gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Do Probiotics During In-Hospital Antibiotic Treatment Prevent Colonization of Gut Microbiota With Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing Saccharomyces to a Mixture of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces (2021)

<b>Objective:</b> Most infections with <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> producing AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC)-, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-, and carbapenemase-producing bacteria, vancomycin-resistant <i>Enterococcus</i> as well as naturally resistant non-fermenting bacteria such as <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, are related to a prior colonization of the gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with probiotics during an antibiotic treatment could prevent the colonization of the gut microbiota with multi-drug resistant bacteria. <b>Method:</b> In total, 120 patients treated for 10 days with amoxicillin-clavulanate antibiotics were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial, comparing the effects of a 30 days treatment with placebo <i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i> CNCM I-745® and a probiotic mixture containing <i>Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> NCFM, <i>Lactobacillus paracasei</i> Lpc-37, <i>Bifidobacterium lactis</i> Bl-04, and <i>Bifidobacterium lactis</i> Bi-07 (Bactiol duo®). Study treatment was initiated within 48 h of the antibiotic being initiated. Most of the patients included were elderly with a mean age of 78 years old with multiple comorbidities. Stools were collected at the time of inclusion in the trial, at the end of the antibiotic treatment, and the end of the study treatment. These were cultured on selective antibiotic media. <b>Results:</b> Treatment with the probiotic mixture led to a significant decline in colonization with <i>Pseudomonas</i> after antibiotic treatment from 25 to 8.3% (<i>p</i> = 0.041). Colonization with AmpC-producing enterobacteria was transiently increased after the antibiotic treatment (<i>p</i> = 0.027) and declined after the probiotic intervention (p= 0.041). No significant changes were observed in the placebo and <i>Saccharomyces</i> groups. Up to 2 years after the trial, no infection with ESBL-producing bacteria was observed in the probiotic mixture group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The association of <i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i> with specific strains of <i>Lactobacillus</i> and <i>Bifidobacterium</i> influences antibiotic treatment by counteracting the colonization of the colon microbiota with antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Current Concepts Review - Interbody Fusion Cages in Reconstructive Operations on the Spine* (1999)

During the last five years, surgeons around the world have inserted more than 80,000 lumbar interbody fusion cages; in the United States alone, an estimated 5000 such devices are implanted each month. The recent interest in performing lumbar interbody arthrodesis with use of cages is attributable to three factors: the high rate of failure associated with use of bone graft alone3,22,26,45,46,71,82,84,94,96,106,107; the high rate of failure associated with use of posterior pedicle-screw instrumentation39,97,102; and the high rate of success associated with use of so-called stand-alone anterior fusion cages and autogenous bone graft, obviating the need to perform a 360-degree (combined anterior and posterior) lumbar arthrodesis with use of posterior instrumentation77.

The purpose of the current review is to summarize the information in the literature with regard to the background, rationale, indications, techniques, results, and possible future developments of interbody arthrodesis for reconstruction of the spine.

Early techniques of arthrodesis with use of allograft or autogenous graft and without instrumentation were associated with a high rate of failure. In a classic study, Stauffer and Coventry96 reported on eighty-three patients who had had an anterior interbody arthrodesis between 1959 and 1967. Of seventy-seven patients who were followed clinically for an average of 3.75 years after the procedure, twenty-eight (36 percent) had good (76 to 100 percent) relief of pain, fifteen (19 percent) had fair (26 to 75 percent) relief, and thirty-four (44 percent) had poor (0 to 25 percent) relief. Thirty (44 percent) of sixty-eight patients who were evaluated radiographically at a minimum of eighteen months postoperatively had a pseudarthrosis. Stauffer and Coventry defined radiographic fusion as “a pattern …
Furosemide Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics following Gastroretentive Dosage Form Administration to Healthy Volunteers (2003)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of furosemide following gastroretentive dosage from (GRDF) administration. A furosemide (60 mg) GRDF, releasing the drug during 6 hours in vitro, or an immediate-release tablet was administered to healthy male volunteers (N = 14) in a crossover design. Food and liquid intake were standardized; urine was collected, weighed, and assayed for furosemide and sodium concentrations. Pharmacokinetics of furosemide following the GRDF administration, as compared to the tablet, showed lower Cmax and indicated a prolonged absorption phase leading to longer mean residence time in the stomach. The sustained input of the drug significantly improved diuretic and natriuretic efficiencies during the first 5 hours and thereby increased the total effects measured over 24 hours. The unfolding controlled-release GRDF of furosemide improved the pharmacodynamic actions due to the sustained absorption in the stomach and jejunum, which delayed the body's counteractivity to the drug effect.
GNSS-shortages-resistant and self-adaptive rear axle kinematic parameter estimator (SA-RAKPE) (2017)

This paper investigates the improvements from an intelligent self-adaptive modification to a Global Navigatior Satellite System (GNSS)-Based Rear Axle Kinematic Parametei Estimator (SA-RAKPE) for an automatic-driving-system in a passenger vehicle. The required highly accurate dead-reckoning localization can be achieved by a well-calibrated kinematic odometry model. For this purpose, the presented Extended Kalman filter approach combines a Differential-Velocity system model and a GNSS measurement model. Subsequently the intelligent self-adaptive modifications are introduced to allow the SA-RAKPE to work even under difficult conditions The self-adaptive modifications include a GNSS-Delay-Finder Module that calculates variable delays of the signals used in complex vehicle architectures. The newly developed SA-RAPKE deals with changes in the system and measurement mode accuracies and even works during interruptions caused by GNSS-shortages. To do this, it changes the update equation and fills the interruptions with virtual parameter measurement to avoid estimation inaccuracies from observability loss and even to store the level of learned parameters. After passing the GNSS-shortages, the filter compensates the error in the system model depending on the length of the GNSS-shortage This makes it possible to continue the parameter learning while passing a great number of bad condition passages. This newly developed self-adaptive filter learns the true axle parameter faster than a restartable filter. The results show that despite numerous high-rise zones, tunnels and bridges, outstanding performance and a short learning phase ensue, especially in urban areas.
Comparison and validation of CFD models in liquid–solid suspensions (2011)

Abstract A new simple method to validate CFD models in multiphase flows is presented. The experimental procedure used in this study is based on digital imaging and a simple algorithm to reduce the noise of an image. This method is inexpensive and easy to use and it can be applied to several liquid–solid systems where the liquid is transparent. The CFD modelling was done using a two‐fluid κ – ε model. Several drag correlations were tested in simulations with two impeller speeds and various particle sizes. The results were compared with experimental data. Comparison was also made with the just‐suspended speed correlation by Zwietering.
The Effect of Growth on Translation of Polyadenylated Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Physarum polycephalum (1979)

Conference Article| August 01 1979 The Effect of Growth on Translation of Polyadenylated Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Physarum polycephalum ALISTAIR J. P. BROWN; ALISTAIR J. P. BROWN 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS, Scotland, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ROY C. FERGIE; ROY C. FERGIE 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS, Scotland, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar WILLIAM T. MELVIN; WILLIAM T. MELVIN 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS, Scotland, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar NORMAN HARDMAN NORMAN HARDMAN 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen, Marischal College, Aberdeen AB9 1AS, Scotland, U.K. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Biochem Soc Trans (1979) 7 (4): 665–666. https://doi.org/10.1042/bst0070665 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Citation ALISTAIR J. P. BROWN, ROY C. FERGIE, WILLIAM T. MELVIN, NORMAN HARDMAN; The Effect of Growth on Translation of Polyadenylated Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Physarum polycephalum. Biochem Soc Trans 1 August 1979; 7 (4): 665–666. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/bst0070665 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll JournalsBiochemical Society Transactions Search Advanced Search © 1979 Biochemical Society1979 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.
The problem of learning long-term dependencies in recurrent networks (2002)

The authors seek to train recurrent neural networks in order to map input sequences to output sequences, for applications in sequence recognition or production. Results are presented showing that learning long-term dependencies in such recurrent networks using gradient descent is a very difficult task. It is shown how this difficulty arises when robustly latching bits of information with certain attractors. The derivatives of the output at time t with respect to the unit activations at time zero tend rapidly to zero as t increases for most input values. In such a situation, simple gradient descent techniques appear inappropriate. The consideration of alternative optimization methods and architectures is suggested.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
A microwave dielectric properties measurement system for studying composite lossy ceramics (2002)

Summary form only given. A system for performing accurate measurements of the complex dielectric constant of ceramic materials from 26.5-40 GHz over the -195 to +250/spl deg/C temperature range has been developed. The apparatus is intended primarily to measure the dielectric properties of lossy ceramics used in vacuum electronic devices. The elevated temperature studies are needed to ascertain how the dielectric properties will change over the conditions known to exist in high average power devices, while the low temperature capability is important for understanding the competing mechanisms of dielectric loss in the materials themselves.
Interleukin 18 and Interleukin 18 Binding Protein: Possible Role in Immunosuppression of Chronic Renal Failure (2003)

Although interleukin (IL)-18 is a member of the IL-1 family of ligands, IL-18 appears to have unique characteristics, particularly in the regulation of the T helper type 1 (Th1) response. Th1 responses are required for tumor surveillance, killing intracellular organisms, and to provide help for antibody production. In patients with chronic renal failure, the well-known immunosuppression contributes to a failure to respond to infectious challenges and vaccinations. The most salient biological property of IL-18, linking this cytokine to the Th1 response, is its ability to induce interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). In fact, IL-18 was originally identified as an IFN-gamma-inducing factor, and IFN-gamma production is the hallmark of the Th1 response. Dysregulation of IFN-gamma production resulting from reduced activity of IL-18 would explain one of the mechanisms of immunosuppression in patients with chronic renal failure. The activity of IL-18 can be regulated by the IL-18-binding protein (IL-18BP), a glycoprotein of 40,000 daltons, which is constitutively expressed and appears to be the natural inhibitor of IL-18 activity. Unlike soluble receptors for IL-18, IL-18BP does not have a transmembrane domain; IL-18BP is a secreted protein possessing a high-affinity binding and ability to neutralize IL-18. IL-18BP was discovered in human urine and is excreted in health following glomerular filtration. With decreasing renal function, the concentrations of IL-18BP in the circulation are elevated as compared with subjects with a normal renal function, and these elevated levels may result in a decreased IL-18 activity. Because of the importance of IL-18 and IFN-gamma in the Th1 response, the biology of IL-18 and IL-18BP is reviewed here in the context of the immunosuppression of chronic renal failure.
Efficiency of thin-films silicon solar cells with a photonic pattern (2010)

We present a theoretical study of amorphous and crystalline thin-film solar cells with a periodic pattern on a sub-micron scale realized in the silicon layer and filled with silicon dioxide right below a properly designed antireflection coating. The study and optimization of the PV structure as a function of all the photonic crystals parameters allows to identify the different roles of the periodic pattern and of the etching depth in determining an increase of the absorption. From one side, the photonic crystal acts as an impendence matching layer, thus minimizing reflection of incident light over a particularly wide range of frequencies. Moreover a strong absorption enhancement is observed when the incident light is coupled into the quasi guided modes of the photonic slab. We compare the efficiency of this structure to that of PV cells characterized by the sole antireflection coating. We found a substantial increase of the short-circuit current when the parameters are properly optimized, demonstrating the advantage of a wavelength-scale, photonic-crystal based approach.
Smad4-dependent morphogenic signals control the maturation and axonal targeting of basal vomeronasal sensory neurons to the accessory olfactory bulb (2020)

ABSTRACT The vomeronasal organ (VNO) contains two main types of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) that express distinct vomeronasal receptor (VR) genes and localize to specific regions of the neuroepithelium. Morphogenic signals are crucial in defining neuronal identity and network formation; however, if and what signals control maturation and homeostasis of VSNs is largely unexplored. Here, we found transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal transduction in postnatal mice, with BMP signaling being restricted to basal VSNs and at the marginal zones of the VNO: the site of neurogenesis. Using different Smad4 conditional knockout mouse models, we disrupted canonical TGFβ/BMP signaling in either maturing basal VSNs (bVSNs) or all mature VSNs. Smad4 loss of function in immature bVSNs compromises dendritic knob formation, pheromone induced activation, correct glomeruli formation in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and survival. However, Smad4 loss of function in all mature VSNs only compromises correct glomeruli formation in the posterior AOB. Our results indicate that Smad4-mediated signaling drives the functional maturation and connectivity of basal VSNs.
A Utility-Approached Radio Resource Allocation Algorithm for Downlink in OFDMA Cellular Systems (2005)

In this paper, we propose a utility-approached radio resource allocation (RRA) algorithm for downlink transmission in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) cellular systems. The proposed utility-approached RRA algorithm is to efficiently allocate the radio resource to mobiles according to a utility function, which contains a rate-power function, a QoS function, and a priority function to ensure QoS requirements among heterogenous services and improve the system throughput. Also, a simulated-annealing (SA) method is applied to find out the solution within a reasonable time. Simulation result shows that the proposed utility-approached RRA algorithm can allocate the radio resource efficiently and guarantee the QoS requirements of each user under the power constraints of the OFDMA system.
An Inverse Dynamics Approach to Control Lyapunov Functions (2020)

With the goal of moving towards implementation of increasingly dynamic behaviors on underactuated systems, this paper presents an optimization-based approach for solving full-body dynamics based controllers on underactuated bipedal robots. The primary focus of this paper is on the development of an alternative approach to the implementation of controllers utilizing control Lyapunov function based quadratic programs. This approach utilizes many of the desirable aspects from successful inverse dynamics based controllers in the literature, while also incorporating a variant of control Lyapunov functions that renders better convergence in the context of tracking outputs. The principal benefits of this formulation include a greater ability to add costs which regulate the resulting behavior of the robot. In addition, the model error-prone inertia matrix is used only once, in a non-inverted form. The result is a successful demonstration of the controller for walking in simulation, and applied on hardware in real-time for dynamic crouching.
The Arabidopsis NPR1 Disease Resistance Protein Is a Novel Cofactor That Confers Redox Regulation of DNA Binding Activity to the Basic Domain/Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor TGA1 (2003)

The Arabidopsis NPR1 protein is essential for regulating salicylic acid-dependent gene expression during systemic acquired resistance. NPR1 interacts differentially with members of the TGA class of basic domain/Leu zipper transcription factors and regulates their DNA binding activity. Here, we report that although TGA1 does not interact with NPR1 in yeast two-hybrid assays, treatment with salicylic acid induces the interaction between these proteins in Arabidopsis leaves. This phenomenon is correlated with a reduction of TGA1 Cys residues. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis of TGA1 Cys-260 and Cys-266 enables the interaction with NPR1 in yeast and Arabidopsis. Together, these results indicate that TGA1 relies on the oxidation state of Cys residues to mediate the interaction with NPR1. An intramolecular disulfide bridge in TGA1 precludes interaction with NPR1, and NPR1 can only stimulate the DNA binding activity of the reduced form of TGA1. Unlike its animal and yeast counterparts, the DNA binding activity of TGA1 is not redox regulated; however, this property is conferred by interaction with the NPR1 cofactor.
Removal of multi-heavy metals using biogenic manganese oxides generated by a deep-sea sedimentary bacterium – Brachybacterium sp. strain Mn32 (2009)

A deep-sea manganese-oxidizing bacterium, Brachybacterium sp. strain Mn32, showed high Mn(II) resistance (MIC 55 mM) and Mn(II)-oxidizing/removing abilities. Strain Mn32 removed Mn(II) by two pathways: (1) oxidizing soluble Mn(II) to insoluble biogenic Mn oxides - birnessite (delta-MnO(2) group) and manganite (gamma-MnOOH); (2) the biogenic Mn oxides further adsorb more Mn(II) from the culture. The generated biogenic Mn oxides surround the cell surfaces of strain Mn32 and provide a high capacity to adsorb Zn(II) and Ni(II). Mn(II) oxidation by strain Mn32 was inhibited by both sodium azide and o-phenanthroline, suggesting the involvement of a metalloenzyme which was induced by Mn(II). X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystal structures of the biogenic Mn oxides were different from those of commercial pyrolusite (beta-MnO(2) group) and fresh chemically synthesized vernadite (delta-MnO(2) group). The biogenic Mn oxides generated by strain Mn32 showed two to three times higher Zn(II) and Ni(II) adsorption abilities than commercial and fresh synthetic MnO(2). The crystal structure and the biogenic MnO(2) types may be important factors for the high heavy metal adsorption ability of strain Mn32. This study provides potential applications of a new marine Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium in heavy metal bioremediation and increases our basic knowledge of microbial manganese oxidation mechanisms.
Renal Opacification—Misleading Illustration (1976)

In the most recently published volume of Recent Advances in Radiology (1975), Dr. T. Sherwood discusses the role of volume change in renal opacification. Based on his own illustrated experiments, he concludes that an increase in the amount of contrast medium alone, without a change in concentration, will not readily lead to a discernible radiographic density effect. We believe that changes in the amount of contrast medium play an important role in renal opacification under all the many urographic situations (Dure-Smith et al., 1971; Dure-Smith et al., 1974; Dure-Smith et al., 1972; Dure-Smith, 1975; Dure-Smith et al., unpublished), but particularly in obstructive uropathy (Dure-Smith et al., 1972).
An introduction to disk drive modeling (1994)

Although disk storage densities are improving impressively (60% to 130% compounded annually), performance improvements have been occurring at only about 7% to 10% compounded annually over the last decade. As a result, disk system performance is fast becoming a dominant factor in overall svstem behavior. Naturally, researchers want to improve overall I/O performance, of which a large component is the performance of the disk drive itself. This research often involves using analytical or simulation models to compare alternative approaches, and the quality of these models determines the quality of the conclusions: indeed, the wrong modeling assumptions can lead to erroneous conclusions. Nevertheless, little work has been done to develop or describe accurate disk drive models. This may explain the commonplace use of simple, relatively inaccurate models. We believe there is much room for improvement. This article demonstrates and describes a calibrated, high-quality disk drive model in which the overall error factor is 14 times smaller than that of a simple first-order model. We describe the various disk drive performance components separately, then show how their inclusion improves the simulation model. This enables an informed trade-off between effort and accuracy. In addition, we provide detailed characteristics for two disk drives, as well as a brief description of a simulation environment that uses the disk drive model.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>