-related) thrombosis. In addition, both plasma products contain factor H at a physiological level, and, thus can be used efficiently in the treatment of aHUS patients, which have been shown to benefit from plasma administration.
Time and Dose Dependence of Pluronic Bioactivity in Hyperthermia-Induced Tumor Cell Death (2008)

Pluronic block copolymers have been shown to sensitize cancer cells resulting in an increased activity of antineoplastic agents. In the current study we examined a new application of Pluronic bioactivity in potentiating hyperthermia-induced cancer cell injury. DHD/K12/TRb rat adenocarcinoma cells were exposed to low-grade hyperthermia at 43 degrees C with or without Pluronic P85 or Pluronic L61. A range of Pluronic doses, pre-exposure and heat exposure durations were investigated, and the test conditions were optimized. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measurement of intracellular ATP and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Both P85 and L61 in synergy with heat reduced cell viability appreciably compared to either heat or Pluronic alone. Under optimal conditions, P85 (10 mg/ml, 240 mins) combined with 15 mins heat reduced intracellular ATP to 60.1 +/- 3.5% of control, while heat alone and P85 without heat caused a negligible decrease in ATP of 1.2% and 3.8%, respectively. Similarly, cells receiving 120 mins pre-exposure of L61 (0.3 mg/ml) showed reduction in intracellular ATP to 14.1 +/- 2.1% of control. Again, heat or L61 pre-exposure alone caused a minor decrease in levels of intracellular ATP (1.5% and 4.4%, respectively). Comparable results were observed when viability was assessed by mitochondrial enzyme activity. Survival studies confirmed that the loss of viability translates to a long-term reduction in proliferative activity, particularly for L61 treated cells. Based on these results, we conclude that Pluronic is effective in improving hyperthermic cancer treatment in vitro by potentiating heat-induced cytotoxicity in a concentration and time dependent manner.
Quantifying shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles; a source of microplastics released into the environment (2017)

Microplastics in the environment are a subject of intense research as they pose a potential threat to marine organisms. Plastic fibers from textiles have been indicated as a major source of this type of contaminant, entering the oceans via wastewater and diverse non-point sources. Their presence is also documented in terrestrial samples. In this study, the amount of microfibers shedding from synthetic textiles was measured for three materials (acrylic, nylon, polyester), knit using different gauges and techniques. All textiles were found to shed, but polyester fleece fabrics shed the greatest amounts, averaging 7360 fibers/m<sup>-2</sup>/L<sup>-1</sup> in one wash, compared with polyester fabrics which shed 87 fibers/m<sup>-2</sup>/L<sup>-1</sup>. We found that loose textile constructions shed more, as did worn fabrics, and high twist yarns are to be preferred for shed reduction. Since fiber from clothing is a potentially important source of microplastics, we suggest that smarter textile construction, prewashing and vacuum exhaustion at production sites, and use of more efficient filters in household washing machines could help mitigate this problem.